Reuters

The United States is demanding Iran publicly commit to stopping attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring all lanes remain open without tolls. Iran has refused to relinquish control of the strategic waterway, through which a fifth of the world's oil supply typically flows.

German lawmakers passed a bill to increase mandatory drug discounts from 7% to 15.5% to address a health insurance budget gap, which industry groups argue could deter investment and reduce access to new medicines. U.S. drug developers are adopting secrecy to prevent Chinese biotech firms from using their data to create competing drugs and accelerate clinical trials.

Ann Widdecombe, a former Tory minister, has died. She previously spoke at a Reform UK party rally.

China is considering restricting foreign access to its top AI models, mirroring US efforts to limit access to frontier AI technologies. This could impact US businesses reliant on Chinese AI and challenge Beijing’s claims about its open-source models aiding lower-income countries. Mark Zuckerberg has pledged aggressive pricing for Meta’s premium AI to counter this narrative.

Forged Energy Solutions plans to redevelop offshore infrastructure to support Louisiana's digital economy, including data centers. U.S. mortgage rates rose to 6.49% for 30-year fixed loans, increasing borrowing costs. Meta released Muse Spark 1.1, an AI model for developers targeting coding and complex tasks.

A drone attack struck a camp belonging to an Iranian Kurdish opposition group northeast of Iraq's Erbil, according to security sources. No casualties were immediately reported.

The United States and Iran exchanged strikes, with the U.S. targeting Iranian missile and drone sites and Iran retaliating against U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Iran reported 14 deaths and 78 injuries from U.S. strikes, while U.S. and regional forces shot down missiles and drones. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were attacked by hard-line supporters during a funeral procession. President Trump indicated potential de-escalation after Iran reportedly sought a deal.

Oil prices jumped and stocks slid following renewed US-Iran strikes that ended a ceasefire, halting traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's top negotiator warned of consequences if struck, impacting US diesel futures and Trump's political standing.

Iran buries slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Mashhad, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei remaining hidden due to injuries sustained in a strike that killed his father. The funeral follows a week of mourning events amid renewed conflict with the United States after a truce.

Russia is employing electronic warfare and disguised logistics, including Starlink-jamming systems and civilian-vehicle fuel shipments, to counter Ukraine's drone strikes. Ukrainian forces report targeting these new jammers as part of Russia's evolving tactics.

Sirens were activated in Bahrain, with authorities advising people to remain calm and seek safe locations. Security threat warnings were also sent to mobile phones in Qatar, according to Reuters.

The Trump administration has informed Congress of its decision to rescind Syria's designation as a 'state sponsor of terrorism'. Congress will conduct a 45-day review to determine whether to finalize the administration's recommendation.

Russia banned diesel exports to address domestic shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. The measure aims to stabilize fuel supplies and prices amid energy infrastructure disruptions.

Russian missile and drone attacks have repeatedly targeted Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2026, causing significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and displacement. Recent strikes destroyed residential buildings, cultural sites like the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Film Studio, and triggered large fires. Shortages of U.S.-made interceptors have exacerbated the impact of these attacks.

President Donald Trump announced the United States will grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missiles, stating both Russia and Ukraine desire a war resolution. Trump emphasized the defensive nature of the weapon during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the NATO summit in Ankara.

A Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker was at risk of exploding after sustaining significant damage in an attack near the Strait of Hormuz. While onshore LNG accidents have occurred, there has never been a catastrophic explosion of an LNG cargo tank on a commercial carrier at sea. Recent attacks on energy shipping vessels in the Ukraine and Iran wars have heightened concerns.

India's central bank has called for banks to be barred from exposure to crypto assets and reiterated support for tighter restrictions on digital assets.

Ukraine's long-range drone strike caused Russia's largest oil refinery in Omsk to halt crude processing, impacting a key fuel producer and potentially worsening domestic fuel shortages. Ukrainian military officials stated this refinery was the last of Russia's 11 largest gasoline producers to be targeted, with conflicting reports on the extent of damage.

Mourners in Najaf, Iraq, followed the coffin of slain Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as his funeral procession crossed into the country. Participants carried portraits and chanted 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' during the event.

Four oil and gas tankers turned back from the Strait of Hormuz due to renewed attacks, raising safety and security concerns in the critical waterway.

The funeral procession for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continued in Najaf, Iraq, amid US attacks in Iran. His burial is expected in Mashhad on Thursday.

The White House has invited Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit the US on 21 July, according to Reuters citing an American official.

Foreign investors are returning to India and China as both countries regain favor with global fund managers. India's easing energy prices and supportive monetary policies are attracting investors, while China's resilience during the Iran war and AI frenzy has created a niche as a volatility buffer. Concerns remain about China's slowing economy and India's weak monsoon.

A cemetery in Venezuela's La Guaira state has expanded with new trenches to bury hundreds of earthquake victims, many of whom remain unidentified. Over 500 new burial plots have been dug, with 150 reserved for unidentified victims, as the disaster has left at least 3,685 dead. Graves are marked with codes and organized terraces to aid future identification.

Ukraine's air defences failed to intercept any of the ballistic missiles Russia fired during its latest attack, as analyzed by Andrew Chang. The article explores potential reasons for this failure in defense systems.

U.S. President Donald Trump called Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a 'nice person' but criticized her for not helping in the conflict with Iran, escalating a diplomatic dispute that strains bilateral ties. Trump previously accused Meloni of begging for a photo at a G7 summit, which she denied.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed two Palestinians and wounded seven, including two children, in Mawasi and near a displaced families' tent encampment. The strikes occurred since a US-mediated ceasefire with Hamas took effect eight months ago, resulting in over 1,070 Palestinian and four Israeli soldier deaths.

A Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, Al Rekayyat, and a Saudi crude oil tanker were damaged in the Hormuz strait after the Qatari vessel was struck by a drone, causing an engine room fire. The crew of the Al Rekayyat reported the ship was disabled without engines or steering, though all personnel were safe. The incidents occurred amid ongoing Gulf tensions following the mourning period for Iran's supreme leader.

Bombs exploded near the hotel where Emmanuel Macron was staying in Damascus, Syria, during his visit. The French president met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa随后, and the blasts highlighted ongoing security challenges in the region.

Bellingcat geolocated footage showing coffins in newly dug trenches near La Esperanza, Venezuela, following recent earthquakes. Reports indicate 150 unidentified bodies were buried in individual graves at the site, with a resident noting refrigerated trucks transporting bodies. The death toll is estimated at over 3,500 and may reach 10,000.

Iran's theocratic rulers are organizing mass mourning events for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes, but internal divisions over economic issues and state repression remain unresolved. Large crowds are attending funeral ceremonies in Tehran, yet the display of unity may mask deeper political fractures.

Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv, killing 11 people and damaging apartment blocks, just days after the deadliest attack on the city this year. The attack occurred ahead of a NATO summit in Turkey where U.S. President Donald Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss ending the war.

Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran on July 4, 2026, for a funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli attacks on February 28. Mourners chanted 'revenge' and emphasized vows to avenge his death, with his coffin and those of family members displayed at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla.

Mourners in Tehran attended week-long funeral ceremonies for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, featuring the national anthem, religious eulogies, and Koran readings. Iran is staging mass processions to demonstrate public devotion to the Islamic Republic's theocratic state and revolutionary zeal, following the end of Khamenei's 37-year leadership due to a U.S. and Israel airstrike in February.

Funeral ceremonies for Iran’s assassinated supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began in Tehran, with an estimated 15-20 million participants expected over three days. The events follow his death in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, 2026, and will include a six-day tribute, though his son and successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not yet appeared publicly.

Thousands of mourners gathered at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla complex for the funeral ceremonies of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 4 July 2026. Authorities imposed traffic restrictions as crowds walked long distances to reach the venue.

High security measures, including riot police and barricades, were in place at the Grand Mosalla complex in Tehran as crowds gathered for a 10-hour wait to view the remains of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on 28 February by Israeli-US strikes. The funeral ceremonies, lasting six days until Monday, began with the remains lying in state day and night starting Saturday.

Germany summoned China's ambassador following Reuters' report that Chinese military facilities trained Russian troops last year with Russia's defense minister's approval. Beijing denied the allegations, and German officials warned such support threatens European security.

European NATO allies have largely filled gaps left by U.S. reductions in defense capabilities, though strategic bomber shortages remain. The U.S. reduced commitments to fighter jets, drones, and other assets, prompting NATO to seek alternatives for remaining shortfalls.

Countries like India and Europe are increasing energy reserves and diversifying supply partnerships to enhance security following a global crisis. Analysts recommend China expand its strategic stockpiles to include natural gas and critical minerals.