Iran: 11th consecutive night of US airstrikes, $37.5 billion cost and 500+ wounded

Strait of Hormuz, global strategic issue

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Southeast Asian foreign ministers on Wednesday. The Strait of Hormuz—a maritime route in the Persian Gulf connecting it to the Gulf of Oman and a key passage for global petroleum exports—lies at the heart of his concerns. According to Rubio, Iranian control of this passage would set a dangerous precedent with repercussions extending far beyond the Middle East.

Houthis threatening the Red Sea

The Houthis—a Yemeni Shia Zaydi Islamist organization with political and military branches, designated as terrorist by many states—have threatened to attack tankers using Saudi ports on the Red Sea.

Potential Houthi involvement in the conflict would represent a new political challenge for Washington, as the US military is already stretched to its limits.

On the diplomatic front

US airstrikes continue to undermine diplomatic efforts in Pakistan aimed at preserving an interim ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump announced the resumption of direct flights by US airlines to Lebanon. These services had been suspended since 1985 following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 by Lebanese Islamist militants carrying numerous American nationals.

Timeline

1. 1985
   Hijacking of TWA Flight 847 by Lebanese Islamist militants. US airlines suspend direct flights to Lebanon.
2. June 11, 2026
   Last intraday peak for Brent before the price surge linked to the US-Iran conflict.
3. Around July 11–12, 2026
   Presumed start of US airstrikes on Iran (the night of July 21–22, 2026 being described as the 11th consecutive night).
4. Night of July 21–22, 2026
   11th night of US airstrikes on Iran. Confirmed targets: aircraft hangars and drone storage sites. Declared cumulative cost: $37.5 billion. Over 500 US military personnel wounded.
5. July 22, 2026
   Marco Rubio warns Southeast Asian foreign ministers of the risk of Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump announces resumption of direct US airline flights to Lebanon. Houthis threaten tankers in the Red Sea.

What remains uncertain

The full scope of Iranian targets hit during the 11th night has not been specified beyond the confirmed aircraft hangars and drone storage sites.

Pickaxe Mountain (Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La), an underground Iranian site near the Natanz enrichment complex in Isfahan Province, is associated with the conflict context, but its status as a target during the 11th night of strikes has not been confirmed in available information.

The outcome of negotiations in Pakistan for an interim ceasefire remains unknown. The possibility of direct Houthi involvement in the conflict has not yet been established.

Frequently asked questions

22 July 2026 at 09:37

22 July 2026 at 07:00