US Strikes Iran 10th Night, Ukraine Swarms Moscow, Hamas Elects New Chief

The United States and Iran entered a tenth consecutive day of direct combat as CENTCOM struck Iranian military targets and the IRGC hit US assets in Kuwait and Bahrain, while tankers burned in the Strait of Hormuz. Ukraine escalated the conflict by swarming Moscow with over 400 drones, wounding a dozen people and hitting an oil depot, as President Zelenskyy confronted a political crisis over his defense leadership. Separately, Hamas elected hardliner Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader, Colombia faced a tense standoff over the transfer of power, and Israel killed Hamas commanders who held October 7 hostages.

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US and Iran escalate for tenth night as Hormuz tanker war intensifies The US military conducted its tenth consecutive wave of strikes against Iran, hitting command centers and air defenses to protect shipping lanes, while Iran’s IRGC claimed it targeted US assets in Kuwait and Bahrain. Two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz were struck, and Bulgaria’s parliament began debating whether to join the US tanker protection mission. 1 2 3 4

Ukraine rains 400 drones on Moscow as political rift rattles Kyiv Ukraine’s massive drone assault on the Russian capital wounded 10 people and ignited an oil depot near Moscow. The attack followed Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and Odesa that killed at least 10. At home, President Zelenskyy faced street protests after replacing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a symbol of military innovation, with a more traditional security figure. 5 6

Hamas elects hardliner Khalil al-Hayya as new political leader Hamas’s internal elections concluded with Khalil al-Hayya winning a run-off against Khaled Meshaal to lead the political bureau. Al-Hayya, a close Sinwar ally who served as chief negotiator during the 2025 ceasefire, survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha and is expected to maintain a hawkish line. 7 8

Colombia’s Petro defies president-elect over military ahead of inauguration Outgoing President Gustavo Petro delivered a farewell speech calling for protests and refused to allow president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella to be sworn in at a military base. Petro insists no military facility can be used for the ceremony, escalating a power transfer standoff just weeks before the August 7 handover. 9

IDF kills Hamas commanders who held Israeli hostages since October 7 The Israeli military and Shin Bet killed Adham Nasman, a Hamas battalion commander who held several high-profile hostages, including Romi Gonen and Emily Damari. In a separate strike, the IDF eliminated another commander involved in the October 7 attack and subsequent hostage-taking. 10 11

Marcos names new Philippine military chief amid South China Sea tensions Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete as the 61st Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, replacing General Romeo Brawner Jr. Nafarrete, a former Western Mindanao commander, takes the helm as territorial disputes with China continue. 12 13

São Tomé president Carlos Vila Nova wins second term in peaceful election Incumbent President Carlos Vila Nova secured over 55% of the vote in the island nation’s runoff election, defeating Nito Abreu. The election continues the country’s tradition of peaceful democratic transitions since the adoption of multiparty politics in 1990. 14