Headlines July

• The U.S. is conducting ongoing military strikes against Iran following the deaths of three U.S. service members. • In the Middle East, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed several Palestinians over the weekend, while settlers stormed a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank. • Russia launched a heavy ballistic missile attack on Kyiv, resulting in six confirmed deaths.

• Iran reports that eight people were killed following U.S. bombardments targeting civilian infrastructure, while Iranian officials further allege that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff attempted to exploit negotiations for personal profit. • Severe wildfires have triggered hazardous air quality and dense smoke across more than 20 U.S. states, creating a widespread public health emergency. • Donald Trump has accused China of interfering in the 2020 election without providing evidence, while reports surface that his teleprompter operator earned over $100,000 betting on his speeches.

• The U.S. has conducted strikes against Tehran for five consecutive days, while Israeli forces killed four people in Gaza, including a 6-year-old girl. • Israel’s Security Cabinet approved nearly $500 million for new settlements in the occupied West Bank, as half of congressional Democrats now support cutting military funding to Israel. • In U.S. political developments, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced a Senate confirmation hearing, and the DNI nominee refused to acknowledge Biden's 2020 election victory.

• Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, praised Cambodia's recent efforts to crack down on online scam operations. • Ambassador Atsushi reaffirmed Tokyo's commitment to collaborating with the Cambodian government and international organizations to fight transnational cybercrime. • Separately, Thailand's deputy government spokesperson, Ploytalay Laksameesangchan, announced on July 14, 2026, that the Cabinet approved a review of the country's visa-exemption measures.

• The U.S. is engaged in ongoing attacks against Iran, while the IRGC has retaliated by striking U.S. military bases throughout the Middle East. • In other geopolitical developments, armed Israeli settlers in the West Bank detained Congressman Ro Khanna, and Secretary of State Rubio is reportedly acting as a de facto viceroy of Venezuela. • Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died at age 71, while Senator Mitch McConnell was hospitalized following a fall.

• The U.S. has conducted a second day of bombing in Iran following the assassination of Supreme Leader Khamenei, who is set to be buried after a multiday funeral. • President Trump has renewed threats regarding the use of extreme military force and suggested that Ukraine should manufacture its own Patriot missiles. • Israeli military strikes in Lebanon and Gaza have resulted in multiple civilian casualties, including a school principal and a driver delivering food for a U.S. charity.

• On July 8, 2026, the U.S. renewed attacks on Iran and reimposed oil sanctions after President Trump declared the ceasefire "over," while simultaneously praising Turkish President Erdoğan. • The escalation has caused diplomatic friction, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticizing Trump's embrace of Erdoğan and the Pentagon considering relocating Gulf bases to Israel. • Other global developments include a French court clearing Marine Le Pen to run for president and the Colombian president-elect suspending the transition amid fraud allegations.