Iran threatened to punish the United States on Thursday after a heavy wave of American retaliatory strikes hit Tehran overnight, escalating a conflict that has now entered its sixth month. The threat came hours after the US Senate failed to halt hostilities, with a war powers resolution falling short in a 49-50 vote.

Iran's Threat and US Retaliation

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Thursday that it will punish the United States for what it described as a heavy wave of strikes against Tehran overnight. The IRGC extended its threat to Gulf nations that are helping Washington in the conflict, according to reports. The US strikes were in retaliation for missile attacks on American forces in the Middle East, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing war.

The US unleashed a heavy wave of strikes on Iran overnight, according to reports, as peace efforts came under threat. The strikes targeted Iranian military positions and were described as retaliatory. The exact locations and casualties from the strikes have not been independently confirmed, but the IRGC's statement signals a dangerous new phase in the conflict.

Senate Fails to Halt Hostilities

On the same day, the US Senate failed to pass a war powers resolution aimed at preventing President Trump from continuing hostilities against Iran. The vote was 49-50, falling short of the majority needed. Three Republican senators — Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky — crossed party lines to vote with Democrats in favor of the motion. The resolution would have required the president to seek congressional approval for further military action against Iran.

The vote reflects growing unease in Congress over the direction of the war. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke in favor of the resolution, arguing that Congress must reclaim its constitutional authority over war powers. The failure of the resolution means the president retains broad discretion to conduct military operations against Iran without explicit legislative approval.

Conflict Enters Sixth Month

The war, which began in February when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched operations alongside the United States, has now stretched into its sixth month. The conflict has spread across the Middle East, with Iranian-backed proxies in Yemen, Iraq, and elsewhere engaging in hostilities. The Houthis in Yemen have targeted shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade and prompting US and allied responses.

President Trump met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday. Prince Khalid conveyed Saudi Arabia's assessment that Iran is trying to find leverage through escalation, primarily via proxy forces such as the Houthis and Iraqi militias. The Saudi defense minister was originally scheduled to visit Washington last week but was delayed due to recent strikes, according to a source familiar with his plans.

Saudi Arabia joined the US in strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq on Wednesday and bombed Houthis days earlier, marking the first public engagement of any Persian Gulf nation in the war. The kingdom described the actions as defensive. At least 20 people, including some Iranian military advisers, were killed in the Saudi-US strikes, according to Iran-backed militia groups.

Netanyahu's Options for the War

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with President Trump on Tuesday and counseled him on three options for the war. The first option focused on the removal of nuclear material from Iran. The second involved a blockade with added economic pressure. The third option was not fully detailed in reports but was part of a broader strategy discussion. Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his brother Khalid, have been concerned that Netanyahu is pushing for escalation, which could risk miscalculation or prolong the war.

The Saudi assessment, as conveyed to Trump, is that Iran's main leverage points are through its proxy forces. The kingdom is trying to avoid further regional escalation that could lead to a wider conflict. Saudi Arabia's participation in strikes against Iranian-backed militias represents a significant shift in its posture, as it has historically avoided direct military confrontation with Iran.

Political and Public Opinion

The war has taken a toll on public opinion in the United States. A new poll found that most Americans say the Iran war is not worthwhile, and President Trump's approval rating has slipped. The sluggish US economy, which grew at an annualized rate of 1.5% in the second quarter, and inflation above the Federal Reserve's target have added to public discontent.

The Senate vote on the war powers resolution highlighted the political divide. While three Republicans broke ranks, the majority of the party supported the president's authority to conduct the war. The resolution's failure means that congressional efforts to limit the conflict have been stymied for now.

Timeline of Key Events

  • February 2026: Israel launches the war alongside the United States against Iran.
  • July 2026: US launches heavy wave of retaliatory strikes against Iran after missile attacks on American forces.
  • July 29, 2026: Trump meets with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Vice President Vance.
  • July 30, 2026: Senate war powers resolution fails 49-50; Iran threatens retaliation.
  • Ongoing: Saudi Arabia joins US strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Houthis in Yemen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Iran threaten after the US strikes?

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it will punish the United States and extended the threat to Gulf nations assisting Washington.

Why did the Senate vote on a war powers resolution fail?

The resolution failed 49-50, with three Republicans joining Democrats. It needed a majority to pass, but fell one vote short.

How long has the Iran conflict been going on?

The war began in February 2026 and has now entered its sixth month.

What role is Saudi Arabia playing in the conflict?

Saudi Arabia joined US strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and bombed Houthis in Yemen, describing the actions as defensive.

What options did Netanyahu present to Trump?

Netanyahu counseled Trump on three options: removal of nuclear material, a blockade with economic pressure, and a third option not fully detailed.

What Happens Next

The failure of the Senate war powers resolution leaves President Trump with broad authority to continue military operations against Iran. Iran's threat of retaliation raises the risk of further escalation, potentially drawing in Gulf states and proxy forces. The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation as it enters its sixth month, with diplomatic efforts under threat. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the war expands or whether a negotiated settlement can be reached.