US and Iran escalate on war's 13th night as Trump upends Saudi nuclear diplomacy

US and Iran trade heavy strikes on war's 13th night The US launched its 13th consecutive night of airstrikes deep into central Iran, while Iran claimed its drones destroyed Patriot systems and a THAAD radar at US bases in Jordan and Kuwait. President Trump threatened to bomb Iranian infrastructure for any new attack on Red Sea shipping, as oil prices surged past $100 a barrel. 12345

Trump stuns Riyadh by tying new nuclear deal to Israel recognition President Donald Trump declared on social media that the civilian nuclear agreement signed with Saudi Arabia is contingent on the kingdom joining the Abraham Accords, contradicting Riyadh's long-held conditions on a Palestinian state. The move throws the multi-billion dollar pact into turmoil and signals a major shift in US Middle East diplomacy. 67

Trump slaps new double-digit tariffs on 60 nations over forced labor As temporary global tariffs expired, the US imposed sweeping new levies of 10 to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 economies, citing inadequate enforcement of forced-labor bans under the Section 301 trade act. The action targets 99% of US imports and is set to dramatically reshape global trade patterns. 89

Zelenskyy confirms Ukraine struck missile plant deep inside Russia Ukrainian forces struck the Avitek military plant in Kirov, Russia, 1,350 kilometers from the border, which produces components for Russian missiles and aircraft, as well as a separate distant oil facility. President Zelenskyy described the strikes as a “just response” to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukrainian cities. 10

South Sudan cancels 2018 peace deal to clear path for December elections President Salva Kiir signed an amendment dissolving the coalition government and bypassing key security and census requirements of the 2018 peace agreement. The move allows electoral preparations to proceed under the Transitional Constitution but raises fears of a return to instability. 11

At least 40 killed in violent clashes ahead of Pakistan-Kashmir election Violence in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has left at least 40 people dead, mostly protesters, in the run-up to legislative elections. Clashes broke out over the reservation of legislative seats for refugees, leading the government to ban the activist alliance under anti-terror laws. 12

Palestinian Authority sets November 28 for long-awaited legislative vote The Palestinian Central Elections Commission announced the official timetable for legislative elections, with voter registration opening in August and candidate nominations in September. The election, decreed by President Mahmoud Abbas, will be held in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. 13

Ukrainian Navy granted historic right to command NATO forces For the first time in history, the Ukrainian Navy has received the authority to command NATO naval forces. The milestone deepens military integration between Kyiv and the alliance as the war with Russia continues. 14