The US has struck Iran in response to the attack in Jordan, where two American soldiers were killed. The conflict has spread to civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants.
The Czech company CSG is building a new complex for equipping 155-mm shells in Iowa. Earlier, CSG transferred the license to Ukraine for the production of such ammunition.
The US State Department issued a global warning for Americans due to the escalation of the war with Iran. The department noted that the security situation in the Middle East remains unstable.
Hundreds of wildfires in Canada have caused smoke that has put Toronto, New York, and Washington among the cities with the worst air quality. Fire activity in Ontario is beginning to subside, but a significant number of hotspots remain uncontrolled.
Next week, important economic data and central bank decisions from the US, China, and Japan are expected. The Fed is in a quiet period ahead of its July 28-29 meeting, while the People's Bank of China will announce its rate decision.
Trump administration prepares funding for projects in Europe to combat censorship through EU laws. Among the grants, $2 million is allocated to counter DSA and DMA.
The US Central Command stated that two servicemen were killed in Jordan while repelling Iranian attacks. One serviceman is considered missing, and four evacuees have already been discharged from hospitals.
Iran has suspended its obligations under the memorandum with the United States due to the strikes carried out by the Americans. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused the United States of violating the agreement.
US President Donald Trump accused Canada of spreading smoke from wildfires into US territory and stated his intention to add pollution costs to tariffs. Canada responded that since 2020 it has invested 12 billion Canadian dollars in fire prevention.
On Tuesday, the third round of US-Mexico negotiations on updating the North American Free Trade Agreement will take place in Mexico City. Key topics include the steel and automotive industries, agriculture, and electronic payment systems.
July 18 marks the UN-backed International Nelson Mandela Day and World Listening Day. According to the new church calendar, the memory of Saint Athanasius of Athos is honored.
FIFA does not plan to postpone the World Cup final due to smoke from Canadian forest fires. The smoke is expected to dissipate by Sunday, when the match will take place.
Six ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours, maintaining low traffic intensity. Earlier, Trump announced plans to impose a 20 percent fee on cargo passing through the strait.
The US attacked bridges, energy facilities, and a port in Iran. In response, Iran struck Qatar and Kuwait, damaging a water desalination plant.
Pakistan and Kuwait discuss a new defense pact that may include the deployment of troops and equipment. Talks are at an early stage, Pakistan is not yet ready to deploy combat units.
FAA has allowed Boeing to once again independently issue airworthiness certificates for 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The decision will take effect on July 20 after data analysis and safety assessment.
Smoke from forest fires in Canada has worsened air quality in Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, and other cities. There are 858 active fires recorded, 111 of which are uncontrolled.
The United States destroyed an observation tower of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at the Shahid Kalantari port in Iran. The strike was aimed at reducing the IRGC's ability to track vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Sandra Audkirk assumed the duties of Chargé d'Affaires at the U. S. Embassy in Kyiv on July 8, 2026. She is a career diplomat with over 30 years of experience.
Thick smoke from Canadian wildfires has covered 18 US states and the District of Columbia. The worst situation is observed in Washington, where pollution is dangerous even for healthy people.
SpaceX shares fell 4% on Friday after the Starship test flight was canceled due to engine failure. Elon Musk reported engine replacement and plans for the next launch early next week.
During the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia, fans drank 290,000 bottles of beer at the stadium. However, beer consumption in the US is declining due to the health trend and economic problems.
The 51st episode of lava eruption at the Kilauea volcano began at 8:30 a. m. Hawaiian time. The height of the lava fountains reached 295 meters, and the flow rate was 305 cubic meters per second.
Beijing stated its adherence to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. China denies accusations of influencing the presidential elections in the United States.
Wheat futures reached a two-year high, but the gains were offset by weak U. S. export data. Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports have reduced a third of grain export capacity.
The US launched new airstrikes on bridges in Hormozgan province, collapsing a tower in Chabahar port. In response, Iran attacked Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait with missiles.
Spokesman for the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ibrahim Zolfaghari, stated that Tehran will destroy all infrastructure in the region if Trump carries out his threat to strike Iranian infrastructure. He called Trump's statements "empty" and warned of a more powerful response.
On July 17, the world marks World Emoji Day and International Criminal Justice Day. In Ukraine, Ethnographer's Day is celebrated, and according to the new calendar, the memory of the Great Martyr Marina is honored.
A bipartisan sanctions bill against Russia, initiated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, has over 60 co-sponsors. The document requires approval from the House of Representatives, with the main obstacle being the time for debate in the Senate.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that negotiations between the US and Iran are ongoing. She emphasized that the strikes are caused by Iran's violation of the memorandum, but President Trump is open to diplomacy.
