Aug 2, 2026, 01:30 PM UTC

The United States and Israel have temporarily suspended planned military strikes against Iran following requests from Tehran and neighboring Middle Eastern states, US President Donald Trump announced. Writing on social media, Trump stated the pause is contingent on securing a rapid agreement that permanently eliminates Iran's nuclear threat and reopens the Strait of Hormuz.

The diplomatic opening follows recent military friction, during which US forces intercepted several Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at American positions in the region. Trump claimed that Iran is "almost defeated" and insisted US forces remain fully equipped with stockpiled munitions if talks stall.

In response to potential diplomatic progress, Asian crude oil markets fell by over five percent. Meanwhile, regional security arrangements continue to evolve, with Saudi Arabia initiating a maritime alliance to safeguard Red Sea shipping.

Sources: BBC News, Corriere della Sera, Der Standard, El Mundo, FAZ.

Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted an airfield and an oil refinery inside Russia, according to statements from military officials in Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported casualties in the Udmurtia region of central Russia following long-range strikes.

In parallel operations, Moscow claimed to have carried out bombardments against two Ukrainian ports. The recent exchange of long-range aerial attacks follows Russian strikes on Kyiv that left nine people dead and 33 injured.

Both nations continue to conduct strikes aimed at energy infrastructure, logistics hubs, and port facilities across their borders.

Sources: Le Monde

An analysis of all 435 U.S. congressional districts indicates that Donald Trump would lose control of the House of Representatives if the midterm elections were held today. According to TV 2 election analyst Terje Sørensen, current projections across every district signal a shift away from the Republican majority in Congress.

The assessment underscores potential challenges for Trump's legislative agenda ahead of the upcoming midterm contests. Losing control of the House would hamper the administration's capacity to pass major legislation and subject it to increased legislative oversight.

Sources: TV 2 Nyheter

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has successfully conducted its first live-fire test of a Tomahawk cruise missile, marking a significant milestone in the nation's effort to strengthen its military posture. According to an announcement from the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the test took place on July 29 with technical support from the United States Navy.

The launch was carried out by the Kongo-class guided-missile destroyer JS Chōkai. Defense officials indicated that the exercise demonstrates operational progress in integrating long-range precision strikes, aligned with Tokyo's broader defense strategy to enhance counterstrike capabilities and regional deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

Sources: Defence Turk

The heatwaves of summer 2026 have severely impacted human health, ecosystems, and infrastructure across affected regions. Speaking on the "Chaleur humaine" podcast, Christian Clot, explorer and president of the Human Adaptation Institute, warned that extreme temperatures lead to "significant degradation of physiological and cognitive functions."

Clot highlighted the growing physical, mental, and social risks associated with rising global temperatures. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat compromises body regulation and impairs decision-making capabilities, posing broader societal challenges. Experts emphasize the need for proactive adaptation strategies to prepare populations and infrastructure for increasingly frequent heat events in the future.

Sources: Le Monde