Iran responds after Trump teases Strait of Hormuz becoming US territory

• A Washington Post analysis reveals that artificial intelligence and data centers have become major election issues for the first time in U.S. history. • Data shows that more political candidates now feature AI-related topics on their campaign websites than traditional priorities like manufacturing or the conflict in Israel.

• Poland's Agriculture Minister Stefan Krajewski announced that the country will maintain its ban on Ukrainian grain imports to protect local farmers. • This move reflects a broader trend where voters feel mainstream European politicians have failed to address critical daily struggles.

• Two tankers owned by Abu Dhabi’s state-owned oil and gas company ADNOC were attacked by drones while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening. • The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center reported that both vessels suffered minor damage, though ADNOC confirmed there were no injuries and the situation is under control.

• Luigi Mangione has pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges related to the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. • Trump’s solicitor general petitioned the Supreme Court on Friday to suspend a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

• Indonesian officials have lifted a tsunami warning following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off the coast of Flores island in eastern Indonesia. • The warning was initially issued because the earthquake was shallow, increasing the risk of displaced water causing coastal surges.

• A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's eastern Flores region on Friday, resulting in at least 20 deaths. • The United States Geological Survey reported the seismic event, which triggered an immediate response from local authorities.

• Investors are monitoring a series of critical Asian economic indicators, including Bank Indonesia's (BI) upcoming interest rate decision and China's July economic data. • Key reports are expected from Japan regarding GDP and inflation, while Taiwan is scheduled to release export order data this Thursday.

• A recent Pew Research Center study reveals that only 55% of Americans believe the 2026 midterm elections will be conducted accurately and fairly. • This represents a decline from the 61% confidence level recorded ahead of the 2024 elections and is the lowest level of trust in any national referendum since Pew began tracking the metric.

• Comic candidate Count Binface, known for wearing a bin on his head, has claimed a "moral victory" following the UK's Clacton by-election on August 14, 2026. • The satirical campaign served as a direct challenge to political figure Nigel Farage during the local electoral contest.

• Former President Donald Trump criticized the nine-month deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, stating the duration was "not nearly long enough." • The warship is currently scheduled for replacement as it nears the end of its tour of duty in the region.

• Former President Donald Trump delivered a speech on Long Island claiming the U.S. has the "best crime record in recorded history" based on recent FBI data. • The New York Times reports that these claims are exaggerated and false, contradicting the actual data released by the FBI on Friday.