U.S., Iran exchange fresh strikes as tensions escalate
The United States completed a third round of strikes on Iranian military targets on Sunday, while Iran launched attacks on U.S. bases and facilities across the Gulf, marking a sharp escalation despite a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in June.
The U.S. Central Command said on Sunday it had completed the third round of strikes against Iran this week after hitting some 140 targets, including missile and drone launch sites, ammunition dumps, communication equipment and other sites.
Iran's Press TV reported on Sunday that explosions rocked several cities in southern Iran. In response, Iran launched a series of strikes against U.S. targets in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Kuwait.
Iranian authorities say passage through Hormuz Strait currently not possible
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced on Sunday that due to the U.S. military forces' recent "illegal movements" in the region, passage through the waterway is not currently possible.
It made the announcement in a post on social media platform X, saying, "Once stability and calm are restored, all requests (for passage through the Strait of Hormuz) will be reviewed according to the schedule, and the necessary permits will be issued."
Ukrainian president announces cabinet reshuffle
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday announced a cabinet reshuffle.
In a post on X, Zelensky said the new strategy would assign each foreign policy priority to an official with relevant experience.
"We discussed the details with Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko. We determined that these changes require a renewal of the Cabinet of Ministers," he wrote.
Venezuela quake death toll rises to 4,490
The death toll from the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 4,490, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said Sunday.
Rodriguez noted in a daily update on social media that the number of injured remained at 16,740, while the number of people receiving assistance rose to 120,794. Authorities have set up 108 temporary camps and shelters for those left homeless.■
