Iran missiles hit Gulf states as US strikes escalate, Strait of Hormuz closed

Iran fires missiles at Gulf states after US strikes, Strait of Hormuz closed Iranian missiles and drones targeted UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan overnight, injuring three in Qatar. The US had struck 140 Iranian targets, and Iran's IRGC declared the Strait of Hormuz closed indefinitely. 1234

Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after brief illness following Ukraine trip The South Carolina Republican and close Trump ally died of cardiac arrest on July 11, just a day after meeting President Zelensky in Kyiv. World leaders including Trump, Zelensky, and Netanyahu paid tribute. 5678910

Ukraine strikes 28 Russian shadow fleet vessels in Sea of Azov Ukrainian drones hit 21 tankers and seven other vessels overnight July 11, part of a campaign that has struck 76 vessels in six days. Russia reportedly halted shipping through the Don-Azov Canal and Kerch Strait. 111213

China test-fires submarine-launched ballistic missile into Pacific The test on July 6 drew criticism from regional powers, with the US calling it an ICBM. Analysts say it shows progress toward an operational nuclear strike capability that could target Guam and Hawaii. 14

14 nations and EU reaffirm 2016 ruling against China's South China Sea claims The US, UK, and 12 other countries issued a joint statement on July 12 rejecting China's expansive claims as illegal. China reiterated it does not accept the ruling. 15