Egypt struck for first time as US-Iran conflict pulls in more countries
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Egypt struck for first time as US-Iran conflict pulls in more countries
CNN-july30th2026
Here’s the latest
• Conflict widens: A fire that broke out on two vessels, included one US-owned, at an Egyptian port on Wednesday was caused by a drone, Cairo confirmed, marking first time Egyptian infrastructure has been struck. It comes as Saudi Arabia also carried out joint strikes with the US on Iranian proxies in Iraq, after months of Riyadh resisting being pulled into the conflict.
• US renews Iran strikes: The US military launched a “heavy wave of strikes” against Iran in retaliation to Iran’s attempted attack on US military positions on Tuesday. The latest strikes were the first in several days to directly target the country. Explosions were heard in southern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Kish and Qeshm Island, Iranian state media reported.
• Vow of retribution: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and that the “aggressor will be punished today.” It follows US President Donald Trump’s earlier promise of retribution, telling reporters “it’s our turn to hit them.”
China dismisses report about Beijing sending hundreds of weapons to Iran
China’s Foreign Minister has dismissed reports from Reuters that Beijing will be sending 300 to 400 shoulder-fired air defense missile launchers to Iran, according to the country’s state-run news agency.
Reuters said the weaponry is valued between $60 to $70 million.
“The reports are false and entirely unfounded. China’s role has always been to promote peace and bring an end to the conflict,” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told Xinhua News Agency.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he would be “quite disappointed” with President Xi Jinping of China if he provided weapons to Iran.
CNN has previously reported that US intelligence indicated China was preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran, at a time when Tehran is seeking to replenish certain weapons systems with the help of key foreign partners.
Iran warns two European countries against allowing the US military to use its bases
Iran has warned two European countries from allowing the United States to use their bases to potentially launch attacks on the Islamic Republic.
He added that if a state makes its soil available for the hostile use of another, then this “constitutes participation in an act of aggression.”
Cypriot foreign minister Constantinos Kombos said his government had received assurances from the United Kingdom that foreign military bases located in Cyprus would not be used against any country, including Iran, according to the Iranian foreign ministry statement.
In a separate call with Bulgarian foreign minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, Araghchi urged his European counterpart to reconsider a decision by the Bulgarian government to allow US military aircrafts to use one of its bases for military operations.
“Iran expects the Bulgarian government to urgently reconsider its decision,” Iran’s foreign minister said, warning that the Islamic Republic “will not hesitate to defend its national interests and security against any aggression or hostile act, and that any party that participates in acts of aggression against Iran in any way will bear responsibility for the consequences.”
Some background: Earlier this month, Bulgaria’s parliament approved a government proposal to allow the US military to use an air base in the Balkan country to support its operations in the Middle East.
Iran has targeted several Gulf Arab states in the Middle East, saying they are allowing the US to launch attacks on Tehran from its bases there.
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