LiveLive Updates July 15, 2026Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeJuly 15, 2026UpdatesU.S. launches fresh strikes against IranThe U.S. military said it has started its second wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday."The strikes are targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the Strait of Hormuz," U.S. Central Command said in a post on X.At 3 p.m. ET, U.S. forces launched operations for a second wave of strikes today against Iran. The strikes are targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, an international waterway vital to global commerce. TheShow moreStrikes on Iran strengthen Trump's options for new escalation, officials sayRecent U.S. strikes on Iran are targeting military capabilities that could be needed to be neutralized before any more complex operations against Tehran, three U.S. officials told Reuters.The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military matters, said the strikes expand President Donald Trump's military options as he weighs his next steps after notifying Congress last weekend of a formal resumption of hostilities with Iran.The U.S. military has said its latest strikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, coastal radar, missile and drone sites, as well as small boats and other maritime assets.One U.S. official described the strikes as "shaping operations" aimed at degrading Iranian defenses in case the U.S. military is ordered to conduct more intensive operations in the future. "This is helping set the stage, if needed," the official said.Despite significant damage to Iran's military capabilities since the start of the U.S.-Israeli campaign on February 28, Tehran retains substantial drone and missile capabilities and has attacked commercial vessels and Gulf states, according to U.S. officials.The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Critics of Trump's war with Iran have argued that while the campaign has achieved tactical successes, it has failed to secure strategic concessions from Tehran.Knesset approves law guaranteeing treatment for combat trauma victimsThe Knesset on Wednesday approved a law guaranteeing tailored treatment for combat trauma victims and establishing a committee to assist them. Seventy lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, with no opposition votes.The legislation is intended to enshrine the rights of combat trauma victims in the Disabled Persons Law, allowing them to receive treatment through the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Department.Israel's Knesset debates the bill guaranteeing treatment for combat trauma victims, on Wednesday. Credit: Olivier FitoussiIsrael's Knesset debates the bill guaranteeing treatment for combat trauma victims, on Wednesday. Credit: Olivier FitoussiThe law also formalizes the work of a committee within the Rehabilitation Department that provides assistance beyond what is required by law in exceptional cases. The committee will be able to offer additional support to disabled veterans and, in certain cases, their family members.Vance says Israel is 'losing the battle' for U.S. public opinionU.S. Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that Israel is "losing the battle" for public opinion in the United States, while discussing reports of an Israeli influence campaign targeting conservative Americans and the Trump administration's Iran policy.In an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Vance said he had been unfairly accused of antisemitism for calling for a more candid relationship between Washington and Jerusalem when their interests do not fully align.NEW: Vice President @JDVance and Joe Rogan discuss a TIME article detailing an alleged Israeli funded “influencer” and digital media campaign aimed at undermining U.S. negotiations with Iran.