WORLD

The 60-day U.S.-Iran peace memorandum expired today with no resolution over the Strait of Hormuz, continued fighting, and rising tensions in the region.

Ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz plunged 33% on Friday, amid tense negotiations involving Iran, Oman, and indirect U.S. contacts, as Iran maintains a closure of the vital waterway until its demands are met.

President Trump has called off new US military strikes on Iran after urgent appeals from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, citing fears of regional escalation and attacks on key infrastructure. Talks mediated by Gulf states have edged toward a partial agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The US paused airstrikes on Iran after two weeks of bombing failed to break the Strait of Hormuz blockade, as military leaders warned of depleted munitions and rising casualties. Global oil prices soared past $100. Diplomatic efforts involving Oman are underway.

Three US service members have been killed in consecutive Iran-linked attacks in Iraq and Jordan, with ongoing retaliatory strikes raising concerns over a wider regional conflict.

A massive fire tore through a beer hall in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district just before midnight on July 13, 2026, killing at least 27 people and injuring 63 more. Authorities are investigating the cause as survivors recount harrowing scenes and officials face scrutiny over safety standards.

Massive crowds attended the July 5 funeral for slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, while his successor and son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent amid ongoing security concerns.

Deadly clashes and airstrikes at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have killed dozens, with both sides trading blame as hundreds have died since February 2026.

Keir Starmer has resigned as British Prime Minister after weeks of political upheaval, criticism from global figures including Donald Trump, and mounting pressure within his own Labour Party. Andy Burnham emerges as the frontrunner to succeed him.

The United States and Iran have struck a 14-point agreement to end military operations, withdraw U.S. forces near Iran, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with the formal signing set for Friday in Switzerland.