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The United States launched a new wave of strikes against Iran overnight on Wednesday, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said, describing the targets as “Iranian military capabilities used to threaten ships transiting freely through the Strait of Hormuz.” Iranian state media reported explosions in the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, and in Ahvaz near the Iraqi border.

The overnight strikes followed an earlier wave carried out during the day on Wednesday, making July 15 one of the most intense days of the conflict since the United States and Israel began military operations on February 28.

Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the parliament speaker, warned in a Telegram statement that if Iran does not gain benefits from the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States, “we have no reason to adhere to that understanding.” Ghalibaf said Iran “has never welcomed war, nor does it now,” while urging Iranians to continue armed resistance and also to use “diplomacy and negotiation tools simultaneously to secure and consolidate national interests.”

Below is minute-by-minute coverage:

Kuwait intercepts Iranian drones and Bahrain activates air-raid sirens

Kuwait said on Thursday it was intercepting drones launched by Iran, while air-raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, following another night of U.S. strikes against the Islamic Republic.

In a post on X, the Kuwaiti military said it was “responding to hostile drone attacks after the infamous Iranian aggression.”

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged citizens and residents to “remain calm and proceed to the nearest safe location” after the sirens were activated.

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UAE condemns Iranian attacks

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned Iranian attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Its Foreign Ministry described the strikes as “a blatant violation of the sovereignty of sister nations and a threat to their security and stability.”

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Kuwait says it intercepted 21 drones and four cruise missiles from Iran

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense reported intercepting at least four cruise missiles and 21 drones originating from Iran on Wednesday.

“The Iranian aggression targeted several vital facilities, causing material damage,” a ministry spokesperson said. No casualties were reported.

IDF says it killed three Hezbollah operatives

Israel’s military reported on Wednesday that it had killed three armed Hezbollah operatives in the security zone in southern Lebanon.

The IDF said its forces identified the three individuals in the Beit Yahoun area carrying combat equipment and that they were killed to neutralize the threat they posed to nearby Israeli troops.

Explosions near U.S. consulate in Iraq

Journalists from AFP reported multiple explosions on Wednesday near the U.S. consulate in Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Air defenses were activated near the consulate, which has been targeted by drone and projectile attacks during the Middle East conflict.

IMF warns oil supply may take months to normalize after reopening of Hormuz

The International Monetary Fund warned that global oil flows could take two to three months to return to relative normality once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened to shipping, and expressed concern about potential permanent losses in crude supply.

“Industry estimates suggest it will take two to three months before a significant portion of oil flows can resume after the full reopening of the strait. A longer-term concern is that prolonged production disruptions could cause permanent output losses, especially where financing needed to restart wells is scarce,” the IMF said in a recent blog post.

The IMF added that the provisional peace agreement between the United States and Iran had previously pushed oil prices down as large quantities of crude loaded on waiting vessels were released, but that the recent escalation is again pressuring supply.

Airlines resume some Middle East flights, but disruptions continue

More airlines are restoring flights to parts of the Middle East, although some routes remain suspended.

SunExpress, a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, plans to resume its Antalya–Dubai route on July 15.

U.S. carrier Delta plans to restart New York–Tel Aviv flights on September 6; the planned Boston–Tel Aviv launch, originally scheduled for late October, has been postponed until further notice.

British Airways, owned by IAG, delayed resuming flights to Doha until August 1 and to Riyadh until August 8.

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Iran says it is focused on defense and not on negotiations

The semi-official Iranian agency Tasnim quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei as saying Iran’s armed forces have shown that any aggression will be met with reciprocal response.

“We have no plans to negotiate at the moment and are focused on defense,” the official added.

Baghaei said the temporary ceasefire agreed last month represents mutual obligations and that while the United States continues to breach its commitments, Iran will refrain from fulfilling its own.

U.S. denies hitting a civilian wheat silo in Iran

The U.S. military denied on Wednesday reports that its forces struck a civilian wheat silo in Iran. “On July 14, U.S. forces struck Iranian military targets in Bandar Abbas, Khormuj, Ahvaz, Qeshm, Tunb, Bushehr and Kuh-e Stak to degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.

Earlier, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that a wheat storage silo in the southwestern city of Hoveyzeh was hit by U.S. projectiles in the early hours of Wednesday.

Lebanon and Israel agree on structure for “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon after talks in Rome

Lebanon and Israel concluded a new round of U.S.-mediated talks in Rome on Wednesday, agreeing to implement the “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon outlined in a recent framework, a U.S. official said.

“The talks concluded after two days of productive and positive discussions,” the official said, adding that participants agreed on the structure and guidelines for the pilot zone process, which will be finalized and implemented in the coming days.

The negotiations, mediated by the United States, took place in Rome following a framework agreement reached last month after five rounds of discussions in Washington, with Lebanese negotiators seeking progress toward an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The pact aims to end the war, disarm Hezbollah, deploy Lebanese troops in the south and achieve a gradual Israeli pullback beginning with two pilot zones. Lebanon and Israel, which do not have formal diplomatic relations, opened negotiations after the Iran-backed Lebanese group dragged the region into war by attacking Israel in March.

More information at this link.

Wall Street rises after better-than-expected U.S. inflation data

U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday morning after a producer price index came in lower than expected, easing concerns about potential Fed rate increases. The producer price index fell 0.3% month-on-month in June, the first contraction since August 2025, reflecting lower energy prices over the period.

However, oil has resumed its upward trend in recent days due to rising tensions between the United States and Iran, which have undermined the existing truce. About 15 minutes after the open, the Dow Jones was up 0.1% at 52,550.46, the S&P 500 rose 0.4% to 7,573.84, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.5% to 26,237.93.

The producer price index release came a day after the consumer price index also showed lower-than-expected inflation.

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CENTCOM releases video of its latest strike on Iran

U.S. Central Command published a video showing its most recent round of strikes against Iran.

The command said the strikes targeted coastal defense systems and storage and launch sites for cruise missiles on Greater Tunb Island.

U.S. says it has redirected two vessels since resuming the blockade

As previously reported, the United States resumed its naval blockade on Iranian ports at 16:00 Washington time (2000 GMT) on Tuesday.

CENTCOM posted on X that it has redirected two commercial vessels since the blockade was restarted.

Since restarting the naval blockade against Iranian ports 17 hours ago, U.S. forces have redirected 2 commercial vessels attempting to run the blockade. The U.S. military remains vigilant and prepared to ensure full compliance. pic.twitter.com/E00JAlmBua

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 15, 2026

Iran’s foreign minister attended the funeral of Qatar’s former emir in Doha

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, traveled to Doha to attend the funeral of Qatar’s former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported.

The visit came after Iran repeatedly struck what it described as U.S. targets in the region—the most recent strike took place on the same Sunday the former emir’s death was announced.

Qatar has acted as a mediator between Washington and Tehran during the conflict.

Indian seafarers have suffered the most casualties in the Gulf maritime crisis

At least 13 Indian nationals have been killed and three remain missing in attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf since the conflict began in February, Indian government sources cited by EFE said. This is the highest toll recorded for any single nationality so far. The latest case was confirmed on Tuesday by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which reported one seafarer’s death and ten injuries after attacks on the tankers MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE attributed that attack to Iranian cruise missiles.

The two vessels together carried 30 Indian seafarers among a total crew of 46. Although sailors from the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia have also been among the casualties, no other nationality has suffered as many deaths as India. India is the world’s second-largest supplier of certified seafarers, with about 300,000 active workers, according to the Seafarer Workforce Report 2026.

The series of casualties—including three Indian crew killed in a U.S. attack on the tanker MT Settebello in June and one seafarer missing after the attack on the GFS Galaxy—prompted the Indian government to launch a special operation to locate and assist every Indian seafarer navigating the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

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Drone strikes Iraqi Grand Faw port during prime minister’s U.S. visit

An unknown-source drone struck the Iraqi Grand Faw port on Wednesday, causing no casualties or material damage according to Iraqi officials, while Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi was visiting the United States to negotiate an economic and investment partnership with Washington.

Iraq’s General Company of Ports said the device crashed in an open area of the port’s container yard at the country’s southern tip without affecting workers, equipment or facilities, and operations continued as normal. Iraqi security authorities have opened an investigation to determine the circumstances, though the statement did not specify whether the drone was launched from Iraqi territory—where Iran-aligned militias operate—or from Iran amid reciprocal attacks in the Persian Gulf.

This is the first such incident at Grand Faw since the war began in late February. The deep-water port, designed to handle large merchant vessels with a draft of over 19 meters, is central to Iraq’s strategy to diversify its economy and become a regional logistics hub. The attack coincided with al-Zaidi’s first visit to Washington, where he seeks support to stabilize Iraq, disarm Shia militias and attract U.S. investment.

U.S. completes new wave of strikes on Greater Tunb Island

The U.S. military said on Wednesday it completed its latest wave of strikes against Iranian targets that “further degraded Iran’s ability to attack commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.”

CENTCOM said on X it “fired precision munitions against coastal defense systems and storage and launch sites for cruise missiles on Greater Tunb Island during a 90‐minute wave.”

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European stocks fall as oil prices rise

European markets fell on Wednesday despite a rise in oil, with investors focused on the Middle East conflict. By midday, the FTSE 100 was down 0.2%, the CAC 40 fell 0.2%, and the DAX dropped 0.8%, while Brent rose 1.1% to $85.63 per barrel after new U.S. strikes on Iran and the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports.

In Asia, tech stocks led a strong rebound: Seoul closed up 6.2%—after an intraday gain of up to 7%—driven by an 8.8% jump in SK hynix, and there were gains in Tokyo, Hong Kong and other markets, although Shanghai fell 0.3% after China reported weaker-than-expected economic growth.

Strong quarterly earnings from major banks and a change in U.S. tariff policy on ships in the Strait of Hormuz also supported Asian optimism, though IBM plunged more than 25% after disappointing results.

U.S. military says it resumed daytime strikes on Iran as part of escalation

The U.S. military said a new wave of strikes against Iran began at 10:00 GMT on Wednesday.

“The strikes are intended to further degrade the military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” U.S. Central Command said in a post on X.

At 6 a.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching a wave of strikes against Iran. The strikes are designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 15, 2026

The full report is available at this link.

Iran executes man arrested during January protests

Iran’s authorities executed a man on Wednesday who was accused of setting fire to government and police facilities during January protests in Isfahan province, Mizan News—linked to the judiciary—reported.

The report named the executed man as Mohammad Amini Dehaghani, saying he was hanged after the Supreme Court upheld the sentence. Judicial authorities allege he threw Molotov cocktails at the governor’s office in Dehaghan and at the main police station on January 9, and incited others to attack officers.

The official account cites surveillance footage and the accused’s confessions, and states that Amini Dehaghani attempted to use a rifle seized from police during the protests.

Oil rises again amid escalating Middle East military tensions

U.S. benchmark crude (WTI) rose by $0.86 to trade at $80.20 per barrel, while Brent, the international benchmark, rose $1.15 to $85.88 per barrel.

On Tuesday, oil closed up 2% at a one-month high, driven by strikes that aggravated supply concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Brent and WTI have adjusted upward in line with the escalation of attacks, but the scope of the move is likely to moderate now as the market waits for any posture change from the U.S. and Iran,” said June Goh, senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities, in remarks to Reuters.

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U.S. strikes in southeast Iran kill seven military personnel

Iran’s army said it would respond to an attack on the Bambour barracks in Iranshahr, condemning it as “a cowardly aggression” and promising a decisive response at an appropriate time, the Tasnim news agency reported.

The military stated that 13 U.S. missiles struck facilities at the Bambour barracks, killing seven members of Brigade 388 and wounding several others. It said passive defense measures limited casualties.

The statement also alleged that the U.S. strikes aimed to inflict the maximum possible casualties by targeting a guesthouse, guard posts and accommodation areas on the base.

Missing Indian seafarer from attack off Oman confirmed dead

A missing Indian seafarer from the attack on the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman has been confirmed dead, his father-in-law told Reuters on Wednesday. Of the 11 Indian crew aboard, 10 were rescued, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reported on Sunday.

Former Iranian foreign minister calls for ground assault on U.S. base and hostage-taking

Former Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki suggested a ground assault on a U.S. base in the Middle East to capture hostages and transfer them to Iran.

“My proposal is to launch a ground attack on one of the U.S. bases in the region, capture 100 Americans and take them to Iran,” Mottaki, now a member of Iran’s parliament, said.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jordanian foreign minister discuss Iranian attacks on vessels

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to discuss regional security issues, including “the ongoing Iranian attacks on vessels and countries in the region.”

UN Security Council votes to extend monitoring of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea

The U.N. Security Council approved a resolution extending U.N. monitoring of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea for six months.

The measure was adopted with 13 votes in favor and abstentions from China and Russia, and requires the U.N. Secretary-General to submit monthly reports to the Council on the situation.

The Yemeni Houthi rebel group began attacking vessels in the Red Sea in late 2023, saying it targeted ships linked to Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza.

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Iran-linked vessels left the Strait of Hormuz before U.S. blockade

On Tuesday there was a rise in the number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, most linked to Iranian trade, ahead of the U.S. blockade set to take effect on Wednesday, according to maritime transport data. Kpler records show nine of the eleven ships that crossed that day took the Iranian route.

Among vessels entering the strait were three empty tankers—one Aframax and two larger vessels. Departures included a VLCC carrying 2 million barrels of crude, a medium tanker carrying refined products, and two vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas.

Commerce flows also included a tanker loaded with methanol and a bulk carrier carrying iron ore, both departing the Gulf on Tuesday.

Jordanian army says it shot down three missiles launched by Iran

Jordan’s military said its air defenses intercepted and shot down three ballistic missiles that entered Jordanian airspace from Iranian territory. In an official statement, authorities said Royal Engineers managed the missile debris across several locations, followed technical and safety protocols, and secured the affected areas to protect people and property.

“The Jordanian Armed Forces reject any violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty or the use of its airspace to threaten its security and stability,” the military said, adding that it maintains the highest level of aerial vigilance.

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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard attacked Gulf countries after CENTCOM operation

Iran’s military announced new drone strikes against U.S. military installations in the Middle East in the early hours of Wednesday amid the latest escalation with Washington. Tasnim, the agency linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said the Al Azraq airbase in Jordan—hosting F-18s, housing and U.S. equipment depots—was struck by drones.

The IRGC defended the operation, called “Lightning,” saying “the era of slap-in-the-face strikes is over” and that any action against Iranian soil, waters or skies will receive a proportional response.

The Revolutionary Guard also reported naval and aerospace strikes against a U.S. warehouse at the Sheik Isa base in Bahrain and against U.S. drones at Ali al Salem base in Kuwait. The statement said that in a coordinated missile and drone operation, naval and aerospace forces destroyed several weapon and spare parts depots at Sheik Isa, Bahrain.

The report added that they had also struck the ramp where enemy MQ-9 drones were deployed at Ali al Salem, Kuwait, destroying or damaging several of them.

Iran: the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until “U.S. evils end”

The IRGC announced that the strategic waterway will remain closed until U.S. actions cease, the organization said on Tuesday. The military claimed the U.S. attacked Iranian bases “under the pretext of striking violators attempting to transit the strait” to mask its defeat and incapacity.

The IRGC statement said “no ship dared to violate [the Iranian blockade] or to accompany the United States,” and therefore “there were naturally no impacts” during the operation.

White House: “Divisions in Iran show the success of Trump’s policy”

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said internal divisions among Iran’s leaders reflect the success of President Donald Trump’s policy toward Tehran. He made the remarks in an interview with Fox News.

The U.S. official asserted Iran’s leadership now faces “huge fissures the size of cannon” after decades of unity and reiterated that the United States urges Iran to support a peace program and abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Pezeshkian vows to defend “every inch” of Iran amid new escalation with the U.S.

Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said his country will defend “every inch” of its territory amid rising tensions with the United States, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had eliminated much of Iran’s military capabilities. “We will defend every inch of our homeland with our actions,” Pezeshkian said in a state television interview.

The president’s remarks came amid increasing hostility after U.S. strikes in southern Iran followed Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with missile and drone launches against U.S. targets in the region.

“His rhetoric continues, but the question is: have they achieved their objectives on the battlefield?” Pezeshkian challenged, referring to Trump’s statements and U.S. military actions.

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The United States launched a new wave of strikes against Iran overnight on Wednesday, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said, describing the targets as “Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels transiting freely through the Strait of Hormuz.” Iranian state media reported explosions in the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, and in Ahvaz, near the border with Iraq.

The overnight strikes came hours after an earlier series of attacks during the same day, making 15 July one of the most intense days of fighting since the United States and Israel began the war on 28 February.

Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Parliament, warned in a Telegram statement that if Iran does not receive benefits from the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States, “we have no reason to adhere to that understanding.” Ghalibaf said Iran “has never welcomed war, nor does it welcome it now,” while calling on Iranians to maintain armed resistance and at the same time to use “the tools of diplomacy and negotiation to achieve and consolidate national interests.”

Below is minute-by-minute coverage:

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The United Arab Emirates condemned Iran’s attacks

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned Iran’s attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the strikes as “a blatant violation of the sovereignty of sister nations and a threat to their security and stability.”

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Kuwait says it intercepted 21 drones and four cruise missiles today from Iran

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense reported that it intercepted at least four cruise missiles and 21 drones from Iran on Wednesday.

“The Iranian aggression targeted several vital facilities, causing material damage,” a ministry spokesperson said. No injuries were reported.

IDF says it killed three Hezbollah operatives

The Israeli military reported on Wednesday that it killed three armed Hezbollah operatives in the security zone in southern Lebanon.

According to the army, IDF troops identified the three operatives in the Beit Yahoun area, where they were carrying combat equipment. The IDF said they were killed to neutralize the threat they posed to nearby Israeli soldiers.

Explosions near a U.S. consulate in Iraq

Several explosions were heard on Wednesday near the U.S. consulate in Erbil, in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, AFP journalists reported.

Air defenses were activated near the consulate, which has been targeted by drone and projectile attacks during the Middle East war.

IMF warned oil supply could take months to normalize after Hormuz reopens

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that global oil flows could take two to three months to return to relative normality once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened to navigation, and expressed concern about potential permanent losses to crude supply.

“Industry estimates indicate it will take two to three months before a significant portion of oil flows can resume after full reopening of the strait. A longer-term concern is that prolonged production disruptions could cause permanent production losses, especially where financing to restart wells is scarce,” the IMF said in its latest blog post.

The IMF also said that the provisional peace agreement between the United States and Iran had pushed oil prices lower due to large volumes of crude loaded on ships waiting in the area, but that the recent escalation is again pressuring supply.

Airlines resume some Middle East flights, but disruptions persist

More airlines are restoring some services to parts of the Middle East, though some suspensions remain in place.

SunExpress, the Turkish Airlines–Lufthansa joint venture, plans to resume its Antalya–Dubai route on 15 July.

U.S. carrier Delta plans to resume New York–Tel Aviv flights on 6 September, while the launch of its Boston–Tel Aviv route, scheduled for late October, has been postponed until further notice.

British Airways, owned by IAG, delayed restarting flights to Doha until 1 August and to Riyadh until 8 August.

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Iran says it is focused on defense, not negotiations

The semi-official Tasnim agency published comments from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, who said the country’s armed forces have shown that any aggression will be met with reciprocal response.

“We have no plans to negotiate at the moment and we are focused on defense,” the official added.

Baghaei said the temporary ceasefire agreed last month represents a set of mutual obligations and that, as long as the United States continues to violate its commitments under that accord, Iran will refrain from fulfilling its own.

U.S. denies striking a civilian grain silo in Iran

The U.S. military rejected reports on Wednesday that its forces had attacked a civilian wheat silo in Iran. “On 14 July, U.S. forces struck Iranian military targets in Bandar Abbas, Khormuj, Ahvaz, Qeshm, Tunb, Bushehr and Kuh-e Stak to degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” it said in a post on X.

Earlier, Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that a wheat storage silo in the southwestern city of Hoveyzeh was hit by U.S. projectiles in the early hours of Wednesday.

Lebanon and Israel agree on structure for “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon after talks in Rome

Lebanon and Israel completed a new round of U.S.-mediated talks in Rome on Wednesday and agreed to implement the “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon outlined in a recent framework, a U.S. official said.

“The talks concluded after two days of productive and positive discussions,” the official said, adding that participants agreed on the structure and guidelines for the pilot zones process, which will be finalized and implemented in the coming days.

The U.S.-mediated negotiations in Rome followed a framework agreement reached last month after five rounds of talks in Washington, with Lebanese negotiators seeking progress toward an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The pact aims to end the war in Lebanon, disarm Hezbollah, deploy Lebanese troops in the south, and implement a phased Israeli withdrawal, starting with two pilot zones. Lebanon and Israel, which do not have formal relations, began negotiations after the Iran-backed Lebanese group drew the country into the regional war by attacking Israel in March.

More information at this link.

Wall Street posts gains after better-than-expected U.S. inflation data

U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday morning after a producer price reading came in lower than expected, easing concerns about possible Federal Reserve rate hikes. The producer price index fell 0.3% month-on-month in June, the first decline since August 2025, reflecting lower energy prices over the period.

However, oil has resumed its recent climb amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, which has undermined the ceasefire. About 15 minutes after the market opened, the Dow Jones was up 0.1% at 52,550.46, the S&P 500 rose 0.4% to 7,573.84 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.5% to 26,237.93.

The producer price index release came a day after the consumer price index for Tuesday also showed lower-than-expected inflation.

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U.S. video shows its latest strike on Iran

U.S. Central Command posted video footage of its most recent round of strikes against Iran.

The command said the strikes, previously reported by news outlets, targeted coastal defense systems and storage and launch sites for cruise missiles on Greater Tunb Island.

U.S. says it has redirected two vessels since resuming the blockade

As reported earlier, the United States resumed its naval blockade of Iranian ports at 16:00 Washington time (2000 GMT) on Tuesday.

CENTCOM posted on X that it has redirected two commercial vessels since then.

Since restarting the naval blockade against Iranian ports 17 hours ago, U.S. forces have redirected 2 commercial vessels attempting to run the blockade. The U.S. military remains vigilant and prepared to ensure full compliance. pic.twitter.com/E00JAlmBua

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 15, 2026

Iran’s foreign minister attended the funeral of the former Emir of Qatar in Doha

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, traveled to Doha to attend the funeral of Qatar’s former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, ISNA reported.

The minister’s visit to Qatar comes after Iran repeatedly struck what it said were U.S. targets in that country — most recently on Sunday, the day the former emir’s death was announced.

Qatar has acted as a mediator between Washington and Tehran during the war.

Indian seafarers account for the largest number of casualties in the Gulf maritime crisis

At least 13 Indian nationals have been killed and three remain missing in attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf since the war began in February, government sources told EFE, the highest number among identified nationalities so far. The latest case, confirmed Tuesday by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, reported the death of one seafarer and 10 injured after an attack on the tankers MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz, an attack the UAE attributed to Iranian cruise missiles.

The two vessels carried 30 Indian seafarers among a total crew of 46. While there have also been Filipino, Thai and Indonesian casualties among attacked crews, no other nationality has matched the Indian toll. India is the world’s second-largest supplier of certified seafarers, with about 300,000 active workers, according to the Seafarer Workforce Report 2026.

The spate of casualties — including the deaths of three Indian crew in a U.S. strike on the tanker MT Settebello in June and the disappearance of a seafarer after the attack on the GFS Galaxy — prompted the Indian government to launch a special operation to locate and assist every Indian seafarer navigating the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

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A drone hit the Iraqi port of Grand Faw during the prime minister’s U.S. visit

An unmanned aerial vehicle of unknown origin struck the Grand Faw port on Wednesday without causing casualties or material damage, Iraqi officials said, while Iraq’s prime minister Ali al-Zaidi was visiting the United States to negotiate an economic and investment partnership with Washington.

The Iraqi General Company of Ports said the device crashed in an open area of the port’s container yard at the country’s southern tip, without affecting workers, equipment or facilities, and that operations continue normally. Iraqi security authorities launched an investigation to determine the circumstances, though the statement did not specify whether the drone was launched from Iraqi territory — where Iran-aligned militias operate — or from Iran, in the context of reciprocal strikes between the United States and Iran in the Persian Gulf.

This is the first incident of its kind against Grand Faw since the war began in late February. The deep-water port, able to receive large commercial ships thanks to a draft of more than 19 meters, is central to Iraq’s strategy to diversify its economy and become a regional logistics hub. The strike coincides with Al-Zaidi’s first visit to Washington, where he is seeking support to stabilize Iraq, disarm Shia militias and attract U.S. investment.

U.S. completed a new wave of strikes on Greater Tunb Island

The U.S. military said on Wednesday it completed its latest round of strikes against Iranian targets, “further degrading Iran’s ability to attack commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.”

CENTCOM said on X that it “employed precision munitions against coastal defense systems and storage and launch sites for cruise missiles on Greater Tunb Island during a 90-minute strike wave.”

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European stocks fall as oil prices rise

European markets declined on Wednesday despite rising oil prices, with investors focused on the Middle East conflict. By midday, the FTSE 100 was down 0.2%, the CAC 40 lost 0.2% and the DAX fell 0.8%, while Brent rose 1.1% to $85.63 a barrel following new U.S. strikes on Iran and the reimposition of the Trump-era naval blockade on Iranian ports.

In Asia, technology shares drove a strong rebound: Seoul closed up 6.2% — after an intraday jump of 7% — led by an 8.8% surge in SK hynix, while softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data eased rate-hike fears. Gains were also seen in Tokyo, Hong Kong and other markets, although Shanghai fell 0.3% after China reported weaker-than-expected economic growth.

Positive sentiment on Wall Street — supported by solid quarterly results from large banks — and President Trump’s shift on tariffs for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz also supported Asian optimism, although IBM plunged more than 25% after disappointing results.

U.S. military says it resumed daytime strikes on Iran as part of escalation

The U.S. military said it began a new wave of strikes against Iran at 1000 GMT on Wednesday.

“The strikes aim to further degrade the military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” U.S. Central Command said in a post on X.

At 6 a.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching a wave of strikes against Iran. The strikes are designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 15, 2026

Full story at this link.

Iran executed a man arrested during January protests

The Iranian regime executed a man on Wednesday accused of setting fire to government and police facilities during the January protests in Isfahan province, Mizan News — linked to the judiciary — reported.

The report said Mohammad Amini Dehaghani was hanged after the Supreme Court upheld the sentence. Authorities allege that on 9 January he threw Molotov cocktails at the governor’s office in Dehaghan and the central police station, and incited others to attack officers.

The official account cites surveillance footage and the accused’s confessions, and states that Amini Dehaghani attempted to use a rifle taken from police during the protests.

Oil rises again amid renewed Middle East military escalation

U.S. benchmark crude (WTI) rose $0.86 to $80.20 a barrel, while Brent, the international benchmark, gained $1.15 to $85.88 a barrel.

On Tuesday, oil closed up 2% and hit a one-month high, driven by attacks that worsened supply concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Brent and WTI have moved up in line with the escalation of attacks, but the magnitude of the move will likely moderate now as the market waits to see any posture changes by the U.S. and Iran,” said June Goh, senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities, in a conversation with Reuters.

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U.S. killed seven Iranian service members in strikes in southeastern Iran

The Iranian Army said it will respond to the attack on the Bambour barracks in Iranshahr, calling it “a cowardly aggression.” “A decisive response will be delivered for this crime at the appropriate time,” the statement cited by Tasnim said.

The military reported that 13 U.S. missiles struck facilities at the Bambour barracks, killing seven members of Brigade 388 and injuring several others. The army said “passive defense measures” limited the number of casualties.

The statement alleged that the U.S. strikes “intended to cause the highest possible number of casualties,” targeting a guesthouse, guard posts and accommodation areas at the base.

One Indian seafarer confirmed dead after disappearance following attack off Oman

An Indian national who had been missing after the attack on the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy off Oman has died, his father-in-law confirmed on Wednesday, Reuters reported. Of the 11 Indian crew aboard, 10 were rescued, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday.

Former Iranian foreign minister urged ground assault on a U.S. base and taking hostages

Former Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki proposed a ground offensive against a U.S. military base in the Middle East to capture hostages and bring them to Iran.

“My proposal is to launch a ground attack on one of the U.S. bases in the region, capture 100 Americans and take them to Iran,” Mottaki, now a member of parliament, said.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jordanian foreign minister discussed Iranian attacks on ships

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he met with Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman Safadi to discuss regional security issues, including “the ongoing attacks by Iran against vessels and countries in the region.”

UN Security Council voted to continue monitoring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea

The U.N. Security Council approved a resolution extending U.N. monitoring of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea for six months.

The measure passed with 13 votes in favor and abstentions from China and Russia, and requires the U.N. secretary-general to report monthly to the Council on the situation.

The Houthi rebel group from Yemen began targeting vessels in the Red Sea in late 2023, saying it was striking ships linked to Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza.

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Iran-linked vessels left the Strait of Hormuz ahead of the U.S. blockade

On Tuesday there was an increase in the number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, most linked to Iranian trade, ahead of the U.S. blockade set to take effect on Wednesday, according to maritime transport data. Kpler’s logs show nine of the eleven ships that crossed that day used the Iranian route.

Among vessels entering the strait, three tankers were identified as empty: one Aframax and two larger ships. Departures included a VLCC carrying 2 million barrels of crude, a medium tanker carrying refined products and two additional vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas.

Commercial traffic also included a tanker loaded with methanol and a bulk carrier carrying iron ore, both departing the Gulf on Tuesday.

Jordanian army says it shot down three missiles launched by Iran

The Jordanian Armed Forces said their air defenses intercepted and shot down three ballistic missiles that entered Jordanian airspace from Iranian territory. In an official statement, authorities said the Royal Engineers teams handled debris from the missiles that fell in various locations, followed technical and safety protocols, and secured affected areas to protect people and property.

“The Jordanian Armed Forces reject any violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty or the use of its airspace to threaten its security and stability,” military authorities said, adding that they maintain the highest level of aerial vigilance.

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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard struck Gulf countries after CENTCOM operation

In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran’s military announced new drone strikes against U.S. installations in the Middle East amid the latest escalation between Tehran and Washington. The statement, released by Tasnim — linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — said Al Azraq airbase in Jordan, where F-18s, accommodations and U.S. equipment were located, was hit by drones.

The IRGC defended the operation, called “Lightning,” saying “the era of slap-in-the-face strikes is over and any action against this historic country’s land, waters and skies will not go unanswered or without proportional cost.”

The Revolutionary Guard also reported naval and aerospace force strikes against a U.S. warehouse at the Sheij Isa base in Bahrain and against U.S. drones at Ali al Salem base in Kuwait. The statement said, “In a simultaneous operation with missiles and drones, Navy and Aerospace Force fighters of the IRGC destroyed several depots of weapons and spare parts for enemy ships and aircraft at Sheij Isa base in Bahrain.”

The military communiqué also claimed strikes on the ramp used to deploy enemy MQ-9 drones at Ali al Salem in Kuwait, destroying or damaging several of them.

Iran: the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until “U.S. ills end”

The IRGC announced that the strategic waterway will remain closed until U.S. actions cease, according to a Tuesday statement. The military claimed the U.S. attacked Iranian bases “under the pretext of striking violator ships” that attempted to transit the strait “to conceal its defeat and incapacity.”

The IRGC said that “no ship dared to violate [the Iranian blockade] or to accompany the United States,” and added that consequently “there were naturally no impacts” during the operation.

White House: “Divisions in Iran demonstrate the success of Trump’s policy”

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said internal divisions among Iran’s leadership reflect the success of President Donald Trump’s policy toward Tehran. Miller made the remarks in an interview with Fox News.

The U.S. official said Iran’s leadership now faces “huge fissures the size of cannons” after decades of unity. Miller reiterated that the United States urges Iran to support a peace program and abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Pezeshkian vowed to defend “every inch” of Iran amid renewed escalation with the U.S.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country will defend “every inch” of its territory amid heightened tensions with the United States, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had eliminated much of Iran’s military capabilities. “We will defend every inch of our homeland with our actions,” Pezeshkian said in a state television interview.

The president’s remarks came amid escalating hostilities, after U.S. strikes in southern Iran in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran in turn launched missiles and drones at U.S. targets in the region.

“His rhetoric continues, but the question is: have they achieved their objectives on the battlefield?” Pezeshkian asked, referring to Trump’s statements and U.S. military actions.

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Daman, a coastal enclave on India’s western shore, remained under Portuguese administration for over four centuries, even after India gained independence in 1947. Today, covering just 72 square kilometers, Daman is part of a broader administrative reorganization: since January 26, 2020, it is one of the districts within the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Located on the Arabian Sea and near the state of Gujarat, Daman sits at the mouth of the Daman Ganga River, which divides the city into Moti Daman and Nani Daman. Its position allowed control over maritime routes and made the area a strategic point contested by regional powers and later by European states seeking dominance in the Indian Ocean.

Portuguese influence is evident in the architecture and urban layout. Fortifications, churches and other colonial structures remain, distinguishing Daman from many other Indian cities whose colonial history was dominated by Britain. Daman’s final incorporation into India took place in December 1961 through a military operation that ended Portuguese control over the last European enclaves in the region, according to the official government website.

The port before and during European expansion

Before the arrival of Europeans, Daman belonged to several Indian polities: the Maurya Empire, the Satavahanas, the Kshatrapas and the Chalukyas. In the 15th century, the port came under the rule of the Gujarat Sultanate, which allowed authorities to control maritime routes and levy duties on regional trade.

Portuguese interest began in the early 16th century. Local accounts say Captain Diogo de Melo arrived in Daman in 1523 by chance after a storm diverted his ship. Portugal aimed to establish a network of ports and fortresses in Asia to protect its trade routes, with main centers in Goa, Diu and Bassein. After decades of clashes and negotiations, Portugal established definitive control over Daman in 1559 during the administration of Viceroy Constantino de Braganza.

Fortresses and churches: the Portuguese legacy

From 1559, Daman was incorporated into the Portuguese State of India, alongside other enclaves such as Goa and Diu. Portuguese rule lasted 402 years. During that time the port served as a commercial and strategic base, and colonial influence is visible in the built environment and religious sites.

Prominent among the remains is the Moti Daman Fort, whose construction began in 1559 and was completed in 1581. The complex includes stone ramparts, monumental gates and bastions oriented toward the river and the sea. Within the fort stood administrative buildings and churches, including the Church of Bom Jesus—founded in 1559 and consecrated in 1603—which still preserves carved wooden altars and decorative elements typical of Portuguese churches of the period.

These characteristics help explain why Daman differs from other colonial territories in India: here the primary European power was Portugal, and administrative continuity persisted into the 20th century.

From Operation Vijay to the current reorganization

Although India became independent from the United Kingdom in 1947, Portugal retained control over Goa, Daman and Diu. After years of negotiations and diplomatic efforts, the situation was resolved in December 1961 with Operation Vijay, an Indian military offensive that resulted in the Portuguese surrender in those enclaves. The annexation of the territories was formalized on December 19, 1961, according to the Government of Goa.

The territories were organized as the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. In 1987, Goa became a state, and Daman and Diu became a separate union territory. The most recent administrative unification occurred on January 26, 2020, when Dadra and Nagar Haveli merged with Daman and Diu into a single union territory, consolidating three districts under direct administration by the national government.

Daman’s history reflects a distinct case within India’s colonial and postcolonial map, marked by the persistence of Portuguese influence and by recent administrative changes.

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Daman es un pequeño enclave costero en la costa occidental de India que permaneció bajo administración portuguesa por más de cuatro siglos, incluso después de la independencia india en 1947. Con una superficie de apenas 72 kilómetros cuadrados, hoy forma parte del territorio de la Unión denominado Dadra y Nagar Haveli y Daman y Diu, una reorganización administrativa vigente desde el 26 de enero de 2020.

Ubicado sobre el mar Arábigo y próximo al estado de Gujarat, Daman se sitúa en la desembocadura del río Daman Ganga, que divide la ciudad en dos sectores conocidos como Moti Daman y Nani Daman. Su posición en la costa le permitió ejercer control sobre rutas marítimas importantes, lo que lo convirtió en un punto estratégico que atrajo la atención tanto de potencias regionales como de expedientes europeos interesados en el comercio del océano Índico.

La presencia portuguesa dejó una huella visible en el trazado urbano y en numerosos edificios: fortificaciones, iglesias y otras obras coloniales distinguen a Daman de muchas otras localidades indias donde predominó la influencia británica. La incorporación definitiva de Daman a la India se produjo en diciembre de 1961, cuando una operación militar puso fin al dominio portugués en los últimos enclaves europeos de la región, según los registros oficiales.

El puerto antes y durante la expansión europea

Antes de la llegada de los europeos, el territorio de Daman formó parte de distintos reinos y estados indios, entre ellos el Imperio Maurya, los satavahanas, los kshatrapas y los chalukyas. En el siglo XV pasó a depender del Sultanato de Gujarat, lo que le otorgó importancia como punto de control y recaudación sobre el comercio marítimo local.

El interés portugués por la zona se remonta a los albores del siglo XVI. Según las crónicas locales, el capitán Diogo de Melo arribó a Daman en 1523 tras una tormenta que desvió su nave. Portugal buscaba establecer una red de puertos y fortalezas en Asia para proteger sus rutas comerciales, con núcleos principales en Goa, Diu y Bassein. Después de décadas de enfrentamientos y tratados, Portugal consolidó su control sobre Daman en 1559 durante la administración del virrey Constantino de Braganza.

Fortalezas e iglesias: legado portugués

Desde 1559, Daman integró el Estado portugués de la India junto a otros enclaves como Goa y Diu, bajo un dominio que se prolongó por alrededor de 402 años. Durante ese tiempo el puerto funcionó tanto como base comercial como punto estratégico, mientras la colonización se manifestó en la construcción de fortificaciones y edificios religiosos.

Entre los vestigios más notables está el Fuerte de Moti Daman, cuya edificación se inició en 1559 y finalizó en 1581; el complejo incluye muros, puertas monumentales y bastiones orientados hacia el río y el mar, además de construcciones administrativas en su interior. Dentro del recinto destaca la Iglesia de Bom Jesus, fundada en 1559 y consagrada en 1603, que conserva altares de madera tallada y elementos decorativos característicos de la arquitectura religiosa portuguesa de la época.

Estos rasgos arquitectónicos y urbanísticos explican por qué Daman presenta una fisonomía distinta a la de otros territorios coloniales indios, donde la influencia europea predominante fue la británica; en Daman, el legado portugués permaneció de forma más continuada hasta el siglo XX.

De la Operación Vijay a la reorganización actual

Aunque India alcanzó la independencia del Reino Unido en 1947, Portugal mantuvo su control sobre Goa, Daman y Diu durante más de una década. Tras años de intentos diplomáticos y reclamos, la situación se resolvió en diciembre de 1961 mediante la Operación Vijay, una intervención militar india que culminó con la rendición portuguesa y la anexión de esos territorios, formalizada el 19 de diciembre de 1961, según documentación gubernamental.

Posteriormente, los territorios fueron administrados como el territorio de la Unión de Goa, Daman y Diu. En 1987 Goa pasó a ser un estado de la India, mientras que Daman y Diu quedaron constituidos como un territorio separado. La última reorganización tuvo lugar el 26 de enero de 2020, cuando Dadra y Nagar Haveli se fusionó con Daman y Diu para formar un único territorio de la Unión, agrupando tres distritos bajo la administración directa del gobierno central.

La historia de Daman evidencia una singularidad dentro del paisaje colonial y poscolonial de India: un prolongado legado portugués que sigue presente en su arquitectura y configuración urbana, junto a cambios administrativos recientes que han redefinido su estatus político.

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France’s National Assembly voted on Wednesday to approve a law legalizing both euthanasia and assisted suicide for adults with incurable illnesses and severe suffering. The bill passed its third and final reading in the lower house, with 291 deputies in favor and 241 against, concluding a legislative process of more than a year that was marked by debate in the Senate, which has a conservative majority.

The new law establishes the right to medical assistance in dying under strict conditions: it can only be requested by adults who are French citizens or legal residents and who are suffering from a serious, incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage that causes physical or psychological suffering considered unbearable and without possible relief. The person must also express their wish freely, with full information and while fully capable of making the decision.

The procedure requires the request to be made in writing to a physician, who must respond within a maximum of 15 days after consulting other professionals. If the request is approved, the patient must confirm their decision after a minimum reflection period of two days.

The protocol also requires that alternatives such as palliative care be offered and reminds that the person can withdraw the request at any time. If the patient is physically unable to self-administer the medication, a doctor or nurse will carry out the intervention.

The law includes a conscience clause for healthcare workers, but any professional who refuses to participate is required to refer the patient to another colleague willing to perform the procedure.

The bill originated as an initiative of President Emmanuel Macron, who since 2024 has sought to make regulation of medical assistance in dying one of the main social achievements of his second term, which ends in May 2027.

The bill went through multiple parliamentary stages: it was approved twice by the National Assembly and rejected twice by the Senate, forcing successive revisions and negotiations to secure the necessary consensus.

The law will now be reviewed by the Constitutional Council, to which the government has appealed over doubts about specific aspects of the text, such as the two-day reflection period and the conditions applicable to people under legal guardianship. There will also be questions about the compatibility between the conscience clause for healthcare professionals and the operation of medical and social care centers dedicated to end-of-life care, which do not accept hastening death but also do not engage in aggressive life-prolonging treatment.

The French Catholic Church expressed its opposition to the law, calling it a serious rupture in the country’s history and warning about the changes it would imply for society’s approach to vulnerability, disability, aging and illness.

Macron, in a social media statement, emphasized the importance of democratic debate and thanked parliamentarians for the constructive tone of the discussion. He also acknowledged the contributions of citizens, caregivers and organizations that participated in the citizens’ convention convened to advise on the issue.

For his part, Senate President Gérard Larcher said he intends to refer the law to the Constitutional Council, adding to the review process.

Before Wednesday’s vote, French law since 2016 allowed deep and continuous sedation for terminally ill patients with a short life expectancy. The new measure places France among European countries that have legalized, under certain conditions, euthanasia or assisted suicide—such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland—as well as countries like Canada and Uruguay.

The government hopes the Constitutional Council’s review will clarify any doubts and ensure that implementation of the law fully respects the principles of human dignity and personal freedom. With this legislative decision, France completes a long period of social and parliamentary debate and redefines the legal framework regarding the right to assisted death in the country.

(With information from EFE and Europa Press)

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France’s National Assembly voted on and approved on Wednesday a law that legalizes both euthanasia and assisted suicide for adults with incurable illnesses and severe suffering. The text passed its third and final reading in the lower house, where 291 deputies voted in favor and 241 against, concluding a legislative process of more than a year marked by debates in the Senate, which has a conservative majority.

The new law guarantees the right to medical assistance in dying under strict conditions: it may be requested only by adults who are French nationals or legal residents and who are suffering from a serious, incurable disease in an advanced or terminal stage that causes physical or psychological suffering considered unbearable and without possibility of relief. In addition, the person must express their will freely, with informed consent and while fully capable.

The procedure requires the request to be made in writing to a physician, who must respond within a maximum of 15 days after consulting other professionals. If the request is approved, the patient must confirm their decision after a minimum reflection period of two days.

The protocol also provides the option to present alternatives such as palliative care and reminds that the person can withdraw at any time. When the patient is not physically able to self-administer the medication, the intervention will be carried out by a doctor or a nurse.

The law includes a conscience clause for healthcare personnel, but a professional who refuses to participate is obliged to refer the patient to another colleague willing to perform the procedure.

The text originated as an initiative of President Emmanuel Macron, who since 2024 has sought to make the regulation of medical assistance in dying one of the main social achievements of his second term, which ends in May 2027.

The bill went through multiple parliamentary stages: it received the National Assembly’s backing twice and faced two rejections in the Senate, which forced successive revisions and negotiations to reach the necessary consensus.

The law will now be reviewed by the Constitutional Council, to which the government has referred matters because of doubts about specific aspects of the text, such as the two-day reflection period and the conditions applicable to people under legal guardianship. The review will also consider the compatibility between the conscience clause for healthcare professionals and the operation of medical and social end-of-life centers that refuse to hasten death but also avoid therapeutic obstinacy.

The French Catholic Church expressed its opposition to the law’s approval. It described the measure as a serious rupture in the country’s history and warned about the changes it would entail in how society relates to vulnerability, disability, old age and illness.

Macron, in a statement on social media, highlighted the importance of the democratic debate and thanked parliamentarians for the constructive tone of the discussion. He also acknowledged the contributions of citizens, caregivers and associations that participated in the citizens’ convention convened to advise on the issue.

For his part, the President of the Senate, Gérard Larcher, announced his intention to appeal to the Constitutional Council, adding another step to the law’s review process.

Prior to Wednesday’s vote, French law since 2016 allowed continuous deep sedation for terminally ill patients with a short life expectancy. The new regulation places France among the European countries that have legalized, under specific conditions, euthanasia or assisted suicide—such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland—as well as countries like Canada and Uruguay.

The government expects that the Constitutional Council’s review will clarify any doubts and ensure that the law’s implementation fully respects the principles of human dignity and personal freedom. With this legislative decision, France has concluded a prolonged period of social and parliamentary debate and has redefined the legal framework on the right to assisted death in the country.

(With information from EFE and Europa Press)

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Brent crude closed Wednesday at $84.95 per barrel, up 0.26%, as markets assessed the impact of the U.S. resumption of a naval blockade of Iranian ports that took effect Tuesday. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. benchmark, rose 0.33% to close at $79.60.

North Sea crude has recorded a week-long upward trend after an initial jump of nearly 9.6% on Monday, although gains have since moderated. The price remains close to the psychological $85-per-barrel mark, its highest level of the month, according to market analyst Fiona Cincotta.

Despite the increase, investors traded without a clear direction. Uncertainty centers on Washington’s strategy in the Middle East, compounded by a reversal from President Donald Trump, who earlier in the week announced a 20% toll for vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently abandoned the plan.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said Wednesday on social platform X that, since the blockade was reimposed, its forces diverted two commercial vessels that, the command said, “were attempting to evade it.” “The U.S. military remains vigilant and prepared to ensure full compliance,” the agency added.

Only 13 commercial vessels transited the strait on Tuesday, according to data from analytics firm Kpler. The figure reflects the immediate effect of the measures on maritime traffic along one of the world’s busiest energy routes.

Cincotta warned of growing market concern that Iran could “use its Houthi allies in Yemen to disrupt shipping” through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, potentially restricting another key route for global energy supplies. Analyst David Morrison of Trade Nation added that, although both sides have claimed control of the Strait of Hormuz, “there is no doubt that Tehran is in a position to attack vessels” attempting to pass through the waterway.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) published an analysis Wednesday warning that renewed hostilities in the Middle East could have significant repercussions for the global economy and the oil market.

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U.S. forces fired missiles at a commercial tanker that was attempting to proceed to an Iranian port after ignoring multiple warnings, as part of the resumption of a naval blockade on vessels bound to or from Iran, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Wednesday.

According to a statement published by CENTCOM on the social platform X, U.S. forces detected the M/T Belma, an oil tanker flying the Curaçao flag, while it was sailing in international waters heading toward Kharg Island, one of Iran’s main oil export terminals.

“The commercial vessel ignored multiple warnings while attempting to violate the U.S. blockade,” the military body said. In response, a U.S. aircraft fired Hellfire missiles at the ship’s funnel, disabling it and preventing it from continuing toward Iran.

The tanker “is no longer en route to Iran,” CENTCOM stated, confirming that its forces have reinstated naval blockade measures against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

The operation took place in the early hours of a new phase of increased U.S. military pressure on Tehran. CENTCOM reported that the blockade was reactivated at 16:00 Eastern Time on July 14 and that, within the first 24 hours, its forces diverted two commercial vessels that complied with orders and neutralized one that did not comply.

The incident followed a second wave of U.S. strikes against Iran aimed at military capabilities Washington says have been used to threaten ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

The U.S. offensive began at 15:00 Eastern (19:00 GMT) and targeted assets intended to “degrade Iran’s ability to threaten navigation” in that strategic Gulf shipping corridor, CENTCOM said.

During those strikes, U.S. forces used precision munitions against coastal defense systems, storage facilities and cruise missile launch platforms located on Greater Tunb Island in the Persian Gulf.

The new military escalation follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration that a truce with Tehran has ended and his directive to resume a pressure campaign against the Iranian regime. The recent U.S. strikes add to earlier operations against Iranian military targets that Washington says further degraded Tehran’s offensive capabilities.

At the same time, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) accused Iran of pushing the Middle East toward a new crisis through attacks on Arab member states of the organization, as well as actions against Jordan.

Tehran, for its part, accused the United States of having “shattered” the memorandum of understanding intended to end the conflict and reported more than 30 civilian deaths from recent U.S. strikes.

Trump said this week that he is not seeking negotiations with Iran for now, although he acknowledged that representatives of both countries have held contacts while Tehran continues to seek an agreement with Washington.

Tensions are concentrated in the Persian Gulf, where the Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint for global oil transport. Any prolonged disruption to that route could affect international energy markets.

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U.S. forces reinforced naval blockade measures against Iran on Wednesday by disabling a commercial tanker that was attempting to sail to an Iranian port in international waters of the Arabian Gulf, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported.

According to a statement posted on the social network X, U.S. forces detected the tanker M/T Belma, flagged in Curaçao, while it was transiting toward Kharg Island, one of Iran’s main oil export hubs.

CENTCOM said the vessel ignored “multiple warnings” as it tried to continue its route and violated U.S. restrictions on ships destined for or coming from Iranian ports.

“A U.S. aircraft disabled the vessel after firing Hellfire missiles at the ship’s funnel,” the statement said. After the strike, the tanker ceased advancing toward Iran and was no longer en route to that country.

The incident occurred as U.S. naval blockade operations against vessels linked to Iranian ports and coastal areas were resumed. According to CENTCOM, these measures were reinstated at 4:00 p.m. Eastern on July 14.

During the first 24 hours of the blockade’s enforcement, U.S. forces reported diverting two commercial ships that complied with navigation instructions and neutralizing one vessel that did not heed the warnings.

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The United States Armed Forces launched a new wave of attacks against Iran on Wednesday, CENTCOM confirmed, saying the operation was ordered by President Donald Trump.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said that “at 3:00 p.m. ET, U.S. forces launched operations for a second wave of attacks today against Iran.”

The military command explained that the strikes “are directed at Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels transiting freely through the Strait of Hormuz, an international waterway vital to global trade.”

CENTCOM also said that “the United States military is holding Iran accountable at the direction of the commander in chief,” referring to President Donald Trump.

The new offensive comes hours after Washington confirmed the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports and coasts and announced the diversion of two commercial vessels that, the Pentagon said, attempted to evade U.S. restrictions.

Since the resumption of military operations, the conflict has spread across multiple fronts in the region. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had struck U.S. Fifth Fleet positions in Bahrain, while Bahraini authorities reported intercepting projectiles aimed at civilian targets. Jordan also confirmed that its air defenses shot down three missiles launched by Iran toward its territory.

Tensions also reached northern Iraq, where explosions were reported overnight near the U.S. consulate in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region. So far authorities have not reported casualties or detailed the extent of those incidents.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump hardened his rhetoric toward Tehran and warned that the military campaign could expand in coming days if the Iranian regime does not agree to resume negotiations. “Next week things will be very bad for them,” he said in an interview with Fox News.

Despite the escalation of fighting, diplomatic channels have not been completely closed. However, the speaker of Iran’s parliament and the regime’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said that the memorandum signed with Washington was voided after the U.S. decision to reinstate the naval blockade.

“A memorandum of understanding only makes sense when its clauses are valid and are upheld. If Iran does not obtain any benefit from the agreement, we have no reason to honor it,” he said.

The focal point of the confrontation remains the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas trade transits. Iran again restricted transit through the strait after accusing the United States of failing to honor agreed commitments, while Washington responded with new military operations and the reinstatement of maritime restrictions on Iranian ports.

CENTCOM said the attacks aim to degrade the regime’s military capacity to threaten commercial navigation. In recent hours, Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Bandar Imam Khomeini and later in Bushehr, the city that hosts the country’s only civilian nuclear power plant.

The conflict has also begun to affect civilians and maritime transport in the region. A Norwegian tanker suffered an explosion off the coast of Oman caused by an undetermined device, while Kuwait reported that one of its naval vessels was struck during an Iranian missile and drone attack, an incident that left four crew members injured.

Trump also announced that he had decided not to impose a 20% levy on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a measure proposed days earlier. Instead, he said he would pursue trade and investment agreements with Gulf countries allied with Washington.

According to the Iranian regime, the U.S. strikes resumed last week have killed at least 30 civilians, while the country’s armed forces reported that seven additional military personnel were killed during attacks carried out on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that his country would respond “harshly” if Iran chose to extend attacks into Israeli territory.

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