The US military has launched a fresh wave of attacks against Iran amid the escalating standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to declare that diplomatic efforts have been rendered futile. The strikes mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, with oil prices surging as a result.
Iran Responds to US Attacks
Iran responded to the US strikes by attacking countries in the region that host US military forces. Jordan’s army reported shooting down four Iranian missiles, while Kuwait’s military said it was responding to “hostile aerial targets” on Monday as Iran carried out strikes on US interests in the Gulf. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the latest wave of attacks, stating they had “rendered futile all efforts of the past few months to reduce tension and establish peace in the west Asian region.” The ministry added that the US had “caused the return of insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and disruption of international commercial shipping.”
Is the Strait of Hormuz Open?
Iran stated on Sunday that passage through the waterway was not possible due to what it called recent illegal US military movements in the region. The US, however, said its forces were positioned to safeguard freedom of navigation and reiterated that an “expanded” southern route near the Oman coastline was available for two-way traffic despite the severe security threat.
Lindsey Graham Dies at 71
Lindsey Graham, the longtime US senator from South Carolina and a key ally of Donald Trump, has died from a sudden illness at age 71. Graham had served in the Senate since 2003 and was running for re-election in November. His death came as a personal blow to Trump, for whom he was a political cheerleader and frequent golf partner. Tributes poured in from figures including JD Vance, George W. Bush, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Benjamin Netanyahu. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a new senator to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends on 3 January. The appointee will likely have an advantage in a special primary election on 11 August to secure a spot on the November ballot, where they will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who has gained significant support in the red state.
Sam Neill Dies at 78
Sam Neill, the versatile New Zealand actor known for roles in The Piano and Jurassic Park, has died at age 78. His death was announced on Monday via a statement on his Instagram account; no cause was given. Neill had recently revealed he was cancer-free after being diagnosed with stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) in 2022. He came to international attention in 1993 with two performances: as Alisdair Stewart in Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning The Piano and as Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, a role originally offered to Harrison Ford. Over five decades, Neill amassed more than 150 credits and was once a leading candidate to succeed Roger Moore as James Bond, losing out to Timothy Dalton after a screen test in 1986.
Other Notable News
US congressman Ro Khanna has accused Israel’s IDF of lying about his detention by settlers and soldiers, following accusations from the Israeli ambassador that he staged a political stunt. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was hospitalized after a fall, ending weeks of silence. New York City’s Guggenheim Museum tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease, joining 31 buildings on the Upper East Side ordered to clean and disinfect cooling towers. Flash flooding in Missouri left one person dead and 200 campers rescued. Martha Lillard, the last known US polio survivor using an iron lung, died at 78.
Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Ends Abruptly
Conor McGregor’s return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas ended after just 69 seconds of the first round due to a knee injury. Fighting for the first time in over five years, the 37-year-old McGregor landed awkwardly on his right knee after launching a left roundhouse kick.
Climate and Environment
A plan to bury carbon under remote Indiana farmland has alarmed residents who fear it could mean the end of their town. The carbon sequestration project, funded by US tax dollars, involves capturing industrial CO2 emissions and burying them underground. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the government struggles to manage waste at Bantar Gebang, Jakarta’s largest landfill, which supports thousands of waste pickers working in dangerous conditions.
Music and AI Controversy
A cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” by Josh Fawaz has become the most popular song on Australian radio stations, raising questions about the use of generative AI in music and whether its use should be declared.
