Monday, 13 July 2026

President Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports and declared the US will charge a 20% toll on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, effective July 14 at 4pm ET. The announcement came as the US launched fresh strikes on Iran, marking a resumption of the conflict after a ceasefire agreement in June.

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died on Saturday evening at age 71 from an aortic tear. Following his death, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve out the remainder of his Senate term until January 3, 2027. Trump backed the appointment of Graham's sister over other candidates.

A federal judge voided President Trump's $1.8 billion settlement with the IRS that had granted him immunity from tax audits. Judge Kathleen Williams ruled the lawsuit was filed for 'improper purposes' and referred Trump's attorneys, including acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, for potential disciplinary action.

The US launched its third wave of strikes on Iran as the country retaliated with attacks on US military bases in Jordan and Bahrain. The escalation further strains the interim ceasefire deal reached in June and raises oil prices. Iran warned that US actions have 'rendered futile' recent diplomatic efforts.

Oil prices surged approximately 9% to roughly $83 per barrel following Trump's announcement of the Hormuz blockade and 20% toll on cargo. Brent crude jumped 5% as markets reacted to the potential disruption of global shipping through the critical waterway.

President Trump signed executive orders dramatically reducing the size of two Utah national monuments: Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. The orders affect nearly 3 million acres—more than 90% of each monument's area—opening the land to oil and gas development and mining. Native American tribes and environmental groups are expected to challenge the reductions.

A federal immigration agent fatally shot a 26-year-old Colombian man in Biddeford, Maine, during an enforcement operation. The shooting occurred less than a week after an ICE agent shot a man in Houston. Witnesses and a state senator reported that the victim may not have been the target of the operation and reportedly said 'I tried to stop,' raising questions about the shooting's justification.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a joint task force between the Pentagon and Department of Justice to target and prosecute press leaks. The move represents an escalation of the Trump administration's crackdown on media and journalism, drawing concerns from press freedom advocates.

President Trump suggested that he has ordered the US military to destroy Iran if he were to be assassinated, characterizing the order as a deterrent against Tehran's threats. Vice President JD Vance would make the call to execute such an order, according to Trump's statement.

President Trump hosted IndyCar drivers at the White House on July 13 as part of a showcase for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix scheduled for August 22-23 on the National Mall in Washington DC. The event was part of Trump's America 250 commemorations of the nation's 250th anniversary.