A federal alliance of seven emirates led by Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Israel has rejected the Board of Peaces phased disarmament roadmap and refused to withdraw from current positions in Gaza until Hamas fully disarms. Hamas has accepted the US-backed 15‑point plan and promised staged weapons handovers; mediators are setting up verification mechanisms while strikes and political pressure continue.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral safeguards pact, but President Donald Trump has said the deal is conditional on Riyadh normalising relations with Israel. Officials and commentators are disputing whether the White House and Energy Department coordinated the announcement. Critics warn the pact weakens non‑proliferation safeguards and could spur a regional arms race.
Lilly and Novo Nordisk have surpassed forecasts in Q2, widening the gap in the obesity-drug space. Lilly leads in the US with about 61% share; Novo raises full-year outlook but faces questions about Wegovy's growth and its pipeline. Investors are watching whether Novo can sustain momentum as competition intensifies.
Iran and Oman are negotiating a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to reopen traffic and manage transit without US fees. The plan centers on an Iranian-controlled northern route and an Omani southern exit, with talks likely tied to lifting Western sanctions. Attacks on vessels persist as diplomacy advances.
The latest published pieces show a widening strike pattern across the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and nearby states. Tehran’s campaign targets civilian and strategic assets, while Gulf and U.S.-backed defenses intercept most threats. Diplomatic channels persist even as attacks resume, hinging on a broader security architecture rather than a single guarantee.
The US has carried out repeated air and naval strikes across Iran to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases and Gulf allies, and the IRGC has warned civilians near US forces to stay away; the exchanges have closed much of the strait and pushed oil prices higher.
Updated reporting shows Iran and Oman are negotiating management of the Strait of Hormuz while the US considers further strikes. Oil markets react as Gulf states pursue alternative export routes amid ongoing conflict with Iran.
FIFA has proposed selling up to 20% of a new commercial arm, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to raise about $4.2bn and offer one‑off $20m payments to each of its 211 member associations. UEFA and several confederations have threatened boycotts, lodged legal and ethics warnings, and flagged potential arbitration over links to investors including Joshua Kushners firm.
Drones and missiles target Saudi energy infrastructure amid a broader surge in US-Iran hostilities. Riyadh says the attacks were launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed militias; Iraqi authorities condemn the strikes while Yemen’s Houthis claim to have attacked Saudi shipping. The lull in fighting is punctuated by new strikes across the region as mediators push for talks.
Kuwait and Gulf states have seen a latest wave of strikes on power and desalination plants, triggering electricity rationing as Iran targets civilian infrastructure. Desalination supplies about 90% of Kuwait’s drinking water, relying on energy-intensive cogeneration. Authorities warn that continued attacks could deplete strategic water reserves and intensify water scarcity.
Oil benchmarks have fallen sharply after US President Donald Trump has said he called off planned strikes on Iran and reported that talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz will begin. Brent has dropped from above $100 to about $83 and US crude has fallen below $80, while markets and bond yields are reacting to lower geopolitical risk premiums.
Riders have been tested between 11pm and 6am as part of the ITA anti-doping programme, with Pogacar and Vingegaard among those subjected to late-night tests. The practice, described as unusual and disruptive by some, is intended to combat micro-dosing and maintain integrity as the race progresses toward the Alps.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have declared an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi ships at Bab el-Mandeb, citing what they call an oppressive siege on Yemen. The move threatens Red Sea navigation and Saudi oil exports, as ships reroute and insurers weigh risks. The threat comes amid rising regional tensions and recent attacks along major shipping routes.
Renewed US–Iran strikes and a US naval blockade have pushed oil above $90 a barrel and cut tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping, insurance and refining costs have surged faster than crude, lifting diesel and jet-fuel premiums and pushing US pump prices toward $4 a gallon; analysts warn sustained disruption will force further price rises.
The United States is pressing Iran over the Pickaxe Mountain site near Natanz, with multiple outlets reporting continued construction, potential centrifuge activity, and warnings of imminent strikes as the war escalates. President Trump has warned of heavy action, while analysts debate the site’s depth and capabilities. International inspectors have not accessed the facility.
Technical delegations from Lebanon and Israel have met in Rome this week to progress a US-brokered framework that links Israeli withdrawals to verified Hezbollah disarmament and Lebanese army deployments in pilot zones. Talks are running as Israeli forces continue strikes and demolitions in southern Lebanon and as Beirut presses for more pullbacks and international verification.
The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, drawing new attacks and causing vessels to reroute through the Red Sea. Oil prices are rising as ships alter course to avoid Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz chokepoints, with implications for global trade.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has acknowledged that the city cannot execute the International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu. He is calling on the federal government to join the ICC and carry out the warrant as Netanyahu travels to the UN General Assembly this fall. Multiple outlets report the same limitation and emphasize that international law authority rests with the federal government, not city hall.
The United States and Iran remain in a tense stalemate as diplomacy stalls and military actions escalate near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has warned of hard strikes but has intermittently paused actions as Gulf allies push for diplomacy. Public opposition to the war is rising amid casualties and economic pressures.
The US has finalised a 30‑year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia and has submitted it to Congress for review. The pact will allow US firms to help build Saudi nuclear power, could permit domestic uranium enrichment after a joint study, and has drawn warnings that it will increase proliferation risks and regional tensions.
The European Commission has approved a Paramount-Warner merger with conditions, saying competition persists in film production and streaming but warns over theatrical distribution. Paramount must divest its UIP stake and end its partnership with Universal within deadlines; the approval emphasizes consumer choice and scale to compete with tech platforms. U.S. regulators pause the case as states challenge the merger; a preliminary injunction hearing is slated for Aug. 3.
The United States has signed a 123 agreement with Saudi Arabia to expand civilian nuclear cooperation and potentially allow enrichment abroad. While officials promise high safeguards, experts warn of proliferation risks and uncertain oversight as Congress reviews the deals.
The Gulf states are accelerating pipeline projects to bypass Hormuz as Iran blocks the Strait, while existing routes face strain. Several major lines are nearing completion, with Fujairah and Yanbu expanding capacity; Iraq and Turkey explore alternative export routes. Analysts warn the shift could alter global oil flows and prices.
Dubai has launched the 'A Dubai Invite' scheme to pay residents' friends and family who visit, offering packages worth over AED 3,000 ($816). Eligible visitors must be non-UAE residents arriving on a valid tourist visa, with benefits including hotel stays, dining deals and attraction tickets. The program runs from 20 July to 31 October, with redemption until December.
Benjamin Netanyahu has met President Donald Trump in a closed-door Oval Office meeting during a Washington visit for Senator Lindsey Graham's memorial. The leaders have discussed Iran, coordination on regional security and the Abraham Accords; White House officials have declined to release a readout while both sides have stressed continued cooperation despite recent tensions.
The United States has proposed a civilian nuclear partnership with Saudi Arabia, promising non-enriched facilities and no snap inspections. Critics warn it could trigger a regional nuclear race while allies voice concerns about proliferation and regional stability.
Several sources report that more than 4,000 Israeli settlers have stormed the Al-Aqsa compound on Tisha B’Av, with far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entering under heavy police protection. Palestinian officials say restrictions barred many worshippers; officials warn the move could threaten the status quo and spur regional tensions.
The Red Sea region has seen renewed tensions as the Houthi movement threatens to impose tolls on ships transiting Bab al-Mandeb, while a Saudi-led maritime coalition works to secure freedom of navigation. The dispute has sent oil prices higher and drawn in multiple international actors amid ongoing US-Iran confrontations.
The reports indicate IRGC commanders and equipment have been transferred to Yemen on July 13 to bolster Houthi capabilities, with potential implications for Red Sea shipping and regional security.
The IOC has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, enabling athletes to compete internationally as various federations reinstate Russian participation. Ukraine challenges the move at CAS, arguing it violates the Olympic Charter and territorial integrity. Multiple sports have begun readmitting Russian and Belarusian athletes with flags and symbols permitted in some events.
FairSquare has filed complaints alleging Infantino breached political neutrality. The IOC Ethics Commission has said the complaints fall outside its jurisdiction, focusing instead on governance and sport rules within the respective bodies. The issue follows Trump-Infantino interactions during the 2026 World Cup and ongoing debates over neutrality in sport.
The latest reporting shows the United States and Israel sustaining pressure in a widening confrontation with Iran. Washington has paused strikes to allow for talks, while Tehran is signaling readiness to expand its operations in the region as talks with Oman progress on Hormuz security.
Ukraine has carried out long-range strikes in the Caspian Sea that hit vessels Kyiv says were carrying Iranian-linked military cargo to Russia. Iran has summoned Ukraine’s diplomat, said one sailor was killed and another wounded, and warned retaliation; Ukraine’s foreign ministry has denied intent to target civilians and called Iran’s threats unjustified.
The United States has paused nightly airstrikes on Iran and Tehran has halted retaliatory attacks for at least two days while mediators from Qatar, Pakistan and Oman exchange messages. Advisers warned President Donald Trump that continued strikes risked depleting munitions and running out of targets; oil prices have fallen as markets price the lull.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has published an open Instagram letter arguing the World Cup was a global success marked by safety, joy and unity, amid ongoing criticism over visas, officiating and controversies that surrounded the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Netanyahu has met with Trump in Washington to review three approaches to Iran: a diplomatic deal, sustained economic pressure with a blockade, or a renewed military campaign. The discussions, conducted without public detail, aim to determine the path that best prevents a nuclear Iran while considering global energy impacts.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has published a long open letter defending the organisation's management of the 2026 World Cup. He says critics have spread hate and false rumors while millions experienced joy and safety across the tournament, which faced visa, ticketing and disciplinary controversies.
Russia's FSB has accused Telegram of failing to remove channels, chats and bots that it says Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups used to coordinate sabotage, terrorism and cyber-fraud inside Russia, and has placed founder Pavel Durov on an international wanted list; Telegram responded by posting an image of Durov making a rude gesture.
Military strikes targeting Iran-aligned militias in Iraq have intensified after recent drone and missile attacks on oil facilities and US-Saudi interests. Iraqi, Saudi, and US officials describe the actions as responses to ongoing threats, with Iraqi investigations underway and growing regional anger.
The US has completed a two-hour "heavy wave" of strikes across Iran, hitting Revolutionary Guard command centres, missile and drone facilities and coastal surveillance sites after Tehran fired ballistic missiles at US forces. Iran has launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes on US assets and allied facilities in the region; Jordan reported intercepting missiles with no casualties.
AP and Independent report reveal that six former child soldiers in Khartoum recount being forced to fight with the RSF, trained by Colombian mercenaries. They describe being shackled to anti-aircraft guns and artillery, with civilians cited as targets. UAE-linked groups are accused of arming the RSF; UAE denies it, calling shipments humanitarian. Events illustrate a wider deployment of foreign mercenaries in Sudan.
The movements of personnel and equipment between Harir Air Base, Erbil, and the US consulate are described as preparation for the withdrawal of remaining US troops under the 2024 agreement. Washington and Baghdad have framed the shift as a routine repositioning and a step toward ending the mission by September.
President Donald Trump has said he has paused planned strikes on Iran and that negotiators are working on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's nuclear programme. US officials, Qatar and regional partners are involved in talks; Iran denies direct negotiations with Washington. Shipping attacks and strikes continue to threaten energy routes.
OPEC+ has decided to increase output by 188,000 barrels per day from September 2026, a move designed to stabilise markets and compensate for past overproduction. Nigeria remains under its DoC allocation and will not see changes to its targets as it seeks to raise crude output. The group will meet again on Sept. 6 to review conditions and consider further adjustments.
Developing reports indicate US officials say talks with Iran and Oman are advancing on a potential mechanism to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with energy prices expected to stabilize as ships await passage. Officials warn the final terms remain unsettled as negotiations continue.
The U.S. has halted a planned major attack on Iran and is pursuing negotiations over Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program. Allies and regional partners have urged restraint, and talks are set to begin tomorrow to shape a potential deal.
The ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal has banned Bodugum Akhilesh Reddy from all cricket for eight years after finding him guilty of three counts of the anti-corruption code related to the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025. The ban is backdated to 21 November 2025 after a provisional suspension.
The acting attorney general has posted documents rescinding an order that created the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and clarifying tax immunity terms for Trump and affiliates. Republican senators had threatened to block Blanche’s confirmation, but an agreement appears to appease them, paving a path to a Senate vote before August recess. Democrats caution the deal may not be ironclad.
Clashes have intensified in western Tigray, near the Sudan border, with heavy artillery and drones as federal forces and TPLF fighters clash again. The fighting, which began last weekend, has subsided temporarily, but both sides accuse the other of violating the Pretoria peace deal. Civilians are fleeing across the border into Sudan amid rising regional instability.
CENTCOM has asked military analysts for new, unconventional ways to pressure Iran, while exploring options including a two-week bombing campaign and efforts to push Tehran toward renewed talks. Officials say the goal is to demonstrate resolve and regain leverage in negotiations, even as the administration pitches diplomacy.