Money

• President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is only "semi-negotiating" with Iran, suggesting a strategic "low key" approach as Tehran faces severe economic pressure and a lack of funds. • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that discussions with Oman regarding new maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz are currently in their "final stages." • In a separate development, Basij Organization deputy Qasem Qoraishi announced that footage of Supreme Leader Khamenei interacting with the public and military commanders will be released soon.

• Boris Pervushin argues that the current "coalition of willing" European politicians supporting Ukraine is operating against domestic public sentiment. • The support structure faces significant pressure in the coming year as voters in Italy, Poland, Spain, and Germany prioritize their own standard of living over the conflict in the East. • This shift is critical because the debate over funding Ukraine is evolving from a geopolitical strategic issue into a matter of electoral survival for European elites.

• Defense tech startup Hadrian has reached a valuation of nearly $8 billion following a fresh round of funding. • The company joins other high-value firms like Shield AI, valued at $12.7 billion in March, and autonomous ship maker Saronic, valued at $9.25 billion. • This surge in investment is driven by President Trump's strategic plans to modernize and upgrade the U.S. military infrastructure.

• European AI startups raised $23 billion in the first half of the year, according to data from HumanX and Crunchbase. • Funding is heavily concentrated, with 73% of the total capital flowing into just 38 companies. • Six firms secured over $1 billion each, including autonomous driving developer Wayve and Alphabet-owned Isomorphic Labs.

• AC Milan has completed a record-breaking transfer to sign defender Sergio Ramos, while Real Madrid has strengthened its attacking options by signing Denzel Dumfries. • These high-profile moves are part of a broader trend of significant spending across Europe as clubs reshape their squads for the upcoming season. • The transfers signal a strategic shift in team compositions, potentially altering the competitive balance of top-tier European leagues.

Jean-Claude Perrottet, brother of former NSW premier, asked about messages referencing federal opposition leader and factional group ReformersIcac’s spotlight has shone on Dominic Perrottet’s brother – and it won’t be the last we hear from his familyNew South Wales’s anti-corruption watchdog has been shown text messages which suggest Angus Taylor “had paid some money to the Reformers … or was refusing to”, according to the lawyer assisting the inquiry.Taylor, the federal opposition leader, is not named in Icac’s allegations and has previously denied making payments to the hard-right factional group the Reformers. Continue reading...

• The 18th edition of the Korea Masters badminton tournament, a BWF World Tour Super 300 event, is scheduled to take place from August 4 to 9, 2026. • The event will feature a competitive field including registered Indian players vying for the tournament's prize money. • As a Super 300 event, the tournament provides critical ranking points for athletes aiming to climb the BWF world standings.