🕌 Syria's First Post-Assad Parliament Convenes in Damascus
Syria's transitional parliament held its inaugural session on Sunday in Damascus, 19 months after rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa ousted Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 — a milestone in the country's political transition.
The chamber is tasked with drafting a new constitution under a five-year transitional framework. Al-Sharaa addressed lawmakers, urging them to "make this council a model of responsibility and competence" and calling parliament "a platform for truth and justice." He identified improving the economy and strengthening public services as key priorities.
Syria's new authorities dissolved Assad's rubber-stamp legislature after seizing power and adopted a temporary constitutional declaration to govern the transition period. The new parliament currently holds limited powers.
🇮🇷 US Strikes Iran Again After Hormuz Strait Closure
The United States launched a new round of strikes on Iran after Iranian forces again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipping.
The attacks follow a vow of revenge from Iran's new supreme leader, who pledged retaliation for his father's death in the opening hours of the conflict. The closure of the strait marks a significant escalation, threatening energy flows that transit one of the world's most strategically vital waterways.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died on the evening of Saturday, July 11, following a "brief and sudden illness," his office announced. He was 71.
Graham, a retired Air Force Reserve colonel first elected to the Senate in 2002, was one of the most prominent Republican foreign policy hawks in Congress and a close ally of President Donald Trump. His death came days after a high-profile visit to Kyiv, where he met President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday and toured a drone manufacturing facility. "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," his office said.
🕌 Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former ruler who transformed Qatar into a global power, has died aged 74. Qatar's Amiri Diwan confirmed the death on Sunday; no cause was given.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar for 18 years before voluntarily abdicating in June 2013 in favour of his son — a rare act in Gulf monarchies. During his reign he oversaw Qatar's rise as a major force in diplomacy, media and investment, and expanded its influence through its vast energy wealth.
🛂 Houston Launches Own Probe Into Fatal ICE Shooting
Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced Friday the city will conduct an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of a 52-year-old Mexican national by a federal immigration officer, saying his office "will not rest" until a "thorough and independent" inquiry is completed.
The shooting is the latest deadly incident during the Trump administration's immigration enforcement crackdown. Whitmire's decision to pursue a city-level probe signals growing friction between local Democratic officials and federal authorities over ICE operations.
🇮🇷 Iran in Oman Talks as U.S. Demands Hormuz Pledge
Iran's foreign minister arrived in Oman on Saturday for talks on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington demanding a public pledge guaranteeing free and secure transit through the strategic waterway.
Trump declared the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran over, while also saying both sides had agreed to continue negotiations. No attacks were reported on Friday or early Saturday. Analysts warn Iran could gain significant strategic leverage if it retains effective control over the strait, through which a significant share of global oil shipments pass.