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Today's Briefing
Tuesday, Jul 14, 2026

US Escalates Iran Conflict, Reverses Hormuz Tolls, and Targets ICC

  • The United States launched a new wave of strikes against Iran overnight on July 14, notably using one-way attack sea drones for the first time in combat against Bandar Abbas. President Trump reversed his plan for a 20% Strait of Hormuz transit fee, announcing Gulf countries would instead make "massive" investment deals with the US as the naval blockade is reimposed.

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio initiated a "sweeping campaign" on July 13 to dismantle the International Criminal Court's (ICC) threat to U.S. sovereignty. This includes diplomatic calls for nations to withdraw and potential visa revocations and sanctions against ICC personnel.

  • The Department of State further designated ten entities on July 13 to counter the Cuban regime's malign activities, targeting state-owned entities and paramilitary forces.

The Bottom Line

The US is intensifying military and economic pressure in the Middle East, particularly against Iran, while simultaneously pursuing a broad diplomatic offensive against the ICC and expanding sanctions on Cuba, signaling a robust and assertive global posture.

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