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The Philippines is advancing plans for a cross-border power grid with Indonesia under the Asean Power Grid initiative, while the United States has announced a $1.5 billion investment in Indo-Pacific energy infrastructure, signaling a strategic push into the region's energy sector.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation deal, including two agreements on peaceful nuclear cooperation and bilateral safeguards, with the deal to be submitted to Congress for review. Concerns persist over a possible uranium enrichment facility and the potential for a regional arms race. President Trump has stated the deal is contingent on Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel.
A meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled for July 23 on the sidelines of ASEAN events in Manila. Lavrov has indicated he will seek clarifications on US President Donald Trump's statements about a quick resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, among other topics.
The US House of Representatives narrowly passed a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill that includes expanded military technology cooperation with Israel. The bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate amid Democratic opposition over its cost, the Iran war, and voting restrictions.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported intercepting vessels attempting unauthorized passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with one tanker catching fire after an explosion. Reports differ on the number of vessels involved, with some accounts mentioning US military support.
South Korean stocks opened higher Thursday, led by a tech rally boosted by Alphabet's better-than-expected earnings. The KOSPI climbed over 3 percent in early trading, while the Korean won strengthened against the U.S. dollar. U.S. stocks had closed lower amid Middle East tensions.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have declared a naval blockade targeting Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea and claimed strikes on two Saudi oil tankers, prompting several ships to change course. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of flying Revolutionary Guard members into Yemen, while Washington signaled openness to talks despite launching new strikes on Iran.
The United States Central Command announced another series of strikes on Iranian territory, with reports indicating the operation continues for an 11th consecutive night. The strikes aim to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Australian share market is expected to open higher following a rally on Wall Street, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all finishing up. Oil prices have dropped below $US84 per barrel, while the Australian dollar is trading at 70 US cents.
US President Donald Trump warned that the US would destroy one bridge or power plant each time Iran fires at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, as the conflict escalates. Iran's foreign minister responded with an 'eye for an eye' doctrine, and US strikes on Iran continued overnight. The confrontation has driven oil prices above $93 a barrel and raised global economic concerns.
US President Donald Trump said Iran wants to meet with the US but is not yet ready to do so in a meaningful way, predicting that Tehran will be ready 'very soon' to reach an agreement. His remarks come amid ongoing US and Israeli military operations against Iran that began in late February and resumed in July.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a popular figure credited with military reforms, sparking protests in Kyiv and unease among foreign partners. Reports point to conflict with the military command and a wider government reshuffle.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States will bomb an Iranian bridge or power plant if Iran fires at a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. He also reiterated threats against nuclear sites and claimed Iran wants nuclear talks. Tensions rise amid Houthi threats and global energy concerns.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran will block regional oil sales if it cannot sell its own, and that the Strait of Hormuz will only open under Iranian arrangements. The threat follows renewed US and Iranian strikes, with Ghalibaf warning that strikes will be met with counterstrikes.
Senior officials from the UAE and Saudi Arabia have posted similar messages on social media affirming close historical ties, signaling a thaw in relations months after a public falling out. The posts come amid renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities and differing views on regional conflicts.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has described being pulled from rubble after a US-Israeli strike on a leadership compound, and discussed Iran's security failures, diplomatic efforts, and the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the opening attack of the war.
Iranian officials and the IRGC have warned that any US attack on Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, will be met with reciprocal strikes on US and allied infrastructure across the Middle East. The warnings follow US President Donald Trump's threats to destroy Iranian bridges and power plants in response to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed disbelief and shock over the resignation of acting minister-in-charge of Muslim affairs Faishal Ibrahim, who stepped down over inappropriate interactions with a woman. The woman involved has filed complaints with authorities, and both parties have accused each other of harassment.
President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant each time Tehran attacks a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has warned of retaliation against US interests and oil exports. The conflict has escalated with US strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has dismissed Alexander Syrsky as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and appointed Mikhail Drapaty to replace him, amid a political crisis and protests. The reshuffle also affected the General Staff chief, with Igor Skibyuk named as his successor, though questions remain about the legality of the appointment given the vacant defense minister post.