Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for destroying a US HIMARS missile launcher stationed in Kuwait through what it described as a precision drone operation. According to a statement published by Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, the IRGC said the destroyed systems were surface-to-surface missile launchers and pods allegedly prepared for attacks against Iran. The statement also claimed that three US officials were killed and several others injured in the strike.

The IRGC further asserted that the United States had used short-range HIMARS missiles in recent attacks on Iran’s southern coastal areas during joint US-Israel military operations that began in February. However, there has been no immediate comment from US or Kuwaiti authorities regarding Iran’s claims.

Earlier, Kuwait reported attacks on three northern border posts and an offshore drilling platform operated by Kuwait Oil Company, which caused infrastructure damage and injured one worker. Kuwait did not attribute responsibility for those incidents.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a dominant figure in US politics for over two decades, died on Saturday evening, according to a statement from his office. His family requested privacy following his death. Graham, first elected to the Senate in 2002, became one of the most influential Republican voices on foreign policy, defense, and national security. Known for his hawkish stance, he was a staunch supporter of Israel and a vocal advocate of US military intervention abroad.

Throughout his career, Graham’s positions on Gaza, Iran, and the International Criminal Court drew international criticism. He supported Israel’s military actions in Gaza, opposed limiting US aid to Israel, and made controversial remarks about Palestinians that were condemned by rights groups. He also backed strong military measures against Iran and urged the White House to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. His confrontational approach often sparked diplomatic tensions, including with European and Gulf states.

Days before his death, Graham visited Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing legislation to increase pressure on Russia. He remained one of Washington’s most vocal supporters of military aid to Ukraine.

Typhoon Bavi struck China’s Zhejiang province on Saturday, causing severe weather across the southern and eastern regions and disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. According to Global Times, more than 2,800 domestic and international flights were canceled on Sunday, with hundreds more delayed or suspended in major cities including Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Shenyang, Dalian, and Chengdu.

Heavy rainfall in northern China led to widespread flight delays at Beijing Capital and Beijing Daxing international airports. Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports reported that about 30 percent of their flights could be canceled due to adverse weather. Thunderstorm warnings were issued at 45 airports, including those in Hangzhou and Changzhou in Jiangsu province.

Rail services were also affected, with several high-speed train routes temporarily suspended for passenger safety. Airports in Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces experienced major disruptions. The weather bureau warned that heavy rain and flash floods could persist through Sunday night, potentially worsening transport difficulties across the country.

US President Donald Trump said during NBC’s Meet the Press on Saturday that the United States had carried out a massive bombing campaign against Iran’s military forces. According to Al Jazeera, the statement came amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that strikes targeted 140 Iranian military sites. It also claimed that no American troops were injured and no significant damage occurred in retaliatory attacks by Iran in Gulf countries. Several US media outlets, citing unnamed officials, reported that American strikes on Iranian military targets and small vessels in the Strait of Hormuz were still ongoing.

Trump reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remained open, a claim that contradicted Iran’s position. The continued exchange of attacks appeared to undermine the fragile ceasefire Trump had mentioned earlier in the week.

At a symposium titled 'Accountability, Justice and Healing in Post-July Bangladesh' held at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka on Sunday, political leaders, journalists, human rights activists, and former advisers demanded justice for those killed during the July uprising. They declared that there could be no reconciliation or forgiveness for Sheikh Hasina and others convicted of crimes related to the former regime. Participants emphasized that the July movement represented a 'second independence' for Bangladesh and vowed to protect its legacy.

Former adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said the July revolution was driven by the people, not civil society, and that the new generation reclaimed national sovereignty. MP Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem called for full implementation of the July Charter and establishment of a July Museum to educate future generations about fascism. Other speakers, including Shafiqul Alam, Sarwar Tushar, Nabila Idris, and Shahidul Alam, criticized the lingering influence of the former ruling party and urged institutional reforms to ensure accountability and justice.

Speakers warned that attempts to downplay the July events or delay justice could undermine the revolution’s goals and risk diminishing its moral and political significance.

Pakistan has expressed deep concern over escalating tensions between Iran and the United States following a series of renewed retaliatory attacks in the Middle East, according to a report citing CNN. In an official statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the recent developments are further aggravating regional instability and that Islamabad is closely monitoring the situation with serious concern.

The ministry noted that Pakistan, which has played an important mediating role in peace discussions between Washington and Tehran in recent months, has urged all parties to exercise restraint. It further called on all sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and to adhere to the commitments made under the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran last month.

The statement reflects Islamabad’s continuing diplomatic engagement in regional peace efforts amid growing instability in the Middle East.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate end to the ongoing exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran in the Gulf region. In a post on social media platform X, he expressed deep concern over US strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory attacks on targets in neighboring countries. Guterres warned that if the confrontation continues, it could bring devastating consequences not only for the Middle East but for the entire world.

According to the report, Guterres emphasized that all attacks must stop and urged both nations to resolve their disputes through diplomatic means. He cautioned that a full-scale war would be disastrous for the region and beyond. The statement comes amid reports of repeated Iranian strikes on US bases in Oman and escalating tensions across the Gulf.

The UN chief’s appeal highlights growing international alarm over the potential for the conflict to spiral into a wider global crisis if immediate restraint is not exercised by both sides.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has supplied generators, drinking water, and dry food to residential students affected by waterlogging and power outages caused by heavy rain on July 12. DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem said the organization coordinated with the city corporation to drain water and arranged two generators for electricity supply. He also blamed the university administration for delays in several development projects, including hall and playground renovations.

DUCSU announced several emergency measures, including four vans for student movement in flooded areas and additional university bus trips. Free van services were provided near Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall. WASA supplied two trucks of drinking water, and candles were distributed to students. DUCSU also urged the administration, state office, and Dhaka South City Corporation to expedite drainage work and raised concerns about exam disruptions.

The university administration later suspended all exams scheduled for July 13 due to heavy rainfall, campus flooding, and adverse weather conditions affecting students’ safety and accessibility.

The name 'Muhammad' has been ranked as the most popular baby boy name in England and Wales for the third consecutive year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The 2025 birth registration data show that 5,957 newborn boys were named Muhammad, nearly 2,000 more than those named Noah, which placed second.

The ONS data indicate that Muhammad’s popularity has been steadily increasing for decades. The name first entered the top 100 list in 1997, reached the top 10 in 2016, and became the most popular boy’s name in 2023. Since then, it has maintained the top position for three years. In the 2025 list, Leo ranked third and Luca fourth, pushing Arthur, Oliver, and George lower in the rankings.

The report also notes that various spellings of the name, such as Mohammad, have appeared in official records for many years. Three different spellings were already in the top 100 by 1954, and the Mohammad spelling first appeared in 1924 at the 91st position.

Pope Leo has called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the renewed conflict between Iran and the United States. His appeal came after reports of fresh attacks and counterattacks between the two nations. In a message posted on social media platform X, he warned that the 'winds of war' across the Middle East, Ukraine, and other regions are sowing seeds of violence, fear, and death.

Pope Leo emphasized that only through dialogue, mutual engagement, and diplomacy can a just and lasting peace be achieved. He stated that such a path would allow people to live in reconciliation, mutual security, and respect for human dignity. His message comes at a time of heightened regional instability and growing concern over escalating hostilities.

The Pope’s statement underscores the Vatican’s continued advocacy for peaceful resolution of international conflicts through negotiation rather than confrontation.

More than a week of heavy rainfall has severely disrupted life across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, where several neighborhoods such as Mirpur, Dhanmondi, and Banani remain waterlogged. According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, 51 people have died and 39 others were injured in landslides and flash floods in Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, and Chattogram. Cox’s Bazar alone reported 28 deaths, while Bandarban and Chattogram recorded seven and thirteen fatalities respectively.

The ministry reported that over one million people have been affected in seven districts—Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj. Around 267,000 families remain stranded, and 44,457 people have taken shelter in 1,131 relief centers. The Chattogram Education Board has postponed HSC and equivalent exams scheduled for July 13, 15, and 16, while several Dhaka schools have delayed midterm exams due to adverse weather.

Rail services between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar remain suspended as tracks at Shamsherpara are still submerged. The Meteorological Department warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue for the next five days, with short-term flooding likely in several northern and northeastern districts.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its final stage, four football powerhouses—Argentina, France, Spain, and England—have secured their places in the semifinals. France will face Spain in the first semifinal, while defending champion Argentina will meet England in the second. Data analytics firm Opta has released a mathematical forecast using its supercomputer to predict the outcomes of the semifinals and the eventual champion.

According to Opta’s analysis, England holds a slight edge over Argentina with a 50.96% chance of reaching the final, compared to Argentina’s 49.04%. France is favored to beat Spain with a 57.70% probability. In the overall title race, France leads with a 34.05% chance of winning the championship, followed by Spain at 23.45%, England at 21.94%, and Argentina at 20.55%. Despite being the defending champion, Argentina ranks fourth in the title predictions.

The report notes that football remains unpredictable, and on-field results may defy statistical expectations as the tournament approaches its conclusion.

Argentina advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 3-1 victory over Switzerland in Kansas City. The defending champions secured the win after 120 minutes of intense play, with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez scoring decisive goals in extra time. The result keeps Argentina’s dream of retaining the World Cup alive, setting up a semifinal clash against England in Atlanta next Wednesday.

Following the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s effort but emphasized the need for improvement ahead of the semifinals. He acknowledged that the team must correct mistakes and recover physically after the exhausting quarterfinal. Scaloni also expressed respect for England, describing them as a strong side with an excellent coach.

Scaloni stated that the team’s immediate priority is rest and recovery to overcome injuries before the next match. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the high-voltage semifinal between Argentina and England, a fixture rich in football history and rivalry.

Kuwait reported that three of its border posts and an offshore oil drilling platform were attacked, causing infrastructure damage and injuring at least one worker. The incidents occurred in the country’s northern region and in Kuwaiti territorial waters, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense cited by Al Jazeera.

The ministry described the assaults on the three land border centers as “criminal attacks.” The offshore platform, operated by Kuwait Oil Company, was struck by a drone, leading to one worker being injured. Authorities have not yet identified who was responsible for the attacks.

Kuwaiti officials have launched an investigation into the incidents to determine the source and motive behind the attacks.

Norway’s remarkable World Cup run ended in the quarterfinals after a 2-1 defeat to England, marking the nation’s first-ever appearance at this stage of the tournament. Star striker Erling Haaland, who had been instrumental in Norway’s campaign, expressed frustration over a disallowed goal during the 55th minute. Tobiorn Heggem’s header from a corner was overturned following a VAR review that found Haaland had fouled England’s Elliot Anderson before the play.

Haaland said he felt he was being held throughout the match and called the decision harsh, noting that if such contact were always penalized, he would earn free kicks in nearly every game. Despite the setback, he refused to make excuses, citing the intense heat and humidity in Miami as challenging conditions. Haaland emphasized that small moments and key decisions made the difference in the match.

Playing in his first World Cup, Haaland scored seven goals and helped Norway reach new heights. He said the six-week tournament was an unforgettable experience and believed Norway’s performance, including a historic win over Brazil, could inspire the next generation of players.