Washington Mourns Death of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s; Central Command Completes Another Wave of Iran Strikes | NTD Good Morning (July 13)

The White House lowered its flags to half-staff to honor the life of Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died at the age of 71. President Donald Trump described the senator as a “true American patriot” and “one of the greatest people and Senators” that he has ever known. Preliminary findings from a medical examiner suggest Graham died from an aortic dissection. A last-minute push to find a Republican candidate to vie for Graham’s seat has begun.

U.S. Central Command says it has completed another wave of strikes against Iran, hitting dozens of targets in multiple locations. The operation involved U.S. fighter aircraft, naval vessels, and one-way attack drones. Iran has claimed it closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. strikes, but Central Command rejected that claim, saying the key waterway remains open and commercial traffic is continuing. Iraq’s prime minister is visiting Washington on Monday to strengthen ties with the United States, with expected oil and gas agreements aimed at boosting investment and production.

The World Cup semifinals are set, with France, Spain, Argentina, and England just one win away from the final. France and Spain will meet on Tuesday in Dallas, while defending champion Argentina takes on England on Wednesday in Atlanta. The winners of the two semifinals will meet in the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.