President Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a 100% ad valorem tariff on drones of certain sizes or with specific capabilities, citing national security concerns. The tariffs will affect key US allies, including the EU, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan, with varying rates. Trump stated that the US is too reliant on foreign drone sources and that the domestic industry cannot meet security needs. The tariffs will take effect in 21 days, with additional tariffs on non-sensitive components to take effect 180 days after signing.

A White House report reveals the US is losing up to $26 billion annually due to China-linked goods being transshipped through third countries to evade tariffs. The practice, known as transshipment, involves goods undergoing limited processing or relabeling in intermediary countries like Mexico and Malaysia before reaching the US, allowing importers to avoid higher duties. The report identifies about 40 countries at elevated risk of being used for illegal transshipments, posing a significant challenge to the Trump administration's tariff policy.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has condemned Iran for attacking two ADNOC vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the incident 'piracy' and a threat to global energy security. No injuries were reported, and the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the attack as an attempt by Iran to use the strait for economic coercion. The UAE is accelerating an oil pipeline project to bypass the strait and is in talks with Oman regarding its future management. The US opposes Iran's blockade on the strait and has its own sanctions on Iranian shipping.

Iranian state media ridiculed U.S. President Donald Trump after reports surfaced of a secret aircraft switch during his departure from Turkey, prompted by a missile threat. The Secret Service discreetly moved Trump from Air Force One to a smaller jet, which Tehran used to suggest Washington's fear of Iran's military capabilities. An Iranian embassy in South Africa also mocked Trump with a meme, implying he could be hiding in a 'trash can'. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The White House claims that over 40 U.S. trading partners are assisting China in evading tariffs, costing the U.S. between $19 billion to $26 billion annually. This situation has arisen as countries act as middlemen, undermining the intended economic impact of the tariffs.

An investigation revealed that over 12,000 comments supporting President Trump's executive order to expand retirement investments into private equity and crypto were artificially generated, lacking personal details and showing little language variation. Some comments were submitted by deceased individuals, undermining the authenticity of the purported grassroots support.

US Treasury Secretary Bessent announced unprecedented economic measures against Iran, including severe economic isolation and a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. US Vice President JD Vance emphasized keeping oil and gas prices low for Americans and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper visited Israel to discuss US-Israeli military relations and the war with Iran, refuting claims that he advocated for renewed strikes against Iran.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces the US can sustain an indefinite naval blockade against Iran, signaling a potential escalation in tensions between the two nations.

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee labeled Israeli settlers as 'terrorists' during a five-night siege of Palestinian homes in Qusra, West Bank, where settlers cut off water and electricity. The incident is part of a series of settler attacks in the occupied territory, which Israel captured in 1967. The US rebuke comes amid growing criticism of Israel from the US, potentially challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's relations with the US as he prepares for reelection.

The Dominican Republic has expelled nine Cuban diplomatic officials and their families, sparking criticism from Cuba, which views the move as aligning with U.S. policies against Havana. The expulsion follows the creation of the 'Shield of the Americas' by U.S. President Donald Trump, which excludes Cuba due to political tensions. The Dominican Republic's former Minister for Regional Integration Policies described the measure as extreme, likening it to the rupture during Rafael Leonidas Trujillo's dictatorship. Cuba's Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the decision and demanded an explanation from the Dominican government.

The Dominican Republic has expelled nine Cuban diplomatic officials and their families without providing reasons, sparking criticism from Cuba. The move is seen as aligning with U.S. policies against Cuba amidst an energy and financial blockade. The expulsion follows the creation of the 'Shield of the Americas' by the U.S., which excludes Cuba due to political tensions. The Dominican President Luis Abinader's decision has been described as extreme by former Minister Miguel Mejia, who demands an explanation for the action.

The Dominican Republic has expelled nine Cuban diplomatic officials and their families without explanation, sparking criticism from Cuba and reflecting increased tensions with the U.S. amid the 'Shield of the Americas' initiative. The move follows a trend of conservative Latin American countries distancing themselves from Cuba, aligning with U.S. policies. Cuba's Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the decision, and Dominican Minister Miguel Mejía described it as extreme, likening it to the actions during Trujillo's dictatorship.

The Dominican Republic has expelled nine Cuban diplomatic officials and their families, causing geopolitical tension. The move comes amid strained relations between the two nations.

Brazil has initiated a process to potentially adopt reciprocal measures against the United States following the US's imposition of 25% tariffs on certain Brazilian goods and 12.5% tariffs on goods from multiple countries, including Brazil, due to allegations of unfair trade practices and lax enforcement of forced labor bans.

Peter Navarro, White House senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, claims Chinese exporters are using over 40 countries to disguise goods and avoid U.S. tariffs, according to his interview with Newsmax.

US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing 100% tariffs on certain drones and their components, with a 25% tariff on smaller drones and other drone parts. The tariffs, aimed at bolstering US national security and domestic drone production, will have a cap of 15% for products from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and EU member states, and a 10% cap for British products.

President Trump's secret flight to Turkey was a notable deception, but Russian President Vladimir Putin's secrecy is far more extensive. Journalists have attempted to track Putin's movements by observing the wilting of office plants, suggesting meetings occurred on different days than reported. Putin's security measures include multiple residences with identical offices and a presidential train, making it difficult to pinpoint his location. Unlike Trump, whose secret flight was revealed by The Washington Post, Putin's falsehoods are considered routine in Russia.

India and China continue to disagree over the border, particularly regarding Arunachal Pradesh. India recently used Indian names for 27 places in Arunachal, rejecting China's naming of the same places. Despite efforts to improve relations post-2020 Galwan clash, the border remains a significant tension point. China's strong stance on Arunachal reflects its sensitivity to territorial sovereignty, influenced by nationalist sentiments and key political issues like Tibet and Taiwan. India maintains that Arunachal is part of India and that borders cannot be altered unilaterally.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese received a confidential briefing from President Donald Trump on the US-Iran war, expressing Australia's desire for an end to the conflict and highlighting the global economic impact. Albanese discussed Australia's contribution of an E-7A Wedgetail plane to the UAE and reiterated the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the United States will implement unprecedented economic measures against Iran, including a combination of economic isolation and a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, preventing any goods from entering or leaving Iranian ports.

Boston police have discovered a skimming device at an ATM in Brighton, prompting a warning to residents to monitor their bank accounts for fraud. The device was found at a 7-Eleven ATM and could potentially be used for unauthorized transactions. Police advise checking for signs of tampering, such as unusual card slots, missing decals, or loose components, and urge affected individuals to contact their bank and local police.

Nepal cancelled a Tibetan studies conference amid allegations of Chinese pressure, sparking debate over academic freedom and geopolitical influence. The International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS) described the cancellation as unexpected and an unwarranted interference. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming had discussed the event with Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, but no specific concerns were raised by China. The sequence of events leading up to the cancellation remains unclear.

The UAE condemns the Iranian attack on two ADNOC vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a violation of UN Security Council resolution 2817 and a threat to regional stability and global energy security. No injuries were reported.

Thirteen countries have joined the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC) to ensure security in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. A Saudi representative has been appointed as the coalition's commander, with a deputy commander from Pakistan. The coalition aims to protect commercial shipping and freedom of navigation in the region, following a ban on maritime navigation linked to Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Ansar Allah movement.

Two ADNOC vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on August 13, with no injuries reported. The UAE condemned the Iranian attack, calling it a violation of UN Security Council resolution 2817 and a threat to regional stability and global energy security. ADNOC has confirmed that since the conflict began, 15 vessels have been targeted, resulting in one crew member killed.

New Zealand's spy agency, NZSIS, reports an increase in foreign espionage activity in the Pacific, with individuals linked to an unnamed foreign intelligence service identified. Security expert Al Gillespie highlights China as a regional threat, focusing on domestic interference and influence in the Pacific. The NZSIS emphasizes regionalism and consensus as safeguards against foreign actors aiming to sow division. Additionally, diaspora community groups in New Zealand are reportedly targeted by foreign states to limit their democratic rights and freedoms. RNZ has sought comment from the Chinese Embassy.

A convergence of the radical left, Islamist extremism, and the authoritarian far right is forming around a shared hostility to Western democracy, with Israel as a focal point. This alliance unites groups with seemingly opposing ideologies against the United States, which they view as an enemy. Tucker Carlson, Hasan Piker, Nick Fuentes, and Candace Owens are among those promoting this anti-American sentiment, which is characterized by slogans like 'Death to America' and conspiracy theories about US leadership.

North Korea denounces U.S.-South Korea military drills, calling them more provocative and accusing them of forming a nuclear alliance. Pyongyang vows to respond with increased nuclear deterrence, citing U.S. nuclear cooperation with South Korea and Japan as evidence of a strategy that could lead to a nuclear war.

White House addresses U.S.-Iran claims over Strait of Hormuz control and updates on President Trump's secret plane switch in Turkey, as reported by CBS News' Ed O'Keefe.

U.S. and Iran both claim control of the Strait of Hormuz amid rising concerns about the potential expansion of conflict. Matthew Kroenig, with experience in the Department of Defense and intelligence community, discusses the situation on 'The Takeout'.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a 100% tariff on certain large drones and their components, citing national security concerns. A 25% tariff will apply to smaller drones, while the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will face a 15% tariff, and the UK will have a 10% tariff. The tariffs aim to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign drone sources and address security risks. The tariffs will take effect in 21 days, with a 180-day grace period for non-sensitive components.

A hacking group known as Cl0p claimed to have stolen data from nearly 50 companies, including Philips, Shell, Fiserv, and GE. Philips confirmed an attempted compromise of its enterprise server, while Shell acknowledged a possible incident. Fiserv found no evidence of data compromise. The group exploited vulnerabilities in PTC Windchill and FlexPLM software. The extent of the data theft and the exact methods used remain unclear.

US President Donald Trump announced steep tariffs on drones and their components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan, citing US reliance on foreign suppliers. A 15% tariff will be imposed on drones and components from these countries, while a 10% tariff will be imposed on drones from the UK. The tariffs aim to address national security concerns and reduce dependency on foreign drone sources. The tariffs will take effect in 21 days for sensitive components and 180 days for others.

President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 100% on certain foreign drone imports, citing U.S. reliance on overseas suppliers. A 100% tariff will apply to drones with national security capabilities, while smaller drones will face a 25% tariff. Drones from the EU, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will be taxed at 15%, and the UK at 10%. The move follows the Pentagon's shift towards cheaper armed surveillance drones amid the ongoing war with Iran, which has resulted in significant losses of MQ-9 Reaper drones.

Former Australian PM Scott Morrison praised PM Narendra Modi's leadership, calling it 'unapologetic' and focused on India's national interest. Morrison highlighted India's crucial role in the Indo-Pacific and the Quad, stating India will be indispensable to the region's strategic balance. He commended External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for his efforts in advancing India's interests and discussed the changing global order, with India emerging as a significant power alongside new minilateral groupings.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing tariffs on drone imports, with a 100% tariff on certain sensitive drones, 25% on smaller drones, and varying tariffs on drones from the EU, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the UK. The move targets drones and components for national security reasons.

Russia's ruling party disqualifies Yabloko, an antiwar party, from the upcoming elections, raising questions about the impact of the Ukraine war on domestic politics and Vladimir Putin's popularity.

Iran mocked President Trump, calling him a 'brave American hero' after he flew on a secret mission to Saudi Arabia, highlighting tensions between the US and Iran.

Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile strike on a military airfield near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while Yemeni government forces conducted drone strikes on Ansar Allah fighters and barracks in Taiz Governorate. The conflict, which began in August 2014, saw escalated fighting in the summer of 2026, with Al Arabiya reporting 84 Houthi fighters, including 28 commanders, killed over six days.

North Korea denounced the U.S.-South Korea military drills, calling them more provocative than last year and accusing the U.S. of pursuing a new nuclear strategy that could lead to a nuclear war. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which will include exercises against drones, GPS disruption, and cyberattacks, are routine for North Korea, which views them as a provocation. North Korea also stated it would strengthen its nuclear deterrence in response.

US sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly attempted to jump overboard due to dire conditions, including sanitation issues and shortages of food and supplies. The ship, which has been deployed for over 250 days, is facing mental health concerns among crew members. Despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's denial of misrepresentation, another aircraft carrier is en route to replace the Lincoln. The situation highlights the ongoing strain of President Trump's Iran campaign on military personnel.

A targeted bombing in Russian-occupied Crimea has disrupted Vladimir Putin's popularity campaign, killing a Russian Defense Ministry serviceman. The attack, which occurred in Sevastopol, was carried out by an explosive device hidden in a trash can. The Federal Security Service (FSB) arrested a 32-year-old Russian woman, allegedly acting on Ukrainian orders, but her identity remains unconfirmed. The incident comes as Putin seeks to boost his image across Russia.

The US has announced it can maintain an indefinite naval blockade on Iran, signaling a potential escalation in tensions. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth held a press event aboard the USS Gridley, while the US Department of War and CNBC reported on the situation. Additionally, the US fired on a ship that was breaking the blockade, as reported by Reuters and the Wall Street Journal.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has filed a Supreme Court brief, arguing that the Justice Ministry's control over the Department of Internal Police Investigations (DIPI) is politicizing law enforcement and could undermine election integrity. She cites an amendment passed by the Knesset in June, which moved DIPI from the State Attorney’s Office to the justice minister's direct control, as the cause of this politicization. The amendment allows a committee, largely influenced by the justice minister, to appoint DIPI's top officers. Baharav-Miara seeks to halt these appointments and protect the DIPI's independence.

North Korea denounced U.S.-South Korea military drills, calling them more provocative than last year and accusing the U.S. of pursuing a new nuclear strategy that lowers the threshold for using weapons. The North Korean state media KCNA stated that the U.S.-Japan-South Korea military cooperation is turning into a nuclear alliance, and North Korea will respond with a new level of deterrent. South Korea and the U.S. will conduct the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military drills from August 17 to 27, focusing on counter-drone, GPS disruption, and cyberattack exercises.

Recent cyberattacks on U.S. states' water and wastewater systems, likely by Iran, underscore the need for stronger defenses of America's critical infrastructure. The threat is not only from Iran but also from China, which has compromised U.S. systems and may target them to hinder U.S. intervention in Pacific conflicts. The article calls for bipartisan cooperation and legislative action to enhance security measures across federal, state, local, and private sectors.

The UAE reported that two ADNOC vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, marking the second such incident in less than a week. The UAE condemned the attack as piracy and a threat to regional stability, while no injuries were reported. The incident follows a series of disruptions in shipping through the strait, which is a critical passage for global energy supplies.

The U.S. Navy is sending the USS George Washington aircraft carrier to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been facing reports of poor conditions, including supply issues and mental health concerns among sailors. The Lincoln, which has been deployed for over 240 days, was redirected to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in January and is expected to arrive in the region soon.

Two ADNOC ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, with no casualties, while 15 vessels have been targeted since the conflict began, resulting in one death and 20 injuries.

U.S. officials view Iran as a rational actor in the war, but the regime's high pain tolerance is used as leverage, challenging this assumption. The article critiques Washington's four flawed perceptions of the Iran conflict.

Ukraine's drone strikes have significantly impacted Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, with a recent attack on an oil and petrochemical complex in Bashkortostan causing a fire at a Wildberries facility. This marks the latest in a series of attacks that began on July 18, targeting e-commerce sites across Russia. The strikes have resulted in estimated losses of $6 billion to $8.5 billion for Wildberries and its sellers, with 27% of warehouse capacity reportedly out of operation. The Ukrainian government is adapting economic coercion into physical strikes to raise the cost and risk of sustaining Russia's war economy.

Ukraine's drone strikes have severely impacted Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, causing fires at multiple facilities and resulting in estimated losses of $6 billion to $8.5 billion. The attacks, part of Ukraine's deep-strike campaign, began on July 18 and have continued, affecting the e-commerce firm's sites across Russia. The strikes have not only caused significant financial damage but also disrupted the logistics sector and affected small businesses.

US intelligence officials were unable to independently verify several specific threats from Israel regarding Iran's plans to assassinate President Donald Trump, including a threat involving his aircraft during a NATO summit in Turkey. Despite the lack of corroboration, the White House and Secret Service took precautionary measures, including an unusual deception operation moving Trump from Air Force One to another aircraft for his return flight. The CIA had 'low confidence' in some of the intelligence received from Israel.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company reported that two of its vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, with no injuries. The UAE accused Iran of the attack, marking the second such incident in less than a week. The UAE condemned Iran's actions as piracy and a threat to regional stability and global energy security. Details about the vessels and cargo were not disclosed. Shipping through the strait, a key oil transit route, has been disrupted since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began, affecting global energy markets.

A targeted bomb attack in Sevastopol, Crimea, has resulted in the death of Russian military officer Robert Shageev, a former Ukrainian submarine commander who defected to Russia in 2014. The attack, which occurred near Stoletovsky Prospekt, involved an explosive device hidden in a rubbish bin, detonated remotely. Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev accused Ukrainian intelligence of orchestrating the attack. Additionally, a separate explosion killed five individuals, including four Russian service members and a security guard, during a clearing operation following a Ukrainian attack.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned Japanese officials' remarks on Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands, calling them outrageous and unacceptable. She criticized Japan's short-sighted policy and confrontational approach towards Russia, including joining Western sanctions and supporting the Kiev regime. Zakharova emphasized that Russia and Japan had built their ties over decades, which Japan is now undermining.