The United States and Iran are issuing conflicting claims over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz as tensions continue to escalate amid the ongoing war.
US President Donald Trump has again claimed that the United States has “total control” of the waterway, despite a sharp decline in shipping traffic through the strait. Iran, meanwhile, says it will continue resisting US pressure and keep the strategic passage closed until its demands are met.
US Strikes in Yemen Killed 153 Civilians
A Pentagon review says US military strikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi group killed 153 civilians and wounded 243 others in 2025. The civilian casualties were reportedly recorded in three strikes carried out in Yemen in April.
Tensions Rise in the Occupied West Bank
Israeli forces and settlers continued raids, arrests, demolitions and land seizures across the occupied West Bank on Wednesday.
The Wafa news agency reported that at least 10 Palestinians were detained, including a journalist. Israeli forces also demolished 27 commercial, industrial and agricultural structures near Jenin, while Palestinian families in Qusra reportedly faced a siege by Israeli settlers.
Iran Condemns France Over Human Rights Criticism
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused France and other Western countries of hypocrisy over their criticism of Iran’s treatment of protesters.
Araghchi argued that Western governments should not lecture Iran about human rights while supporting Israel amid the war in Gaza and the conflict with Iran.
X Suspends Houthi Military Spokesman’s Account
The social media platform X has suspended the account of Yahya Saree, the military spokesman for Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
The account had more than 121,000 followers and was regularly used to announce Houthi military operations in the Red Sea and other areas.
US Intelligence Questions Alleged Iranian Threat Against Trump
US intelligence officials reportedly expressed doubts about an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump.
According to US media reports, Israel had passed information about the alleged threat to the CIA, but American intelligence analysts reportedly considered the information unconvincing.
Oil Prices Fall
Oil prices fell by more than $1 a barrel amid concerns about weaker global demand.
Brent crude dropped by about 1.5 percent to $87.69 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 1.6 percent to $81.97.
More Than Half of Gaza’s Population Faces Severe Water Shortages
The United Nations says more than 1.3 million people in Gaza have access to less than six litres of water per person each day for drinking and cooking.
The UN says three out of every four people in Gaza depend on water trucks, while only about half of households have access to basic sanitation or private sanitation facilities.
UK Condemns Settler Violence in West Bank
The United Kingdom has condemned escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
The UK told the UN Security Council that more than 1,300 settler-related incidents were recorded in July, affecting more than 250 Palestinian communities. It called for greater efforts to prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
Iraq Vows to Protect Its Airspace
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said Iraq would not allow its territory or airspace to be used as a launchpad for attacks against neighbouring countries.
He said Iraq would defend its sovereignty and would not tolerate violations of its airspace or national security.
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