An Iraqi lawmaker says the US military presence in West Asia is a source of insecurity and instability in the region.

Despite repeatedly issuing maximalist military ultimatums against Iran, US President Donald Trump has always retreated at the last moment when met with Iranian resilience, a pattern that has undermined American credibility and demonstrated the effectiveness of Tehran's strategic deterrence.

The MoU involved the US lifting its naval blockade and easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports, in exchange for Iran maintaining commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, within weeks, the US reinstated sanctions and launched military strikes, leading to renewed tensions.

US conduct after signing the Islamabad MoU with Iran shows diplomatic contempt, and this war will ultimately spell the end of American imperialism in the region.

The Army's Air Defense Force, operating under the unified national air defense network, shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone in the western region of the country on Sunday.

Here are Press TV's latest top stories at 17:00 GMT on July 18, 2026.

The attacks occurred while vehicles were crossing the bridges, causing them to be thrown off the structures.