Dates

• President Donald Trump announced the launch of "major combat operations" against Iran on February 28. • The offensive consists of massive joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel. • These operations represent a significant escalation in military conflict between the U.S.-Israeli alliance and the Iranian government.

• President Trump has reversed his plan to impose tolls on ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. completes a third night of attacks on Iran. • In other diplomatic developments, Trump met with Iraq's prime minister, while Supreme Court justices provided testimony to Congress. • The House is scheduled to vote today on the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide.

• Money market bets suggest the Bank of England will be forced to raise interest rates by September to combat an energy shock triggered by the war in Iran. • Market volatility is evident as the yield on 10-year gilts surged from 4.87% to 4.97% on Monday, reflecting increased borrowing costs for the UK Treasury. • This trend is part of a broader European sell-off in government bonds, with rising yields also reported in Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

• Republican candidates in swing states are hesitating to commit to attending Donald Trump's proposed midterm convention. • The reluctance stems from a strategic conundrum where candidates fear that appearing too closely aligned with Trump may alienate moderate voters in competitive districts. • This tension highlights a continuing divide within the GOP between the party's MAGA base and the pragmatic needs of candidates fighting for swing-state seats.

• The U.S. and Iran have reignited military conflict over the Strait of Hormuz following a series of exchanged attacks. • Approximately 180 members of Iran’s Parliament declared a preliminary cease-fire deal void, accusing the U.S. of violating a memorandum of understanding signed last month. • In response to the escalating tensions, the United States prepared to restart a blockade of Iranian ports on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

• A 26-year-old Colombian man was fatally shot during an incident in Biddeford, Maine, prompting a response from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). • Immigration advocates claim the victim was legally authorized to work in the United States, challenging the necessity of the enforcement action. • Protests are growing as critics argue the tragedy highlights a reckless and haphazard approach to immigration enforcement operations nationwide.

• Analysis from Reform UK suggests that a sudden increase in government spending could force the new Prime Minister to call an early general election. • The report argues that a "spending spree" would create significant fiscal pressure and political instability for the current administration. • This scenario matters as it highlights the tension between immediate policy implementation and long-term economic stability under the new leadership.

• The biopic "Michael" has officially surpassed $1 billion in worldwide box office earnings as of July 13, 2026. • This milestone makes the film the highest-grossing biopic in Hollywood history, marking a significant commercial achievement. • The success highlights a massive global demand for musical biopics and underscores the enduring legacy of the subject's influence.

• Kate Middleton attended the closing of Wimbledon 2026 on July 13, 2026. • The Princess of Wales wore an elegant sage green dress designed by Emilia Wickstead for the event. • Her appearance marks a high-profile conclusion to the prestigious tennis tournament, blending sports and royal fashion.

• Reform UK analysis suggests that a "surprise spending spree" by the government could increase pressure on the new Prime Minister to call an early general election. • The report focuses on the potential economic impact of increased public spending and how it may influence political stability and timing for future polls. • This development is significant as it highlights the tension between fiscal policy and electoral strategy during the early stages of the new administration.

• The ASX opened higher despite geopolitical tensions and flaring hostilities between the US and Iran, which have caused oil prices to jump. • Market sentiment was bolstered by the Nasdaq debut of South Korea's SK Hynix, which saw shares rise 14% after raising approximately $US26.5 billion. • Investors are anticipating a strong second-quarter earnings season on Wall Street, with LSEG analysts forecasting a 24% surge in S&P 500 earnings driven largely by technology firms.

• The U.S. launched a fresh round of military strikes on Sunday, continuing a cycle of retaliatory attacks linked to disputes over the Strait of Hormuz. • In response, Iran has targeted Gulf states and claimed that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is now closed. • The escalation threatens global energy security and regional stability, particularly for nations like Qatar that have grown their GDP 24-fold through natural gas exports.

• The Indian government has scheduled an all-party meeting for July 19 to discuss key issues and agendas ahead of the Monsoon Parliament session. • The upcoming legislative session is officially set to commence on July 20. • In separate regional developments, officials highlighted that a new zoo in Deesa is expected to stimulate the local economy and create jobs in the Banaskantha district.

• The United States launched military strikes following an Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's subsequent declaration that the waterway is closed. • Gulf nations have actively intercepted attacks as tensions escalate in the region, prompting urgent diplomatic discussions to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation. • This escalation threatens one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, risking global economic instability and further military conflict.

• Iran has reportedly launched missiles toward Jordan, with Jordanian officials confirming they intercepted the incoming projectiles. • While Iranian media reports blasts, the US military has not yet confirmed any new attacks in the region. • The escalating tension threatens the stability of existing Iran-US agreements and increases the risk of a broader Middle East conflict.

• The U.S. launched new military strikes on Iran following President Donald Trump's statement that he may no longer be interested in negotiating a deal. • Analysts warn that these renewed geopolitical risks could trigger short-term "risk-off" sentiment among investors. • Despite the tension, experts believe strong equity earnings and AI growth will likely push the S&P 500 toward a year-end target range of 7,800 to 8,000.

• Iran has launched strikes against U.S. military infrastructure in the Middle East following a series of American attacks. • The U.S. military targeted Iranian assets to degrade their capacity to threaten freedom of navigation within the strategic Strait of Hormuz. • This escalation highlights a struggle for political leverage, as Iran seeks to maintain control over the strait to prevent traffic from shifting toward Oman.

• The US has launched a new round of airstrikes against Iran, following a statement from Donald Trump that the previous ceasefire is now "over." • US Central Command stated the operations aim to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation within the Strait of Hormuz. • Iranian state media (IRNA) reported approximately 10 explosions in the coastal cities of Konarak and Chabahar, with the latter experiencing significant power outages.

• U.S. Central Command conducted military strikes in the Strait of Hormuz to protect shipping lanes following President Trump's assertion that a three-week-old cease-fire had ended. • The operation serves as a strategic political message to counter the influence of Iran and its network of Shiite militant groups. • These actions are part of a broader three-year effort by the United States and Israel to dismantle the regional proxy network established under Ayatollah Khamenei’s 37-year rule.

• The United States carried out fresh military strikes on Iranian targets for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. • President Donald Trump officially declared the interim memorandum of understanding with Iran "over," signaling a definitive break in diplomatic efforts. • In response to the attacks, Iran has warned the U.S. of "severe punishment," raising the risk of a broader regional conflict involving Israel.

• The U.S. military launched strikes against Iran on Wednesday following Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. • President Donald Trump announced the operation during a NATO summit in Turkey, where he previously threatened to target Iran's desalination and electric plants. • The escalation highlights growing tensions over international law and the protection of civilian infrastructure in the region.

• U.S. Central Command has announced the commencement of new military strikes targeting Iran, escalating tensions between the two nations. • The conflict is impacting global markets, specifically influencing oil prices and maritime security within the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. • Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the U.S. government on X, comparing its foreign policy to "bullying" and "cheating" in the context of its role as a World Cup host.

• The U.S. military has launched a new round of strikes against Iran, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command. • The attacks follow a period of "mixed messaging" from President Trump regarding the intended scope and scale of the military conflict. • These escalations are occurring amidst heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and are impacting global oil prices.

• Donald Trump has ordered the United States to cease all trade with Spain, citing the country's role as a "terrible partner" within NATO. • The move creates a significant economic challenge for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is currently phasing out Spain's nuclear reactors. • This trade cut is particularly critical because Spain's electricity grid and storage capacity are currently insufficient to rely solely on solar and wind energy.

• The U.S. Supreme Court struck down long-standing limits on the amount of money political parties can spend in coordination with their candidates in a case originating from Ohio. • These spending restrictions had been in place since the 1970s, having been originally established to combat corruption within the Nixon administration. • The ruling follows a broader legal trend, including the Citizens United decision, which prioritizes free speech by removing campaign finance restrictions.

• President Trump criticized European allies during a NATO summit for their failure to join the war in Iran and labeled Spain as "hopeless." • During the meeting, Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring control of Greenland, adding tension to the diplomatic proceedings. • The summit focused on NATO's future and the need for freedom of navigation following Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

• Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 after scoring three unanswered goals starting in the 79th minute to secure a comeback victory. • Lionel Messi extended his historic record by scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches, a streak continuing from Argentina's 2022 championship run. • In other tournament action, Switzerland advanced past Colombia via penalty kicks, while Belgium eliminated the United States from the competition.

• Phantom Studios has filed a lawsuit against JioStar regarding the production of "Queen 2," starring Kangana Ranaut. • The studio is seeking ₹250 crore in damages, alleging legal or contractual disputes over the sequel. • This legal battle highlights significant financial stakes and intellectual property conflicts within the high-value Indian entertainment industry.