Marco Rubio on Iran:

I do think the world is coming to a point now where it's clear that Iran—at least some people in Iran—want to control the straits and hold it as leverage against the world.

And the world has to decide whether or not it's going to allow an international waterway to be under the control of a country like this. It would be completely illegal, unlawful, and unacceptable.

The United States will continue to do what it needs to protect global shipping, but other countries need to begin to step up and provide, whether it's hardware or finances, to help carry that burden.

Iran says it is still open to negotiations with the U.S. if its national interests are protected, while accusing Washington of breaking previous commitments.

Tehran says mediators are working to ease tensions and has received new proposals but did not reveal details.

Marco Rubio on Iran:

It is not the United States' job to protect the entire planet forever.

Iran's FM Spox. Esmail Baghaei:

Targeting the watchtower in Chabahar or bridges and power plants is reminiscent of ISIS's actions.

Iran’s IRGC claims it struck U.S. aircraft at Aqaba Airport using intelligence provided by people in Jordan, asserting it caused heavy damage and casualties.

It also praised its Jordanian supporters and called for attacks on U.S. forces.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian:

The joy of the friendly people and government of Spain is the joy of the people and government of Iran.

Iran's FM Spox. Esmail Baghaei:

Congratulations to Spain's national football team. This edition of the World Cup can be regarded as the most political sporting event in history.

Its political nature was evident from the discriminatory treatment of Iran's national team all the way through to the final moments of the tournament.

For the people of Iran, who associate true championship with chivalry, honor, and standing against oppression, Spain's anti-aggression stance in recent months was highly valued. As a result, public opinion around the world genuinely hoped for Spain's victory.

Iran's FM Spox. Esmail Baghaei:

Even without relying on Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding, Iran, as the coastal state bordering the Strait of Hormuz, possesses legal and sovereign rights over the strait.

The experience of military attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime, along with the cooperation of some countries in the region, has demonstrated that Iran must not allow this vital waterway to be exploited against the country's security and national interests.

Iran is determined, in cooperation with Oman, to adopt the necessary measures and arrangements to fully exercise its sovereignty and prevent any security threats in the Strait of Hormuz.

Marco Rubio on Iran:

Iran is a rich country. One of the reasons why Iran is in shambles is because every penny that this regime ever gets—be it through sanctions relief or through the oil they're able to get out—they invest in Hezbollah. They invest in Hamas...

They should be spending billions of dollars building their country, but instead they use it to sponsor terrorism.

Germany's Chancellor Merz:

I am not looking for another coalition in Berlin. I want this coalition to succeed.

It is not easy for either partner—for the SPD with us, nor for us with the SPD. But we have a mandate, and that mandate goes beyond our two parties.

We have the responsibility to keep this country on a stable course in extremely turbulent times.

Germany's Chancellor Merz:

We are facing a crisis of trust in democracy as a whole, and that is something we are working on within the coalition.

It is not only the responsibility of the government; it is also the responsibility of all democratic parties.

Germany's Chancellor Merz on the refugee crisis:

We have tried to get the refugee crisis under control, and I believe we have succeeded.

That also involved enormous costs for our social security systems. At the moment, we are trying to slow the rise in those costs, and that is difficult enough.

Germany's Chancellor Merz:

We are being attacked from both the left and the right, and the attacks from the right and the far right are particularly disturbing.

What we have seen recently, with the old East German national anthem being sung enthusiastically in the presence of the AfD party leader, shows the direction this is heading and how close the far left and the far right apparently are in our country.

It is the responsibility of the democratic parties of the political center to make people understand what is happening.

Taiwan says Chinese coast guard and research vessel activity around the island surged sharply in June, raising concerns that Beijing is practicing how to disrupt Taiwan's Pacific supply routes in a future conflict.

Taiwan plans joint coast guard–navy drills to protect these sea lanes.

Officials also say China is using coast guard ships and radio calls to merchant vessels to gradually expand its control without direct military action.

Source: Reuters

The Pentagon withheld information about several recent Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan that injured dozens of American troops and damaged helicopters.

Officials say they kept the attacks secret for operational security, arguing that releasing details could help Iran target U.S. forces.

Since the war began on Feb. 28, 16 U.S. service members have been killed and more than 400 have been injured.

Source: NYT

The Trump administration is considering measures to restrict or effectively block U.S. use of advanced Chinese AI models, citing national security and cybersecurity concerns.

The debate has intensified as Chinese open-source models like Kimi become cheaper and more competitive with U.S.

AI. Critics warn that such policies could mainly benefit dominant U.S. companies like OpenAI and Anthropic by reducing competition.

Source: Axios

Keir Starmer:

My work is done.

Keir Starmer:

Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was 2 years ago.

Keir Starmer:

I wish Andy Burnham every success.

He has my full support.

Keir Starmer:

I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved.