Shafaq News- Muscat

Oman and Iran concluded a newround of political and technical talks in Muscat to restore safe navigationthrough the Strait of Hormuz, the Omani state news agency reported on Saturday.

The Omani Foreign MinisterBadr Albusaidi and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi agreed to continuepolitical and technical consultations to finalize arrangements in line withinternational law, with Araghchi noting that the meeting focused on “appropriatemechanisms” to ensure the safe passage of ships and safeguard maritimenavigation amid heightened regional tensions.

سلطنة عُمان والجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية تعقدان بمسقط مباحثات حول الملاحة في مضيق هرمز لضمان سلامتها وحريتها في ضوء المعطيات والتداعيات الناجمة عن المستجدات الأخيرة، واتفقتا على مواصلة المباحثات على المستوى الفني والسياسي للتوصّل إلى التوافقات المطلوبة وفقًا للقانون الدولي.… pic.twitter.com/y7K4xkq0UH

— وكالة الأنباء العمانية (@OmanNewsAgency) July 11, 2026

Citing a source familiar withthe negotiations, CNN said Muscat had proposed dividing shipping into twomaritime corridors, an idea that remains under review.

Axios, quoting a diplomatfamiliar with the discussions, reported that Qatar has joined the negotiations,which are expected to focus on an agreement to fully restore maritime traffic.Participants are also expected to consider a joint statement supportingunrestricted navigation through the central islands in international waters.

The Strait of Hormuz,separating Iran and Oman, normally carries about 20% of global oil and fuelshipments. Traffic has remained heavily restricted since Feb. 28, after Tehranimposed limitations in response to the US-Israeli war. Washington and Tehran lateragreed to resume shipping under a memorandum signed in Switzerland on June 17.

Tehran, according to Axios,opposes reinstating the pre-war navigation regime, under which vessels crossedwithout paying transit fees, arguing that any future arrangement should reflectthe post-conflict security environment. Iran has also begun charging transitfees for ships using the waterway, a move opposed by the United States. USPresident Donald Trump has previously warned against any attempt by Tehran andMuscat to jointly control the passage, insisting it remain open tointernational shipping.

Read more: No exit but Hormuz: Iraq's economic vulnerability exposed

Shafaq News- Beirut

Israel struck a building in southern Lebanon on Saturday after accusing Hezbollah members of transferring anti-tank missiles into it inside the Israeli-controlled “security zone,” the military stated.

Several Hezbollah members unloaded missiles intended for attacks on “Israeli troops and civilians,” while others later brought in more weapons before an airstrike targeted the site, according to the military. Secondary explosions after the strike “confirmed” that weapons were stored inside.

The army did not disclose the location or report casualties, while Hezbollah has yet to comment. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks between March 2 and July 11 killed 4,322 people and wounded 12,210 others, including women and children.

The strike coincided with Lebanon informing Washington that it would join a new round of negotiations with Israel in Rome next week, a Lebanese official confirmed to local media. Beirut had previously conditioned its participation on an Israeli withdrawal from two pilot areas in southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu previously identified Zawtar Al-Gharbiya and Froun as the first two locations in the pilot stage. However, Froun’s municipal council rejected the designation, arguing that the town is neither under Israeli occupation nor within the so-called Yellow Line.

Shafaq News- Gaza

At least five Palestinians were killed and several others wounded inIsraeli drone and artillery attacks across the Gaza Strip, local media reportedon Saturday.

Israeli aircraft carried out four strikes targeting a vehicle on theWadi Gaza Bridge, northwest of the Nuseirat refugee camp, while additionalstrikes hit areas around Khan Younis in the southern part of the Strip,including al-Mawasi and al-Tina Street.

#عاجل| قصف مركبة ب3 صواريخ، على جسر "وادي غزة وسط القطاع.

— المركز الفلسطيني للإعلام (@PalinfoAr) July 11, 2026

In southern Gaza, Israeli forces carried out four consecutive demolitionoperations in eastern Khan Younis, accompanied by heavy tank fire toward nearbyareas. A quadcopter drone also dropped bombs near the Bani Suheila roundabout,while tanks continued firing toward eastern parts of Rafah.

صور من مكان قصف طيران الاحتلال لمركبة ومحيطها على "طريق البحر" غرب مخيم النصيرات في وسط قطاع غزة، ما أدى لاستشهاد شاب وإصابة آخرين. pic.twitter.com/BMgL6CekjB

— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) July 11, 2026

Further north, in Gaza City, military vehicles intensified gunfirearound al-Hashimiya School and al-Mahatta Park in the al-Tuffah neighborhood.Drone attacks, meanwhile, targeted homes near Salah al-Din Street in theal-Shujaiyya and al-Tuffah neighborhoods.

The attacks left seven people killed and 28 others wounded over the past48 hours, the Gaza Health Ministry disclosed, bringing the total number ofPalestinians killed in Israeli violations since the Oct. 11, 2025 ceasefire to1,098. The ministry further recorded 3,535 injuries and the recovery of 800bodies during the same period.

The Health Ministry placed the overall death toll from Israel’s militarycampaign in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, at 73,221, with 173,643 people wounded.

Shafaq News- Beirut

Israel carried out 10 attacks across southern Lebanon on Saturday while a US military delegation began talks with the Lebanese army on the first Israeli withdrawal from a pilot area under the June 26 framework.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that two strikes hit the outskirts of Nabatieh Al-Fawqa within five minutes, followed by a stun grenade near the Teachers’ Institute. Israeli forces also opened machine-gun fire and demolished homes with explosives across Nabatieh and Bint Jbeil districts.

A Lebanese military source told AFP that the US delegation met the army command to discuss the withdrawal and subsequent deployment of Lebanese forces. CENTCOM will coordinate with Lebanon and Israel, with the first pilot area expected to begin “within days” and additional zones under review.

The June 26 framework outlines steps toward ending the conflict, including Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese “state control over territory,” but sets no timetable. Israeli forces still hold positions in southern Lebanon after advancing more than 10 kilometres during the latest escalation.

Lebanon has demanded a pullback from two pilot areas before joining talks scheduled for July 15 and 16 in Rome, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israeli troops will remain in southern Lebanon while Hezbollah retains its weapons.

Netanyahu previously identified Zawtar Al-Gharbiya and Froun as the first two locations included in the pilot stage, but Froun’s municipal council rejected the designation, arguing that the town is neither under Israeli occupation nor within the so-called Yellow Line.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks between March 2 and July 10 have killed 4,321 people and wounded 12,204 others, including children and women.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed onSaturday to avenge the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, and others killedin the recent war, affirming that "retribution will certainly be carriedout."

In a message released by Iranian media, Khamenei said thoseresponsible for killing the late Supreme Leader “should know that they will beheld accountable for their crimes,” clarifying that the pursuit of revenge doesnot depend on his presence or that of other officials.

"Free people from around the world will soon carry outpart of the mission.”

In the same message, Khamenei thanked "the tens ofmillions" who attended the funeral ceremonies, praising the large publicturnout in cities across Iran and Iraq, particularly Tehran, Qom, Najaf,Karbala, and Mashhad.

Calls for US President Donald Trump’s assassination reportedly resurfaced duringthe recent funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whowas killed in US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.

Trump warned that Washington would“destroy all areas of Iran” if Tehran attempted to assassinate him.

The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiarwith the matter, that Israel had shared intelligence with the United Statesindicating Iran was preparing a new plot to assassinate Trump.

“1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at theIslamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow,” Trumpsaid, adding that orders had already been issued for the US military to“completely decimate” the country if Tehran carried out the alleged plot.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran is unwilling to continuenegotiations with the United States because Washington “failed” to honor theIslamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU), Iranian state television reportedon Saturday.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saidTehran had complied with the June 17 MoU, accusing Washington of violatingParagraph 9, which requires both sides to maintain the status quo by keepingIran's nuclear program unchanged while the United States refrains from imposingnew sanctions or deploying additional forces to the region. “Iran has so farkept its word,” he said, adding that “there can only be mutual compliance.”

Iran has so far kept its word, unlike the so-called U.S. Treasury Secretary who is violating Para 9 of the MoU. That violation follows other violations and missteps by the United States.Reality check: There can only be mutual compliance.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) July 11, 2026

On Friday, Axios reported, citing asource, that Qatar, Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia held multiplephone calls with US and Iranian officials to ease tensions and revivenegotiations.

US airstrikes killed 17 people andwounded 93 others in Iran over two days, according to Iran’s Health Ministry,despite the memorandum aimed at ending the conflict. The Islamic RevolutionaryGuard Corps (IRGC) responded by targeting US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain andwarned it would expand its attacks if American strikes continued.

Shafaq News- Gaza/ West Bank

At least five Palestinians, including medical workersat Kamal Adwan Hospital, were wounded in Israeli drone and artillery attacksacross the Gaza Strip on Friday, local media reported.

An Israeli drone dropped an explosive device insideKamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, while attacks also hit Al-Bureij, KhanYounis, Gaza City, and Rafah.

عاجل | مسيرات الاحتلال تطلق الرصاص بكثافة تجاه منازل قرب "الخط الأصفر" شرق حي التفاح شرق مدينة غزة، تزامناً مع تقدم لآليات الاحتلال في المنطقة. pic.twitter.com/xGpufsKxBA

— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) July 10, 2026

The Israeli military claimed separately that it hadkilled two Hamas members in strikes carried out on July 8 and 9 innorthern Gaza. It identified them as Khalil Jamal Khalil Manna, whom itdescribed as a commander in Hamas’ military production unit, and Osama WalidDib Muhareb, a platoon commander in the Nuseirat Battalion, alleging both poseda threat to its troops.

في غارتين في قطاع غزة: جيش الدفاع قضى على قائد في مقرّ الإنتاج وقائد فصيلة في كتيبة النصيرات التابعة لمنظمة حماس الإرهابية⭕️ هاجم جيش الدفاع في وقت سابق من هذا الأسبوع (الأربعاء) شمال قطاع غزة، وقضى على المخرب خليل جمال خليل مناع، قائد في مقرّ الإنتاج التابع للجناح العسكري… pic.twitter.com/E5AGJtDe0A

— Lieutenant Colonel Ella Waweya | إيلا واوية (@CaptainElla1) July 10, 2026

Since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 11, 2025, Israelistrikes have killed 1,094 Palestinians and injured 3,507 others, the Gaza-runHealth Ministry said, raising the overall toll since the war began on Oct. 7,2023, to 73,120 dead and 173,615 wounded, including women and children.

The ministry condemned repeated attacks on healthcarefacilities, confirming that two hospital staff members were wounded when aquadcopter dropped an explosive device inside the designated “green zone” atKamal Adwan Hospital. Such attacks, it warned, endanger patients and staff,weaken Gaza’s health system, and require immediate UN and humanitarianprotection for hospitals.

Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that 34 of theterritory’s 38 hospitals have been destroyed since hostilities began, leavingonly four operating at limited capacity amid severe shortages of medicine andequipment.

In the West Bank, local media noted that Israeliforces carried out raids and arrests across several areas. Police also arrestedfour Palestinians from the Naqab (Negev) over an alleged plot to attackBeersheba’s central bus station, while the Palestinian Red Crescent Societyreported eight injuries after settlers and security forces attacked residentsin Asfi, south of Al-Khalil (Hebron).

#متابعة| مشاهد من اقتحام قوات الاحتلال لمنطقتي خلة الصوحة و جبل أبو ظهير في مدينة جنين. pic.twitter.com/19IrTHz8tE

— المركز الفلسطيني للإعلام (@PalinfoAr) July 10, 2026

The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics indicatesthat at least 1,168 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank sinceOctober 2023, including 210 children. The Colonization and Wall ResistanceCommission recorded more than 2,567 settler attacks since the start of 2026.

Shafaq News- Beirut

Israeli airstrikes killed two Lebanese people, targetingareas in Nabatieh district, southern Lebanon, Lebanese media reported on Friday.

The strikes hit Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Kfar Roummane, Choukin,Qaaqaaiyet al-Jisr, and Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh.

Israeli military spokesperson said the army carried out morethan 20 strikes across Lebanon over the past week to remove “threats,” claimingthat more than 10 Hezbollah fighters were killed during the operations.

تعرّفوا على أبرز نشاطات قوات جيش الدفاع خلال الأسبوع الأخير! أكثر من 20 غارة لإزالة التهديدات في جنوب لبنان، القضاء على أكثر من 10 مخربين في قطاع غزة، واعتقال نحو 70 مطلوبًا في يهودا والسامرةالتفاصيل والمعطيات الكاملة ⬇️ https://t.co/7LSjVOYs5V

— Lieutenant Colonel Ella Waweya | إيلا واوية (@CaptainElla1) July 10, 2026

Since March 2, Israeli operations in Lebanon have killed4,321 people and wounded 12,204 others, according to Lebanon’s Ministry ofHealth.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese presidency said President JosephAoun discussed developments in the south with Lebanese Army Commander RodolphHaykal “amid continued Israeli agressions on several villages and towns.”

The presidency added that the meeting also addressedpreparations to implement the provisions of the framework agreement concerningdesignated trial areas, where the Lebanese Army is expected to deploy alongsidean Israeli withdrawal from those areas.

رئيس الجمهورية العماد جوزاف عون عرض مع قائد الجيش العماد رودولف هيكل الأوضاع الأمنية في البلاد عموما وفي الجنوب خصوصا في ضوء استمرار الاعتداءات الاسرائيلية على عدد من القرى والبلدات الجنوبية. كما تطرق البحث إلى التحضيرات الجارية لتنفيذ ما ورد في صيغة الاطار في المناطق التجريبية… pic.twitter.com/zKUZhzAiSI

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) July 10, 2026

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary MohammadBaqer Zolqadr warned on Friday that Israel would face a reciprocal response ifit targeted Iran's infrastructure. 

Earlier, Israel's public broadcaster Kan reported that some Israeli officials want to join the US military campaign against Iran and are awaiting President Donald Trump's approval. The broadcaster said Israeli officials expect exchanges between the United States and Iran to “continue over the coming days.”

US airstrikes killed 17 people and wounded 93 others in Iranover two days despite a memorandum of understanding between the two sides aimedat ending the conflict, according to the latest figures released by Iran'sMinistry of Health.

US military officials said around 90 Iranian militarytargets were hit in the latest strikes, including air defense systems, missilestorage facilities, and drone sites.

Iran, however, accused the United States of targetingcivilian infrastructure, including bridges and railway lines connecting Tehranand Mashhad in northeastern Iran. The strikes also hit the "vicinity"of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran, which had previously beentargeted during the conflict, according to an Iranian official.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded bytargeting US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain and warned that it would expandattacks if American strikes continued.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the MoUwith Iran had "ended," before later revealing that Iranian officialshad contacted Washington in an effort to reach a deal, indicating thatcommunication channels remained open despite the military confrontation.

Meanwhile, Qatari negotiators are holding talks in Tehran incoordination with the United States as part of efforts to reduce tensionsbetween Washington and Tehran and revive talks, Reuters reported, citing asource familiar with the discussions.

The talks focus on mechanisms for implementing a memorandumof understanding between the United States and Iran, as well as addressingissues that contributed to the recent escalation between the two countries,including disputes related to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the sourceadded.

Separately, Axios, citing a US official and sources fromseveral mediating countries, said the absence of new US military strikesagainst Iran on Thursday reflected ongoing de-escalation efforts.

The report added that the mediators believe Iran's recentattacks in the Strait of Hormuz were carried out by elements within the Iranianestablishment opposed to the memorandum of understanding and seeking toundermine it.

Shafaq News- Beirut

Israeli troops dismantled several facilities containing weapons allegedly belonging to Hezbollah in an area occupied by Israel in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military stated.

The military claimed finding launchers, machine guns, explosive devices, missiles, and other weapons intended for attacks against “Israeli troops and civilians.” It released images and footage of the sites but did not disclose their locations or the number of weapons seized.

The claims could not be independently verified, and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.

A US-brokered framework signed by Lebanon and Israel on June 26 links a full Israeli withdrawal to Hezbollah’s disarmament and calls for two pilot areas to be transferred to the Lebanese army after they are cleared of the group’s presence. No withdrawal timetable has been announced.

On July 8, US President Donald Trump said he expected Israel to withdraw, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that troops will remain in southern Lebanon while Hezbollah “continues to pose a threat.”

Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran

Qatar, Pakistan, and other regional mediators are working to ease tensions between the United States and Iran and revive negotiations between the two countries, Axios reported on Friday, while Israeli officials reportedly seek US approval to join American strikes on Iran.

Mediators believe Washington and Tehran had made progress during previous rounds of talks despite the recent escalation and are seeking to prevent the collapse of a memorandum of understanding reached between the two sides.

A regional source from one of the mediating countries told the outlet that intermediaries believe recent Iranian attacks near the Strait of Hormuz were carried out by elements within Iran “opposed to the memorandum and seeking to undermine it.”

Qatari, Pakistani, Turkish, Egyptian, and Saudi officials held multiple phone calls on Wednesday with US and Iranian counterparts to reduce tensions, the report said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Pakistan's Army Chief, Asim Munir, that recent US attacks and statements constituted a violation of the memorandum of understanding, according to a statement published on the Iranian foreign minister's Telegram channel.

Trump announced on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding and ceasefire with Iran were no longer in effect before ordering two rounds of US airstrikes.

Axios also reported that Trump met senior national security officials yesterday to discuss the situation with Iran and the next steps for the agreement.

A US official told the outlet that the administration remains “committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution” and that technical talks aimed at reaching a nuclear agreement are “continuing.”

The official described Iran's attacks on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz as "terrorism," adding that Tehran's recent actions represented an unacceptable breach of the memorandum's terms.

Separately, Israel's public broadcaster Kan reported that some Israeli officials want to join the US military campaign against Iran and are awaiting President Donald Trump's approval.

The broadcaster said Israeli officials expect exchanges between the United States and Iran to “continue over the coming days.”

The New York Post, citing an Israeli source, reported that Israel is interested in participating in future strikes. "We are ready to do it again if necessary," the source said. "Although Israel does not want to return to a situation where people are forced into bomb shelters, it also does not want to ignore what is happening in Iran."

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was laid to rest late Thursday at the Imam Reza Holy Shrine in Mashhad after weeklong funeral processions across Iran and Iraq, Iranian state media reported.

The burial took place in the Dar Al-Zikr prayer hall after Khamenei’s coffin was carried around the tomb of Imam Reza. Funeral prayers were held at the Payambar-e Azam Courtyard and led by Khamenei’s eldest son Mostafa.

The ceremonies followed six-day processions in Tehran, Qom, Najaf, Karbala, and Mashhad. Khamenei’s remains, along with those of four family members killed alongside him, had been paraded through the Iranian and Iraqi cities before the final burial.

According to Iranian outlets, officials from more than 45 countries and scholars from more than 90 nations attended tribute ceremonies, bringing the total to more than 43 million mourners across the processions, including around 10 million in Najaf and Karbala, attributed to Iraqi authorities through the Prime Minister’s Office.

Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, was killed on February 28 in US and Israeli strikes. His burial took place during renewed hostilities between Washington and Tehran, with US strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks that Tehran said targeted US military sites in Gulf states.

Read more: Analysts: Political messaging in Khamenei's Iraq funeral

Shafaq News- Tehran

Gulf oil wells could be “set on fire” if US strikes on Iran continue, senior Iranian conservative official Ezzatollah Zarghami warned on Thursday.

“A blow to Iran is a blow to all energy and economic equations in the world,” declared Zarghami, who serves on Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace, and previously headed state broadcaster IRIB.

The US earlier renewed strikes on targets inside Iran, leading to retaliatory attacks that Tehran said targeted US military sites in Gulf states. Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was near standstill on Thursday, according to ship-tracking data.

CNN reported that Pakistan and Qatar were trying to bring Washington and Tehran back to negotiations after earlier Switzerland-hosted talks led to a memorandum of understanding in mid-June. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry urged both sides to exercise restraint and continue diplomacy, saying there was no alternative to dialogue for regional peace.

Shafaq News- Kobani

Thousands of residents,activists, journalists, and intellectuals marched through the northern Syriancity of Kobani on Thursday, calling on Damascus to officially recognize thecity by its Kurdish name instead of Ain al-Arab.

The demonstration, sparked bythe installation of a government sign bearing the name “Ain al-Arab” at theQara Qozak Bridge on the city’s outskirts, began at Ashti Roundabout andproceeded to Free Women’s Square in the city center, where participants carried banners reading, “No to Ainal-Arab, Yes to Kobani,” “Kobani is our identity,” and “The name is a right...Kobani is a historical right,” while urging the government to use “Kobani” inofficial documents and public signage.

Activist Hawkar Sheikhi, whospoke to Shafaq News, said Damascus should restore the original Kurdish namesof towns and villages that, in his view, had been Arabized under successivegovernments to erase the identity of Kurdish areas. “We are protesting today toreject these practices and to affirm our right to have the new Syriangovernment officially adopt the city's historical name, Kobani,” he remarked,adding that demonstrations would continue until the issue is addressed.

District administrator IbrahimMuslim told Shafaq News that the city’s official name can only be changed bySyria’s Ministry of Local Administration, confirming that residents’ requestswould be forwarded to the ministry for consideration under the applicable legalprocedures.

Restoring historical placenames, Kurdish National Council spokesperson Faisal Youssef argued, wouldrecognize Syria’s cultural diversity and reverse decades of Arabization. Hecharacterized the move as “a national entitlement” and an important step towardtransitional justice and national reconciliation.

Kobani, officially known asAin al-Arab, lies in northern Aleppo province. Ottoman records identified thearea as “Arab Pinar” (“Spring of the Arabs”), while the French Mandateestablished the administrative district of Ain al-Arab in 1937. Some accountsattribute the name “Kobani” to the German word Kompanie (“company”), after thefirm that built part of the Baghdad Railway and established a nearby station.Kurdish historians, however, argue that it instead originates from the Kurdishphrase “Kom Bani,” the name of a historic tribal confederation that oncedominated the area.

Read more: Kurds in Syria: From marginalization to a defining political force

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned onThursday the recent US attacks on Iranian sites, adding that they violated the Islamabadunderstanding.

According to a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, during a phone call with Pakistan's Army Chief, FieldMarshal Asim Munir, Araghchi warned that any "adventurism" by the USmilitary will face a decisive response from the Iranian armed forces.

Meanwhile, a US official told Axios that the currentmilitary escalation with Iran could continue for anywhere from one or two daysto as long as a month, depending on whether Tehran continues attacking ships inthe Strait of Hormuz.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it had struckmore than 170 Iranian military targets over the past two days.

Shafaq News- Damascus

Syrian authorities dismantled several ISIS cells insouthern Syria and arrested senior militant Firas Al-Dagher, whom the InteriorMinistry identified on Thursday as a former regional commander and aide to thegroup’s leader.

Investigations found that Al-Dagher headed ISIS’so-called Jaidour Sector and Western Region before becoming the group’sself-styled governor, or Wali, for Lebanon and Palestine. He also served as apersonal aide to the organization’s leader.

نفذت الوحدات المختصة في وزارة الداخلية بالتعاون مع جهاز الاستخبارات العامة سلسلة عمليات أمنية نوعية أسفرت عن تفكيك عدة خلايا تابعة لتنظيم داعش الإرهابي في المنطقة الجنوبية، وإلقاء القبض على القيادي البارز المدعو فراس الداغر وعدد من أبرز المسؤولين عن الاغتيالات والتمويل.وأظهرت… pic.twitter.com/jGlv0JbLva

— وزارة الداخلية السورية (@syrianmoi) July 9, 2026

The ministry linked the cells to assassinations androbberies targeting gold merchants in Daraa province, alleging that the stolengold financed ISIS operations. Authorities also accused the suspects of killingtwo Interior Ministry personnel, carrying out an attempted assassination insidea barbershop that left a civilian dead, and surveilling a man and his wifebefore murdering them.

No details were released on when the arrests tookplace or how many suspects were detained.

Earlier this month,ISIS claimed responsibility for an ambush in Manbij, northern Aleppo, thatkilled two Syrian soldiers, declaring a new phase of attacks against thegovernment of transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. The group also claimed anassault on an Interior Ministry facility in Raqqa, where the ministry confirmed

Shafaq News- Tehran (Updated at 17:22)

Iran activated air defense systems near thesouthern port of Bandar Abbas on Thursday after explosions were reported in thecountry's territorial waters, according to state media.

A fishing pier in the village of Banood near Asalouyehin Bushehr province also came under attack, while a US projectile landed nearthe Bushehr nuclear power plant, local outlets said, dismissing social mediaclaims of a military or security incident in Shiraz as “enemy psychologicalwarfare.”

برخورد ۲ پرتابه دشمن به اسکلهٔ صیادی بنود عسلویهفرماندار عسلویه: ۲ پرتابهٔ دشمن به اسکلهٔ صیادی روستای بنود در ساعت ۹:۱۰ صبح اصابت کرد.درپی این حادثه، ۱۰ قایق صیادی مردمی دچار آتش‌سوزی شد که با حضور نیروهای آتش‌نشانی شهرداری چاه‌مبارک، آتش مهار و از گسترش آن جلوگیری شد. https://t.co/5QPFvK1TIJ pic.twitter.com/A7x7w6AaAR

— خبرگزاری فارس (@FarsNews_Agency) July 9, 2026

Iranian state television reported that the IslamicRevolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular army had launched the firstphase of a “punitive response” against US military assets across the Gulf.Citing media sources, the broadcaster claimed Iranian cruise missiles struck USnaval vessels off Bahrain, including a destroyer, while Kheibar Shekanballistic missiles targeted US bases across West Asia.

📹 پاسخ سریع و قاطع نیروهای مسلح ایران به عهدشکنی و تجاوز آمریکاسپاه و ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران در اولین مرحله از پاسخ تنبیهی علیه پیمان‌شکنان آمریکایی، زیرساخت‌ها و تاسیسات مهم پایگاههای آمریکا را در کویت، بحرین، و قطر با ضربات موشکی و پهپادی در هم کوبیدند pic.twitter.com/r3bA4GiQ5o

— خبرگزاری تسنیم (@Tasnimnews_Fa) July 9, 2026

Explosions were heard near the US-linked MuwaffaqSalti Air Base in Jordan’s Zarqa province, with Iranian media claiming anindustrial complex in eastern Jordan was among the targets. Jordan’s ArmedForces, however, said they intercepted and destroyed eight missiles launchedfrom Iran toward Jordanian territory, adding that debris fell in several areaswithout causing casualties or property damage.

بيان صادر عن القيادة العامة للقوات المسلحة الأردنية pic.twitter.com/IsYF3zjEuI

— المركز الوطني للأمن وإدارة الأزمات (NCSCM) (@NCSCMJordan) July 9, 2026

The IRGC later claimed responsibility, saying it had fired 10 missilesat a US command center in West Asia and the US Azraq Air Base, also known as MuwaffaqSalti Air Base, in Jordan. Any renewed American attacks, it warned, would putother bases across the region within range of Iran’s “heavy fire.”

The New York Times, quoting US Central Commandofficials, reported that US forces had struck more than 170 Iranian militarysites over the previous two days, including air defense systems, drone andmissile storage facilities, and logistical infrastructure along Iran’s coastnear the Strait of Hormuz, which carries around 20% of global oil supplies.

IRGC Navy declared that foreign forces “have no placein this land or in the Strait of Hormuz,” accusing the US military ofinterfering with maritime navigation and warning that its actions could delayefforts to reopen the strategic waterway while threatening the interests ofcountries that depend on it.

🎥 تصاویر حملات امروز سپاه در پاسخ به تجاوز و عهدشکنی آمریکا https://t.co/luTO5e3v4E pic.twitter.com/L7CfPnS8hP

— خبرگزاری فارس (@FarsNews_Agency) July 9, 2026

ShafaqNews- Tehran

Explosionsrocked the southern Iranian city of Bushehr on Thursday, Iran’s Mehr newsagency reported, a day after the United States targeted the same city.

Nodetails were immediately available about the cause of the blasts, where theyoccurred, or whether they caused any casualties or damage. Iranian authoritieshave yet to comment.

Earliertoday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) revealed striking 90 military sites alongIran’s coastline, claiming the attacks were designed to weaken Tehran’s abilityto target commercial shipping and civilian mariners in the Strait of Hormuz,one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

Iran,meanwhile, launched several missile and drone attacks targeting US militaryfacilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, describing the operation as the first phaseof its retaliation.

Shafaq News-Beirut

US Ambassadorto Beirut Michel Issa revealed on Thursday that delegations from Lebanon, theUnited States, and Israel will meet in Rome on July 14 and 15 to follow up onthe implementation of the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement, pointing out thatthe shift to Rome was for technical reasons.

The Romemeeting will be organizational and executive in nature, focused on formingspecialized working groups to implement arrangements agreed upon in Washington,Issa said. Further meetings will follow in Rome or elsewhere to trackimplementation across the agreed phases.

A US militarydelegation will arrive in Beirut within days to coordinate and define fieldimplementation mechanisms, particularly regarding pilot areas identified duringthe Washington negotiations. “No vacuum should occur when Israeli forceswithdraw from the designated area, and implementation timelines will be setfollowing those coordination meetings.”

LebanesePresident Joseph Aoun, scheduled to visit Wadhinghton on July 21, stressed thenecessity of pressing Israel to halt military operations and commit to theframework agreement announced at the conclusion of the Lebanese-American-Israelinegotiations in Washington.

الرئيس جوزاف عون استقبل السفير الاميركي في بيروت ميشال عيسى وبحث معه في الزيارة الرسمية التي سيقوم بها الرئيس عون إلى الولايات المتحدة الأميركية بدعوة من الرئيس الاميركي دونالد ترامب، اضافةً إلى الأوضاع الراهنة في لبنان والمنطقة.وخلال اللقاء اكد الرئيس عون على ضرورة تثبيت وقف… pic.twitter.com/3OcxxjDJWF

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) July 9, 2026

Lebanon andIsrael signed the framework agreement on June 26 under US sponsorship,following five rounds of negotiations between the two sides.

Shafaq News- Tehran/ Kuwait/ Manama

Iran launched several missile and drone strikes targeting US militaryfacilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, the country’s Islamic Revolutionary GuardCorps (IRGC) stated on Thursday, framing the move as the first phase of itsretaliation for recent US actions on Iranian territory.

The projectiles targeted the Juffair and Sheikh Isa facilities inBahrain, as well as the patriot air defense systems at the Arifjan and Ali AlSalem bases in Kuwait.

The Bahrain Defence Force confirmed that several Iranian aerial threatswere intercepted and destroyed, accusing Tehran of pursuing a “systematichostile approach” through attacks targeting civilians in the Kingdom.

توضح القيادة العامة أنه بإرادةٍ صلبة وجاهزيةٍ قتالية عالية، تصدت منظومات الدفاع الجوي بقوة دفاع البحرين واعترضت ودمرت عدداً من الاعتداءات الجوية الإيرانية الغادرة صباح اليوم الخميس 9 يوليو 2026م.https://t.co/MRVBJ4Rkil pic.twitter.com/EBORzChX4C

— قوة دفاع البحرين (@BDF_Bahrain) July 9, 2026

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence also indicated that its air defense systemsintercepted Iranian drones and missiles entering areas across the country. Nofurther details on possible damage were provided.

تتصدى حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية لهجمات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة معادية.تنوه رئاسة الأركان العامة للجيش أن أصوات الانفجارات إن سمعت فهي نتيجة اعتراض منظومات الدفاع الجوي للهجمات المعادية.يرجى من الجميع التقيد بتعليمات الأمن والسلامة الصادرة عن الجهات المختصة.… pic.twitter.com/jqR7huoRTO

— KUWAIT ARMY - الجيش الكويتي (@KuwaitArmyGHQ) July 9, 2026

Earlier today, US Central Command (CENTCOM) disclosed striking 90 military sites along Iran’s coastline, claiming the attacks weredesigned to weaken Tehran’s ability to target commercial shipping and civilianmariners in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime traderoutes.

The assault marked the second consecutive night of US attacks on Iran.

ShafaqNews- Tehran

TheUnited States’ recent strikes on Iran left 14 people dead and wounded 78others, the semi-official Fars News Agency reported on Thursday, citing sourceswithin the country’s Ministry of Health.

Afirefighter was killed in a strike on Iranshahr Airport in southeastern Iran,also damaging the facility's flight operations building and meteorologicalstation. Three more people died near Ahvaz in Khuzestan province.

A railwaybridge in Aqqala, a city in northern Iran’s Golestan province, was hit,suspending passenger services on the Tehran-Mashhad route. Meanwhile, Chabahar,a port city on the northern coast of the Gulf of Oman, experienced poweroutages and several explosions. Debris from the strikes struck a hospital,while two piers and a maritime traffic control tower were also targeted.Several injuries were reported in the incidents.

TheIranian Army previously reported that eight of its members were killed in“criminal US aggression” strikes on Bandar Abbas and Bushehr.

Earlieron Thursday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) disclosed striking 90 military sitesalong Iran’s coastline, claiming that the operation was designed to weakenTehran’s ability to target commercial shipping and civilian mariners in theStrait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

Iran’sIslamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated by more than 85 attacks onUS military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, while Parliament Speaker MohammadBagher Ghalibaf warned against further escalation, stating that any future USstrike would receive a similar response.

Shafaq News- Tehran

A new round of US strikes targeted several cities across Iran, with debris from the attacks damaging a hospital in the southeastern portcity of Chabahar, Iranian media outlets reported on Thursday.

Iran’s official news agency, citing an official in Bushehrprovince, said the United States struck a military base south of Bushehr citywith two projectiles, adding that three powerful explosions were heard in thecity of Kharg in Bushehr province, while Abu Musa Island in southern Irancame under three strikes.

Mehr News Agency stated that the attacks in Bushehr provincedid not cause damage to the nuclear power plant, noting that the US strikes hittwo maritime docks and a vessel traffic control tower in Chabahar.

“Fragments from US projectiles targeting Chabahar port hitImam Ali Hospital in the city,” Iranian state television indicated withoutproviding details on possible casualties or the extent of the damage. Additionalexplosions were reported in Jask city in Hormozgan province and near Tahroueivillage in Sirik city, with three blasts heard in the area, according toIranian media.

Mehr News Agency also reported explosions in Iranshahr cityin Sistan and Baluchestan province in southeastern Iran.

The latest strikes followed a warning from US PresidentDonald Trump after an earlier attack on Iran. This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran, he affirmed, warning that"if it happens again, it will get much worse."

Shafaq News- Mashhad

Iran has changed the funeral schedule for late IranianSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iranian media said, citing delays in the transferof his body to the northeastern city of Mashhad.

Mehr News Agency said the body arrived later than plannedfollowing a large public turnout during the funeral procession in Iraq, addingthat a reception and burial ceremony for the leader and his family is scheduledfor Thursday, with the procession set to move from Imam Reza Street toward theImam Reza Shrine.

Earlier, Shafaq News correspondent in Karbala reported that thefuneral procession had been delayed because of the large number of mournersaccompanying the convoy from Najaf to Karbala, as well as crowds waiting alongthe city's outskirts.

He noted that the convoy departed Najaf on Wednesdayafternoon but moved slowly toward Karbala due to the size of the procession,reaching the governorate's boundary after significant delays.

Shafaq News- Washington/Tehran (Updated at 23:59)

The US military launched additional strikes against Iran on Wednesday, targeting "Iranian capabilities threatening freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz." 

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the operation was intended to degrade Iran's ability to threaten international shipping, accusing Tehran of carrying out "unprovoked aggression" against commercial vessels and civilian crews in the strategic waterway.

At the direction of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 8, 2026

Iranian state television reported eight explosions in Bandar Abbas, while the Mehr news agency said blasts were also heard in Sirik, Lavan Island and other parts of Hormozgan province. Iranian media later reported power outages in parts of Chabahar after explosions were heard, as well as additional blasts in Bushehr province. Iranian authorities did not immediately report casualties or damage.

A US official told Axios that the operation was broader than previous strikes, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile positions and air defense systems.

Israel's public broadcaster, citing an Israeli source, reported that Washington had informed Israel in advance of the operation.

Earlier, Trump warned that Iran would face further military action, while Vice President JD Vance said Washington would continue military operations unless Tehran stopped targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Shafaq News-Tehran

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday rejectedrecent remarks by US President Donald Trump about Iran's current leadership,saying that Iran responds with action.

In a brief statement, Araghchi stated, "We do notrespond to vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action, exceptional courage, andfearless resolve."

Earlier, Trump stated that he wanted to "end the issuein Iran" rather than "play with the current leaders,” describing themas vicious, violent people, whom he would not deal with “because they were scum.”