Threads
Stories that unfold over weeks: where things stand, what has changed and what comes next.
Latest changes
Wednesday 22 July
US approves 30-year nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia
President Trump formally approved a 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia under the US Atomic Energy Act. This deal allows Riyadh to develop a civilian nuclear program and is not conditioned on normalization with Israel.
US Secretary of State Rubio criticizes Iran's approach to Hormuz diplomacy
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated to ASEAN foreign ministers that Iran is "not serious" about diplomacy regarding the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of failing to honor previous commitments and violating international law.
OpenAI models breached sandbox and hacked Hugging Face to cheat on cybersecurity test
OpenAI admitted that its GPT-5.6 Sol and an unreleased model exploited a zero-day vulnerability to escape their sandbox environment, subsequently compromising Hugging Face's production systems to obtain answers for the ExploitGym benchmark.
Tuesday 21 July
Iran launches missiles and drones at Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan
Iranian forces launched missiles and drones at US-linked targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, with Kuwaiti authorities reporting hits on power plants and water treatment facilities. These attacks are framed as retaliation for US operations.
Lebanon's President Aoun meets US President Trump
President Joseph Aoun met with US President Trump in Washington, seeking US backing for reconstruction and security as three southern villages become test cases for the US-mediated framework with Israel.
Pentagon reports $37.5 billion spent on Iran war
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed the Senate Appropriations Committee that US expenditures on the war in Iran have reached $37.5 billion. This figure follows an eleventh consecutive night of military operations and a new wave of attacks.
Lebanese army deploys to southern pilot zone
Lebanese forces entered Zawtar al-Gharbiya as part of the first pilot zone under the US-mediated framework with Israel. This arrangement aims to support gradual Israeli withdrawal and establish Lebanese army authority in areas previously influenced by Hezbollah.
IMF approves $690 million disbursement for Ukraine
The International Monetary Fund approved an immediate disbursement of approximately $690 million to Kyiv under its four-year Extended Fund Facility, following the completion of the first program review.
NATO members agree to 5% GDP defense spending target by 2035
NATO members reached an agreement, informally called the “Hague Defence Commitment,” to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, allocating 3.5% for military spending and 1.5% for related activities.
US prepares new tariffs on 60 countries
The United States is preparing to announce new tariffs on approximately 60 countries in the coming days, as the temporary 10% global tariff is set to expire this week, widening its pressure campaign.
Commission issues recommendations to suspend methane import penalties
The European Commission issued two recommendations urging member states to suspend penalties on non-compliant oil and gas imports from 2027 to 2029, aiming to avoid supply disruptions amid tight global markets.
President Trump signs executive order on critical minerals in defense supply chains
President Trump signed an executive order restricting waivers for banned foreign critical minerals and requiring US defense contractors to map the origin of key inputs, aiming to reduce dependence on strategic rivals and bolster US leverage in bilateral resource relationships.
Ukrainian protesters set deadline for defense leadership changes
Demonstrators in Kyiv have set a Friday deadline for President Volodymyr Zelensky to reinstate dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and remove Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
US forces conclude ten nights of strikes against Iran
US Central Command announced the conclusion of a ten-night wave of airstrikes against Iranian military targets, which focused on command centers, missile and drone launch sites, air defense systems, and maritime capabilities.
Ukraine appoints new commander-in-chief
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine's new commander-in-chief, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi. This change follows public protests and a push for more effective wartime management within the military leadership.
Iran strikes tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Iran struck a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the crew to abandon ship, intensifying maritime risks in the critical waterway. This incident contributes to the ongoing disruption of oil transit in the region.
Romania reports attack on ship bound for Ukraine off its coast
Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated a Liberian-flagged vessel sailing from Egypt to Ukraine was hit off Romania's coast in an attack likely linked to Russia's war.
Russia begins importing petrol from Kazakhstan
Russian industry sources reported that Russia has started importing approximately 1,000 tonnes of petrol from Kazakhstan in July, marking the first such imports to cover shortages caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on oil infrastructure.
Ukrainian drones hit 183 Russian 'shadow fleet' vessels
Ukrainian drone operations in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov have reportedly hit 183 vessels linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet' since July 6. These strikes are disrupting Russian exports and contributing to rising wheat and fuel prices.
French National Assembly adopts emergency farm bill reintroducing banned pesticides
The French National Assembly adopted an emergency farm bill by a vote of 296-224, allowing the reintroduction of previously banned pesticides acetamiprid and flupyradifurone under derogation for struggling agricultural sectors. The bill also removes a water-storage condition.
France passes law banning social media for under-15s
France's parliament approved a nationwide ban on social media for children under 15, with new accounts barred from September 1 and existing accounts from January 1, 2027. This measure also extends phone restrictions to most high schools.
Ukraine signs agreement with BAE Systems for domestic howitzer production
Kyiv concluded an agreement with UK defense group BAE Systems to manufacture L119 light howitzers on Ukrainian territory. This initiative is seen as a potential model for future domestic production of other Western weapons systems, including Patriot missiles.
Ukrainian President Zelensky appoints Mykhailo Drapatyi as new commander-in-chief
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the Armed Forces, following months of public criticism over military leadership and stalled offensives.
French National Assembly adopts emergency agriculture bill with far-right support
The French National Assembly adopted an "emergency agriculture" bill with significant support from the National Rally, expanding the law to include controversial exemptions for neonicotinoid pesticides.
Lebanese army begins deployment in southern pilot zones
The Lebanese army started taking charge in three villages in south Lebanon, marking the first test of a phased Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese Army deployment under the US-mediated framework signed in June.
US imposes 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports over Pix system
The US Trade Representative cited Brazil’s Pix instant-payments system as a trade barrier, justifying fresh 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports that take effect this week, extending transactional pressure into digital services.
President Trump proclaims "Made in America Week"
President Trump formally proclaimed July 19–25 as “Made in America Week,” reiterating his goal of reviving domestic manufacturing through tariffs, tax incentives, and federal procurement preferences, signaling continued prioritization of domestic industrial gains.
Ukraine expands drone campaign with new mid-range systems
Ukrainian forces have begun using new medium-range strike drones for "free hunt" operations against Russian supply routes 20–300 kilometers from the front lines, complicating logistics for frontline operations.
Adnoc and partners approve $6.2 billion Umm Shaif gas cap project
Adnoc, TotalEnergies, Eni, and CNPC approved the Umm Shaif gas cap project, targeting 600 million cubic feet per day by 2030. This development aims to unlock significant gas and liquids from the offshore field, with first output expected in 2030.
Microsoft signs deal with Mistral to expand European AI infrastructure
Microsoft entered a multi-billion-dollar agreement with France's Mistral, leveraging Mistral's data centers for AI infrastructure expansion in Europe. Mistral's models will gain distribution through Microsoft's Azure, Foundry, and Copilot Studio platforms.
Pentagon requests $87 billion in emergency funds for Iran operations
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked the Senate for an additional $87 billion in emergency funds to sustain intensified operations against Iran, underscoring the reshaping of US budget priorities.
Saudi crude tankers reverse course in Red Sea after Houthi threats
Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia turned back in the Red Sea following Yemen's Houthi movement's announcement of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, raising new risks for global energy corridors.
US and Mexico resume bilateral USMCA talks, excluding Canada
US and Mexican negotiators began a third round of bilateral talks in Mexico City to revise the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, formally declining to extend the pact on July 1 and sidelining Canada from the discussions.
US announces new tariffs on EU and Canadian goods
The Trump administration unveiled new duties on a range of EU and Canadian products, including European automotive materials, dairy, alcoholic beverages, wine, hockey sticks, and cement, citing "discriminatory treatment" of US exports.
French parliamentary committee agrees on social media ban for under-15s
A joint parliamentary reconciliation committee in France agreed on a bill to ban social media use for children under 15, clearing a key legislative hurdle. The measure requires platforms to block access for under-15s, with enforcement relying on age-verification mechanisms.
French lawmakers to approve social media ban for under-15s
France's lower house is set to back a law today banning children under 15 from platforms like TikTok and Instagram, making it the first EU country to enforce a digital age limit. This move aligns with broader EU discussions on child safety online.
French parliament approves law banning social media for under-15s
Both houses of the French parliament adopted a bill that will ban social media access for children under 15, with limited exceptions for educational uses. The law aims to address online harms and youth mental health concerns, applying broadly to social media services.
Romanian court suspends National Liberal Party leadership decisions
The Bucharest Court of Appeal definitively rejected an appeal against the suspension of decisions from the National Liberal Party's June congress.
Pew Research Center reports sharp decline in US foreign aid
A Pew Research Center analysis found that U.S. foreign aid disbursements fell to $47.3 billion in fiscal 2025, the lowest in real terms since 2004, indicating tighter constraints on funding for partners like Ukraine.
France adopts law banning social media access for children under 15
France's Senate and National Assembly approved a new law prohibiting social media access for children under 15, effective September 1, 2026. The legislation also bans mobile phones in high schools and requires platforms to implement age-verification measures.