The US-Iran ceasefire, in place since June 17, collapsed in late June 2026 after Iran targeted commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military responded with two rounds of strikes inside Iran, hitting around 170 targets. The White House formally requested an $87 billion supplemental for Operation Epic Fury, including $21 billion for munitions, $17.3 billion for operational costs, $2.4 billion for drones, $12.1 billion for classified programs, and $5.1 billion for cybersecurity and autonomy. The Pentagon's acting chief financial officer updated the conflict cost to $29 billion, while outside experts place the figure as high as $100 billion. Long-term costs include $250-300 billion for regional base repairs and $250-500 billion in veteran benefits over a decade. President Trump declared the ceasefire over on Truth Social, though diplomatic talks continue.

Background: Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces reported striking 48 Russian vessels over five days in the Sea of Azov, targeting maritime fuel supply routes to occupied Crimea. New development: On July 11, Ukraine's 414th Separate Unmanned Strike Aviation System Brigade claimed 28 additional Russian vessels were struck, including 21 tankers, 4 tugs, 2 cargo vessels, and 1 special-purpose vessel, bringing the six-day total (July 6–11) to 76. Russia has suspended navigation through the Don-Azov Channel and Kerch Strait, impacting about 25% of its wheat exports. The strikes have exacerbated fuel shortages, with Russian gasoline output falling to 65% of seasonal average consumption, prompting imports from Belarus and India. The campaign is part of a broader effort to isolate Crimea and damage Russia's energy infrastructure.

Background: President Trump resumed military strikes against Iran after the ceasefire collapse, creating political dilemmas for Republicans ahead of midterms. Today: Trump claimed he is Iran's 'No. 1' target amid renewed fighting. Former CENTCOM commander Gen. Frank McKenzie and Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker will discuss military operations on Sunday shows. Trump also fired remaining Democratic members of the Election Assistance Commission, drawing Democratic condemnation.

The UK Ministry of Defence had previously announced a shift to a hybrid fleet of crewed command ships and uncrewed platforms under the Defence Investment Plan, replacing the Type 83 destroyer and Type 32 frigate programmes with six Common Combat Vessels and a family of uncrewed platforms (Types 91-94). In a new development, the MOD has now committed at least £1.5 billion over four years to deliver the Hybrid Navy, with a prototype uncrewed missile platform (Type 91) and extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (Type 93) aiming to enter Royal Navy service by 2030. The funding is higher than the previously referenced £1 billion, and the breakdown between vessel types will be determined in consultation with industry. Payloads for the underwater vehicles will be developed through AUKUS Pillar 2. The 2030 milestone provides the first firm near-term marker for the hybrid fleet, ahead of the six Common Combat Vessels intended to replace Type 45 destroyers from the mid-2030s. Industry is already progressing, with the MOD seeking missile silos capable of 30 days unattended operation and Navantia UK stating its Appledore yard could build two large autonomous vessels per year.

Background: Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, 2026, and his funeral procession in Tehran on July 6 drew millions of mourners calling for revenge. Mojtaba Khamenei, who was seriously wounded in the attack that killed his father, succeeded him. On July 11, he issued a statement on his Telegram channel vowing revenge against the 'criminal and dishonorable killers,' stating that 'this revenge is the demand of our nation, and it will most certainly be carried out.' He did not specifically name President Trump but referenced 'these criminals — whose names are known from top to bottom.' In response, President Trump posted on Truth Social that 1,000 missiles are 'locked and loaded' aimed at Iran and that he has ordered the U.S. military to 'completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran' if any assassination attempt is made. Trump also traveled on the older Air Force One plane rather than the new one from Qatar, reportedly due to security concerns after Israel shared intelligence that Iranian officials had discussed assassinating Trump.

The 'Angry Birds Commando' group claimed responsibility for placing incendiary devices on a railway line between Cologne and Düsseldorf, causing a fire and disrupting train operations. The group cited environmental motives against industrial technology. German police have launched an investigation, and security sources consider the claim genuine. The group had previously claimed similar sabotage in 2025.

Background: The UK Defence Investment Plan previously replaced the Type 83 destroyer and Type 32 frigate programmes with six Common Combat Vessels and a family of uncrewed platforms (Types 91-94). New development: On 10 July, the MoD formally cancelled the Type 83 destroyer programme, confirming in parliamentary answers that classified analysis concluded a hybrid fleet of six crewed Common Combat Vessels and uncrewed Type 91 (missile) and Type 94 (sensor) platforms would deliver greater missile capacity and fleet mass at lower cost. The decision leaves open the possibility of extending the Type 45 destroyers' service life, with a final decision on life extension deferred to 2027-28 pending transition planning with industry. The MoD stated that no build decisions had been made for the Type 83, and that Scottish shipyards will instead benefit from ongoing Type 26 and Type 31 frigate construction and potential work on the new uncrewed vessels, though build locations for the Type 9x platforms have not been announced.

On July 11, 2026, Russia launched a combined attack of Iskander ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and 121 drones against Kyiv, hitting four districts. At least 10 people were injured, including an 11-year-old boy, with four hospitalized. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most projectiles, but the attack underscores an intensifying Russian campaign against the capital following a deadly strike on 8 July.

The French Navy validated a new Rafale M F4 configuration carrying two 1,000 kg AASM precision-guided bombs, a first for the service. The test occurred on July 6-7, 2026, from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during its return from deployment in the Gulf of Oman. Each Rafale M also carried a Talios targeting pod, two MICA missiles, and external fuel tanks. The four bombs were successfully dropped on the Keravia range in Greece. The Charles de Gaulle returned to Toulon on July 11 after a 166-day mission, La Fayette 26, which included operations in the Atlantic, Baltic, Eastern Mediterranean, and Gulf of Oman, with 3,400 catapult launches and 5,000 flight hours.

The UK Ministry of Defence has stated that Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) will play a key role in integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) through the 2030s, augmenting Typhoon and F-35 fighters. The announcement, in a parliamentary answer, links the CCA program to homeland defence missions, adding a new role to the drones beyond loyal wingman tasks. The £790 million IAMD investment aims to enhance command, control, and sensing to counter mass drone and cruise missile threats.