Global Briefing ·
Trump threatens Iranian infrastructure as Houthis blockade Red Sea
The US-Iran war escalated sharply as Trump vowed to bomb an Iranian bridge or power plant for every ship attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, while Houthi strikes on Saudi tankers choked the Red Sea. On the diplomatic front, US Secretary Rubio met Russia's Lavrov in Manila to discuss Ukraine, and the EU agreed on its 21st sanctions package against Moscow. NATO finalized a €27 billion military fuel network overhaul and pushed forward Ukraine drone and Patriot missile deals.
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Trump threatens Iranian bridges and power plants as Houthis blockade Red Sea The US struck Iran for a 12th night. Trump warned on Truth Social he would destroy a bridge or power plant for every attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis struck Saudi oil tankers to enforce a new Red Sea blockade, creating a second shipping chokepoint. 123
US and Russian top diplomats discuss Ukraine war in brief Manila meeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for 35 minutes on the sidelines of ASEAN. Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's readiness for a settlement while condemning arms supplies to Ukraine. 4
EU agrees 21st sanctions package against Russia after Greece lifts veto The package hard-caps Russian oil at $44 per barrel for 12 months and adds 250 entities to the sanctions list. Ukraine's sanctions chief praised the deal and noted work on the 22nd package has already started. 5
Trump's NATO envoy arrives in Kyiv for talks on Patriot missiles and drones US NATO Ambassador Matt Whitaker met Zelensky to advance a deal for Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptors and for the US to purchase Ukrainian drones, signaling closer defense-industrial cooperation. 6
NATO seals €27 billion overhaul of its Cold War-era military fuel network The alliance finalized a massive investment to modernize pipelines and storage on the eastern flank after Turkey dropped its objections. The deal is part of NATO's preparation for potential conflict with Russia. 7
NYC mayor says city cannot arrest Netanyahu, urges federal government to act Zohran Mamdani called the Israeli premier a war criminal under the ICC warrant but admitted the city lacks authority to enforce it, urging the federal government to execute the warrant. 8
Colombian President Petro files legal challenge to annul presidential election Petro's petition alleges vote-counting irregularities and algorithmic manipulation in the narrow victory of president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, a Trump ally set to take office on August 7. 9
Global Briefing
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