Trump again threatens to strike Iran’s power plants amid impasse over strait of Hormuz

• UN aid coordination office OCHA reported on Tuesday that humanitarians are facing significant challenges delivering aid to communities near the “Yellow Line” in northern Rafah, Gaza. • The announcement follows a consultation between the UN and representatives from 17 displacement sites, which currently host approximately 3,000 families.

• President Trump signed an executive order on Monday, July 13, 2026, reducing the size of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah by over 90%. • The affected areas span more than 3.2 million acres of land in southern Utah, much of which is considered sacred by Native American communities.

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has officially launched India's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term. • During the launch, Jaishankar met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss critical global developments, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

• A precarious ceasefire between the US and Iran is beginning to fray, leading to a resumption of hostilities and increasing geo-economic instability in the region. • The conflict has disrupted global supply lines, causing oil prices to climb by over 3% in a single day to reach their highest level in four weeks.

• External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar unveiled India's campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), promoting a "Shanti" vision for global peace and security. • Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to an equitable world order and its role as a development partner, highlighting active Indian-funded projects across 79 countries.

• President Donald Trump announced the launch of "major combat operations" against Iran on February 28. • The offensive consists of massive joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

• The U.S. has launched additional military strikes against Iran amid escalating tensions in the region. • President Trump reversed a previous decision to impose a 20% fee on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead for trade and investment deals with Gulf states.

• India has officially backed Palestine’s bid for membership in the United Nations, reaffirming its diplomatic support for the Palestinian people. • The Indian government reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution as the primary means to resolve the long-standing conflict between Palestine and Israel.

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar officially launched India's bid for the single Asia-Pacific seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028–29 term. • The campaign, initiated at the UN Headquarters, involves New Delhi actively seeking international support to secure the position.

• U.N. humanitarian official Ramiz Alakbarov reported that armed personnel linked to Hamas raided a World Food Program (WFP) distribution site in Gaza on Saturday, July 12, 2026. • The raid disrupted critical food aid operations, forcing the WFP to immediately suspend its activities at the targeted location.

• Gulf nations are intensifying competition for influence in the Horn of Africa through strategic military agreements and significant port investments. • The geopolitical struggle centers on competing alliances and differing diplomatic positions regarding Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan.

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss current global developments and international stability. • During the visit to UN headquarters, Jaishankar officially launched India's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term.