Top 5 International News Stories Today
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions that were previously imposed on the United States (US) military’s access to their military bases and airspace. Both countries are among several Gulf states hosting US military assets, which have been drawn into the Middle East war.
The restrictions were initially imposed by Saudi and Kuwaiti authorities following the launch of a US military operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Passage activities in the vital waterway of the Strait of Hormuz have been limited as a result of the war raging since late February.
In addition to this news, here are the international stories that caught the attention of detikcom readers today, Friday (8/5/2026):
- Iran’s Vice President: We Will Soon Celebrate a Great Victory Over Our Enemies!
Iran’s Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, stated that his country will soon celebrate a “great victory” against its enemies, after years of pressure have passed and a series of sanctions strangling Tehran have been lifted.
“The people of Iran are the winners of the Ramadan War,” said Aref during a visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Shipping Group, as reported by Press TV, Friday (8/5/2026).
Aref, who officially serves as Iran’s First Vice President, used the term “Ramadan War” to refer to the war triggered by combined attacks from the United States (US) and Israel against Iran since 28 February. The war began while the holy month of Ramadan was underway.
- Tensions Escalate! Iran Now Attacks US Military Ships in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on US military ships near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday (8/5). The IRGC accused the US of first violating the ceasefire by bombarding tanker ships and civilian areas in southern Iran.
The IRGC stated in its announcement, as reported by Anadolu Agency, Friday (8/5/2026), that the operation against US military ships was launched after what they described as a violation of the ceasefire by Washington.
Spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, said that the US targeted an Iranian oil tanker moving from Iranian coastal waters near Jask port towards the Strait of Hormuz, as well as other Iranian ships near Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates.
- Saudi-Kuwait Lift Restrictions, US to Resume Project Freedom Hormuz
The United States (US) is considering resuming “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz, which was temporarily halted by President Donald Trump. This follows Saudi Arabia and Kuwait lifting military access restrictions for the US to their bases and airspace.
Project Freedom is a US military mission aimed at guiding ships from neutral countries to cross the Strait of Hormuz safely, which began on Monday (4/5) local time. The mission has the potential to challenge Iran’s steps to restrict shipping in that strategic waterway.
Reports from leading US media outlet the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing several US and Saudi officials, as reported by TRT World, Friday (8/5/2026), indicate that the Trump administration is preparing to restart military escort operations for commercial ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, with support from the US Navy and Air Force.
- Trump Refuses to Pay Rp 17 Million for World Cup Ticket
US President Donald Trump stated that he will not pay more than US$1,000, equivalent to Rp 17.3 million, for a World Cup match ticket in the US.
Trump’s statement adds further pressure on the International Football Federation (FIFA) over the exorbitantly high ticket prices.
“I don’t know that figure,” Trump said in an interview with the New York Post, as reported by AFP, Friday (8/5/2026).
- Saudi Arabia-Kuwait Lift US Military Access Restrictions to Their Bases
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions that were previously imposed on the United States (US) military’s access to their military bases and airspace. Both countries are among several Gulf states hosting US military assets, which have been drawn into the Middle East war.
The restrictions were initially imposed by Saudi and Kuwaiti authorities following the launch of a US military operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Passage activities in the vital waterway of the Strait of Hormuz have been limited as a result of the war raging since late February.
The lifting of the access restrictions, as reported by Middle East Monitor, Friday (8/5/2026), was covered by leading US media the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Thursday (7/5) local time.