July 30, 2026 — Egypt struck for first time as US-Iran conflict pulls in more countries | CNN

Get the latest updates on the war with Iran here. • Maritime alliance: The Saudi defense ministry said today that 14 countries have backed the kingdom’s proposal to establish a “Maritime Defense Alliance” to protect international shipping routes and global trade. • Drone strike: The announcement comes as the US-Iran conflict is pulling in more countries. Egypt reported that a drone strike Wednesday caused a fire on two ships in the port of Damietta. No party has claimed responsibility. If confirmed as a deliberate strike, it would mark the first time Egypt has been directly drawn into the conflict. • Vow of retribution: In Tehran, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and that the “aggressor will be punished today.” It follows a “heavy wave of US strikes” late Wednesday in retaliation for Tehran’s attempted attack on US military positions on Tuesday. President Donald Trump kicked off his second term promising to be a “peacemaker.” But now he’s struggling to end two widening wars: the one he started with Iran, and the one he inherited between Russia and Ukraine. CNN’s Kevin Liptak explains. President Trump kicked of