Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has attacked and halted another vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement released on July 12, 2026. The IRGC warned that if aggression by the United States and Israel continues, Iran will take more destructive measures. The incident follows an earlier attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship named MV GFS Galaxy, which was also targeted by the IRGC while crossing the same strategic waterway. Reports indicate that the crew of one of the attacked container ships abandoned the vessel and took refuge in a rescue boat. Iran stated that it fired warning shots at a ship moving through unauthorized routes and subsequently closed the vital Strait of Hormuz. The country also issued a warning of a “strong response” to any further provocations. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical maritime route for global oil transport, and the latest escalation adds to regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has accused the United States of trying to impose its will on Oman. In a statement issued amid ongoing attacks, the IRGC claimed that Washington attempted to send several ships through a southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, but the effort was thwarted by Iran’s navy through what it described as a firm and decisive response. According to the statement, the United States subsequently launched strikes on several coastal bases and telecommunications towers along Iran’s southern coast. The IRGC said it responded with a “devastating reply” to what it called American aggression, identifying its attack on Jordan’s Prince Hassan Air Base as part of that retaliation. The force described this as the first phase of its response and warned that further, harsher actions would follow if U.S. aggression continued. The report also noted that Pakistan urged both the United States and Iran to resolve the crisis diplomatically, while Kuwait and Saudi Arabia condemned Iran’s retaliatory attack.

Iran has carried out coordinated attacks on US military installations in three Middle Eastern countries—Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, multiple drone strikes targeted US facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Iranian army said it struck a Patriot air defense system, an ammunition depot and a radar site in Kuwait, while in Bahrain it attacked a US communication system and another radar site. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its aerospace forces launched several ballistic missiles at US military positions located at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan. The IRGC claimed the strikes destroyed a command-and-control center and hangars housing MQ-9 drones. Iran’s military stated that these operations were conducted in retaliation for continued US attacks on southern regions of Iran. The report cited Al Jazeera as its source and noted that the strikes mark a significant escalation in regional tensions.

Argentina advanced to the World Cup semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in a dramatic quarterfinal match held in Kansas City on July 12, 2026. The defending champions took an early lead in the 10th minute through Alexis Mac Allister, but Switzerland equalized in the 67th minute via Dan Ndoye. Swiss forward Breel Embolo was sent off shortly after, leaving his team with ten men. Despite Switzerland’s resistance, Argentina broke through in extra time with goals from Julián Álvarez in the 112th minute and Lautaro Martínez in stoppage time. The victory secured Argentina’s place in the semifinals, where Lionel Scaloni’s side will face England on July 15. The other semifinal will feature France against Spain on July 14. The match showcased Argentina’s attacking persistence and Switzerland’s defensive resilience, with the outcome decided only in the final minutes of extra time. With this win, Argentina remains on track to defend its title, while Switzerland exits after a valiant effort that fell short in the closing stages.

Dhaka experienced heavy overnight rainfall that caused widespread waterlogging across major roads and neighborhoods on Saturday night. Areas including Dhanmondi, Mirpur, Malibagh, Karwan Bazar, Motijheel, and parts of Old Dhaka were submerged, with water levels reaching knee to waist height in some places. The flooding disrupted traffic, leaving many vehicles stalled and commuters stranded. Office-goers faced severe delays and reported that rickshaw and auto-rickshaw drivers were charging extra fares amid the transport shortage. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasted more rain and thunderstorms across most parts of the country on Sunday, accompanied by gusty or squally winds blowing at 45 to 60 kilometers per hour. River ports in 13 regions, including Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, and Chattogram, were advised to hoist cautionary signal number one. The department also maintained a high-risk alert for landslides in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachhari due to heavy to very heavy rainfall. Authorities urged caution for river transport and residents in hilly areas as unstable weather conditions were expected to continue.

A catla fish weighing one maund was caught in the Padma River at Rayta Pathorghat area of Veramara upazila in Kushtia on Saturday evening. The fish was sold for 46,800 taka at a rate of 1,200 taka per kilogram. Local fisherman Murad and several others caught the fish while casting their regular fishing nets in the river. According to the fishermen, they had never before caught such a large catla fish in their nets. The fish was later purchased by local resident Ripon Ali and his friends, who divided it among themselves. Residents of the area said they had not seen such a large catla in their lifetime, nor had they heard of one being caught in that part of the Padma River before. The unusual catch has become a topic of local interest, highlighting the continued livelihood of fishermen in the Padma River region.

A container ship named MV GFS Galaxy, sailing under the Cypriot flag, was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting its crew to abandon the vessel and take refuge in a rescue boat. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the development, citing updates from military authorities and the ship’s security officer. According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack was carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) while the ship was transiting the strategic waterway. The assault caused a fire onboard and severe damage to the engine room, leaving the vessel unable to continue its voyage. One civilian crew member remains missing following the incident. The report comes amid heightened regional tensions, with the situation in the Strait of Hormuz drawing international concern over maritime security and potential diplomatic fallout between the United States and Iran.

The United States has launched a third round of overnight airstrikes on Iran following an attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Al Jazeera, the operation began at 7:15 p.m. local time on Saturday under the directive of President Donald Trump. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the targeted vessel, the Cyprus-flagged M/V GFS Galaxy, suffered severe engine damage and one civilian sailor remains missing. The escalation follows days of retaliatory attacks between the two countries, prompting President Trump to cancel a ceasefire while maintaining that diplomatic channels remain open. Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the ship had been traveling through an unauthorized route, and warned of a strong response to any U.S. action. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions across southern provinces including Bushehr, Hormozgan, and Khuzestan. The conflict has destabilized the Gulf region and driven global fuel prices sharply higher, intensifying inflationary pressures worldwide. The situation has also become politically sensitive for President Trump ahead of the upcoming November election.

Iran announced on Sunday that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, claiming a vessel was moving through an unauthorized route and was stopped after being attacked. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy stated that the ship had turned off its identification system, disrupting maritime security. The IRGC warned that the strait would remain closed until further notice and until U.S. interference in the region ends, adding that any aggression against Iran would be met with a strong response. Senior U.S. officials said on Friday that Washington wants Iran to publicly commit to halting attacks on ships and to keep all maritime routes open without tolls. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that despite rising tensions, both sides agreed to continue talks and that a ceasefire had ended. Reuters reported that Iran, the United States, Qatar, and Pakistan had agreed in principle to hold discussions, with Oman facilitating contacts. Oman’s foreign minister met Iran’s Abbas Araghchi in Muscat to discuss measures ensuring safe navigation. Oman’s state news agency said technical and political talks on the issue would continue. The conflict, which began after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February, has driven up global energy prices.

Ferry services on the Daulatdia-Paturia route resumed on Sunday morning after being suspended for two hours because of adverse weather conditions. Operations restarted at 7 a.m. following a temporary halt from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. to prevent possible accidents. The route connects Daulatdia in Rajbari and Paturia in Manikganj. According to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Daulatdia office, twelve ferries of various sizes are currently operating on the route. The ferries are departing with limited numbers of vehicles and passengers after short waiting periods at the terminal. Passenger and vehicle pressure at the terminals remained relatively low after services resumed. Officials said ferry movement is being maintained cautiously, with continuous monitoring of weather conditions to ensure safety on the route.

Iran has warned that it will not leave the recent U.S. attack unanswered and declared itself fully prepared for war. The statement came from Ali Safari, adviser to the spokesperson of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, who accused Washington of failing to honor commitments made under a memorandum of understanding signed on June 16. According to that agreement, Iran was to take responsibility for the future management of the Strait of Hormuz through discussions with Oman and other countries. Safari criticized the creation of a southern maritime route under U.S. pressure, saying it obstructed the earlier agreement and posed serious security risks and potential conflict in the region. He described the continued use of that route as irresponsible and warned that the United States must either respect the agreement it signed 23 days earlier or withdraw from it. Reaffirming Iran’s position, Safari stated that the country is far stronger than Washington imagines and is ready for war if necessary.

Iran is reportedly attempting an unprecedented move to assert control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, following a recent attack on a ship off the coast of Oman. According to Ian Ralby, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Maritime Strategy, Tehran is seeking not only to impose a permit system but also to enforce payment and monitoring mechanisms in the waterway, potentially through military means. Ralby described the development as unprecedented and warned that it poses risks to global free navigation and the world economy. He noted that if Iran succeeds, other nations might follow similar paths, undermining international maritime norms. The recent attack has already led to a sharp decline in commercial shipping activity in the area, with most vessels now navigating only through Iranian waters. The report suggests that Iran’s strategy is beginning to take effect, signaling a shift in control dynamics in one of the world’s most critical maritime routes.

Former Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad and former Acting President of Bangladesh, Jamir Uddin Sarkar, has passed away. His youngest son, Nowfel Jamir, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, stating that he died at dawn on July 12, Bangladesh time. Journalist Oliullah Noman shared on Facebook that he had many memories with Jamir Uddin Sarkar, recalling his time as Acting President and Speaker when he often invited journalists for discussions and news advice. Noman described him as a patriotic politician whose political philosophy centered on establishing a sovereign Bangladesh free from foreign dominance. He expressed that the nation has lost a distinguished political figure with his passing. Prayers were offered for the forgiveness of his sins and for his acceptance in paradise, along with wishes for patience and strength for his bereaved family.

England reached the World Cup semifinals after defeating Norway 2–1 in Miami on July 12, 2026. The match, played in intense heat, saw both teams struggle with pace and sharpness. Jude Bellingham scored twice, including the decisive goal in extra time, to secure England’s victory. Norway had taken the lead through Andreas Schjelderup in the 36th minute, but Bellingham equalized just before halftime. His second goal came after Norway’s goalkeeper failed to hold a long-range shot from Morgan Rogers. The win marked England’s second consecutive World Cup semifinal appearance, following their 2022 run in Qatar. Under coach Thomas Tuchel, the team showed resilience despite Norway’s organized play and multiple missed chances. Erling Haaland remained largely ineffective against England’s defense, while VAR overturned a potential penalty for England in extra time. England will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals, with Bellingham now having scored six goals in the tournament and emerging as the central figure in Tuchel’s side.

Two Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) candidates in Noakhali were unable to attend their scheduled exam after being targeted by a criminal group known as an 'unconsciousness gang'. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, near Mehran Dine Restaurant in Maijdee town. The victims, Jannatul Naima and Fahima Akter Shoshi, both 19 and science students from Noakhali Government College, lost their exam admit cards, gold ornaments, and other documents. According to relatives, the two friends were traveling by a CNG-run autorickshaw to their exam center at Sonapur Degree College when the gang rendered them unconscious and fled with their belongings. Locals later rescued the students and informed their families. They are now receiving treatment at a local hospital. Sudharam Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge Nazrul Islam confirmed that the victims’ guardians filed a complaint. Police have sent a team to the scene, seized the autorickshaw, and launched an operation to arrest the suspects and take legal action.