Here are the latest news and big news stories to follow - The Hindu

• A new book examines the nearly 80-year history and growth of the pro-Israel lobby, describing it as the most powerful foreign policy lobby in U.S. history. • The authors argue that from Harry Truman to Donald Trump, most U.S. presidents have succumbed to the lobby's demands due to fears of domestic political defeat.

• Donald Trump has introduced new uncertainty into attorney general negotiations by threatening to move forward with a settlement fund. • In Spain, right-wing and far-right politicians are criticizing the socialist government following dramatic images of crowds storming into the enclave of Ceuta.

• President Donald Trump announced that Iran has agreed to a "total" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following the U.S. decision to cancel planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. • The agreement follows diplomatic efforts to reduce escalation, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urging the U.S. to uphold a memorandum of understanding as the basis for future foreign policy.

• The August 3, 2026, SOF Weekly Brief analyzes President Trump’s National Security Strategy with a specific focus on security within the Western Hemisphere. • The strategy aims to protect the United States while signaling to global powers that current globalization and disruption patterns primarily benefit the existing political structure.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a national campaign on August 2, 2026, aimed at creating a drug-free youth population. • The initiative positions a healthy, addiction-free generation as the essential foundation for achieving the 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) vision.

• A resident of Neelum Valley, identified as Raja Ehsan, was killed by security forces during firing at protesters in Athmuqam Tehsil. • The incident occurred as the second phase of the disputed legislative assembly polls concluded amid widespread unrest and heightened regional tension.

• Democrats are prioritizing Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District as a critical target in their effort to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives during the November midterm elections. • The race for the 2nd District features several candidates, including physician and lawyer Nila Devanath, physicist and veteran Bill Fleming, and former international development staffer Patrick Mosolf.

• EU justice ministers from 22 member states met on Tuesday to address the sudden influx of migrants into the Spanish territory of Ceuta. • The meeting, which lasted one hour, was initiated by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and included leaders from nations such as Germany, Poland, and Italy.

• EU ministers will meet this Tuesday to address the fallout from a migration crisis in Ceuta, where over 50,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave from Morocco between Thursday and Friday. • In response to the surge, 22 national leaders called for enhanced border protection, with Italy, Denmark, and Finland specifically requesting the reimposition of internal borders.

• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing backlash from 22 EU leaders over his handling of a migration surge from Morocco into Ceuta. • A collective letter signed by leaders from nations including Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands criticizes Sánchez's policies, while the Prime Minister has labeled their responses "selfish" and "unlawful."

• Retired US judges Michael P. Donnelly and Robert F. Orr joined a bus tour of 30 legal professionals and advocates to defend the rule of law. • The group is responding to increasing threats against judges and demands for retaliation when court rulings do not align with political desires.