Iran Strikes Saudi Tanker in Hormuz as Khamenei Funeral Reaches Qom; Trump Lands in Ankara for NATO Summit (Jul 7, 1556 UTC, 1856 Israel) (Evening Edition)

Khamenei Funeral Procession Reaches Qom

The funeral procession for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei moved from Jamkaran Mosque to the Shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh in Qom on Tuesday, drawing large crowds IRNA. A sudden route change in Tehran left thousands of mourners stranded IranWire. Afghan Fatemiyoun militia fighters participated in the Qom ceremony, pledging allegiance IranWire.

Strait of Hormuz Shipping Attacks

A Saudi oil tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz, the second attack on commercial shipping in the area within hours, following an earlier strike on a Qatari LNG tanker Israel Hayom. European natural gas benchmark prices jumped after the LNG carrier attack IranWire. Transits through the Strait are at 33% of pre-war levels, according to a seven-day average TLDR Iran SITREP.

Domestic Developments

Political prisoner Siamak Amini was denied specialized medical treatment in Evin Prison IranWire. A Kurdish couple was arrested by intelligence forces in Paveh and taken to an unknown location IranWire. New water supply projects were promised for Sistan and Baluchestan amid drought and decaying infrastructure IranWire.

Regional Funeral Preparations

Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces reviewed security plans for Khamenei’s funeral procession in Karbala IRNA. The Imam Hussein Holy Shrine announced completion of preparations to host the procession Al-Manar TV. Iran deployed 36 Red Crescent rescue teams to Iraq for the ceremonies IRNA. IRGC Quds Force commander Brigadier General Esmail Qaani said the funeral would deepen Iran-Iraq bonds Al-Manar TV.

Legal and Propaganda Claims

Iran’s justice minister said citizens can pursue legal action against the US and Israel over Khamenei’s death IranWire. A senior Ansarullah adviser claimed Western media narratives on Iran were shattered by the funeral crowds IRNA.

IDF Operations in Security Zone

IDF troops operating in the village of Tallousa in the Security Zone located weapons storage facilities containing RPG launchers, ammunition, small arms, explosive devices, anti-tank missile launchers, and Hezbollah flags inside a civilian home bedroom IDF Official.

Lebanese Political Reactions

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam offered condolences to the family of school principal Esperanza Ghandour, killed in an Israeli airstrike in Nabatieh, and reiterated the necessity of upholding the ceasefire Al-Manar TV. The Union of Bint Jbeil Municipalities called on the government to assume responsibilities and take international action following the destruction of the Al-Dawra neighborhood Bint Jbeil News.

Hezbollah Statements

Hezbollah MP Hussein Jishi said the group would not provide a pretext to undermine the ceasefire but warned that patience is not open-ended Al-Manar TV. Former Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblatt described the Framework Agreement as a unilateral deal dictated by Israel Al-Manar TV.

Diplomatic and Security Developments

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Washington on July 21 was confirmed Bint Jbeil News. Israeli drones were reported constantly buzzing over Baalbek in eastern Lebanon Al-Manar TV.

IDF Operations and Strikes

The IDF and Shin Bet announced the elimination of two Hamas commanders in recent strikes. On Sunday, a strike in northern Gaza killed Ahmad Yahya Ibrahim Batsh, a Nukhba Force cell commander who had been advancing attacks on troops. On Monday, a strike in southern Gaza killed Hamouda Abu Daqa, a commander in Hamas’ Military Intelligence Unit involved in collecting intelligence on IDF forces IDF Official Manniefabian.

Ground Operations

IDF troops from Battalion 8226, operating under the Paratroopers Brigade, located an old lathe used for rocket production in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. Forces continue searches for terror infrastructure, weapons, rockets, and explosives N12 Chat.

Incidents and Claims

Quds News Network reported that Israeli forces opened fire on displaced Palestinians’ tents in Al-Mawasi, southern Gaza Quds News Network. A Palestinian was reportedly killed in an Israeli drone strike on Khan Younis Quds News Network.

Hamas Governance

Hamas dissolved its government on paper but retains de facto control, according to an analysis by FDD FDD.

Israeli Military Raids

Israeli occupation forces stormed the village of Deir Samet Quds News Network.

Settler Violence

Israeli settlers trespassed on Palestinian land and vandalized property in the town of Qasra Quds News Network.

NATO Summit and US-Turkey Relations

President Trump arrived in Ankara for a NATO summit and met with President Erdogan. Trump said he would 'certainly consider' selling F-35 jets to Turkey and would lift sanctions imposed over Turkey’s purchase of a Russian air defense system Times of Israel. Erdogan claimed Trump promised five F-35s and that Trump 'always keeps his promises' Times of Israel. The developments boost Turkey’s standing while Israel sees its clout erode Times of Israel.

Israeli-Turkish Tensions

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called Israel an 'unbearable burden' and called for international sanctions FDD. Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli called Erdogan a 'grotesque hybrid of Hitler and Sinwar' Times of Israel.

Syria – Damascus Explosions

Twin explosions rocked Damascus, wounding 18 people near French President Macron’s hotel during his visit. Macron was meeting with Syrian counterpart Sharaa at the palace; the meeting proceeded as planned. No claim of responsibility was made Times of Israel.

Iran at UNCTAD

Iran outlined consumer rights achievements at a UNCTAD meeting in Geneva IRNA.

France

A French court cleared far-right leader Marine Le Pen for the 2027 presidential run under the condition she rejects the embezzlement verdict, though she would still wear an electronic bracelet during the campaign Times of Israel.

United Kingdom

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigned as an MP amid a funding scandal, forcing a by-election Al Jazeera.

United States

A poll found that a third of US Jews believe Israel committed genocide in Gaza, with broader support diving. Only 20% of Americans said Israel did not commit genocide, while half said they don’t know enough to say. 58% of Democrats think the US is too supportive of Israel Times of Israel.

Israel-US Relations

A poll showed only 28% of Israelis think Trump is prioritizing Israel’s security, a sharp drop from 64% in March. Only 38% believe Israel is in a strategically better place than before the Iran war Times of Israel.

Pakistan

At least nine police officers were killed in an attack in southwestern Pakistan; 15 assailants were killed in clearance operations Al Jazeera.

Iraq – Khamenei Funeral Preparations

Iraq is fully prepared to host the funeral procession for Khamenei, with all security and logistical measures taken, according to the governor of Karbala IRNA. Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Al-Karbalaei, representative of Grand Ayatollah Sistani, will lead funeral prayers in Karbala IRNA.

Egypt – World Cup

Egypt national team coach Hossam Hassan expressed solidarity with Palestinians, saying the Palestinian cause is in the heart of every Egyptian Quds News Network.