Manila: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stern warning to Tehran on July 23, heightening tensions a day after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi promised retaliation against President Trump's threats to target Iranian infrastructure over attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Rubio emphasized that the US policy is a "head for an eye," indicating that Iran would face severe repercussions for its actions. His comments were made during the Association of South Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in Manila, as conflict escalated across multiple fronts.
Iran's military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced strikes on several US bases in Kuwait. These attacks were in response to continued American strikes on Iranian targets following consecutive nights of US bombings. The IRGC reported attacks on Ali Al Salem air base, Camp Udairi, and a telecommunications tower, while Iran's army targeted Camp Doha, Ali Al Salem, and Camp Arifjan, as per state television on July 23.
Kuwait's military responded by intercepting "drone threats" after several days of Iranian aggression. Jordan's Army also intercepted missiles, while a fourth fell in an uninhabited area. Concurrently, Saudi state media reported a strike on a Saudi-flagged vessel in the Red Sea, following claims by Iran-backed Houthi rebels of missile and drone attacks on two Saudi tankers, the Encelia and the Layla. The Houthis had earlier threatened to blockade Saudi Red Sea ports, risking further disruption in the region.
President Trump had previously indicated US readiness to respond to such blockades, hinting at a potential air campaign similar to earlier operations against the Houthis between March and May 2025.
In Hormuz, the IRGC declared it had turned back three oil tankers, asserting that any vessel transiting without Tehran's coordination would face consequences. This statement was a direct challenge to Trump's earlier threat to target Iranian infrastructure for attacks on ships in the strait.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that its recent strikes aimed to degrade Iran's maritime and missile capabilities. These operations redirected and disabled several vessels, with Iranian reports indicating casualties and damage in Shalamcheh and Bushehr.
The ongoing conflict has accrued significant costs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed on July 21 that the conflict cost the US $37.5 billion. Trump remarked that Iran was not ready for negotiations, citing a breakdown of a mid-June ceasefire.
The Wall Street Journal reported an increase in US military presence in the region. Jordan's defense forces intercepted missiles and drones, while air-raid alarms were triggered in Bahrain. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of four US service members this month.
In Manila, Rubio also addressed allegations of Russian assistance to Iran in targeting US forces, following his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Rubio refrained from commenting on intelligence matters.
The Kremlin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, did not directly address these allegations when questioned by journalists.