{"id":1273,"date":"2026-07-21T21:21:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T21:21:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/?p=1273"},"modified":"2026-07-21T21:21:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T21:21:55","slug":"donald-trump-signals-imminent-attack-on-iranian-nuclear-site-amid-rising-tensions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/?p=1273","title":{"rendered":"Donald Trump signals imminent attack on Iranian nuclear site amid rising tensions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"text-align:center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.1886%2C$multiply_0.7554%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_69\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/f68ee9dadf28fddc20a3e7f3b956929cdd13b3b1\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Donald Trump signals imminent attack on Iranian nuclear site amid rising tensions\" title=\"Donald Trump signals imminent attack on Iranian nuclear site amid rising tensions\" \/><\/div><p><\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<header class=\"sc-ad76bc40-0 fNDZoQ\">\n<div class=\"sc-5cbbddda-0 hjlPcO\">\n<div data-testid=\"article-author\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-1 hPBdKJ\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Michael Koziol\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_64%2Ch_64%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_64%2Ch_64%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_128%2Ch_128%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262 2x\" width=\"64\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"\/><\/p>\n<div>\n<p data-testid=\"article-datetime\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-5 hxoHkT\"><span class=\"sc-a243f860-0 gjmXPs\">Updated <time data-testid=\"storytile-timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-07-22T06:39:45+10:00\">July 22, 2026<!-- --> \u2014 6:39am<\/time>,<\/span><span aria-hidden=\"true\" data-testid=\"wbr-separator\" class=\"sc-a243f860-1 jIzAbi\"\/><span class=\"sc-a243f860-0 gjmXPs\">first published <time data-testid=\"storytile-timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-07-22T05:58:28+10:00\">5:58am<\/time><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-0 efdRpd noPrint\" data-testid=\"article-actions\">\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-1 iddmiW\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><default:path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"\/><\/default:svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 kskMyR sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/goodfood\/saved\" class=\"sc-3f16ee48-12 sc-d1b14060-2 jyLmZI iQLtAb\">saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button aria-label=\"Set font size to normal\" aria-pressed=\"true\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 yiNod\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to larger\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqtnv\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to very large\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqrHP\">A<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<aside class=\"sc-6f94ac39-6 esmrVF\"\/>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p><strong>Washington:<\/strong> President Donald Trump declared he will bomb <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/middle-east\/trump-sets-sights-on-irans-hidden-nuclear-fortress-20260716-p60frt.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Iran\u2019s Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site<\/a> \u201cpretty soon\u201d, while appearing to blame US partner Jordan for the deaths of at least two American troops when an Iranian missile hit a Jordanian air base last week.<\/p>\n<p>The US military has now released the identities of three <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/middle-east\/iran-backed-houthis-declare-blockade-of-red-sea-oil-route-threatening-new-front-war-20260721-p60h10.html\">service members killed<\/a> in the renewed fighting, including 19-year-old Isabella Gonzales and Tyler Feehan, 25, who died at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818c0ae89877a4fb5486f4eadfbd69910dda7ed0b122e5844f3ca3a2af2aeb3e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/818c0ae89877a4fb5486f4eadfbd69910dda7ed0b122e5844f3ca3a2af2aeb3e 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818c0ae89877a4fb5486f4eadfbd69910dda7ed0b122e5844f3ca3a2af2aeb3e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/818c0ae89877a4fb5486f4eadfbd69910dda7ed0b122e5844f3ca3a2af2aeb3e 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan and Private Isabella Gonzales were killed by an Iranian attack in Jordan.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818c0ae89877a4fb5486f4eadfbd69910dda7ed0b122e5844f3ca3a2af2aeb3e\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818c0ae89877a4fb5486f4eadfbd69910dda7ed0b122e5844f3ca3a2af2aeb3e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/818c0ae89877a4fb5486f4eadfbd69910dda7ed0b122e5844f3ca3a2af2aeb3e 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan and Private Isabella Gonzales were killed by an Iranian attack in Jordan.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">US Army Space and Missile Defence Command via AP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.362%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/f35887873b1dc881effa72092334f0887ccc9d72, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.362%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/f35887873b1dc881effa72092334f0887ccc9d72 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.362%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/f35887873b1dc881effa72092334f0887ccc9d72, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.362%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/f35887873b1dc881effa72092334f0887ccc9d72 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sergeant  Michael Swinton was killed in Iraq.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.362%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/f35887873b1dc881effa72092334f0887ccc9d72\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.362%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/f35887873b1dc881effa72092334f0887ccc9d72, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.362%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/f35887873b1dc881effa72092334f0887ccc9d72 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Sergeant  Michael Swinton was killed in Iraq.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command via AP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A third soldier is missing, with unidentified remains found, while another \u2013 now identified as 30-year-old Michael Swinton \u2013 died during the disposal of an Iranian drone in Iraq.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>Trump on Tuesday (Washington time) appeared to blame the Jordanian military for failing to <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/middle-east\/two-us-troops-dead-one-missing-after-iran-attacks-jordan-base-20260719-p60gin.html\">stop the missile<\/a> reaching its target.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c[The Iranians] did slip something through in Jordan, and if we had other operators, it would not have happened, unfortunately,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Trump says US to hit Pickaxe Mountain area &amp;apos;pretty soon&amp;apos;\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/y7nmdt8-x6Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cWe have the best equipment in the world, we\u2019ve stopped almost everything. But when you let other people do your job \u2013 with the United States, we let other people do the job \u2013 and sometimes it doesn\u2019t work out so well.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Trump also gave his strongest signal to date that he intends to authorise a strike on Iran\u2019s Pickaxe Mountain, a key nuclear site buried deep underground near the Natanz facility that was <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/middle-east\/before-and-after-satellite-images-reveal-scale-of-destruction-from-us-bombing-assault-on-iran-s-nuclear-sites-20250623-p5m9hg.html\">bombed by the US last year<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ll be hitting that area probably pretty soon and there\u2019s not a thing they can do about it,\u201d he told reporters in the Oval Office. \u201cNormally, I wouldn\u2019t say that. If I thought they could do something about it, I would never say that. But we\u2019ll be hitting that area pretty soon, and very heavily.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Pickaxe Mountain since the conflict in Iran roared back to life two weeks ago after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps resumed firing at ships in the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.47%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_42\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.47%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_42\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.47%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_42\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.47%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_42\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A satellite image shows vehicles at the western tunnel entrance to Iran\u2019s secretive Pickaxe Mountain complex.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.47%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_42\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.47%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_42\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.47%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_42\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>A satellite image shows vehicles at the western tunnel entrance to Iran\u2019s secretive Pickaxe Mountain complex.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Satellite image \u00a92026 Vantor vi<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So far, US forces have mostly targeted coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone launch sites, command centres and air defence systems along the Iranian coastline, and in some other areas.<\/p>\n<p>Mystery surrounds the exact purpose of Pickaxe Mountain. <em>The Wall Street Journal<\/em> reported on Tuesday that Israeli intelligence believes Iran <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/world\/middle-east\/israel-believes-iran-moved-nuclear-centrifuges-into-pickaxe-mountain-d29d21c0\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">relocated thousands of centrifuges<\/a> \u2013 used to enrich uranium \u2013 into tunnels deep inside the mountain, and had relayed this to the US.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>Trump was unfazed when asked about the report, saying he was focused on tracking any Iranian stockpiles of enriched uranium. \u201cThat\u2019s where the action is.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the risk of the conflict further infringing upon global shipping escalated, with at least two tankers turning around in the Red Sea after Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/middle-east\/iran-backed-houthis-declare-blockade-of-red-sea-oil-route-threatening-new-front-war-20260721-p60h10.html\">threatened to attack ships<\/a> in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.35%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3d8fb38879cb3419ad14d58a06f0b26b0bdad40c2297d3393ba40b4c787b5a61, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.35%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3d8fb38879cb3419ad14d58a06f0b26b0bdad40c2297d3393ba40b4c787b5a61 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.35%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3d8fb38879cb3419ad14d58a06f0b26b0bdad40c2297d3393ba40b4c787b5a61, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.35%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3d8fb38879cb3419ad14d58a06f0b26b0bdad40c2297d3393ba40b4c787b5a61 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the mouth of the Red Sea is another crucial global shipping passage.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.35%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3d8fb38879cb3419ad14d58a06f0b26b0bdad40c2297d3393ba40b4c787b5a61\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.35%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3d8fb38879cb3419ad14d58a06f0b26b0bdad40c2297d3393ba40b4c787b5a61, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.35%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3d8fb38879cb3419ad14d58a06f0b26b0bdad40c2297d3393ba40b4c787b5a61 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>The Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the mouth of the Red Sea is another crucial global shipping passage.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Graphic: Nathan Perri<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ship tracking data from LSEG showed a crude carrier, the Xin Long Yang, made a U-turn and headed back towards the Suez Canal, rather than trying to cross the strait bound for China, Reuters reported. It was carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi Arabian crude oil.<\/p>\n<p>Aframax tanker Rodos, which loaded about 700,000 barrels of Saudi crude for India, also made a U-turn for Suez on Tuesday, according to the data.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>Gregory Brew, an Iran and oil analyst at the Eurasia Group consultancy, said the data showed at least five tankers carrying Saudi oil or bound for Saudi ports had stopped or turned around near the strait. \u201cNon-Saudi traffic continues apace,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/middle-east\/trump-sets-sights-on-irans-hidden-nuclear-fortress-20260716-p60frt.html\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.659%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.659%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.659%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.659%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A satellite image shows vehicles at the western tunnel entrance to Iran\u2019s secretive Pickaxe Mountain complex.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.659%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.659%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.659%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/1c02ea50fe7090d43e8857bd53bd90ff85754786 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen largely sat out the conflict over the past five months, but on Monday declared a blockade on Saudi Arabia and warned shipping companies that vessels using Saudi ports could be targeted.<\/p>\n<p>Trump was nonplussed about the potential escalation. \u201cIf something like that happens, we\u2019ll take care of it. We\u2019ve done that with the Houthis before,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee in Washington that the war against Iran had now cost $US37.5 billion ($53.16 billion), an increase of $US8 billion since the last public estimate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>General Dan Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs and the president\u2019s top military adviser, faced questions about whether the US deliberately targeted desalination plants inside Iran, possibly violating international law.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.157%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9f4ff22c2a22baf51b029ea46e61a04b96e856ea, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.157%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9f4ff22c2a22baf51b029ea46e61a04b96e856ea 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.157%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9f4ff22c2a22baf51b029ea46e61a04b96e856ea, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.157%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9f4ff22c2a22baf51b029ea46e61a04b96e856ea 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Tuesday.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.157%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9f4ff22c2a22baf51b029ea46e61a04b96e856ea\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.157%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9f4ff22c2a22baf51b029ea46e61a04b96e856ea, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.157%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9f4ff22c2a22baf51b029ea46e61a04b96e856ea 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Tuesday.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Jacquelyn Martin<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Iranian state media reported that the Bonji desalination plant \u2013 which provided water to more than 10,000 people in 20 villages \u2013 was destroyed by a US missile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not aware of those being particular targets, nor I am aware of those reports,\u201d Caine said. He undertook to find out what had happened, but maintained confidence in US forces to always act ethically.<\/p>\n<p><strong>With Reuters<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Get a note directly from our foreign <\/i><\/b><b><i>correspondents <\/i><\/b><b><i>on what\u2019s making headlines around the world. <\/i><\/b><a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/newsletter-signup?newsletter=trump-biden-2020&amp;utm_source=EditorialArticle&amp;utm_medium=ArticleText&amp;utm_campaign=Newsletters\"><b><i>Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter<\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"article-footer\" class=\"sc-780f6c39-0 fWnQtB\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-1 bhFzjY noPrint\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-2 ksUUFP\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga sc-780f6c39-3 fMMhlQ\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><default:path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"\/><\/default:svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 yEdFV sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/goodfood\/saved\" class=\"sc-3f16ee48-12 sc-d1b14060-2 jyLmZI iQLtAb\">saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-0 ksyHqK\">\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-1 LVIFj\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Michael Koziol\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_80%2Ch_80%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262 2x\" width=\"40\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"\/><span data-testid=\"author-bio\" class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-3 cVMGnz\"><span><a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-2 jcGta-D\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/by\/michael-koziol-hvf7q\">Michael Koziol<\/a> is the North America correspondent for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. He is a former Sydney editor, Sun-Herald deputy editor and a federal political reporter in Canberra.<\/span><span class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-4 gMBkSk\">Connect via <a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-5 czsZcI\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/michaelkoziol?lang=en\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">X<\/a><span> or <\/span><a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-5 czsZcI\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/north-america\/mailto:michael.koziol@nine.com.au\">email<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"sc-3dbe4134-0 iIZygf sc-df8e6ee0-0 noPrint noPrint\" data-an-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-group=\"everything\" data-an-cu-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-position=\"4\" data-testid=\"from-our-partners-strap\">\n<header class=\"sc-84567ec1-0 hpMljf\">\n<h2 data-pb-type=\"hi\" class=\"sc-84567ec1-1 weWOF\"><span>From our partners<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated July 22, 2026 \u2014 6:39am,first published 5:58am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Washington: President Donald Trump declared he will bomb Iran\u2019s Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site \u201cpretty soon\u201d, while appearing to blame US partner Jordan for the deaths of at&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1274,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.1886%2C$multiply_0.7554%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_69\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/f68ee9dadf28fddc20a3e7f3b956929cdd13b3b1","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[86,374,2526,117,1933,1225,2525,979,531,289],"class_list":["post-1273","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-news","tag-attack","tag-donald","tag-imminent","tag-iranian","tag-nuclear","tag-rising","tag-signals","tag-site","tag-tensions","tag-trump"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1273","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1273"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1273\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1273"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1273"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1273"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}