United States
Ahead of the total solar eclipse on August 12, hotel prices in Reykjavik rose by 140%, while in A Coruña they more than doubled. A tourism boom has swept Iceland and Spain, where additional tourist spending of €342 million is expected.
On August 12, the 51st edition of the UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa will take place in Salzburg. The Parisians could become the second team after Real Madrid to win the trophy twice in a row.
U. S. President Donald Trump has changed his mind about transferring licenses to Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles amid concerns that the technology could fall into Russia’s hands. This threatens Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian strikes in winter.
Due to the abnormal heat in Italy, the grape harvest season for Franciacorta began 10 days earlier, with winemakers working at night. Climate change is shortening the harvest period, forcing them to make quick decisions.
The Trump administration has extended the National Guard’s mission in Washington through January 2029, despite its initial statement that it would be temporary. The cost of the operation through 2029 is estimated at $1.4 billion, while residents criticize federal intervention.
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.
In July, the average temperature in the United States was 24. 9°C, which is 1.7°C above the 20th-century average. This surpassed the previous record set in 1936.
On August 10, the British regulator approved Eli Lilly’s Foundayo pill for weight management and the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Initially, the drug will be available on the private market, with an NHS decision expected by November 18.
On August 10, the Turkish parliament passed a law creating a legal basis for the dissolution of the PKK and the reintegration of its members. The document was supported by 468 lawmakers and provides legal protection for former militants.
A U. S. appeals court has allowed more than 3,000 lawsuits against Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat to proceed. The companies are accused of creating platforms that cause addiction among young users.
U. S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order reducing recommended childhood vaccinations to 11 essential vaccines. Experts have criticized the decision, warning of risks to children's health.
U. S. President Donald Trump extended for 90 days authorization for foreign vessels to transport oil and other goods between U.S. ports in circumvention of the Jones Act. The order narrows the scope of the exemption; now each voyage will be considered individually, and the Pentagon will consult with the Maritime Administration.
U. S. Deputy Representative to the UN Dan Negrea stated that Washington will continue to support negotiations to end the war. The United States will also facilitate the reunification of families separated by the war.
President Zelenskyy said that Russia had received additional ballistic missiles from North Korea and planned to deploy additional troops. He emphasized that this creates threats not only for Ukraine, but also for Japan and Korea.
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland are increasing the security of critical infrastructure amid fears that Russia may organize an attack using Ukrainian drones. Intelligence services warn of a possible provocation aimed at destabilizing NATO.
The film "The Odyssey" grossed $1. 104 billion in a month, surpassing "The Dark Knight Rises." It is the highest-grossing film of Nolan's career and of the careers of its leading actors.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation, said that North Korea is interested in gaining experience from Russia's war against Ukraine in preparation for aggression on the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang may also see opportunities arising from the confrontation between the United States and Iran.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said that Russia would not agree to a freeze in hostilities without eliminating the so-called "root causes. " He also criticized the actions of the United States regarding Ukraine, calling them contradictory.
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.
Ukraine may find a way to produce Patriot missiles more cheaply and faster than the United States. American manufacturers fear that Kyiv will improve the Patriot and mass-produce them at a lower cost.
Trump planned to declare victory over Iran, but Tehran is insisting on billions of dollars, the withdrawal of U. S. troops, and an end to the blockade. The U.S. may extend the ceasefire if Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz.
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.
Polls show that Democrats have nearly caught up with Republicans on national security issues and are ahead of them on the economy. This happened because of Trump’s actions, including the war with Iran and tariffs.
Former U. S. President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, said that Joe Biden's cancer had metastasized to his bones, causing severe pain. He described his father's condition as very painful and exhausting.
Iran said it was close to reaching an agreement with Oman on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but stressed that additional conditions, including compensation from the United States, are needed to resume traffic. Washington expects an agreement soon.
Russia plans to launch a large-scale strike campaign against Kyiv’s energy infrastructure over the coming weeks. ISW analysts predict that the Russian Federation will use its strategic reserve of ballistic missiles to inflict maximum damage by August 24.
The President stated that Russia is trying to fully seize Donbas and will distort the agreements with the United States. Ukraine does not intend to abandon its territories and people.
Ukraine is working on its own Freyja antiballistic project, which is managed by the defense company Fire Point. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the state’s key task is to protect the production facilities from Russian strikes.
A drone of an undetermined type exploded in Bulgaria near the border with Romania. There were no casualties or damage, and an investigation is underway.
Zelenskyy said that an agreement had been reached with the US on regular deliveries of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. He stressed that this is not enough to fully protect against Russian attacks.