The death toll from the double earthquake in Venezuela increases to 4,490

Pulse through the Strait of Hormuz

The struggle between Washington and Tehran for control of the Strait of Hormuz escalated this week with attacks and crossed statements. “Hormuz is open. We hit them hard,” said President Donald Trump at the end of a night of bombings against Iran. Tehran “does not control the strait,” he added.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) endorsed the position: US forces are deployed to “ensure freedom of navigation, despite Iran’s unjustified aggression, threats and arbitrary statements.” Shortly after, the military command reported new attacks against missile systems, air defense and vessels of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard.

Hours earlier, an apparent calm and talks in Muscat – mediated by Oman and Qatar – had raised hopes of detente. But in the early hours of Saturday to Sunday, Iran announced the closure of the strait after attacking a Cyprus-flagged ship with a drone.

Washington’s response was immediate: a third round of attacks against 140 Iranian facilities in the vicinity of the pass, raising the weekly total to 310 targets. “Iran made the wrong decision. Now it is paying the consequences,” said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Tehran counterattacked with missiles towards US bases in the Middle East. Three fell in Jordan, and Qatar reported three injuries – including a minor – from shrapnel during the interception. Oman denounced having been the target of Iranian attacks and summoned the Iranian ambassador for a formal protest. Saudi Arabia condemned “Iran’s persistent destabilizing behavior.”

Trump expressed frustration: “On Saturday night we had a deal with Iran. It was perfect for us. No nuclear program, none of this, none of that. Iran gave in on everything, but they walked out of the room and an hour later they launched a drone at a ship. They’re sick.”

The Iranian Supreme Leader’s military advisor, Mohsen Rezaei, warned: “This strategic step is worth more than dozens of atomic bombs and the Islamic Republic will protect it.”

For Trump, keeping Hormuz open is key to avoiding a global economic depression. However, the fifth section of the memorandum – which addresses control of the strait – has generated controversy. Analysts point out that its wording gives Iran some influence over the step that it did not previously have, and its ambiguity could fuel new friction.

The scenario complicates negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program, where pessimism is growing even within the US administration.

Immediate response after the earthquake

The government of El Salvador installed a humanitarian hospital on the main avenue of Playa Grande, La Guaira state, to respond to the emergency caused by the double earthquake that shook northern Venezuela on June 24.

The initiative responds to a direct order from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who monitors the situation and coordinates the distribution of aid, according to an official statement.

Details of the Salvadoran contingent

The temporary hospital seeks to relieve pressure on the local health system in one of the areas most affected by seismic activity. The team is made up of doctors, paramedics and a team of veterinarians.

Medical care is provided 24 hours a day. Veterinary services for pets and companion animals are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time).

The Salvadoran government’s commitment to the emergency is reflected in the rapid installation of this center, which seeks to mitigate the impact of the earthquake on the affected community.

Khamenei’s funeral sets off alarms

Mourners chanted slogans against President Donald Trump during the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s late supreme leader. The images traveled around the world and provoked an immediate response from Washington.

“We have 1,000 missiles ready and loaded against Iran. Thousands more will be used if they make an attempt on my life,” Trump wrote in Truth Social.

The warning came at a critical time. The ceasefire in the region remains fragile, and any spark could reignite a conflict that has left hundreds dead in recent months.

Cross demands

The United States also demanded that Tehran guarantee free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas trade. Iran rejected the claim and instead proposed charging fees to ships that cross its waters, breaking decades-old agreements.

Washington conditions any negotiations on Iran stopping attacks on commercial vessels and handing over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Tehran has ruled out both conditions.

Diplomats from Oman and Qatar try to mediate to avoid an escalation. But the clashes continue: in recent days, hostile actions left at least 17 dead and more than a hundred injured in Iranian territory.

The international community watches with concern. Control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian nuclear program continue to be the most critical points between both powers, with the risk of a new crisis that impacts global energy markets.