Syria
Washington is developing a postwar strategy for the Middle East aimed at containing Iran and expanding Israel’s agreements. The plan is still at an early stage.
Syria has begun destroying components of the chemical program of the ousted Assad regime in cooperation with the OPCW. The organization confirmed the destruction of 42 aerial bombs.
According to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, official Minsk is deepening ties with authoritarian regimes against the backdrop of its isolation from the West. In particular, Belarus is preparing a visa-free regime with North Korea and has also received Afghan Taliban members.
A Russian naval group including the Admiral Levchenko is heading to the Mediterranean Sea. Its arrival is expected after NATO said that the Russian fleet was absent from the region.
Israeli Minister Israel Katz visited troops in southern Syria. Damascus called the visit illegal and called for an end to violations of its sovereignty.
Washington officially removed Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The decision is expected to pave the way for investment and economic recovery.
IAEA inspectors visited undeclared nuclear sites in Syria for the first time, including the former Al-Kibar reactor and a uranium storage facility. The Syrian government requested the inspection after the fall of the Assad regime.
Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and former political security chief Atef Najib have been sentenced to death. They were found guilty of killings and torture during the civil war.
The United States reached a secret agreement with Syria and Israel to remove nuclear materials from the "Area 99" facility. The IAEA is to remove the materials by the end of 2026.
Iran announced its refusal to negotiate with the United States and put forward demands for the restoration of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This caused Brent oil prices to rise to $84.58 per barrel.
Syria and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding providing for the transfer of civilian facilities to Syria and the conversion of military bases into joint centers. The agreement regulates the status of the facilities in Hmeimim and Tartus after a year and a half of negotiations.
In 2026, Nut Savior is celebrated on August 16 according to the Revised Julian calendar. This holiday combines Christian traditions with folk rituals marking the end of the harvest.
U. S. President Donald Trump demanded an explanation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a meeting in Camp David regarding the acute shortage of ammunition, which threatens to limit military operations against Iran.
Syria has told the US it is ready to sharply cut purchases of Russian oil in exchange for the lifting of key sanctions. Washington has not made this an official condition, but has signaled that such a step would speed up Damascus's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The United States imposed sanctions against Russian military structures, including the Ground Forces, for violating the arms non-proliferation law regarding Iran, Syria, and North Korea. The restrictions took effect on July 24.
António Guterres welcomed the agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. He called on the parties to adhere to the roadmap to end the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting will focus on the war with Iran and other regional issues.
US President Donald Trump said he will not allow anyone to tell him what to sell, responding to a question about the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. He called President Erdogan a friend and ally, despite objections from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
At the UN Security Council meeting, a new wave of Russian shelling of civilian infrastructure and attacks on Black Sea ports was condemned. Diplomats emphasized the increase in civilian casualties and the threat to food security.
The Iraqi government has authorized the signing of a memorandum with Syria for the construction of oil pipelines to the Mediterranean Sea. A tender for the development of oil infrastructure and an agreement with Turkey on water resources have also been approved.
The Trump administration is weighing an attack on a group linked to Al-Qaeda where Russian mercenaries are present. There are disagreements among officials, with Sebastian Gorka being an active advocate of force.
Brent oil prices increased by 3. 14% to $90.87 per barrel due to the escalation of military actions between the US and Iran. The conflict has restricted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, causing the largest weekly increase since April.
Russia attacked a merchant vessel flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau near Odesa. 10 people died, including a Ukrainian pilot.
American forces continue a series of strikes on Iran for the ninth consecutive night. CENTCOM stated that the strikes are aimed at weakening Iran's military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
As a result of the Russian attack on a merchant vessel flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, 6 sailors were killed, 4 are missing. 8 crew members have been rescued, the search and rescue operation is ongoing.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia deliberately attacks civilian vessels. A Ukrainian pilot and four crew members were killed, eight were evacuated.
Near Odesa, Russian troops attacked a merchant vessel flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau with 18 crew members. Eight sailors were rescued, bodies of five deceased were found, the fate of another five is unknown.
The US is pushing for the restoration of the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline to transport oil from Iraq to Syria. This will reduce Iran's influence on global energy supplies.
U. S. President Donald Trump, during a phone call, urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin withdrawing Israeli troops from Syria and Lebanon. According to Axios, Netanyahu is unlikely to take significant steps due to the elections.
The EU is introducing mandatory biometric checks and accelerated deportation of migrants. Countries must either accept refugees or pay financial contributions.