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.

The funeral prayer for Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family was held at the courtyard of Jamkaran Mosque in Qom on Tuesday morning. The prayer was led by Iran’s senior cleric Ayatollah Abdullah Jawadi Amoli. Following the ceremony, the bodies of Khamenei and his deceased family members were taken from the mosque toward the shrine of Hazrat Fatima Masumeh.

Mourners from various provinces of Iran began arriving at Jamkaran Mosque from Monday afternoon to attend the funeral prayer and final procession. By Monday night, the mosque grounds and surrounding streets were filled with people, and the flow of mourners continued into Tuesday. Participants carried red flags inscribed with “Ya Letharat al-Husayn” along with Iranian national flags as they joined the procession.

The farewell ceremony in Qom followed a massive gathering in Tehran the previous day, where large crowds had assembled to pay their last respects to the late leader.

Pakistan has begun a quiet mediation effort between Libya’s rival eastern and western power centers, according to two Pakistani sources cited by Reuters. The initiative, which started late last year, aims to bridge divisions that have persisted since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The United States is reportedly aware of and involved in the process, while Saudi Arabia is providing support. Both Libyan sides are said to have requested Pakistan’s involvement.

The mediation follows Pakistan’s earlier roles in separate U.S.-Iran negotiations this year, which drew praise from Washington. Analysts note that any plan to reunify Libya must balance competing foreign interests and resolve disputes over government positions, election rules, and oil revenues. A proposed 36‑month transitional power-sharing arrangement under a “Government of National Consensus and Presidential Council” is under discussion, with Abdulhamid Dbeibah and Saddam Haftar expected to hold key roles.

Pakistan’s army chief recently met Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi, followed by Haftar’s visit to Washington. Observers describe Pakistan as a secondary actor in Libya, though it maintains ties with both factions and regional players such as Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan and Turkey are advancing toward a major defense agreement to jointly produce various technologies and components for Turkey’s ‘Kaan’ fighter jet. The initiative aims to deepen bilateral military cooperation and strengthen both countries’ defense capabilities. Under the proposed plan, advanced avionics and radar systems for the ‘Kaan-PK’ version of the aircraft will be developed collaboratively. The final agreement is expected to be concluded by 2026.

Defense officials from both nations have shown strong interest in accelerating the joint projects. The ‘Kaan’ fighter jet program is viewed as a strategic milestone for enhancing Pakistan’s defense industry. The collaboration will integrate advanced technologies and leverage Turkey’s long-standing experience and expertise in aviation and aircraft manufacturing.

According to related sources, both countries intend to utilize each other’s strengths and capabilities to advance defense technology development, marking a significant step in their growing defense partnership.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare has commended the professionalism, courage, and discipline of Bangladeshi peacekeepers during a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s Home Minister Asaduzzaman Ahmed at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday. Khare praised Bangladesh’s leadership in environmental protection and assured that proposals, including the deployment of specialized police units in Haiti, would be given serious consideration. He also expressed commitment to strengthening the UN’s partnership with Bangladesh.

The meeting discussed operational cooperation, financial compensation, environmental sustainability, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and Bangladesh’s readiness to deploy specialized police contingents to Haiti. The Home Minister thanked the UN Department of Operational Support for its assistance in peacekeeping reimbursements and environmental initiatives such as solar panel installations. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of peacekeeping missions and promoting renewable energy.

Bangladesh has prepared three advanced specialized police units for Haiti, trained in SWAT, rapid response, explosives disposal, forensics, and cybercrime. A three-member delegation will visit the UN headquarters from July 15–17 for MOU discussions to finalize deployment details.

Former US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Frank McKenzie has suggested moving American military bases from the Persian Gulf to Israel and neighboring countries to protect them from potential Iranian missile and drone attacks. Speaking in a recent webinar, McKenzie criticized the current placement of CENTCOM’s forward headquarters in Qatar, only about 100 miles from Iran, calling it strategically unsound. He revealed that in 2022 he and other officials had warned the Biden administration that US bases in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain were highly vulnerable to Iranian strikes, but the proposal to relocate westward was rejected.

McKenzie argued that the existing US base network in the Middle East is a Cold War legacy, originally designed to counter Soviet threats and later used during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said Iran’s growing capabilities have effectively forced US forces away from the Gulf coast. Citing recent Iranian attacks on Saudi and Gulf facilities, he emphasized that Israel offers fewer restrictions on access, airspace, and base construction, along with stronger air defense systems.

He proposed maintaining limited Gulf presence for refueling while developing long-term bases in Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.

An investigative report by The New York Times, cited in the article, describes how the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) helped bring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power and supported Narendra Modi’s rise as India’s prime minister. The report and other international findings allege that the RSS promotes an ideology inspired by Hitler, undermines constitutional freedoms, and fosters anti-Muslim and anti-Christian sentiment. Multiple organizations, including the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International, have documented growing religious discrimination, hate speech, violence, and restrictions on freedom of religion in India.

Data from Pew Research Center and India Hate Lab show that Muslims face disproportionate levels of bias and hostility, with hate speech incidents increasing by 13 percent between 2024 and 2025. Human Rights Watch also recorded demolitions of Muslim homes and businesses and deportations of Indian citizens. Despite UN calls for stronger legal protections and accountability, the article notes little improvement. The author warns that India’s treatment of minorities affects regional stability and urges international dialogue to address the issue.

The piece concludes that protecting all religious communities is essential for peace and prosperity across South Asia and calls for renewed commitment to secular and democratic principles.