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Ukraine is struggling to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks due to a critical shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles, a problem exacerbated by global stockpile depletion and European refusals to supply more. The situation has prompted urgent appeals from Ukrainian officials and raised questions about alternative defense systems.
The South Korean won edged higher against the U.S. dollar in recent trading sessions, supported by exporter dollar sales and falling oil prices, while traders remained cautious over U.S. inflation data and Middle East tensions. Foreign investors showed mixed activity in local stocks, with the KOSPI experiencing sharp fluctuations.
South Korean stocks opened higher on Wednesday, driven by gains in technology shares, despite overnight losses on Wall Street and fading optimism over a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal. The KOSPI traded up 2.35 percent in early trading, with Samsung Electronics leading gains.
Pakistan's government has announced a mixed fuel price adjustment, cutting petrol by Rs1.70 per litre while raising high-speed diesel by Rs1.39, effective August 12. The move comes amid fluctuating international oil prices and a shift to daily price reviews, which has drawn opposition from dealers.
A senior Pentagon official reiterated calls Monday for Asian allies to make greater defense contributions, stressing that the Trump administration seeks partnerships 'not dependencies.' The remarks, made in Manila, come as regional concerns mount over US commitment amid shifting strategic priorities.
A new report from the Alma Research and Education Center indicates that Hezbollah’s civilian branches, including the Islamic Health Organization and the Wataawanou Association, continue to operate in the southern Lebanese village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, a pilot zone under the Lebanese Armed Forces' control. The findings raise questions about the implementation of the US-brokered agreement that aimed to remove Hezbollah from the area.
More than five months into the US war with Iran, President Trump has signalled a move from military force to economic pressure, according to Al Jazeera. The blockade of Iranian ports and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are central to the strategy, but analysts question whether it can force Tehran to capitulate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza, marking a rare public break with President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Iran has issued tough new demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the conflict has stranded thousands of seafarers.
Washington plans to lift its blockade on Iranian ports immediately after an agreement is reached to restore unimpeded shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to US and Iranian sources. The talks, announced by President Donald Trump, also address ending regional strikes and renewing Iranian oil exports.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and a changing global economy are forcing African nations to rethink how they pursue economic growth. Analysts argue that old industrialisation models may no longer work, even as the continent faces a demographic surge in the coming decade.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a joint defense agreement in Mecca, including a collective-defense commitment. The deal has drawn attention for its potential regional implications, including remarks by Pakistan's defense minister calling for a united front against Israel.
CENTCOM says US forces have redirected 55 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two since the naval blockade of Iran resumed on July 14. Multiple reports from Al Jazeera, Jerusalem Post, and TASS detail the ongoing enforcement and the number of ships involved.
Experts and senior officials warn that depleted US weapons stockpiles, stemming from the conflict with Iran, could take years to replenish and may embolden Russia and China. The Pentagon has been forced to redeploy assets from Europe and Asia to the Middle East, raising concerns about future deterrence.
Iran announced that a deal with Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is in its final stages, but reiterated that the strait will only reopen once the US meets certain conditions. The agreement would define new shipping lanes, with reports suggesting Iran would control inbound traffic. Pakistan expressed hope the deal could lead to resumption of US-Iran talks.
Iran has issued demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including war damage compensation, while shipping traffic through the waterway fell sharply amid security risks and stalled US-Iran talks. A tanker was attacked off Yanbu, and the US threatened a major financial offensive against Tehran.
Reports citing US officials indicate the Pentagon has fewer than 1,700 Patriot interceptor missiles after operations against Iran, with replenishment possibly taking over two years. A $18.2 billion emergency request aims to boost stocks, while a US envoy insists current supplies are sufficient.
The UAE condemned an attack on an ADNOC tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, while ADNOC reported that 15 of its vessels have been struck since the conflict began. Iran's foreign minister said talks with Oman are nearing completion, but stressed that reopening the strait is not imminent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine has reached an agreement with the United States on monthly supplies of interceptor missiles, while acknowledging the current stockpile is smaller than last year. Separately, he discussed missile production cooperation with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a visit to Lublin.
A poll by French magazine L’Express ranked MI6 as Europe’s most powerful foreign intelligence service, with France’s DGSE second. The survey of 60 spies highlighted MI6’s human intelligence strengths and its leading role on Ukraine.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have signed a joint defence pact, the Mecca Joint Deterrence Agreement, in response to escalating regional tensions. The agreement stipulates that an armed attack on any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack on all, deepening security cooperation.