Iran Says It Hit US Military Bases in Retaliation

A Palestinian woman who was told her missing fiancé had been killed in Gaza was reunited with him after he was released from Israeli detention, more than a year after he disappeared. Reem Jadallah, 18, had sold her gold to hire a lawyer to find Hamada al-Banna. The lawyer later informed her that he had died under torture. But on July 7, Banna called his family from an International Committee of the Red Cross phone, saying he was alive and had been released. Banna, 23, went missing in August 2025 while searching for flour near Zikim in northern Gaza. He was injured by an Israeli shell and woke up in a coma six months later in an Israeli hospital. After recovering, he was transferred to Sde Teiman prison, where he says he was tortured and kept in solitary confinement for four months. His fiancée never stopped hoping. 'Everyone kept telling me to give up hope, but I never did,' she said. When she saw him, she noticed he had changed. He sleeps sitting up, eats very little, and is easily startled. The couple had planned to marry before his disappearance, but the wedding is now postponed due to financial losses. 'I lost everything, but I got him back. That is what matters most,' Jadallah said.

Iran’s military has carried out airstrikes targeting bases of Iranian Kurdish militant groups in Iraqi Kurdistan, marking a significant escalation. The attacks, involving drones and missiles, hit several positions in the semi-autonomous region. Iran fears these dissident groups could take advantage of the regional instability caused by its conflicts with Israel and the United States. The strikes are among the heaviest in recent years against Kurdish opposition forces, which have long operated from bases in Iraq. Iraqi officials condemned the violation of their sovereignty. The Kurdish groups confirmed the attacks but did not report casualties immediately. The situation remains tense as Iran continues to face domestic unrest and international pressure.

French Army Tiger helicopters are conducting final rehearsals ahead of the Bastille Day parade on July 14. The combat aircraft will fly over Paris as part of the annual celebration. These helicopters are among the most advanced in the French military arsenal. Recently, four of them were deployed to the Middle East, where they successfully destroyed several Iranian-made Shahed drones that were threatening Gulf states. The training flights are taking place between Chartres and the French capital, allowing pilots to perfect their formation flying. The Bastille Day parade is a major event in France, showcasing military strength and national pride. This year's parade will feature a variety of aircraft and ground units. The Tiger helicopters, known for their agility and firepower, are a key component of the French Army's aviation capabilities. Their participation highlights France's commitment to national defense and international security. The rehearsals ensure that the flyover will be precise and impressive, delighting spectators in Paris and across the nation. The parade commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution.

A decade after a historic legal victory, the Philippines is working to turn its court win into real-world deterrence in the South China Sea. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled that China's extensive claims in the disputed waters had no legal basis. The case was brought by Manila in 2013 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ruling rejected China's so-called nine-dash line, which claimed most of the sea. Despite the legal win, Philippine officials say they remain heavily outmatched by China's naval power. However, they are now using the ruling to strengthen their defense posture. Over the past decade, the Philippines has increased military cooperation with allies, upgraded its naval assets, and reinforced its presence near contested reefs and islands. Analysts note that while Manila cannot match Beijing's military might, the legal victory has given it diplomatic leverage and a foundation for more credible deterrence. The South China Sea is a vital waterway for global trade and is rich in fishing grounds and potential oil and gas reserves. Several countries have overlapping claims, and tensions have often flared, leading to confrontations between vessels. The 2016 ruling remains a key reference point in international law, though China has rejected it and continues to assert its claims. The Philippines' shift from legal victory to practical defense represents a cautious but determined effort to protect its sovereign rights in the region.

A tanker reported that warning shots were fired near it after six small boats approached the vessel, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred approximately 50 miles south of Aden, Yemen. The UKMTO, which oversees maritime security in the region, did not provide further details about the attackers or any damage. This event comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Separately, Iranian state television reported that Iran fired warning shots at two ships after reopening and then closing the Strait of Hormuz once more. The strait is a vital waterway for global oil shipments, and its closure raises concerns about potential disruptions to international trade. The United States and Iran have been at odds over various issues, including nuclear programs and maritime security. The latest incidents highlight the fragile situation in the region, where commercial vessels often face risks from armed groups and state actors. The tanker involved in the warning shots incident was not identified, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Maritime authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

Two climbers have died after falling into a crevasse on Gran Paradiso, a mountain in the Italian Alps. The victims had not been heard from since July 9, prompting a search operation. Rescue teams discovered their bodies in the crevasse, but details about their identities or nationalities have not been released. Gran Paradiso is the highest peak entirely within Italy, standing at 4,061 meters (13,323 feet). It is a popular destination for mountaineers due to its glaciers and relatively accessible routes. However, crevasses—deep cracks in the ice—pose significant dangers, especially when hidden by snow. The incident highlights the risks of alpine climbing, even on well-traversed peaks. Authorities are investigating the circumstances, and no further information is available at this time. The climbing community mourns the loss of two individuals who likely sought the thrill of the mountains. This tragedy serves as a reminder for climbers to exercise caution, use proper safety equipment, and be aware of changing conditions on glaciers. The search operation was conducted by Italian mountain rescue teams, who faced difficult terrain to recover the bodies. The names of the climbers have not been disclosed pending notification of next of kin.