Hundreds of jobs at risk as John Lewis announces closure of in-store services

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Tuesday that negotiations with the United States regarding a final deal will not commence if threats against Iran persist. • Araghchi referenced part 13 of the Tehran-Washington memorandum of understanding on X, emphasizing that the terms for starting talks are clear.

• Central banks are reassessing their interest rate trajectories following military confrontations between the United States, Israel, and Iran. • Despite a fragile ceasefire, policymakers are concerned that inflationary pressures are proving more persistent than previously forecasted.

• Despite escalating public rhetoric, a diplomatic deal between the U.S. and Iran remains likely following the signing of an interim memorandum of understanding. • The current 60-day window is expected to be characterized by fluctuating tensions and occasional diplomatic friction as both parties negotiate.

• An oil tanker caught fire after being struck by an "unknown projectile" while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. • The United States has accused Iran of attacking two commercial ships, leading the U.S. to consider a potential counter strike.

• Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper published an essay via Chatham House outlining Britain's strategic approach to a "storm" of geopolitical instability, AI risks, and climate change. • The proposal emphasizes the need for the UK to work more closely with European partners and seek expanded cooperation beyond traditional large trading blocs.

• The United Nations warned on Monday that Afghanistan is currently facing one of the world's largest displacement crises due to poverty, climate shocks, and decades of conflict. • A recent UNDP socioeconomic review highlights that the return of approximately 2.7 million Afghans is placing immense pressure on the country's fragile economy and public services.

• A tanker was set on fire in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by a projectile, escalating tensions in a critical global shipping lane. • The incident coincides with a period of national mourning in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

• Iranian missiles reportedly struck two commercial ships in the Gulf, according to a U.S. official. • The attacks occurred amid a fragile cease-fire, though Iranian officials have not yet issued an official comment on the strikes.

• The House of Commons is scheduled to hold a debate on UK rearmament and warfighting readiness on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. • The session will focus on the current state of defense programs and the UK's capacity to maintain operational readiness for potential conflict.

• Afghanistan continues to be one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, as reported by the United Nations. • In 2025, approximately 22.9 million people—nearly half of the total population—required urgent humanitarian assistance.

• A tanker was set on fire in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by a projectile, marking a significant escalation in regional maritime tensions. • The attack coincides with a period of national mourning in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Péter Magyar hails ‘end of propaganda broadcasts’ as Kossuth radio and M1 TV channels suspend transmissionHungarian public media outlets close to Viktor Orbán have suspended broadcasting, the country’s prime minister said as he hailed efforts to dismantle the longtime nationalist leader’s control over information.Péter Magyar, who ousted Orbn in a landslide election victory in April, wrote on Facebook: “A historic day. Today marks the end of propaganda broadcasts on public media platforms. They lied at night, they lied during the day, they lied on every wavelength. That is now over.” Continue reading...