The day's intelligence for close-protection and security professionals.
Hormuz. The strait is back in open conflict. Two UAE tankers, the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were struck by missiles in Omani waters on Monday — one Indian crew member killed, eight wounded. The UAE blames Iran. President Trump has declared the ceasefire over and moved to reinstate a naval blockade of Iranian shipping. Treat the strait as a live combat environment.
Insurance. Hull war-risk cover for a Hormuz transit has settled at around 5% of a ship's value — the new market norm, up from 2% under June's truce and previously as high as 10%. The IMO has told ships to stay out until crews can be kept safe. War-risk pricing is now a live input for any Gulf maritime task.
Sanctions. Washington's brief authorisation for Iranian oil trade ends this week. OFAC's wind-down runs to 12:01am Eastern on Friday 17 July; after that, no new dealings in Iranian crude, petrochemicals or petroleum. Anyone in the Gulf energy-risk chain needs to be clear by then.
World Cup. The tournament's final week runs to Sunday's final at MetLife. The TSA reports more than 600 unauthorised drones seized across the 11 host cities. For private teams, the friction stays public order, access and airspace — and your own drone use near a venue invites seizure and arrest.
Regulation. Martyn's Law is live and the SIA is building its regulator function, with section 12 guidance being finalised and duties biting in spring 2027. Standard tier is 200-799 capacity, enhanced 800-plus. UK venue and event operators should prepare now.
Threat Level. Mali: JNIM's fuel blockade on Bamako holds ten months on, 300-plus tankers destroyed, the army escorting convoys but not breaking the siege. Haiti: the Gang Suppression Force is deployed but only around 1,000 strong and months from full capacity, against first-quarter violence that killed more than 1,600.
Check the desks for the detail and the sources. Stay sharp.
