RT

Donald Trump stated that the United States is taking over the Strait of Hormuz from Iran and will receive payment for the role. Iran declared the strait closed, and US and Iranian forces conducted attacks on July 12-13 targeting military sites in multiple countries. Oil prices rose following the reported exchanges, which occurred after a June interim agreement.

A June memorandum of understanding includes a 14-point plan with Iran's commitment to facilitate safe commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command has conducted strikes aimed at reducing Iranian threats to shipping, while reports indicate Donald Trump considered imposing tolls on the waterway that carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies.

EuroMOMO data from 27 countries show more than 10,000 excess deaths during the week of June 22-28, with over 9,000 among those aged 65 and older. Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in multiple countries and national records broken in Germany and France. RT and Financial Times reported the figures and temperature data.

US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced that remaining US forces will depart Iraq by September 30. The deployment originated with the March 2003 invasion that overthrew Saddam Hussein. Sources differ on whether the presence constitutes a continuous two-decade mission.

Supported reports indicate US strikes on over 300 Iranian targets, reimposed sanctions, and declarations of control over the Strait of Hormuz with a 20% cargo reimbursement. Multiple unverified claims from RT describe a February war launch, April ceasefire, June memorandum, and recent strikes plus a congressional letter. Perspectives differ on executive authority, security needs, and sourcing reliability.

Lindsey Graham, a sitting U.S. senator, died at his home according to multiple reports. Supported facts confirm the location and his Senate status at the time of death, while claims of recent Ukraine travel, a weapons factory visit, or a heart condition remain unverified and originate solely from RT, a Russian state-funded outlet.