Iran declares 'existential war' as US strikes reach near Tehran

Ezgi Akin
Ezgi Akin
Jul 16, 2026
People walk past a mural depicting the late leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a street in Tehran, Iran, July 15, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

Welcome back to the Daily Briefing.

This is Ezgi Akin, filling in for Gabrielle. 

In today’s edition:

  • Iran declares 'existential war' as US strikes reach near Tehran
  • Vance says some in Israeli government sought to sway US on Iran deal
  • Syria seizes weapons shipment bound for Hezbollah
  • Turkish opposition leader Ozgur Ozel could launch new party by August

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