World
U.S. and Russian Foreign Ministers Meet in Manila on Ukraine War; No Breakthrough Reported
Rubio and Lavrov held about 35 minutes of talks on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit; both sides said no deal was reached and described different starting points for any settlement.
China Holds Two-Day Live-Fire Drills Near Taiwan Strait a Day After Rubio-Wang Yi Talks
The exercises off Fujian's Dongshan Island followed a U.S.-China foreign ministers' meeting in Manila and come amid a paused $14 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan.
Putin Thanks North Korea for Troops in Kursk After Third Russia-North Korea Strategic Dialogue
At a Kremlin meeting on July 19-20, 2026, Putin publicly credited North Korean soldiers for helping retake the Kursk region, as the two governments pledged to deepen a partnership sealed by a 2024 treaty.
Pakistan's Military Vows 'All Measures' Over India's Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty
Field Marshal Asim Munir's top commanders reaffirmed Pakistan's water threats as India keeps the 1960 river-sharing pact frozen after a 2025 attack in Kashmir.
UN Warns of Atrocity Risk as RSF Tightens Siege of Sudan's El-Obeid; U.S. and G7 Respond
Sudan's Rapid Support Forces have besieged the North Kordofan capital of El-Obeid, killing hundreds in nearby villages and drawing new U.S. sanctions, a G7 statement, and UN atrocity warnings for a city of about 500,000 people.
Wheat Prices Hit Two-Year High as Russia and Ukraine Escalate Black Sea Ship Attacks
Both militaries have stepped up strikes on merchant ships and ports; Ukraine's main farm union says export capacity is down about a third, and global wheat futures have risen to their highest level since 2024.
Philippines and China Blame Each Other After Sailor Hurt in Second Thomas Shoal Clash
A boat collision and physical fight near a contested South China Sea reef left a Philippine navy sailor with a head injury, drew a U.S. condemnation of China, and unfolded as regional diplomats met in Manila.
Azerbaijan's President Says Former German and Russian Officials Met in Baku Over Ukraine
Ilham Aliyev confirmed a private July meeting of ex-officials from both countries; Berlin says its government was not involved, and Kyiv calls the talks irrelevant to the peace process.
Houthis Declare Naval Blockade on Saudi Arabia; Oil Prices Rise as Analysts Weigh Supply Risk
Yemen's Houthi movement says it is barring Saudi ships from the Bab el-Mandeb strait, adding a second maritime front to the ongoing U.S.-Iran war; crude rose modestly and analysts disagree on how much oil is actually at risk.
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham Speaks With Trump and Zelensky in First Calls in Office
Days after replacing Keir Starmer without a general election, Britain's new Labour leader affirmed support for Ukraine and held a first phone call with President Trump that touched on trade, defense and North Sea oil.
Taiwan Reports Elevated Chinese Naval Activity Around the Island During July Defense Exercises
Taipei's defense ministry logged rising numbers of Chinese warships and coast guard vessels as Taiwan ran drills to defend supply chains and infrastructure; the two governments describe the same movements in sharply different terms.
State Department Reissues Departure Guidance for Americans in the Middle East as Iran War Widens
Amid renewed U.S.-Iran fighting and a global "Worldwide Caution" alert, the U.S. is urging citizens across the Gulf to leave by commercial routes while embassies operate under ordered-departure status.