Two Firefighters Killed After Being Ambush in Sniper Attack  

The suspected gunman behind a deadly ambush on firefighters at Canfield Mountain near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, was found dead after allegedly setting a brush fire to lure first responders before opening fire. Two firefighters were killed, and a third remains in critical condition. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris described the incident as a “total ambush” and a “sniper-style” attack, noting that the victims “did not have a chance.” The suspect was discovered dead on the mountain with a weapon nearby, though details about the firearm have not been released. Additional searches are pending due to fire conditions. County Commissioner Bruce Mattare called the attack “senseless and tragic beyond words,” emphasizing that the violence does not reflect the community’s values. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed the deployment of federal assets for tactical support, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said DHS is monitoring the situation. In response, local residents lined the highway with American flags to honor the fallen firefighters, who died while responding to what they believed was a routine emergency call. 

Iran Pleads with UN to Force US to Pay Reparations for Strike on Nuclear Sites 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi demanded in a letter to the United Nations that the Security Council hold the U.S. and Israel accountable and provide reparations for airstrikes targeting Iran’s illicit nuclear sites, calling these attacks “heinous and serious crimes.” He urged the UN to recognize America and Israel as aggressors responsible for the damage, though no specific compensation amount was suggested. Iranian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, echoed this demand, calling for official recognition of the attacks and measures against the “Zionist regime” and the U.S. The strikes, conducted by Israel and the U.S. in June, severely damaged Iran’s nuclear facilities and eliminated key military and scientific figures, including IRGC chief Major General Hossein Salami. Despite Iran’s missile retaliation, Israeli military capability remained intact. Araghchi indicated that diplomacy with the U.S. was unlikely without compensation for damages, referencing a previous Tehran court ruling demanding $50 billion from the U.S. for the 2020 killing of General Qasem Soleimani. Iran maintains it will continue uranium enrichment, asserting it as an inalienable right. 

Biden’s White House Physician Pleads the 5th to House GoP Questions 

Kevin O’Connor, former White House physician to President Biden, refused to answer questions during a deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday, citing doctor-patient privilege and the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, according to a statement from his legal counsel. O’Connor’s lawyers advised him to invoke these protections, arguing that the questions intruded on confidential physician-patient matters amid the unique circumstances of the deposition. The subpoena, issued by Committee Chair James Comer, was part of an investigation into allegations of a coverup regarding Biden’s cognitive health and whether the president was aware of documents signed using an “autopen” signature. Comer insisted the American public has a right to know the president’s physical and mental condition and argued that doctor-patient confidentiality should not shield such information. O’Connor’s legal team had requested a postponement prior to the deposition, raising concerns about the deposition’s scope. President Biden has denied the claims about his mental fitness, calling them “ridiculous and false.”

Former FBI and CIA Heads Reportedly Under Criminal Investigation for Trump-Russia Probe 

A report claims former FBI Director James Comey and ex-CIA Director John Brennan are under FBI investigation for potential criminal activity related to the probe accusing President Trump of collusion with Russia. Anonymous Justice Department sources told Fox News Brennan allegedly made false statements to Congress, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred evidence of Brennan’s misconduct to FBI Director Kash Patel for prosecution consideration. The FBI reportedly launched a criminal investigation into Brennan, though details remain undisclosed. An investigation into Comey has also been confirmed, with sources suggesting the FBI views Brennan and Comey’s interactions as a “conspiracy.” The probe follows Ratcliffe’s recent declassification of a review criticizing the 2016 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), which claimed Russia aided Trump’s election victory. The review highlighted “procedural anomalies” and condemned including the Steele Dossier—funded by the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton’s campaign and containing unverified claims—calling its inclusion a breach of tradecraft that damaged the ICA’s credibility. While Brennan initially opposed including the dossier, he later stated it warranted inclusion, contradicting his House testimony. A Justice Department source said Brennan “violated the public’s trust and should be held accountable.” 

Iranian Fatwa Fundraiser Raises $40MN to Assassinate President Trump 

Senior Iranian clerics have issued a fatwa calling for the assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump, attracting tens of millions of dollars in online funding, reports say. The decree follows U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last month, ordered by Trump after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The fatwa, issued by Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi and supported by other hard-line clerics, labels Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as “infidel combatants” deserving death, echoing similar decrees like the one against author Salman Rushdie. Iranian websites such as thaar.ir have reportedly raised over $40 million for this cause, while clerics have offered bounties exceeding $1 million. Experts suggest the fatwa reflects internal Iranian political rivalries, with ultra-hardline factions using it to strengthen their influence against moderates and prepare for post-Khamenei power shifts. Trump dismissed the threats lightly, while the U.S. Secret Service confirmed heightened security measures. Iranian missile strikes on U.S. bases continue regional tensions, with speculation about Iran’s nuclear material movements ongoing.

Florida Opening ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ to House Illegal Immigrants 

Florida’s controversial new illegal immigration detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” is set to open Tuesday at the Miami-Dade Collier Training Facility, an abandoned airport in the Everglades, despite an environmental lawsuit aimed at halting the project. The facility, expected to house up to 5,000 detainees, will be used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Trump administration to process and deport illegal immigrants. Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed the launch and emphasized the security of the remote Everglades location, saying escape would be nearly impossible due to surrounding alligator-infested terrain. The transformation of the site began last week, with operational costs estimated at $450 million annually, reportedly to be reimbursed by FEMA. President Trump is expected to attend the opening, according to aviation data and multiple official sources. Environmental groups filed a lawsuit Friday, claiming the facility violates the National Environmental Policy Act by bypassing required reviews and threatening wetlands and wildlife. DHS officials dismissed the lawsuit, asserting the land had been previously developed and that the project met all necessary guidelines. 

Iranian Nationals with Terrorism Ties Arrested in California Fed Raid 

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducted a raid on a Los Angeles residence believed to be a hub for harboring Iranian illegal aliens linked to terrorism, arresting two individuals. This follows a previous operation at the same location where seven Iranian nationals, some on the FBI terror watch list and tied to an Iranian human smuggling network, were detained. CBP stated the site was repeatedly used to shelter illegal entrants connected to national security threats. The raids occur amid heightened enforcement after the U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, resulting in 130 Iranian nationals arrested within a week and 670 held in ICE detention centers. Among those detained were a former Iranian military sniper and an ex-member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps linked to Hezbollah. An American citizen also faces federal charges after threatening officers during the raid for harboring an illegal Iranian. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized proactive efforts to remove dangerous individuals, underscoring President Trump’s mandate to secure the homeland. 

Month to Month and Year Over Year Migrant Arrests at the Border Drop to Record Lows 

Illegal border crossings into the U.S. dropped sharply in June 2025, with Border Patrol arresting just 6,070 migrants—the lowest monthly total in modern records and a 41% decline from May’s 10,362, according to Border Czar Tom Homan. The figure marks a 93% reduction from June 2024’s 87,606 arrests. Homan credited the steep drop to former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, declaring, “The TRUMP EFFECT keeps America winning.” He emphasized that none of the June arrestees were released into the U.S., contrasting it with the Biden administration, during which daily encounters once peaked at 7,503 in May 2022. June’s average of just 202 daily apprehensions under Trump is less than Biden’s daily peak. Homan noted the previous record low also occurred under Trump in March 2025, with 8,193 arrests. He cited increased interior enforcement and deportations as key deterrents. Since Trump resumed office in February, a total of 43,878 migrants have been apprehended—a five-month figure lower than any single month under Biden, further bolstering the administration’s claims of restoring border security. 

US Army Deploys 10 Stryker Vehicles to Texas Border 

In a video posted July 15th, the U.S. Border Patrol’s Laredo Sector announced the deployment of U.S. Army Stryker armored vehicles to Laredo, Texas, as part of the Trump administration’s expanded military support for border security. The footage showed the Strykers patrolling city streets alongside soldiers, with the Border Patrol stating that the Department of Defense’s assistance has significantly bolstered efforts to secure the southern border. Citing the deployment as an enhancement of logistics and terrain capabilities, officials praised the DOD’s role in supporting agents on the ground. A photo of the vehicles was also shared Friday on X. According to local outlet KGNS, illegal crossings in the Laredo Sector have dropped to approximately 13 per day, attributed to President Trump’s tough immigration policies. The Stryker deployment is part of a broader initiative to establish new military zones along the U.S.-Mexico border, reflecting Trump’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration. The use of armored military vehicles underscores the administration’s commitment to a heavily fortified and enforcement-driven approach to border control. 

Border Patrol Shuts Down Massive Drug Smuggling Tunnel  

U.S. Border Patrol agents have discovered and shut down a nearly 3,000-foot-long drug smuggling tunnel running from Tijuana, Mexico, to San Diego, California. In a Wednesday press release, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) described the tunnel as “highly sophisticated,” featuring electrical wiring, lighting, ventilation, and a track system for transporting narcotics. The San Diego Sector Tunnel Team first detected the tunnel under construction in early April and traced its projected exit near a commercial warehouse. Measuring 2,918 feet in length, the tunnel reached depths of approximately 50 feet underground, with internal dimensions of 42 inches in height and 28 inches in width. Makeshift barricades were found inside, and Mexican authorities located the hidden entrance in Tijuana, camouflaged with tile. CBP coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations and Mexican officials to fully map and disable the tunnel, marking it as the 95th discovered in the San Diego area since 1993. Officials plan to fill the tunnel with concrete to prevent future use, emphasizing the growing threat of terrorist groups using underground routes to bypass enhanced border security. 

Assaults Against ICE Agents Spikes 700% as ANTIFA Groups Target Their Homes 

Assaults on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have surged nearly 700% since January, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, amid growing hostility from far-left anarchist groups and several Democratic leaders. DHS attributes the spike to both violent rhetoric and direct targeting by groups like Rose City Counter-Info and the Crustian Daily, which have published ICE agents’ names, photos, and home addresses to incite harassment. Fliers bearing slogans like “NO PEACE FOR ICE” and “CHINGA LA MIGRA” have appeared in agents’ neighborhoods. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem vowed to prosecute those responsible for doxxing, calling them enablers of cartels and human traffickers. Prominent Democrats including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Mayors Karen Bass and Michelle Wu have made inflammatory statements against ICE, with some likening agents to Nazis. DHS reports Antifa-affiliated threats to ICE families, and the Justice Department has charged ten individuals in Texas with attempted murder after an ambush on ICE agents. The FBI is also pursuing a suspect who allegedly opened fire during a raid on a marijuana farm employing migrant children.

Trump’s New Air Force One to Use Excess Nuclear Missile Budget for Modifications 

On June 26, Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink told senators that excess funding from the delayed Sentinel nuclear missile program was redirected to modify a former Qatari Boeing 747-8 jet for use as an interim Air Force One for President Trump, insisting the move wouldn’t delay missile development. The Sentinel budget was reduced by nearly $1.2 billion in 2025 due to under-execution, review-related delays, and cost concerns. While Meink said modifying the Qatari jet will cost under $400 million and take under a year, lawmakers questioned both the ethics and security of using a foreign aircraft—especially one potentially limited to domestic use and needing a fighter escort. Concerns were also raised about whether the plane could eventually become Trump’s personal property. The current VC-25 aircraft is aging, and new VC-25Bs won’t be ready until at least late 2027. The Air Force’s 2026 budget seeks $602 million for the VC-25B and $4.2 billion for Sentinel, which GAO estimates could ultimately cost over $170 billion. Procurement documents and final contractor decisions remain pending. 

Bill Proposed to Allow the US To Give Israel 2 B-2 Bombers Along with Bunker Buster Bombs 

A bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) would authorize President Donald Trump to supply Israel with B-2 bombers and bunker buster bombs if Iran is found to be pursuing nuclear weapons. The proposal, reported by Fox News, aims to ensure Israel is prepared for all contingencies, allowing Trump to act if he certifies that such action is vital to U.S. national security and that Israel lacks other means to destroy Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure. The legislation follows Operation Midnight Hammer, a U.S. strike that Trump claimed “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities. While the strikes received mixed reactions in Congress, critics like Sen. Jeanne Shaheen warned of escalating regional instability and risks to U.S. personnel abroad. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed concern about foreign entanglements, advocating for peace. Supporters, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, defended the action as necessary for Israeli and global security. The bill underscores growing tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reflects continued U.S. support for Israel amid regional volatility. 

FBI Folds on Epstein Case, No Blackmail, No Client List, and He Definitely Killed Himself 

A leaked FBI memo revealed that despite the Justice Department charging Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell with sex trafficking—Maxwell being convicted—there is no evidence of a vast trafficking or blackmail network involving clients. The FBI reviewed over 300 gigabytes of Epstein-related evidence and found no incriminating “client list” or proof of blackmail involving prominent figures. The memo also reaffirmed that Epstein died by suicide in his jail cell in August 2019, despite widespread skepticism fueled by malfunctioning surveillance cameras, sleeping guards, and suspicious circumstances around his death. The DOJ-OIG report detailed numerous camera blind spots and known malfunctions before Epstein’s death, with a technician failing to complete repairs. Epstein’s death remains controversial, with some, including Maxwell—serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking—claiming he was murdered to silence him, given his ties to influential figures like Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew. Epstein had previously avoided federal charges through a 2008 non-prosecution agreement but was re-arrested in July 2019 following a Miami Herald exposé on his prior lenient treatment. 

At the End of July, Navy will Cease to Share Satellite Weather Data with NOAA 

As of July 31, the Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center will permanently stop sharing satellite weather data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) and other Defense Department systems with NOAA. The decades-old DMSP satellites, which provide twice-daily global imagery tracking weather phenomena such as clouds, storms, and cyclones, are being phased out in favor of more advanced systems like the Weather System Follow-on Microwave (WSF-M) and the Electro-Optical Weather System (EWS). The WSF-M, operational since April 2025, offers enhanced capabilities to measure winds, sea ice, soil moisture, snow depth, and cyclone data with greater precision. NOAA will rely on these new systems along with data from its Joint Polar Satellite System and ground-based radars to maintain global weather monitoring. Despite concerns over the DMSP data loss, the transition is seen as a modernization effort improving resilience and forecasting accuracy. The move coincides with broader Department of Defense efforts to update satellite and communications infrastructure amid challenges highlighted by the Government Accountability Office. 

Pentagon Says Patriot Missile Stockpiles Very Low as Trump Resumes Arms to Ukraine  

The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have severely depleted U.S. Patriot missile interceptor stockpiles, leaving the Pentagon with only about 25% of the missiles needed to fulfill its military plans, according to The Guardian. This shortage led the Trump administration to freeze some recent munitions transfers to Ukraine. U.S. manufacturers produce roughly 500 Patriot missiles annually, but recent heavy usage—such as defending Israel from Iranian retaliation and repelling a significant Iranian missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar—has drained reserves. The Pentagon’s air and missile defense systems have been stretched thin due to support for Ukraine’s war against Russia, where Patriot systems play a key role in air defense. However, production lags behind consumption, with Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio telling Congress that Ukraine’s requests for additional Patriot systems exceed available U.S. supply. While it’s unclear if Trump reversed the arms transfer freeze, he recently indicated plans to send more weapons to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia is enhancing missile capabilities to better counter Patriot interceptors, challenging their effectiveness. 

Global Growth Forecast Cut by World Bank as Fears of Trade Tensions Increase 

The World Bank slashed its 2025 global growth forecast to 2.3%, citing increased tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and mounting economic uncertainty largely triggered by U.S. trade policy under President Donald Trump. The bank downgraded projections for nearly 70% of economies, including the U.S., China, and the EU. It warned that Trump's tariff hikes—raising U.S. rates from under 3% to mid-teens—and retaliatory actions from other nations could cut another 0.5% from 2025 global output. Trade growth is expected to fall to 1.8% in 2025, far below historic averages, while inflation remains elevated at 2.9%. The bank’s models predict that further tariff escalations could trigger a collapse in global trade, investor confidence, and market stability. U.S. GDP is now forecast at 1.4% in 2025, down 0.9 points, despite White House pushback citing robust investment and income growth. Growth in advanced economies was cut to 1.2%, and emerging markets to 3.8%. Poor nations face long-term setbacks, with some projected to take decades to recover. The bank expects modest trade recovery by 2026, aided by AI and new trade partnerships. 

US Intel Claims Iranian Navy Loaded Mines to Block the Strait of Hormuz 

U.S. intelligence revealed that Iran loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf last month, raising alarms in Washington over a potential move to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s June 13 airstrikes on Iranian sites. Though the mines were not deployed, officials viewed the action as a serious threat to one of the world’s most vital oil and gas shipping routes, where about 20% of global energy exports transit. A closure would have disrupted global commerce and spiked energy prices; however, oil prices have instead fallen over 10%, suggesting relief that no escalation occurred. Iran’s parliament later backed a symbolic measure to close the strait, but any binding action rests with the Supreme National Security Council. U.S. officials said Iran may have used the mine-loading as a bluff or as a precautionary step. The U.S. Fifth Fleet had repositioned anti-mine ships before its own strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. While Iran’s retaliation was limited to a missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar, officials remain alert to possible future Iranian actions. 

France and UK to Formalize ‘Coordinated’ Nuclear Deterrent Partnership 

The UK and France will formalize a renewed defense partnership declaring that their nuclear deterrents, though independently controlled, can be coordinated and that both nations will jointly respond to any “extreme threat to Europe,” according to a joint statement released Wednesday. The declaration, to be signed Thursday during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK, underscores a “refreshed” defense relationship, with a focus on nuclear cooperation and joint missile development. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Macron will co-host a bilateral summit in London, expected to cover ongoing support for Ukraine and efforts to curb irregular cross-Channel migration. As part of the revitalized partnership, both countries will order more Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles—long-range weapons co-developed by the UK and France and used extensively in Ukraine—while accelerating development of a next-generation replacement. The MoD described the initiative as a new “Entente Industrielle” positioning defense as a driver of economic growth. Starmer and Macron will also join a meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” a pro-Ukraine alliance, signaling continued joint commitment to European security and deterrence. 

North Sea Vulnerable to Russia Sabotage Claims NATO Admiral 

The North Sea is highly vulnerable to Russian sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure essential to NATO countries, according to Rear Admiral Paul Flos of the Seabed Security Experimentation Center. Moscow’s increased naval presence raises threats to the cables and pipelines that carry over 95% of global internet traffic and support $10 trillion in daily financial transactions. Despite NATO efforts—including a UK-based protection center, the Baltic Sentry initiative, and the surveillance ship Proteus—the vast and dispersed nature of undersea networks makes comprehensive defense difficult. Recent suspected Russian sabotage incidents in the Baltic Sea, such as damage to power and communication cables, underscore these risks. Russian vessels like the Yantar, operated by the secretive GUGI military branch, conduct intelligence-gathering missions in the North Sea, with GUGI’s specialized submariners capable of deploying unmanned underwater vehicles for espionage or sabotage. While the Baltic Sea’s rocky seabed facilitates anchor-dragging sabotage, the sandy North Sea requires different methods, such as UUV deployment. NATO nations continue to grapple with protecting this vital yet exposed underwater infrastructure amid escalating Russian activity. 

Chinese Navy Vessel Targets German Plane with Laser Over Read Sea According to Berlin

Berlin announced Tuesday that a German military aircraft participating in the EU-led Aspides mission to protect marine traffic in the Red Sea was targeted by a Chinese military vessel using a laser, an act the German Foreign Ministry condemned as “entirely unacceptable.” The incident occurred during a routine patrol when the aircraft was illuminated “without reason or prior contact,” prompting Germany to summon China’s ambassador for formal talks. A spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry said the laser posed a risk to both personnel and equipment, leading to the immediate termination of the mission and the aircraft’s return to base in Djibouti. It remains unclear whether the laser was used as a weapon or a guidance system, but Berlin stressed the serious danger posed by such actions during multilateral operations. The incident underscores growing tensions in the region, where international forces are operating in close proximity amid efforts to secure maritime routes against threats such as Houthi attacks. Germany’s response signals its unwillingness to tolerate interference in EU defense operations. 

EU to Pay for New Patriot Missiles Being sent to Ukraine by the US 

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will send Patriot air defense system munitions to Ukraine, with the European Union covering the costs. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews, Trump emphasized that the U.S. would not pay for the munitions, though the exact quantity had not yet been decided. Trump incorrectly claimed the U.S. had provided significantly more aid to Ukraine than the EU, despite data showing comparable contributions: the U.S. allocated $182.8 billion (with $83.4 billion disbursed), while the EU and its member states provided $192.5 billion plus additional allocations. Although the U.S. remains Ukraine’s largest single defense backer, aid during Trump’s second administration was limited. Trump has pushed the EU to shoulder more defense expenses and said he would meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss supplying sophisticated military equipment to Ukraine, fully funded by Europe. Earlier this month, Trump lifted a pause on some U.S. military aid to Ukraine amid frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he criticized for continuing attacks despite diplomatic talks and cease-fire efforts.

Iran Could Possibly Resume Uranium Enrichment in Months According to UN Watchdog 

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi said Iran could likely resume uranium enrichment for a nuclear bomb within months despite significant damage from U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on June 21, which targeted key nuclear facilities including the underground Fordo site. While the strikes, praised by former President Donald Trump as having “obliterated” Iran’s capabilities, caused a serious setback, Grossi emphasized that Iran still retains some enrichment infrastructure and could restart uranium production relatively quickly. The IAEA seeks to regain site access to monitor Iran’s activities and verify material production, contingent on renewed negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Grossi’s inspection demands as meaningless and malign. Israel launched the strikes fearing Iran’s proximity to bomb-grade enrichment, with the IAEA recently reporting Iran has enough 60% enriched uranium for multiple bombs. The 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal, abandoned by the U.S. in 2018, limited Iran’s enrichment to 3.67% and banned enrichment at Fordo, which Iran resumed in 2021. Despite localized radioactive releases from the bombings, the worst nuclear safety scenario was avoided, and radiation remains monitored regionally. 

Iranian Cleric Declares Fatwah on US and Israel, Calling for Muslims to Seek Vengeance 

A new fatwa issued by senior Iranian Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi has called on Muslims to act as “warriors” and seek vengeance against any individual or government that threatens Iran’s Supreme Leader or top religious authorities, a declaration widely interpreted as targeting the United States and Israel—specifically Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. In the edict, Makarem declared that such adversaries are "enemies of Islam" and effectively "waging war against God," stating that cooperation with them is forbidden (haram) and that Muslims must make these enemies "regret their words and mistakes." He added that any Muslim suffering hardship while fulfilling this religious duty will be rewarded as a fighter in the path of God. Though he did not name Trump directly, observers believe the fatwa responds to recent U.S. actions, including B-2 strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The statement follows past claims by the White House that Iran plotted to assassinate Trump. Meanwhile, Trump recently taunted Iran’s Supreme Leader on Truth Social, declaring: “You got beat to hell,” referencing the recent U.S. airstrikes. 

Iran’s Claims to Still Have Thousands of Missiles Ready to Launch 

Iran’s military announced it has secured thousands of missiles and drones in fortified locations, ready for immediate use in response to any renewed Israeli or U.S. aggression, signaling that the current ceasefire may be only temporary. Major General Yahya Rahim-Safavi, senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasized Iran had not yet deployed its full military capabilities, with branches like the IRGC Quds Force and Navy remaining inactive during recent hostilities. The statement follows Iran’s 12-day confrontation with Israel and a retaliatory strike on a U.S. air base in Qatar. Despite Israeli claims of successful preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure—described by IDF as targeting “nuclear program, missile infrastructure, and terror leadership”—Iran remains defiant, asserting that its indigenous missile production and nuclear advancements are resilient. President Donald Trump stated that Iran is open to renewed talks and suggested a potential agreement involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though Iran’s willingness to negotiate remains uncertain amid continued threats of a “crushing” response to further Israeli attacks and deepening regional tensions. 

Houthis Release Video of the Sinking of Liberian Bulk Carrier in Red Sea 

The Houthis released footage showing the sinking of the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier ETERNITY C in the Red Sea after ballistic and cruise missile strikes damaged its cargo hold and hull, causing it to sink stern-first. This attack marks the second vessel sunk within two days and the fourth overall by Houthi forces, following the MAGIC SEAS, RUBYMAR, and TUTOR. The assault resulted in four confirmed deaths among the 25 crew, including three private security guards, with six rescued after over 24 hours in the water and 15 still missing. Conflicting reports emerged on the survivors’ fate, with the Houthis claiming to have rescued them, while the US Embassy in Yemen alleges some were kidnapped. The MAGIC SEAS sank earlier but with all 22 crew safely evacuated. These attacks ended nine months of relative calm and are linked to vessels’ Israeli port calls or ownership ties. Since November 2023, the Houthis have attacked over 100 ships, killing at least seven and causing major damage, prompting a 60% drop in regional shipping traffic. The JMIC urges shipping firms to assess risks, especially related to Israeli connections. 

Houthis to be Removed from Yemen by Arab-Led Ground Forces According to Senior Israeli Official 

A senior Israeli government official stated that only a ground force led by Arab nations—potentially including Yemeni troops—can remove the Iranian-backed Houthis as a regional threat, as Israeli airstrikes alone have proven insufficient. Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the Houthis have continued launching ballistic missiles at Israel and attacking international shipping, allegedly in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. Although Israeli airstrikes have likely degraded the Houthis’ missile capabilities and Iran is unlikely to resupply them, the group remains committed to targeting Israel. Their radical slogan— “Allahu Akbar, death to the United States, death to Israel, curse the Jews, victory for Islam”—highlights their ongoing hostility. Previously, Saudi Arabia led a coalition against the Houthis, but the Biden administration withdrew U.S. support over human rights concerns and in hopes of reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. With the U.S. stepping back, Israel now sees itself as the main force countering the Houthis, though it cannot provide ground troops. Instead, it plans to collaborate with regional Arab allies to launch a coordinated ground operation. 

According to Ukraine, Russia Launched Largest Missile, Drone Attack of War 

July 10, 2025 - Russia launched its largest missile and drone barrage against Ukraine in over three years of war, firing 728 drones and 13 missiles in a massive overnight assault that targeted, among other sites, an airfield near Ukraine’s border with NATO and EU member Poland. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 711 drones and downing seven missiles. Explosions and drone activity were heard across Kyiv as air raid sirens blared, marking a new escalation that surpassed a previous record of 550 aerial threats set just a week earlier. The attack followed recent comments by U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, who pledged increased arms support for Ukraine and dismissed Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine claims as "bullshit." President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike, calling it a blatant rejection of ongoing peace efforts and ceasefire negotiations, and urged Ukraine’s allies to intensify sanctions—especially targeting Russia’s energy sector, a major source of funding for the Kremlin’s war. Zelensky made his remarks en route to Rome, where he is scheduled to meet with the pope and Italian President Sergio Mattarella to discuss further international support. 

50,000 Russian Forces Amass Around Sumy in Effort to Overwhelm Ukrainian Defenses 

Russian forces have advanced to within 12 miles of the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, following their earlier recapture of the Kursk region, according to a July 2025 Wall Street Journal report. With an estimated 50,000 troops deployed near Sumy—outnumbering Ukrainian defenders roughly 3-to-1—Russia is intensifying its attritional warfare strategy, leveraging superior manpower and artillery. Ukrainian commanders report daily Russian losses of 300–400 but concede Moscow can absorb such casualties, relying heavily on "meat assaults" by poorly trained troops. Kyiv has deployed the elite “Timur” Special Forces Unit in a bid to slow the advance. However, disorganized Ukrainian defenses—marked by outdated trenches and insufficient fortifications—have hindered efforts. Russia’s push into Sumy Oblast, including the capture of border villages like Novenke and Veselivka, has expanded the active front and appears linked to Putin’s buffer zone strategy. Ukrainian forces had previously occupied parts of Kursk after a 2024 cross-border raid, but their March 2025 withdrawal enabled Russia’s counteroffensive. Despite conflicting battlefield reports, Sumy, just 18 miles from Russia, remains under threat from increased shelling and drone attacks. 

Prior to Trump-NATO Meeting, Ukraine Hit by 136 Russian Drones 

Russia launched a major overnight drone and missile assault on Ukraine, firing 136 Iranian-made Shahed drones and four surface-to-air missiles on Sunday evening from multiple regions, including Russia’s Kursk area. Ukraine’s air force reported that 61 drones were shot down and 47 were either jammed or lost from radar, while 28 struck targets across 10 locations. Ukrainian defenses responded using aviation, anti-aircraft systems, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups. The attack occurred just ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Monday meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington, D.C., where the two are expected to announce a new weapons package for Ukraine. Trump confirmed plans to send Patriot missile system munitions to Kyiv, fully funded by the European Union, along with other advanced military equipment. Though Trump had campaigned on ending the war in 24 hours, he acknowledged Sunday that no cease-fire has been achieved, citing a recent unproductive call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “He talks nice and then he bombs everyone in the evening,” Trump said, calling Putin’s actions disappointing. 

Ukraine Hits Russian City in Recent Drone Attack Wounding 16 

A Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s western city of Voronezh wounded 16 people, including 13 hospitalized with shrapnel and cut wounds, according to local officials. The assault caused damage to shops and scattered glass on the streets. Russia’s defense ministry reported shooting down 55 Ukrainian drones overnight, primarily over the western Belgorod and Voronezh regions bordering Ukraine. In retaliation for Russia’s record drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities that have killed dozens of civilians, Ukraine pledged to intensify its drone strikes on Russian territory. Kyiv also reported a separate overnight strike targeting a medical facility in the Sumy region’s Shostka community, which wounded a child and caused a fire. These attacks followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a deal with NATO to supply American air defense systems and weapons to Ukraine. The U.S. move comes amid growing frustration in Washington over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rejection of a ceasefire and his continued escalation of aerial assaults on Ukraine.  

China Shows Off New Power Grid Destroying Weapon 

China has unveiled a new graphite bomb designed to disable enemy power grids by dispersing chemically treated carbon filaments, according to a June 26 video released by state broadcaster CCTV. The weapon, which appears to be launched from a ground-based vehicle, carries a 490-kilogram warhead with a 290-kilometer range and releases 90 submunitions over a 10,000-square-meter area to create short circuits in high-voltage infrastructure. Though no official name or deployment status was disclosed, the munition matches the profile of non-lethal graphite bombs, which incapacitate electrical systems without damaging physical structures. The system is reportedly developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), a key state defense contractor. Analyst Chen Chundi previously suggested such weapons, especially modern variants possibly guided by BeiDou satellites, could bypass fortified defenses and disrupt command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) networks. The public unveiling has sparked speculation over its potential use against Taiwan. The U.S. has previously employed similar weapons in Iraq and Kosovo to significant effect, underscoring China’s interest in infrastructure-targeted warfare capabilities. 

China to Give Iran Latest HQ-9B Long-Range Air Defense Systems 

Following a June 24 ceasefire with Israel, Iran has received Chinese-made HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missile batteries under a barter deal involving oil, according to Arab intelligence sources cited by Middle East Eye on July 7, 2025. The HQ-9B—developed by CPMIEC and modeled partly on the Russian S-300PMU1—offers a 260 km range and advanced radar-tracking capabilities. Though untested in combat, it adds significant resilience to Iran’s layered air defense network, which also includes Russian S-300PMU2s, Iranian Bavar-373s, and numerous medium- and short-range systems. The delivery follows Israel’s 12-day campaign that damaged Iran’s missile infrastructure and killed senior officials, prompting Tehran to rapidly rebuild defenses. U.S. officials were reportedly informed of the deployment. Iran is also importing precursors for solid-fuel missiles and may route some to proxy militias. Though China denies formal arms sales, it maintains indirect military ties with Iran through joint exercises and private firms. A potential J-10C fighter jet deal is under discussion. China’s expanding defense role bolsters Iran’s military recovery, deepens bilateral ties, and challenges Western sanctions without formalizing a military alliance.

Tariff Deal with Vietnam Announced by Trump 

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he secured a trade deal with Vietnam following earlier tariff tensions between the two countries. Posting on Truth Social, Trump described the agreement as a “Great Deal of Cooperation” after speaking with To Lam, General Secretary of Vietnam’s Communist Party. Under the deal, Vietnam will pay a 20% tariff on goods sent to the U.S. and a 40% tariff on transshipped goods, while granting the U.S. “TOTAL ACCESS” to its markets with zero tariffs on American exports. Trump highlighted that SUVs, popular in the U.S., would become an attractive addition to Vietnam’s market. This announcement follows Trump’s earlier imposition of a 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods during his “Liberation Day” tariff rollout, with a temporary 90-day suspension set to expire soon. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed hope that the trade deal would be finalized before the tariff suspension ended, emphasizing mutual understanding on tariff issues. Trump described his negotiations with To Lam as an “absolute pleasure,” signaling a warming economic relationship between the two countries. 

Sec Def Rubio Cancels Japan and South Korean Visit to Focus on Middle East 

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has canceled his planned visit to Japan and South Korea to prioritize developments in the Middle East, according to Japan’s Nikkei newspaper. Rubio was originally scheduled to arrive in Tokyo on Monday and then travel to South Korea, with the trip culminating in his participation at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings in Malaysia. However, Rubio has notified both Tokyo and Seoul that the trip will be postponed. Instead, he will remain in Washington to attend a meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The shift in focus underscores the administration’s heightened attention to Middle East diplomacy amid ongoing tensions in the region. Seoul’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged the change, saying a visit from Rubio “appears to be difficult” to arrange in the near future. The abrupt change in Rubio’s travel plans reflects the administration’s strategic rebalancing as it navigates parallel challenges in East Asia and the Middle East, and may signal a delay in diplomatic engagements with key allies in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Says Russian Ready to Give Iran Enriched Uranium for Civil Nuclear Use 

On July 7, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow is prepared to supply Iran with enriched uranium suitable for civilian nuclear energy, signaling a potential deepening of nuclear cooperation between the two heavily sanctioned countries. The offer highlights Russia’s continued role in supporting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, notably at the Bushehr reactor, and suggests a tightening strategic partnership amid stalled international negotiations over Iran’s atomic program. Lavrov’s remarks, reported by multiple regional outlets, come as Tehran faces ongoing global scrutiny over its nuclear ambitions. The commitment to directly provide enriched fuel marks a shift from technical assistance to more overt support, potentially complicating Western efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities. This development also reflects Moscow’s intent to strengthen geopolitical ties with Tehran as both nations confront Western sanctions and isolation. The move may draw criticism from the U.S. and its allies, who view such cooperation as undermining nonproliferation goals, particularly with Iran continuing to enrich uranium beyond levels typically needed for civilian use. No formal agreement has yet been confirmed publicly.