Iran-US tensions escalate with retaliatory strikes and Strait of Hormuz disruption
via SeneNews7 min read
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated following renewed strikes. The United States has intensified its actions against Iran, while Tehran claims retaliation against US allies in the Gulf and has restricted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This critical waterway is now marked by uncertainty and threats of further attacks. The US Department of Defense reported that Iranian missile and drone attacks caused no major damage or American casualties. However, Iran's Minister of Health stated that US strikes killed 14 people and injured 78 in Iran over two days. Israel's Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, declared the military is ready to strike Iran again if necessary. Jordan intercepted several Iranian missiles, an attack claimed by the Revolutionary Guards as retaliation for US bombings. An Iranian official reported a US strike near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Sirens sounded in Amman, Jordan, and explosions were heard in Manama, Bahrain. One person was injured in Kuwait following an Iranian attack. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned US strikes on railway bridges as a "flagrant war crime" and affirmed its determination to defend its territorial integrity. Global stock markets saw a slight rebound after previous declines, with Paris, Frankfurt, and Milan showing gains, while London experienced a slight loss.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadFrance is preparing for a decisive 2026 World Cup quarter-final match against Morocco, a team that has emerged as a rising power in international football since 2022. The match will take place on July 9, 2026, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. Didier Deschamps' French squad, undefeated so far, will need to elevate their game to reach the semi-finals. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the team's offensive and attractive play. Captain Kylian Mbappé, with seven goals in the tournament, is expected to lead France's charge. Meanwhile, Morocco's presence in the last four of the 2022 World Cup was considered a surprise, but their current run confirms their status as a formidable opponent. Morocco's coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, emphasized playing with maximum effort, stating, "The key is not to have regrets. We will have to play the match at 2000%." For France, the probable absence of Aurélien Tchouaméni due to an adductor injury is a blow, with Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné expected to start in midfield. On the Moroccan side, Ismael Saibari, the team's top scorer with three goals, is confirmed to be out. The French Minister of Sports, Marina Ferrari, has called for "everyone's responsibility" to ensure the event remains a "celebration of sport," as authorities consider the match to be high-risk.
Must ReadFrance is scheduled to face Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The match will take place on July 9, 2026, at 8:00 PM Dakar time at Gillette Stadium. The game will be officiated by Argentine referee Facundo Raul Tello Figueroa. Both teams are expected to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Didier Deschamps is the coach for France, and Mohamed Ouahbi is the coach for Morocco. Key players for France include goalkeeper Mike Maignan and forward Kylian Mbappé, while Morocco's lineup features goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and midfielder Brahim Díaz. Live updates, including the score, goals, substitutions, and cards, will be available during the match.
Must ReadAurélien Tchouaméni, a midfielder, is not in France's starting lineup for their World Cup 2026 quarter-final match against Morocco in Foxborough, near Boston, due to a thigh injury. The lineup, released by FIFA an hour before kickoff, shows Didier Deschamps also opted to start Désiré Doué on the left wing of the French attack instead of Bradley Barcola. Barcola had started the previous two knockout matches against Sweden 3-0 and Paraguay 1-0. Deschamps has otherwise maintained the same players as in the round of 16 match against Paraguay 1-0, with Manu Koné taking Tchouaméni's place alongside Adrien Rabiot in the midfield's double-pivot. Tchouaméni, who had been recovering from an adductor injury sustained the day before the Paraguay match, will be on the substitutes' bench and might enter the game later. He participated in the final training session on Wednesday after missing collective training on Monday and Tuesday. France's defense features Mike Maignan in goal, with William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano as center-backs, and Jules Koundé and Lucas Digne as full-backs. The midfield includes Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot, supporting Michael Olise in the center, Désiré Doué on the left, and Ousmane Dembélé on the right. Captain Kylian Mbappé leads the attack. Former teammate Antoine Griezmann, now with Orlando City in MLS, is present at Gillette Stadium to support France. For Morocco, coach Mohamed Ouahbi is without Ismael Saibari, who sustained a thigh injury in the round of 16