BlockBeats News, July 30th. The situation in the Middle East escalated overnight and this morning. Iranian media reported that the US military conducted airstrikes on the Iran-Iraq border region; the US, on the other hand, stated that Iran launched multiple missiles at US troops in the Middle East. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq stated that the US and Saudi Arabia jointly bombed several of its bases, resulting in the deaths of 4 members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Jordan reported shooting down 5 missiles from Iran. President Trump responded by saying the US military will "hit them hard."

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has further intensified. Iran claimed to have intercepted 3 "violating" oil tankers, while the US stated that it is sending military escorts to ensure the safe passage of oil and gas vessels through the strait, forcing 20 merchant ships to change course. The US Treasury Department also sanctioned 8 oil tankers and 10 entities associated with Iran, accusing them of participating in the "ransom network" in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is pushing to establish an international alliance to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthi militant attacks.

In other developments, Israeli officials stated that Iran is still conducting uranium enrichment; US media reported a continuous decline in US weapon stockpiles, indicating a prolonged conflict with Iran. Sources also revealed that due to militia attacks in Iraq targeting Saudi Arabia, the scheduled meeting between the Iraqi Prime Minister and the Saudi Crown Prince has been canceled. President Trump expressed his desire for Congress to include tariff measures against Iran in the Russia sanctions bill.