WorldFears grow over Gulf shipping and water supplies as US and Iran exchange fire

The United States and Iran continued exchanging fire on July 20, increasing fears about Gulf shipping and water supplies across the region. Kuwait said Iran had attacked water and electricity plants, along with oil facilities, over the weekend. Bahrain also accused Iran of striking civilian air-navigation systems on Monday. Despite the reported attacks, Tehran said communication with Washington remained active through diplomatic channels, suggesting contact had not been severed amid the fighting.