**Summary:** US President Donald Trump has announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports and the imposition of a 20% toll on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, citing the need for reimbursement for security services.

**Key points:**
- The blockade is scheduled to take effect at 16:00 Eastern Time on Tuesday, targeting Iranian vessels and customers while allowing open use for other nations.
- The announcement follows a series of military strikes between the United States and Iran, which have effectively nullified the June 17 peace memorandum of understanding.
- The International Maritime Organization has stated there is no legal basis for imposing mandatory tolls on international navigation through straits.
- Iranian officials have rejected the US interference, warning that any cooperation with the American military in the strait will be viewed as an act of war against Iranian sovereignty.

**Why it matters:** The move significantly escalates tensions in a critical global energy chokepoint, threatening international trade, global oil prices, and regional stability.

EEUU: Trump declara «abierto» el paso de Ormuz con tasa 20%

Trump reinstates Iran port blockade and vows 20% charge on cargo passing through Hormuz

Donald Trump reimposes Iran blockade , seeks 20 percent fee on all cargo

US to be guardian of Strait of Hormuz , will charge 20 % toll for safe transit : Trump

Trump Reinstates Iran Port Blockade and Imposes 20% Transit Fee on Strait of Hormuz

**Summary:** A coalition of 12 states led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a federal lawsuit to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, citing concerns over market competition and consumer harm.

**Key points:**
- The lawsuit alleges the merger violates the Clayton Act by potentially creating a monopoly in theatrical film distribution and basic cable licensing.
- Attorneys general from states including New York, New Jersey, and Colorado joined the legal action against the $110 billion deal.
- Paramount rejected the antitrust claims, arguing the litigation is legally flawed and would negatively impact entertainment industry workers.
- The U.S. Department of Justice has previously cleared the transaction, stating it was unlikely to harm competition.

**Why it matters:** The lawsuit challenges a major consolidation in the media industry that would combine significant film studios, streaming platforms, and television networks, potentially impacting consumer prices and market diversity.

TechCrunch - 12 states sue to block Paramount $110B Warner Bros . deal

KGOU - States sue to stop Paramount - Warner Bros blockbuster merger

12 States Sue to Block $110 Billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

**Summary:** French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new defense cooperation plan with Ukraine, including the future delivery of 16 Rafale fighter jets and the provision of licenses for the domestic production of French missiles.

**Key points:**
- The first Rafale fighter jets are expected to be operational in Ukrainian airspace by 2028–2029.
- Ukraine will receive licenses to produce Aster missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems and other munitions.
- Multilateral forces will conduct military exercises in countries neighboring Ukraine in the coming months to test deployment plans.
- The initiatives are part of a broader effort to strengthen Ukraine's long-term defense and anti-ballistic capabilities.

**Why it matters:** This agreement marks a significant escalation in Western military support for Ukraine, shifting from direct equipment transfers to long-term industrial and technological cooperation for domestic defense production.

rss.unian.net - Макрон анонсировал передачу Украине самолетов Rafale и лицензии на французские ракеты

15min.lt - Emmanuelis Macronas: daugiašalės pajėgos Ukrainai surengs pratybas kaimyninėse šalyse

15min.lt - Emmanuelis Macronas: Ukraina įsigis 16 naikintuvų „Rafale“, oro gynybos sistemų „SAMP/T NG“

France and Ukraine Announce Long-Term Defense Cooperation and Military Aid

**Summary:** A US federal judge has invalidated an agreement between President Donald Trump and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that granted the president and his associates retroactive tax immunity.

**Key points:**
- The agreement was established in exchange for the withdrawal of a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Donald Trump and his sons regarding the disclosure of his tax returns.
- Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that the lawsuit was filed for an inappropriate purpose and that the parties were never in true opposition.
- The court referred the family's attorney, Alejandro Brito, to the Florida Bar for potential disciplinary action.
- The ruling follows a challenge from 35 former federal judges who argued the court had been misled about the nature of the settlement.

**Why it matters:** The decision strikes down a controversial legal arrangement that critics labeled a misuse of taxpayer funds and an attempt to shield the president from fiscal oversight.

sudouest.fr - États-Unis : une juge annule l’accord d’immunité de Trump avec le fisc américain

lalibre.be - Une juge annule l'accord d'immunité de Trump avec le fisc américain

US Federal Judge Nullifies Trump's Tax Immunity Agreement

**Summary:** The United States Department of State has announced new sanctions targeting the Cuban Ministry of Tourism and several other state-affiliated organizations. This action follows previous measures taken against Cuban leadership earlier this summer.

**Key points:**
- Sanctions were imposed on the Ministry of Tourism, paramilitary units including special forces and territorial defense units, and various import-export companies.
- The U.S. previously sanctioned Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other government officials in June 2026.
- The move represents a continued tightening of U.S. economic and political pressure on the Cuban regime.

**Why it matters:** The expansion of sanctions against key economic and security sectors reflects the ongoing diplomatic and political friction between the United States and Cuba.

interfax.ru - Под санкции США попало Минтуризма Кубы

cubanet.org - Estados Unidos sanciona al MINTUR y otras nueve entidades del régimen cubano

United States Expands Sanctions Against Cuban Government Entities

**Summary:** Russian forces launched a missile attack on Odesa on the morning of July 13, 2026, causing damage to the city's transport infrastructure. Local authorities are currently assessing the impact of the strikes.

**Key points:**
- Head of the Odesa Military Administration Serhiy Lysak confirmed the hits on transport facilities.
- Air raid alerts were active in the city throughout the night preceding the attack.
- The strike follows warnings from the Ukrainian Air Force regarding missiles in the Black Sea heading toward Odesa and Chornomorsk.

**Why it matters:** The attack highlights the ongoing targeting of critical transport infrastructure in Ukrainian port cities, impacting logistics and regional security.

pravda.com.ua - РФ атакувала Одесу: є влучання по транспортній інфраструктурі

tsn.ua - Зрання РФ накрила ракетами обласний центр - є "прильоти", горить автостоянка

Russian Missile Attack Hits Transport Infrastructure in Odesa

**Summary:** A massive fire broke out at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok, resulting in at least 27 deaths and 63 injuries. The blaze, which occurred around midnight, is currently under investigation by local authorities.

**Key points:**
- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reported that victims were found near the restrooms at the back of the venue, which lacked fire escapes.
- A performing musician stated that smoke emerged from a circuit breaker near the stage, followed by an explosion and a power outage.
- Firefighters required approximately 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
- The incident occurred in the Chatuchak district, a popular area for both locals and tourists.

**Why it matters:** This tragedy is one of the deadliest fire incidents in Bangkok in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding fire safety standards in public entertainment venues.

cnn.com - Bangkok : Fire breaks out at a pub killing at least 27 people

sudouest.fr - Thaïlande : au moins 27 morts dans l’incendie d’un bar à Bangkok

faz.net - Feuer in Pub in Bangkok: Viele Tote und Verletzte

manilatimes.net - Fire breaks out at a pub in Bangkok, killing at least 27 people

internazionale.it - Bangkok pub fire kills at least 27 people, officials say - Internazionale

aljazeera.com - Fire engulfs popular Bangkok pub, killing 27 people and injuring 63

Fire at Bangkok Pub Kills at Least 27 People

**Summary:** The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. military installations in Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain in retaliation for recent U.S. military actions.

**Key points:**
- The strikes targeted the Prince Hassan air base in Jordan, Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, and various military assets in Kuwait and Bahrain.
- Iranian officials stated the attacks were a response to U.S. military operations against Iranian coastal bases and telecommunications infrastructure.
- The escalation follows the collapse of a memorandum of understanding intended to regulate a ceasefire and address the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of the previous agreement and indicated that negotiations with Iran would continue.

**Why it matters:** The direct military confrontation between Iran and U.S. forces across multiple regional bases signals a significant breakdown in diplomatic efforts and a major escalation in the conflict.

latercera.com - Irán ataca bases estadounidenses en Omán, Jordania y Qatar en medio de tensión creciente con EE.UU.

adndigital.com.py - El régimen iraní lanzó misiles balísticos y drones contra Jordania, Kuwait, Bahréin y Qatar tras los bombardeos de EEUU

elcomercio.pe - Irán reivindica ataques con misiles y drones contra Jordania, Qatar, Kuwait y Bahréin

Iran Launches Missile and Drone Strikes Against U.S. Bases in Middle East