United States
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.
The US Central Command announced another wave of airstrikes on Iran. The strikes are aimed at weakening Iran's military capabilities.
Caroline Leavitt returned to the briefing room for the first time after maternity leave, which began on April 24. She gave birth to a daughter on May 1 and returned to work at the White House at the end of June.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated Ukraine's readiness for negotiations with Russia in Turkey. One of the outcomes could be a ceasefire, but the Russian Federation has not yet agreed.
Iranian agencies Fars and Tasnim reported US missile strikes around the island of Qeshm. This happened amid the resumption of hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
Iran has asked Yemen's Houthis to be ready to block the oil route through the Red Sea if the US strikes Iran's energy infrastructure. The Houthis have completed preparations for an attack on ships near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation Andriy Kovalenko stated that the Russian Federation does not hide its intentions to continue the war of attrition. He called on the international community to increase pressure to change Putin's regime.
Brent crude futures fell 0. 28% to $84.95 per barrel. Traders are assessing the risks of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz following US strikes on Iran.
Ukraine marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty and the professional holiday of accountants. Around the world, this day is dedicated to snakes, artificial intelligence, and culinary arts.
Pentagon discusses the possibility of a military operation against Cuba, including an air attack involving thousands of soldiers. At the same time, officials consider this currently unlikely due to the focus on Iran.