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Date:2026-07-13 UTC

Military conflict between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz has escalated dramatically, with Iran declaring the strategic waterway closed, striking vessels, and attacking Gulf states while the US launches retaliatory strikes. President Trump has proposed charging a 20% fee on cargo traversing the strait for US naval protection, a plan that could double shipping costs and has drawn criticism even from his own administration. Lindsey Graham's sister has been appointed to fill his Senate seat following his death, and reflections on Graham's legacy highlight his hawkish foreign policy stance as an Israel advocate, Trump ally, and Iran war supporter.

US and Iran exchange attacks over Strait of Hormuz control

US and Iran exchange attacks over Strait of Hormuz controlIran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and claims to have struck a vessel transiting the waterway, while simultaneously attacking US-allied Gulf states. The US maintains the strait remains open and has intensified military operations in response. Both sides are presenting conflicting accounts of who controls this critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes.

Sources:
FACT FOCUS: A look at US and Iranian claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz (AP News)
US, Iran exchange attacks around Strait of Hormuz (Al Jazeera)
Iran closes Hormuz, attacks Gulf states as US says strait remains open (SCMP)
U.S., Iran intensify attacks over Strait of Hormuz (CBC)
Iran says it hit vessel in Strait of Hormuz, declares route closed (CBC)

Trump proposes 20% fee for US naval protection in Hormuz

Trump proposes 20% fee for US naval protection in HormuzPresident Donald Trump has announced that the United States will provide naval protection for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, but only if shipping companies pay a 20% fee on all cargo moving through the waterway. The New York Times reports this could double shipping costs, while critics within Trump's own administration have questioned the feasibility and legality of such a toll. Shipping companies have been urgently seeking protection since the US-Israeli conflict with Iran disrupted the critical trade route.

Sources:
Trump offers US protection in the Strait of Hormuz for a 20% fee. How would that work?Since the US-Israeli war with Iran broke out, shipping companies have been calling for greater protection for vessels to safely cross through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade route that is controlled by Iran. President Donald Trump now says the United States can provide that — but in exchange for a 20% fee on cargo moving through the waterway. (CNN)
Trump offers US protection in the Strait of Hormuz for a 20% fee. How would that work? (CNN)
Strait of Hormuz Fee Could Double the Cost of Shipping3 min read (NYT)
Trump’s Threat to Impose Fees in the Strait Contradicts His Aides3 min read (NYT)

US launches fresh strikes on Iran as Hormuz standoff escalates

US launches fresh strikes on Iran as Hormuz standoff escalatesThe United States military has launched new strikes against Iranian targets in response to Iran's attack on a civilian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has retaliated by attacking US allies in the Gulf region. President Trump has also announced a renewed blockade and the imposition of tolls, further escalating one of the most serious military confrontations between the two nations in decades.

Sources:
US begins new Iran strikes after Trump says ships will be charged to use the Strait of Hormuz (AP News)
The US launches more strikes on Iran as the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz escalates (AP News)
US military says it is striking Iran in response to attack on civilian vessel in Strait of Hormuz (AP News)
The U.S. strikes Iran after Trump announces a renewed blockade and tolls in Hormuz (NPR)
U.S. launches new strikes on Iran and Tehran attacks U.S. allies in the Gulf (NPR)

Lindsey Graham's sister appointed to finish his Senate term

Lindsey Graham's sister appointed to finish his Senate termFollowing the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, his sister has been appointed to serve out the remainder of his term in the US Senate. The appointment was confirmed by state officials and was seen as a way to maintain continuity in South Carolina's representation. Graham had held his Senate seat since 2003 and was a prominent figure in American foreign policy debates.

Sources:
Lindsey Graham's sister chosen as replacement after senator's death (BBC)
Lindsey Graham’s Sister Is Appointed to Finish His Senate Term (NYT)
Lindsey Graham's sister appointed to fulfill remainder of his term in U.S. Senate (CBC)

Lindsey Graham remembered as fading foreign policy hawk

Lindsey Graham remembered as fading foreign policy hawkFollowing his death, reflections on Lindsey Graham's political legacy paint a portrait of a Senator whose hawkish vision for American foreign policy is increasingly out of step with Washington's current trajectory. Graham was remembered as a staunch Israel advocate, a loyal ally to President Trump, and a leading supporter of the Iran war. The South China Morning Post noted his death removes one of Washington's most influential China hawks from the political landscape.

Sources:
Lindsey Graham remembered for a vision of American foreign policy that’s fading in Washington (AP News)
Lindsey Graham’s legacy: Israel advocate, Trump ally, Iran war supporter (Al Jazeera)
Lindsey Graham’s death removes one of Washington’s most influential China hawks (SCMP)