Key Takeaways
- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a historic strike on Iran's Bandar Abbas Naval Base using one-way attack sea drones for the first time in combat operations.
- The ongoing SAFE union strike in Norway is costing the oil industry over $51 million (NOK 500m) per week, with production losses expected to hit 120,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by late July.
- President Donald Trump has recommended Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to serve as the interim U.S. Senator for South Carolina.
- The U.S. military utilized three Corsair unmanned surface vessels, manufactured by Saronic Technologies, to degrade Iran's ability to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM Employs Sea Drones in Major Strike on Iran
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Monday that American forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base in Iran. The operation utilized three Corsair one-way attack surface drones, marking the first time the U.S. military has employed sea drones in active combat.
The strikes were designed to degrade Iran’s capabilities to harass and attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. The Corsair vessels, developed by Saronic Technologies, previously gained attention in June 2024 for their role in a personnel rescue mission, but this deployment confirms their transition into an offensive strike role.
Norway Oil Services Dispute Deepens as Mediation Fails
The labor dispute in Norway's offshore sector continues to escalate after Monday's mediation failed to yield a deal between the SAFE union and employers. Industry body Offshore Norway reported that the strike is now costing the industry more than NOK 500 million ($51.2 million) weekly.
The industrial action has already forced the suspension of operations at five mobile drilling rigs and five fixed installations. Companies heavily impacted by the service disruption include Equinor (EQNR), SLB (SLB), Halliburton (HAL), and Baker Hughes (BKR). Production losses have reached a cumulative 2.4 million barrels of oil equivalent this year, with daily losses projected to rise significantly if the lockout of over 1,200 workers persists.
Trump Recommends Successor for Late Senator Lindsey Graham
Following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, President Donald Trump has publicly recommended that South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appoint Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, as the interim senator. Trump described the move as a "fabulous tribute" to the late senator, who was a close political ally.
Governor McMaster is expected to announce the appointment this afternoon at the Statehouse in Columbia. The interim senator will serve until at least January 2027, while a special election will be held to determine the permanent successor for the remainder of the term. The vacancy has already sparked interest from other high-profile Republicans, including Representative Nancy Mace.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.