NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has defended recent United States airstrikes on Iran, calling them necessary. Speaking to reporters in Ankara ahead of a NATO summit, Rutte said that if Iran violated the ceasefire, a strong US response was essential. His remarks came after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that at least 80 strikes had been carried out on specific Iranian targets.

According to CENTCOM, the attacks targeted Iran’s air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar installations, and anti-ship missile capabilities. The US military said these actions were in retaliation for Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The exchange underscores escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with NATO leadership publicly backing the US position just before a key alliance meeting in Turkey.

A cargo aircraft from the United Arab Emirates bound for Pakistan has gone missing with five people on board. The plane, a Boeing 737-400 operated by K-2 Airways, lost contact on Tuesday night about 155 nautical miles west of Karachi. No wreckage or trace of the five crew members has been found so far.

According to Pakistan’s airport authorities, communication with the aircraft was lost shortly after takeoff. Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising normally at 35,000 feet and 790 kilometers per hour before making a sudden U-turn and descending rapidly. Within five minutes, it dropped nearly 34,000 feet and was last detected at 1,100 feet and 211 kilometers per hour before disappearing from radar over the Arabian Sea.

Pakistan’s Navy and Air Force have intensified search operations, deploying additional warships and surveillance aircraft. Commercial vessels of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation are also assisting in the search effort.

In June 2026, around 2,800 migrants arrived in Italy by sea, bringing the total since the start of the year to 14,388. Among them, Bangladeshi nationals formed the largest group, followed by migrants from Somalia and other African countries. From Asia, Pakistanis ranked second after Bangladeshis. According to Italy’s Interior Ministry, the data was recorded up to the morning of July 7 and may undergo minor revisions after verification.

The number of sea arrivals in 2026 has dropped significantly compared with the same periods in 2025 and 2024. Between January 1 and July 7, 2026, Italy received 14,623 migrants, about 53 percent fewer than in 2025 and 45 percent fewer than in 2024. Monthly figures also show lower arrivals each month from January to June 2026 compared with the previous two years.

Bangladeshis accounted for 4,314 arrivals, roughly one-third of the total. Somalia followed with 1,702, then Sudan, Pakistan, Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Tunisia, Mali, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Iran, South Sudan, and Guinea. Another 1,163 migrants from various countries remain under identification.

Iran carried out missile and drone attacks on 85 United States military installations located in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC said its naval and air forces jointly executed the strikes, targeting the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain and the Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The operation was described as Iran’s first retaliatory response against the United States.

The IRGC accused the US of violating a ceasefire and the Islamabad Agreement by launching airstrikes on Iran’s coastal bases and civilian facilities in Hormozgan and Mahshahr. It further claimed that the US attacks were intended to undermine the significance of the funeral ceremony of Iran’s former supreme leader.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide details on casualties or damage, and there was no immediate comment from US authorities regarding the incident.

Iran has warned the United States of a decisive response to what it called military aggression. The country’s top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that any attack on southern Iran would be met with stronger retaliation than ever before. In a statement, the command described the recent assault as an open act of aggression and declared that Tehran would not tolerate US interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement emphasized that the only safe route for ship navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is the one established by Iran. The warning followed US airstrikes on several Iranian targets, which Washington said were carried out in response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the strategic waterway. The US Central Command confirmed the strikes in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The exchange of warnings underscores rising tensions between Tehran and Washington over control and security in one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s body was brought to Najaf, Iraq, where millions of mourners gathered for a funeral procession on Tuesday night. The procession began at the Al-Kufa Bridge and moved toward the shrine of Imam Ali, one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims. Video footage showed Najaf transformed into a sea of people as Khamenei’s coffin and family members arrived by plane.

Following several days of memorial events in Iran, the funeral ceremonies were transferred to Iraq. Officials confirmed that Khamenei’s body will also be taken to Karbala, where additional processions are planned. Experienced Iraqi officials and volunteers have been preparing for the upcoming ceremonies in Karbala.

Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, was killed on February 28 in a U.S.-Israeli attack along with members of his family and senior officials, according to the report.

Iran has claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Khormuj in Bushehr province. The announcement was made by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Hossein Mohbi, who said the action was taken in response to what he described as US military aggression in Iranian airspace.

According to the report, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out direct air and missile strikes inside Iran, describing them as a series of powerful attacks. Iranian media confirmed multiple explosions in the country’s southern region, particularly around Sirik, Qeshm Island near Chabahar, and Bandar Abbas.

Iran has warned that it will take any necessary and strong measures to protect its national security and interests, signaling a potential escalation in tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched direct air and missile strikes inside Iran in response to recent attacks on three commercial vessels operated by civilians in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM described the operation as a sustained and powerful assault against Iran. Iranian media confirmed multiple explosions in the southern regions, particularly near Sirik, Qeshm Island close to Chabahar, and Bandar Abbas.

According to Iran’s state media, explosions were heard on both sides of Bandar Abbas, and US projectiles struck a commercial jetty at Sirik port and a nearby fishing jetty in Ziarat village. At least seven major blasts occurred in the Sirik port area. CENTCOM stated that the strikes aimed to make Iran pay a heavy price for illegal attacks on commercial ships and called the Iranian actions a dangerous provocation and a serious violation of the existing ceasefire agreement between the two nations.

Following the US strikes, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a stern warning, declaring that Tehran would take any necessary and strong measures to defend its national security and interests.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has accused the United States of breaching a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. The accusation follows Washington’s decision to cancel the temporary lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil sales. Tehran claims that the U.S. action violates Article 10 of the memorandum signed on June 18.

In a statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. Treasury Department’s move, calling it a clear violation of the bilateral agreement. The ministry said that taking such a decision less than 20 days after signing the memorandum demonstrates Washington’s misconduct and bad faith, adding that it proves the U.S. administration cannot be trusted.

Tehran further alleged that the United States has repeatedly violated various provisions of the agreement, both directly and indirectly. As an example, it cited U.S. indirect support for Israeli military activities in Lebanon as another breach of the memorandum.

The United States has launched a series of military airstrikes in Iran following attacks on three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation began on Wednesday in response to the incidents that damaged the vessels within 24 hours on Monday and Tuesday. CENTCOM stated that the strikes aim to make Iran pay a “heavy price” for targeting civilian-operated ships in international waters.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that three tankers were damaged in the attacks. Iran has not claimed responsibility for the incidents. CENTCOM described Iran’s actions as unjustified, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire. Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemned the attacks, reporting that one tanker from each of their countries was hit while transiting the area.

Earlier on Tuesday, the United States revoked a waiver that had temporarily eased oil sanctions on Iran, signaling a further escalation of tensions between the two nations.

The US Treasury Department has revoked the general license that allowed limited Iranian oil sales, according to a statement from the Office of Foreign Assets Control. The department confirmed that the previously issued 'General License X' from June 21, 2026, was canceled effective July 7, 2026, and replaced with a new 'General License X1'.

The earlier license had temporarily lifted parts of US sanctions on Iranian oil exports following what were described as positive talks between the two countries aimed at ending ongoing conflict. That 60-day suspension had opened the way for Iranian oil production, supply, and sales in the US market.

Reuters, citing unnamed US officials, reported that Iran’s recent actions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz were deemed unacceptable by Washington. The decision to revoke the license came shortly after three commercial oil tankers were attacked in the area within 24 hours, prompting the US to impose this punitive measure.

Iran has rejected Qatar’s accusation that it attacked a Qatar-linked vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, described the allegations as ‘astonishing’ and reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to ensuring safe navigation in the strategically important waterway. He said Iran continues to fulfill its responsibilities under the memorandum of understanding related to maritime safety management.

Earlier, Qatar had summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador and handed over a formal protest note following reports that a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker was targeted near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident has drawn attention to the security of one of the world’s most critical maritime routes.

The exchange of accusations underscores ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, where maritime security remains a sensitive issue involving multiple states and energy interests.

The United States and several other countries have expressed deep concern after China conducted a long-range missile test in the Pacific Ocean. The launch, viewed as part of Beijing’s ongoing military modernization, follows a previous intercontinental ballistic missile test near French Polynesia two years ago. Analysts suggest the new test indicates enhanced Chinese capability to strike the U.S. mainland.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said China’s rapid and opaque nuclear expansion poses serious global risks. Washington has urged Beijing to join meaningful arms control talks and establish prior notification systems for missile and space launches. Taiwan identified the missile as a JL-2, claiming it flew over the Philippines, while Manila condemned the launch as a calculated provocation. Australia, Japan, and New Zealand also voiced concern, though Russia defended China’s right to conduct the test.

Observers believe the missile was launched from a nuclear-powered submarine and landed near the Solomon Islands, highlighting China’s growing sea-based deterrent capability. The test coincided with a new Australia-Fiji defense pact, reflecting intensifying strategic competition in the Pacific region.

Extensive preparations are underway in Iraq’s Karbala for the funeral of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, described by Iranian and Iraqi officials as a symbol of unity between the two nations. Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, said the ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala would strengthen solidarity between the peoples of Iran and Iraq and reinforce their joint stance against U.S. conspiracies.

Qaani emphasized that the Iraqi government’s initiative and the people’s large-scale preparations reflect the deep spiritual and fraternal ties between the two countries. He also recalled the sacrifices of Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis as shared symbols of resistance. Karbala Governor Nassif Jassem al-Khattabi confirmed that all security and logistical measures have been completed, with coordination among federal forces, the prime minister’s office, and service agencies.

The funeral will take place in three stages: official ceremonies on Tuesday evening, a procession in Najaf on Wednesday, and final events in Karbala later that day. Authorities expect large crowds and have declared a public holiday in Karbala Province.

Multiple explosions were reported in Damascus on July 7, 2026, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Syria. According to a security source cited by Reuters, the blasts occurred near the hotel where Macron was staying. The exact cause of the explosions remains unknown, and witnesses described the city shaking from the sudden blasts.

Macron is in Damascus to meet Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Shara and other senior officials. Local sources reported that one explosion also struck the headquarters of the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, injuring several people. Syrian state media Al-Ikhbariya said the explosions occurred while al-Shara was welcoming Macron at the presidential palace.

The French presidential office, the Élysée Palace, stated that Macron did not personally hear any explosions while en route to his meeting with al-Shara. Authorities have not yet provided further details on the incident or its perpetrators.