The meme is getting old but Marco Rubio just got another item on his infinite to-do list, which already includes viceroy of Venezuela, regime change in Cuba, slashing State costs, mediating DRC-Rwanda spats, DJ-ing weddings, and featuring in UFO documentaries .
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IRAN
In another round of tit-for-tat amid Trump’s resumed blockade, the US has hit a US-sanctioned oil tanker near Iran’s key export terminal of Kharg Island, after it reportedly ignored warnings to stop. Iran says it’s retaliated with drone and missile strikes — it’s unclear how much damage Iran is doing, though the US did quietly increase its reported number of dead and wounded on Monday. (Bloomberg $)
ARGENTINA
The British government has urged football governing body FIFA to investigate after Argentina’s team celebrated its World Cup win over England with a banner declaring the UK-run Falkland Islands (or Las Malvinas for Argentina) are Argentine. (Reuters)
AUSTRALIA
Prime Minister Albanese has used a landmark speech to flag plans to force AI data centres to minimise their water use, fund their own power supply, and respect artist copyright protections. He’ll announce specifics after a period of consultation, before introducing legislation to parliament next year. (ABC)
CHINA
China just posted one of its weakest quarterly growth figures in decades. Meanwhile in the US, Fed data suggests the US economy is picking up speed even as inflation eases slightly. (France24)
BRAZIL
Brazil has slammed the US move overnight to impose 25% tariffs on most Brazilian products from next week. These new s301 tariffs follow last month’s DC findings that Brazil benefits from unfair trade practices like deforestation, tariffs, and and its own popular ‘PIX’ payments platform. Goods the US doesn’t produce or doesn’t want to disrupt will be exempt (things like coffee, oranges, and certain aircraft parts). (Guardian)
INDIA
We just flagged Indonesia’s notable absence from the list of nations marking 10 years since a Hague tribunal rejected China’s vast South China Sea claims. Now India has quietly voiced its own support for the ruling, describing it as “a significant milestone, and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties.” 🔥 (MFA’s weekly press briefing)
UKRAINE
Locals are now protesting after President Zelensky removed his popular, young (35), and tech-savvy defence minister (Fedorov), reportedly offering the role to his long-time interior minister instead (Klymenko). (Kyiv Independent)
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15 July
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