IRGC claims two oil tankers exploded near the Strait of Hormuz after entering what it described as a mined area. The allegations, which have not been independently verified, come as military tensions between the United States and Iran continue to raise concerns over global shipping and energy security. IRGC Claims Two Oil Tankers Exploded Near Strait of Hormuz

Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval reviewed India-Myanmar security cooperation with his Myanmar counterpart, U Tin Aung San, during bilateral talks held around the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs’ Meeting in New Delhi. The engagement came as conflict inside Myanmar continues to create security, humanitarian and economic challenges along India’s northeastern frontier. Myanmar Risk to India’s Northeast

The Bangladesh BIMSTEC security meeting placed the Rohingya refugee crisis, maritime security, cyber security cooperation and Bay of Bengal security at the centre of regional discussions, urging member nations to strengthen cooperation against emerging security challenges. Bangladesh Calls for Stronger Regional Security at BIMSTEC Meeting Bangladesh urged BIMSTEC member nations to deepen cooperatio

Qatar intercepts missile attack after the country's armed forces successfully stopped an incoming threat, according to the Ministry of Defence. The incident comes as military tensions continue to rise across the Gulf, keeping regional defence forces on heightened alert. Qatar Intercepts Missile Attack Qatar's Ministry of Defence announced

An Iraqi armed group has reportedly announced a $10 million bounty targeting US President Donald Trump, according to reports carried by Iran's IRNA and Russia's RT. The claim has not been independently verified, and US officials had not publicly responded at the time of publication.   Iraqi Group Claims Trump Bounty An armed group identifying itself as the Islamic Resistance in

Pakistan security forces foil suicide attack in South Waziristan after terrorists attempted to ram an explosives-laden vehicle into a military post in Wana. The incident underscores the continuing threat from TTP militants and ongoing counter-terrorism operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and border regions. Pakistan Security Forces Foil Suicide Attack in South Waziristan Pakistan security forces successfully foiled a suicide attack after terrorists attempted to drive an explosives-laden vehicle into a military post in the Kari Kot area of Wana, Lower South Waziristan, on Thursday. According to official security officials quoted by Dawn, troops responded immediately, killing four terrorists before they could reach the target. No military personnel were injured during the attack, and security forces quickly secured the area before launching clearance operations. Authorities have placed the surrounding region under heightened security while teams continue searching for any remaining militants or explosive materials. Officials said the prompt response prevented what could have been a major attack on the military installation. Wana Attack Highlights Ongoing Terror Threat South Waziristan has remained one of Pakistan's most sensitive security regions since the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Militant violence has continued despite repeated military campaigns aimed at restoring stability. The latest incident follows a similar attempted suicide attack near Azam Warsak Bazaar in May, where one civilian lost his life and fifteen others were injured after terrorists targeted another military post. In November 2025, security forces also stopped an assault on Cadet College Wana before attackers could reach students and staff, preventing what officials described as a potentially devastating incident. These repeated attacks demonstrate that militant groups continue to view South Waziristan as a strategic target despite sustained military pressure. Operation Shaban Intensifies Counter-Terror Efforts Pakistan's security agencies have expanded Operation Shaban across border districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to eliminate militant networks operating near the Afghanistan border. The campaign involves coordinated operations by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, and intelligence agencies. Officials say dozens of militants have been killed since early July, with some reports placing the combined death toll from recent operations close to one hundred. Security checkpoints have also been strengthened across vulnerable border routes to disrupt militant movement and prevent cross-border infiltration. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, terrorist violence increased significantly during May, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, reflecting the continuing security challenges facing the country. TTP Militants Remain the Primary Threat The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), officially referred to by the Pakistani government as Fitna al-Khawarij, remains the country's most active militant organization. The group intensified attacks following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 and has expanded operations further during 2024 and 2025. Alongside TTP, splinter militant factions and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) continue to operate across the rugged border region. Security analysts say these organizations exploit difficult terrain and cross-border movement to launch attacks against security forces and, in some cases, civilian targets. Pakistani authorities have reaffirmed that counter-terrorism operations will continue until militant networks are dismantled. Officials stated that intelligence-based operations, stronger border security, and coordination among military and law enforcement agencies remain central to efforts aimed at improving long-term stability in South Waziristan and neighboring districts. Information in this report is based on statements from Pakistani security officials and reporting by Dawn. Readers interested in related developments may also explore internal coverage on Global News, Terrorism & Security, Pakistan News, South Asia, and Border Security.

Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan, Harvard economist Raj Chetty and Microsoft executive Asha Sharma have joined newly formed Federal Reserve task forces examining major areas of US monetary policy. The panels will study the Fed’s balance sheet, economic data, employment, productivity, communications and inflation framework. Fed Review Brings Global Experts Into Policy Reform The US Federal

The United States will impose a 25% tariff on Brazilian imports following a year-long USTR Section 301 investigation. The action covers most Brazilian goods but includes tariff exemptions for selected products that could affect domestic supplies or cause wider economic disruption. Brazil Trade Tariff Covers Most Imported Goods The United States has announce

The United States has approved a potential $1.96 billion precision-weapons sale to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom faces renewed missile and drone threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement. The proposed package includes Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems designed to improve Saudi air defence and regional military coordination. Saudi defence receives major US weapons boost The US State Department approved the possi

US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Tehran by predicting that Iran would be defeated “very soon” while claiming its leaders urgently wanted an agreement with Washington. His comments combined the possibility of Iran talks with a warning that the United States would decide whether diplomacy moved forward. Trump Iran warning increases pressure on Tehran Trump made the remarks on July 15 after

US Senator Tom Cotton has backed President Donald Trump’s military strategy against Iran, arguing that Tehran and its regional allies cannot be trusted to honour agreements. His remarks came as new US strikes and Iranian threats over the Strait of Hormuz pushed the conflict into a more dangerous phase. Cotton Iran Remarks Target Tehran and Its Allies Cotton issued the warning in a July 15 post on X. The Arkan

The United States carried out a new round of military strikes against Iranian targets on July 15, saying the operation was intended to protect commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The latest action adds to growing tensions between Washington and Tehran as one of the world's most important energy corridors remains under close international watch. According to US Central Command, the operation focused on military assets that it said posed a threat to vessels using the strategic waterway. CENTCOM Iran operation targets maritime threats US Central Command said the strikes began at 1900 GMT and were directed at Iranian military capabilities allegedly being used to threaten ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement posted on its official X account, CENTCOM said the objective was to safeguard freedom of navigation in the region. The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly 20 percent of global oil supplies, making security in the area a major concern for governments, shipping companies and energy markets worldwide. The operation comes after weeks of heightened military activity across the Gulf region. Washington has repeatedly stated that maintaining open sea lanes remains a priority as regional tensions continue to increase. Strait of Hormuz remains global energy focus The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and serves as one of the world's busiest maritime routes. Any disruption can quickly affect international oil prices, shipping costs and supply chains. Energy analysts continue to monitor developments closely as uncertainty grows over future military actions in the region. Global governments have also urged restraint, warning that prolonged conflict could have significant economic consequences beyond the Middle East. Iran blasts reported in Ahvaz and Chabahar As the US operation unfolded, Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency reported explosions in several locations. Blasts were heard in Ahvaz in southwestern Iran, although the exact source was not immediately confirmed. Mehr also reported three explosions in the southeastern port city of Chabahar. Iranian authorities had not officially confirmed the cause of the explosions or released information regarding casualties at the time of reporting. Independent verification of the incidents also remained unavailable. Iran Parliament says diplomacy will continue Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the country would continue diplomatic efforts while maintaining military preparedness. In an official statement, he said Iran had never sought war but must remain ready to defend its national security and strategic interests. Ghalibaf accused the United States of attempting to weaken the Islamic Republic and described the current situation as an existential challenge. He argued that relying only on diplomacy or only on military action would be a strategic mistake, saying both approaches should remain available as the situation develops. The latest developments highlight the fragile security environment surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. With military operations continuing and diplomatic channels still open, governments and energy markets are expected to monitor events closely. Information in this report is based on official statements from US Central Command, comments released by Iranian parliamentary leadership and reports published by Iran's Mehr News Agency. Relevant internal links may include your Global News category, US News, Middle East coverage, Oil & Energy news, Geopolitics section, and previous articles covering the Strait of Hormuz, Iran-US relations, and CENTCOM operations.

The United States has carried out another round of attacks on Iranian military infrastructure as fighting around the Strait of Hormuz threatens commercial shipping and regional stability. CENTCOM said its latest verified operation targeted coastal defence systems, missile facilities, drones and maritime capabilities across several Iranian locations. US strikes Iran military targets across coastal regions US Cen

India faces renewed pressure over its Russian oil purchases after US President Donald Trump backed legislation designed to penalise countries that continue buying Russian energy. Although an earlier version proposed tariffs as high as 500%, the revised measure reportedly limits the maximum rate to 100%, making the original 500% figure outdated. US sanctions bill targets Russian energy buyers The legislation was

India will host the fifth BIMSTEC security meeting in New Delhi on July 16, bringing national security chiefs and advisers together to discuss counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, maritime security, cyber threats and stronger regional coordination. BIMSTEC Security Meeting in New Delhi India is set to host the fifth meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs and Advisers in New Delhi on Thursday, July 16,

US National Held Near Nepal Border With Chinese Passport A man claiming to be a United States citizen has been arrested near the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh after allegedly attempting to cross into Nepal through an unauthorised route without valid travel documents. Police identified him as Jordan Brown and said a Chinese passport, electronic devices, Nepalese currency and other belongings were recovered from his

India Launches Seafarer First Plan After Hormuz Attacks The Indian government has announced a comprehensive "Seafarer First" strategy to protect Indian sailors working in the conflict-affected waters of West Asia after attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz killed one Indian seafarer and injured several others. The new measures include real-time monitoring of every Indian seafarer in the region, dedicate

US President Donald Trump has paid writer E. Jean Carroll more than $5.6 million after exhausting a major avenue of appeal against a civil verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. The payment covers the original $5 million damages award and interest accumulated while the case remained under appeal. Trump Carroll payment released after court order Federal court records released on Tue

Pakistan’s worsening security crisis has triggered unusually sharp criticism of the military from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. His remarks came as authorities confronted deadly militant attacks in Balochistan and renewed protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Fazlur Rehman questions Pakistan Army’s political role Speaking at a public gathering in Punjab, Fazlur Rehman claimed that g

The Bankra Mosque inside Kolkata airport is again at the centre of relocation discussions after public access was suspended. Authorities cite aviation security and runway safety, while community representatives seek consultation and legal safeguards. The long-running debate over relocating the Bankra Mosque from the operational area of Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has gained fresh momentum following new security r