14 July 2026
Iran War
The United States’ position has been that no toll should be imposed in the Strait of Hormuz. This would be in accordance with international maritime law. President Trump announced that the blockade on Iranian shipping was back in effect and that a 20% cargo levy would be imposed on commercial traffic transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This levy would be imposed as the United States, according to Trump, is the “Guardian of the Hormuz”. The UN’s International Maritime Organization said that it was aware of Trump’s announcement and was awaiting additional details from the administration.
The US targeted the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas with kamikaze sea drones. A first for the US Navy. Three US Corsair sea drones targeted an Iranian submarine and a ship maintenance facility. The submarine was reportedly destroyed.
Iran continues to fire ballistic missiles as the Jordanian military announced that its air defences shot down four ballistic missiles. Iran also hit two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. One Indian crew member was killed, and eight others were wounded.
President Trump sent formal notice to Congress that the conflict with Iran has resumed. Trump is also expected to address the nation on Thursday.
The United States suspended the removal of air refuelling assets from Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. For Israel, this means that as many as 50,000 flight tickets could be at risk of cancellation for travellers. However, it also indicates that the US is open to Israel joining the conflict with Iran at some point in the near future.
Yemen
Yemen targeted Sanaa airport to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing in the Houthi-controlled capital. A Houthi delegation attended the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, but insisted on boarding an Iranian aircraft for the return journey.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence stated its air defence engaged ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi rebels which were targeting the southern region of Saudi Arabia. The Houthis blame Saudi Arabia for carrying out the attack on Sanaa airport.
Ukraine-Russia War
Russia summoned the German ambassador and accused Germany of supporting Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Russia through military cooperation and arms supplies to Ukraine. Germany held urgent talks with China earlier this month over reports that China is training Russian soldiers.
This comes after the European Union and the United Kingdom placed sanctions on Russia over its cyberattack campaign. There have been numerous cyberattacks, including one on Poland’s energy infrastructure, which could have left half a million Poles without heating during the winter.
France granted Ukraine licences to produce French-designed cruise missiles, glide bombs, and air defence interceptors. This will include the Aster air defence interceptors and SCALP long-range air-launched cruise missile.
European Union
Nine European countries and Ukraine agreed to jointly develop non-offensive anti-ballistic capabilities in Europe. The declaration was signed by Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The joint declaration stated that “By bringing together our defense industrial base, our research, and our operational experience, we aim to build a shared anti-ballistic missile capacity for Europe.” This does not mean immediate ballistic missile defence for Ukraine.
Sudan
The EU banned the purchase and import of Sudanese gold as a measure to curb Sudan’s war economy. It also banned the sale and export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan, which are used to mine the precious metal. Gold has become an instrumental source of revenue for both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Libya
Libya’s rival military chiefs met alongside representatives of the UN Support Mission in Libya to discuss efforts to reunify the country. Reunification talks started last year when both sides asked Pakistan to help mediate.
Social Media Wires
The aftermath of an ambush on a convoy of Malian Army and Russian mercenaries
Footage of the US kamikaze boat strike
Featured Photo: “Trump Toll at Hormuz” – ChatGPT, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking-news report that incorporates wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale and cropping.