🇺🇸 U.S.-IRAN CONFRONTATION: President Trump said he considers the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding effectively finished, accusing Tehran of negotiating in bad faith and describing further talks as unproductive. He said any future diplomatic efforts could be left to Steve Witkoff or Jared Kushner.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said sanctions relief would be expected only if a future agreement genuinely prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, adding that he does not currently believe such an outcome is likely.
Following Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command announced strikes against more than 80 targets across Iran, including air defenses, command-and-control infrastructure, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and dozens of IRGC naval vessels. The operation was presented as a response to attacks on three commercial tankers, with Washington stating it remains prepared to respond to any further Iranian actions.
Iran said it launched coordinated missile and drone attacks against 85 U.S. military targets, including the U.S. Fifth Fleet, Ali Al Salem Air Base, and Salman Port. Warning sirens sounded in Kuwait, while Bahrain reported intercepting incoming missiles.
Iran also warned that countries supporting U.S. military operations could become legitimate targets. State media reported one IRGC Navy member was killed during the strikes, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf accused Washington of violating the MoU, and the IRGC claimed it downed a U.S. MQ-9 drone over Bushehr Province.
The United States also revoked a temporary license covering certain transactions involving Iranian oil and petrochemical products. UK Maritime Trade Operations reported another projectile strike on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar later identified the vessel as one of its own, condemned the attack, and lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Iran.
🛡️ REGIONAL SECURITY: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly canceled a planned visit to Israel that had included meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The European Aviation Safety Agency extended its recommendation that airlines avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace through the end of August.
Channel 14 reported intelligence indicating the IRGC Quds Force has established a unit known as "Mukhtar," reportedly working with Mexican cartels and members of the Iranian diaspora in alleged assassination plots targeting President Trump and other U.S. officials.
🇹🇷 TURKEY, NATO & F-35: President Trump arrived in Ankara for the NATO Summit, where he was received by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan said Turkey had previously received commitments regarding five F-35 fighter jets and expressed confidence those commitments would be honored. CNN separately reported that the Trump administration is considering approving F-35 sales to Turkey.
Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly opposed such a sale, arguing it would alter the regional military balance. Israeli media also reported he privately described Erdogan as an adversary while urging U.S. officials to reject the proposal.
Trump praised Erdogan as "a great ally," claiming their personal relationship helped prevent Turkey from entering the regional conflict against Israel. He also said he believes Erdogan does not want Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
🇸🇾 SYRIA: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and French President Emmanuel Macron announced expanded economic cooperation during a reconstruction forum in Damascus.
Al-Sharaa said Syria wants France to become a leading economic partner, highlighting infrastructure projects, banking reforms, and industrial development. Macron reaffirmed French support for Syria's reconstruction, including efforts to restore confidence in the banking sector and encourage long-term investment.
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