Key development: The US just hit dozens of military targets across Iran in a two-hour operation last night, killing at least three people including a toddler, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are promising to retaliate “today.”
Military Operations
(Update) The US struck dozens of Iranian military sites overnight in a major two-hour operation. First serious escalation after nearly two weeks of reduced bombing. (France 24, Al Jazeera)
Context: The strikes hit Revolutionary Guard command centers, drone and missile facilities, and coastal defense sites across Iran including Qeshm Island and Bushehr. At least three people were killed, including a two-year-old child. Video from Qeshm shows extensive damage. This ends the bombing pause that lasted nearly two weeks. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are now promising to “punish the aggressor today.”
Sources: France 24 | Al Jazeera | France 24 Live
(Update) A drone hit a US-owned gas tanker docked at Egypt’s Damietta port. First attack on Egyptian soil in this conflict. (France 24, Euronews) [UNCONFIRMED - no group has claimed responsibility]
Context: The strike caused fires on two ships at the Mediterranean port. This marks an escalation from threats and Saudi targets to an actual attack on US assets in Egypt, pulling a new country directly into the conflict zone. Preliminary investigations confirm it was a drone strike, but no one has taken credit yet.
(Update) Iran launched fresh missile attacks on US forces across the Middle East. Breaking days of relative quiet. (France 24)
Context: The new wave targeted US bases in multiple locations including Jordan. This comes as the US and Saudi Arabia also struck Tehran-backed militias in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers. The attacks show Iran resuming offensive operations after a brief lull.
Sources: France 24
Israeli strikes killed at least four people including children across Gaza. Happened while Hamas officials were meeting with mediators in Cairo. (Al Jazeera)
Context: The bombings occurred as Hamas met with Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators to discuss a possible truce. The timing complicates ceasefire negotiations that are already fragile.
Sources: Al Jazeera
US Policy
(Update) Iraq’s prime minister just canceled his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Direct fallout from the US-Saudi strikes on Iraqi militias. (France 24)
Context: Trump confirmed on Fox News that the US and Saudi Arabia coordinated the strikes with Iraq’s government, but Iraq is calling them a “blatant violation” anyway. The canceled meeting shows real diplomatic damage despite claimed coordination. Trump said the US will hit Iran “hard” after the Jordan base attacks.
Diplomacy
(Update) Oman just formally presented Iran with a Gulf plan to jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz. Would include voluntary shipping fees to ease tensions. (France 24)
Context: This is a concrete counter-proposal after months of Iranian demands for control over the strait. The Gulf-backed plan aims to restore stable shipping after months of disruptions from the conflict and attacks on commercial vessels. It’s now on Iran’s desk for a response.
Sources: France 24
Economy
Bank of England held interest rates steady, citing Middle East conflict and volatile energy prices. (Euronews) [UNCONFIRMED - sole source]
Context: Although UK inflation fell in June, the Bank of England maintained rates at 3.75% as renewed conflict in the Middle East and volatile energy prices clouded the economic outlook.
Sources: Euronews
What to watch: Iran promised retaliation “today” for the US strikes, so we could see another round of attacks on American forces or assets within hours.