Headlines for July 13, 2026

The United States has escalated its military campaign against Iran, launching strikes on 140 Iranian targets, while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated by attacking U.S. military installations in multiple countries across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan. This tit-for-tat exchange follows Iran's announcement to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, and President Donald Trump's declaration that a previously agreed ceasefire was no longer in effect. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the renewed hostilities, urging both nations to return to diplomatic channels to resolve their differences. The conflict intensified following reports that the U.S. conducted air strikes targeting key infrastructure and military assets within Iran. These actions came amid heightened tensions over regional security and control of critical maritime routes. In response, the IRGC claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on U.S. bases, marking a significant shift in the ongoing geopolitical struggle. The situation has raised fears of broader regional instability, particularly given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global oil trade. Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, a new incident involving U.S. political figures unfolded. Armed Israeli settlers intercepted a vehicle carrying Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna during a visit to a Palestinian village that had been razed by settlers. Khanna described being detained for approximately 90 minutes by the settlers, who used U.S.-manufactured M4 rifles. His account highlights the growing risks faced by foreign diplomats and lawmakers operating in the region. The incident underscores the continued challenges posed by settler violence and the lack of accountability for past acts of aggression. Separately, a group of journalists, including CNN’s Jeremy Diamond, was attacked by Israeli settlers using clubs, rocks and a knife. Video footage captured the confrontation, showing the journalists attempting to flee as the attackers pursued them. The incident took place at a site linked to a previous fatal attack on U.S. citizen Saif Musallet, who was killed by a mob of settlers one year prior. Despite public calls for justice, no arrests have been made in connection with Musallet’s death. Israeli authorities reportedly detained four individuals in relation to the journalist assault, though details remain unclear. In another major development, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina passed away at the age of 71 due to a brief and sudden illness. Graham, known for his staunch advocacy of military interventions, had recently returned from a visit to Ukraine, where he engaged with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the meeting, he emphasized the need for increased U.S. military aid to Kyiv. Graham had long supported the U.S. and Israeli campaigns against Iran and backed the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His legacy includes advocating for prolonged U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and proposing a preemptive strike on North Korea. His passing marks the loss of a prominent figure in American foreign policy. As the situation continues to evolve, international observers are monitoring the potential consequences of the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Meanwhile, the incidents in the West Bank highlight persistent human rights concerns and the dangers faced by civilians and foreign visitors. With no immediate signs of de-escalation, the world watches closely for further developments in these complex and volatile scenarios.