Iranian officials said on July 23 that Iran rejected a US ceasefire proposal carried by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaydi, stating the offer was the only one on the table and that Iran was not interested in a temporary arrangement.

US Central Command announced on July 23‑24 that it struck Iranian command centers, drone storage sites, communications networks, coastal surveillance locations and maritime capabilities across western, northern, southern and southwestern Iran, and also hit the IRGC Navy headquarters in Zibakenar. Separate strikes targeted sleeping quarters and recreation facilities at US bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait and Camp Buehring, and Iranian missiles hit buildings at the Ali al Salem base in Kuwait.

Houthi officials said on July 24 that the group is maintaining a blockade of Saudi ports and has not closed the Bab al Mandeb Strait, though Iran has threatened to compel the Houthis to shut the strait if US strikes expand. Shipping companies reported higher insurance costs and increased maritime traffic volatility after the Houthi blockade began.

The developments underscore a continuing escalation between Iran and the United States, with both sides using regional proxies and threats to influence diplomatic and economic outcomes.