COMBATE Digest - July 14, 2026 00:01 UTC

🌍 WEST ASIA

US Reinstates Naval Blockade, Demands 20% Hormuz Toll

US President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade against Iran, with US Central Command confirming the blockade would apply to vessels entering or departing Iranian ports starting July 14 at 20:00 GMT (tass_rss). Trump also declared that the United States will become the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz and intends to levy a 20% toll on all cargo transported through the waterway to cover security costs (guerrasygeo). In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran has always been the guardian of the strait and sarcastically noted that a 20% fee is "too much, we will be fair" (tabzlive). Trump also formally notified the US Congress of the resumption of warfare against Iran (tass_rss).

UAE Tankers Struck by Iranian Missiles

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense reported that two of its oil tankers, the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles in Omani territorial waters in the southern Strait of Hormuz (tabzlive). The strike killed one Indian crew member and injured eight others, including six Indians and two Ukrainians, while causing fires aboard both vessels (sepah_pasdaran).

Direct US-Iran Strikes Expand to Kuwait and Bahrain

US Central Command launched a third consecutive night of strikes against Iranian forces, with Trump stating the US had knocked out 92% of Iran's drone manufacturing capability and 89% of its missile manufacturing capability (tabzlive). In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted US military installations in Kuwait using suicide drones, striking communication systems, fuel tanks, a Patriot missile system, and an ammunition depot (sepah_pasdaran). Additionally, Iranian missiles reportedly struck the headquarters of the US Navy's 5th Fleet in the Juffair area of Bahrain, triggering warning sirens across the country (guerrasygeo). The IRGC Navy also claimed to have targeted a hostile US vessel with cruise missiles (tabzlive).

Houthis Strike Saudi Airports in Retaliation

Yemeni Armed Forces launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid Air Base in southern Saudi Arabia (farsna). The strikes caused the complete suspension of flights at Abha airport and sent plumes of smoke rising from King Khalid Air Base (farsna). Houthi officials stated the operations were a direct response to Saudi airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport and warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace until the blockade on Sanaa is lifted (tabzlive).

Mossad Cultivated Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad

A Haaretz investigation revealed that Israel's Mossad spent years cultivating former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset (tabzlive). According to the report, Mossad chief David Barnea personally oversaw the relationship, with plans to install Ahmadinejad as Iran's leader following the anticipated collapse of the Islamic Republic (rt_spanish_rss).

🌍 EUROPE

Russia Summons German Ambassador Over Infrastructure Strikes

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned German Ambassador to Moscow Alexander Graf Lambsdorff to protest Berlin's alleged involvement in Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure (rtde_live_rss). Moscow warned that Germany's continued military support for Kiev, including the establishment of joint defense enterprises whose resources are used to strike Russian targets, is unacceptable (sputnikserbia_rss).

European "Coalition of the Willing" Forms Anti-Missile Shield

During a summit of the "coalition of the willing" in Paris, leaders from several European Union nations, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine agreed to form a joint defense architecture aimed at countering Russian ballistic missile strikes (sputnikserbia_rss). French President Emmanuel Macron also announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including missile deliveries, arms production licenses, and 16 Rafale fighter jets (rt_french_rss).

🌍 NORTH AMERICA

Mexico to File Criminal Complaints Over Deaths in US Custody

The Government of Mexico announced it will formally file criminal complaints with state prosecutors and the US Department of Justice following the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals in operations or detention centers run by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (yt_lajornada2023).

🌍 SOUTH AMERICA

UPDATE: Venezuelan Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 4,500

The official death toll from the June 24 twin earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 4,561 fatalities, with an additional 16,740 people reported injured, according to an update provided by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez (sputnikmundo_rss).

Venezuela Appoints New Foreign Minister

Venezuelan authorities designated Félix Plasencia as the new Minister of Popular Power for Foreign Relations and Foreign Trade. He replaces Yván Gil, who will transition to the role of Minister for Science and Technology (sputnikmundo_rss).

💬 NOTABLE QUOTES

"The Strait of Hormuz is open, and it will stay open, with or without Iran. We are reinstating the Iranian blockade, so called because it only prevents Iranian ships or customers from entering or exiting." — Donald Trump, US President (guerrasygeo)

"POTUS is absolutely right. Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service. Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER. 20% is of course too much. We will be fair." — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (tabzlive)