US continues attacks on Iran while Tehran denies nuclear activity at a site Donald Trump has threatened.

The US military has conducted strikes for an eleventh night, as diplomatic efforts to agree a temporary ceasefire are overshadowed by the ongoing conflict.

Published 22 July 2026 427 words
WORLD B2
US continues attacks on Iran while Tehran denies nuclear activity at a site Donald Trump has threatened.

The United States military has completed its eleventh night of strikes against Iran. These attacks targeted locations like aircraft hangars and sites where drones are stored. The renewed conflict is making it harder to reach a temporary ceasefire agreement.

During this time, US president Donald Trump warned that the attacks would become more intense. He also stated that the US would soon heavily target the area near a site known as Pickaxe Mountain. This is a heavily protected underground facility located near one of Iran’s main nuclear fuel production centres. Iran’s military leaders have said that any attack on this site would be seen as a major escalation of the conflict.

In a related development, Iran’s foreign ministry has stated that there is no nuclear activity taking place at Pickaxe Mountain. The ministry’s spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, posted on the social media platform X. He described the US attacks and threats against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities as a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter. He also suggested that the US’s focus on Pickaxe Mountain is a false reason for aggression.

Meanwhile, the conflict is also affecting shipping. Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran, have warned shipping companies that their tankers could be attacked if they use ports in Saudi Arabia. This threat, along with potential problems in the Strait of Hormuz, could impact the significant oil exports from Saudi Arabia. Three oil tankers reportedly changed course away from the Red Sea earlier this week due to Houthi warnings.

The war is also proving costly. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth informed the Senate that the war in Iran has already cost $37.5 billion. He also requested an additional $67.1 billion to cover costs such as paying service members and replacing equipment.

In other news, the Italian foreign minister announced that new peace talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place in Italy on 4 August, with the US acting as a mediator. Additionally, the UK’s new defence secretary, Wes Streeting, has stated that Israel has not met British standards in its military actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

Vocabulary

overshadow — to make something seem less important by comparison
intensify — to become stronger or more extreme
escalation — an increase in the intensity or seriousness of something, such as a conflict
nuclear fuel production — the process of preparing materials used in nuclear reactors
violation — an act that goes against or breaks a law, rule, or agreement
blockade — an act of surrounding a place or preventing goods or people from entering or leaving
costly — involving a lot of money; expensive
mediator — a person or country that helps two or more groups or countries to settle an argument

Discussion Questions

  1. What did US president Donald Trump warn about regarding the attacks on Iran?
  2. What is Iran's official position regarding nuclear activity at Pickaxe Mountain?
  3. How is the conflict affecting shipping in the region, and what is the Houthi's warning?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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