President Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. is reinstating the naval blockade on Iran and will prevent any ships from leaving or entering Iranian ports. The blockade will go into effect on July 14 at 4pm ET.
Trump also claimed the U.S. would be „reimbursed“ at a rate of 20% for securing safe passage for cargo ships, though the details and seriousness of the initiative were not immediately clear.
ISLAMABAD/TEHRAN – Pakistan on Sunday stepped up diplomatic engagement with Iran as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate amid fresh US military strikes and growing security concerns in Strait of Hormuz.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which both leaders discussed the deteriorating regional situation.
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has summoned Mousa Farhang, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Sultanate of Oman, to hand him a formal note of protest following the targeting of sites in the Governorates of Musandam and Al Wusta by unmanned aerial vehicles.
The note of protest was handed over by Shaikh Khalid bin Hashil al Musalhi, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs, when he received the Iranian Ambassador in Muscat today.
„A second vessel accused of violating regulations in the Strait of Hormuz has been struck,“ the Guards said in a statement carried by state television IRIB, adding they had also attacked a US base in Qatar.
The U.S. military has concluded its latest round of strikes on Iran, U.S. Central Command announced late Saturday night. It marked the third round of strikes this week targeting Tehran‘s regime.
(July 3, 2026)
His last public appearance was on February 8, mere weeks before he was reportedly missing after the deaths of Khamenei and other Revolutionary Guards officials during Operation Epic Fury on February 28.
(July 4, 2026)
The fate of General Vahidi, who disappeared before the February 28 operation that killed Ayatollah Khamenei and many senior Revolutionary Guard officials, including former commander Mohammad Pakpour, had long been a subject of debate. Vahidi, attending Khamenei‘s funeral ceremony held ahead of the 40-day national mourning period starting this weekend, was captured by Iranian state media cameras mourning at the side of the coffin.
(July 7, 2026)
His absence was particularly notable during the main funeral procession through Tehran on Monday, where three of Ali Khamenei‘s sons-Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud-were shown praying beside the family‘s coffins. Mojtaba did not appear alongside them, nor has he delivered a public speech or recorded message since assuming the country‘s highest office in March.
According to reports, Iranian security officials have discouraged Mojtaba from attending the remaining funeral ceremonies because they believe he could become a target for another Israeli attack.
Officials have reportedly rejected his request to attend the final burial in Mashhad, citing continuing security threats.
(March 22, 2026)
Despite the expectations of CIA and Mossad for a traditional New Year’s speech, Mojtaba Khamenei remained out of sight, issuing only a text-based statement on Telegram for Nowruz.
Sources cited by The Jerusalem Post indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may currently hold the reins of the country, with one source suggesting the Guard is controlling Mojtaba rather than following his lead.
Qatar’s defense ministry said on Sunday morning local time its armed forces had intercepted a missile attack targeting the country.
(1 hour ago)
Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB, reported that at least 12 explosions have been heard in different parts of Bushehr, including five in the port city of Bandar-e Deyr, four in Asaluyeh and three in the city of Bushehr.
Earlier, the IRGC Navy reported having been forced to fire a warning shot at a vessel after several ships ignored its instructions regarding navigation through the strait.
Describing the incident involving the trespassing vessel, the force said the ship had switched off its onboard systems, therefore, posing a threat to maritime safety.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) says it has received a report of an incident some nine nautical miles (about 17km) east of the Omani coast.
“Military authorities have reported that a container ship has sustained damage to the rear of the vessel, which has caused a fire on board,” it said.
“Vessels are advised to transit with caution,” it added.
The alert came moments after CENTCOM announced the start of a third round of strikes on Iran, citing an Iranian attack on a Cyprus-flagged ship in the strait.