US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Iran in ‘Full-Scale War’ After Expanded US Strikes, Says President Masoud Pezeshkian as Ceasefire Talks Continue

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran is in a 'full-scale war' after expanded US attacks as ceasefire talks continue.

By: Shubhi Kumar
Last Updated: July 20, 2026 22:27:29 IST

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that the country is in a “full-scale war” after the United States expanded its military campaign by targeting key Iranian military infrastructure. The remarks came as Iran launched retaliatory attacks against US allies in the Gulf, while diplomatic efforts to secure a temporary ceasefire continued behind the scenes.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Why Did Iran Declare It Is in a ‘Full-Scale War’?

President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is now engaged in a “full-scale war” following the expansion of US aerial attacks on Iranian military targets.

In a statement issued Monday, Pezeshkian warned that Iran could face additional strikes but insisted the country would continue responding to military pressure.

“The reality is that today the Islamic Republic of Iran is engaged in a full-scale war.”

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: What Targets Did the United States Strike?

According to the US military, the latest wave of strikes targeted:

  • Military command centers
  • Air defence systems
  • Coastal surveillance sites
  • Maritime capabilities
  • Missile launch sites
  • Drone launch facilities
  • Communications networks

Iranian media also reported explosions near Tabriz, believed to house underground missile bases, and Bushehr, home to Iran’s only operational civilian nuclear power plant.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: How Did Iran Respond to the US Attacks?

Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting several US partners in the Gulf.

According to reports:

  • Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, came under attack.
  • Kuwait was also targeted.
  • Iran reportedly struck tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route.

Bahrain said its air traffic systems were damaged, although flight operations continued without disruption.

Why Is the Strait of Hormuz Important?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.

Before the conflict escalated, roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies passed through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a significant concern for international energy markets.

What Role Are the Houthis Playing?

The Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen announced a blockade of Saudi Arabian ports, further expanding the regional impact of the conflict.

The move could increase pressure on shipping and trade across the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.

Are Diplomatic Talks Still Continuing?

Despite the escalating military exchanges, diplomatic efforts remain active.

According to an Iranian official quoted by Reuters, mediators have presented Iran with a proposal for a 10-day ceasefire aimed at creating space for negotiations and potentially reviving a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that multiple mediators had conveyed proposals to Tehran.

“The diplomatic apparatus has been active in recent days and ideas have been conveyed to us by certain mediators,” Baghaei said.

What Did the United States Say About Negotiations?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains open to diplomacy, provided negotiations are meaningful.

“We’re going to continue to respond. If the door opens to diplomacy… that’ll be a very positive development,” Rubio said.

His comments suggest that while military operations continue, Washington has not ruled out a negotiated path to de-escalation.

What Could Happen Next?

With military operations intensifying and regional actors becoming increasingly involved, the Middle East remains on high alert.

The proposed ceasefire discussions could provide an opportunity to reduce hostilities, but continued strikes by both sides indicate that the security situation remains highly volatile.

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