The US government, through the Marine Mineral Administration, proposed leasing 28 million hectares of seabed near the Mariana Trench for deep sea mining of critical minerals. Governors of Northern Mariana Islands and Guam expressed opposition, citing environmental risks and lack of transparency. Legal challenges have been filed by environmental groups in American Samoa and Hawaii to halt similar leasing processes.

Background: Iran has asserted the Strait of Hormuz is an exclusively Omani-Iranian waterway and established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to manage transit and impose fees on commercial shipping, with the US and Western nations rejecting the legality of the toll regime. Today, Iran's parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission approved Article 3 of the 'Strategic Action to Ensure the Security and Progress of the Strait of Hormuz' draft law, authorizing fees for services including maritime, environmental, fueling, insurance, safety, and other services for vessels from permitted countries, payable in rials or other currency. The draft law will now go to a full parliamentary vote and then the Guardian Council for constitutional review. The US rejects the fees, and President Trump has labeled the strait as 'new US territory.'

Background: Iranians were previously divided over the prospect of a US ground invasion, with some opposing war, others conditionally supporting intervention, and officials warning of retaliation. Today, Iranians in Tehran express mixed opinions on the country's recovery from US and Israeli strikes, while Iran warns that nations joining the US 'economic war' will be treated as enemies after President Trump announced a campaign to isolate Iran economically. This sentiment persists amid increased US sanctions threats, with Iran reiterating that countries participating in the US 'economic war' will be considered enemies.

Background: The US has announced an 'Economic D-Day' against Iran, threatening severe sanctions on any country providing support, with the UAE suspending trade and financial transactions. Today: Former Vice President Mike Pence argued on CNN that US military action against Iran is 'inevitable' and urged maintaining military assets in the region. This comes as the 60-day ceasefire memorandum expired with no deal, and both sides have exchanged strikes since early July. Pence echoed Trump's 'Economic D-Day' rhetoric and suggested the US and Israel will need to 'finish the job' in Iran, while Iranian President Pezeshkian vowed not to bow to the enemy.

President Trump defended the expansion of data centers in an interview, arguing they create jobs and money and are not draining the power grid, as they build their own power plants. His comments come amid growing bipartisan backlash in states like Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York, where governors have imposed restrictions or moratoriums on data centers due to concerns over electricity costs and grid strain. The Trump administration has eased some environmental requirements for data centers and pushed operators to cover their own power costs.

Background: The US has reaffirmed support for Yemen amid renewed clashes with Houthis, including a meeting between US Chargé d'Affaires Neil Hop and Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi in Riyadh, and a Houthi attack on Mokha port that killed at least seven civilians. On Sunday, Yemen's Minister of Information Moammar al-Eryani met with US Embassy chargé d'affaires Neal H. Opdahl to discuss countering Houthi disinformation. The US diplomat emphasized that countering Houthi lies with timely, accurate facts is an important part of the battle. The Yemeni minister stated that his country's leadership presents a genuine opportunity to deepen ties with the US. The meeting occurred as Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping continued, and earlier that day, Yemeni government forces conducted drone strikes on Houthi targets across various locations.

Israeli airstrikes in the central Gaza Strip killed three people, including a four-year-old child, on Sunday, according to Palestinian rescuers. The strikes hit Al-Zawayda and Nuseirat refugee camp, with the child identified as Muhammad Abdel Salam Taha. Separately, Syria's Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani met with Mossad chief Roman Gofman in Jordan to discuss establishing a special operations room under US supervision to prevent confrontations in Syria. Israel also warned Hamas it would intensify strikes over drone and balloon launches from Gaza. These developments occur amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel-Syria security talks.

Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for Florida governor, said he is working with Haiti's transitional government to stabilize the country following the expiration of Temporary Protected Status for over 300,000 Haitians. The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to revoke TPS, affecting many Haitians in Florida.

Background: The war with Iran has entered its fifth month with no end in sight, and President Trump has grown increasingly frustrated, with advisers fearing the conflict is harming his presidency. Today: Harvard political scientist Stephen Walt argues that Trump's unpredictability is weakening the US position, describing the conflict as a 'hurting stalemate' where neither side wants to escalate but waits for the other to crack. He also sees no opening for a genuine political solution on the Palestinian-Israeli front, as neither US party is willing to pressure Israel, citing a strong commitment to 'Greater Israel'.

Background: Progressive Democrats have been pushing data center moratoriums and taxes on AI companies. Today, a survey of nearly 20 potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates reveals none support Bernie Sanders' call for a halt to AI development, with most favoring targeted measures like data center pauses. Only Rahm Emanuel offered a critique, while AOC and Ro Khanna took the most aggressive stances. Strategists warn the party's cautious approach could let Republicans like JD Vance seize the issue. Midterm candidates across parties are embracing pauses, and a Fox News poll shows 70% of voters oppose local AI data centers.

Background: Anthropic filed for IPO before OpenAI, valued at $965 billion, amid a fierce rivalry with OpenAI. Today: Reports indicate Anthropic's IPO could raise more than $100 billion, potentially exceeding SpaceX's record $85.7 billion offering and valuing the company at $2 trillion. The listing could occur in autumn, beating OpenAI to market. However, tensions with the Trump administration over military access to AI models may deter some investors.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin warned against state-level moratoriums on data center construction, arguing they would harm the US in the artificial intelligence race against China. He acknowledged local concerns about energy costs and environmental impacts but emphasized the need for responsible development to ensure US competitiveness.

Background: Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in August 2026 drew international condemnation. Today, US Ambassador Tom Barrack, serving as envoy to Syria and Turkey, retracted a statement made on Friday in which he acknowledged the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory, reaffirming that US policy, set by President Trump in 2019, recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the area. The retraction followed criticism from Israeli advocates and Republican figures, including Senator Rick Scott, who called for Barrack's resignation. Barrack had also faced criticism for opposing Israeli air strikes on a Syrian airbase, suggesting they were aimed at baiting Turkey. The US stance remains unchanged despite international opposition, and Colombia recently joined the US in backing Israel's claim.

Background: Russian strikes have hit facilities of US companies in Ukraine, raising concerns of deliberate targeting. Today: An opinion piece by David J. Kramer argues the Trump administration should direct pressure at Russia, not Ukraine, over attacks on American business interests. It notes Russia has struck US company facilities in Ukraine dozens of times over the past year, including Coca-Cola, Boeing, Mondelez, Cargill, and Philip Morris, while the US has been muted in response. The piece criticizes Vice President Vance's call to Ukraine over the Caspian Pipeline Consortium strike, noting Russia's aggression and urging military aid to Ukraine and tighter sanctions on Russia. It also highlights Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports in Odesa, which threaten global food markets, and mentions Ukrainian strikes on Russian military and energy targets, including the Wildberries infrastructure.

Two federal appeals court panels ruled that the Department of Justice cannot bypass Senate confirmation by renaming or delegating duties to acting U.S. attorneys. The rulings disqualified Sigal Chattah and John Sarcone III from serving as acting heads of U.S. attorney offices in Nevada and Northern District of New York. The DOJ plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. The rulings are part of a broader legal battle over the Trump administration's use of the Federal Vacancy Reform Act to install loyalists in senior prosecutor roles without Senate approval.

Background: The House Ethics Committee has faced a surge in misconduct allegations, prompting a bipartisan task force and calls for reform. Today: Bipartisan pressure is mounting on the committee to expedite investigations into sexual misconduct and domestic abuse allegations against several lawmakers, including Reps. Jimmy Gomez, Cory Mills, and Max Miller, as midterm elections approach. Lawmakers argue the slow process leaves the public in limbo and allows abusers to avoid accountability. Proposals for reform are being discussed, but the committee's secretive nature and lengthy timelines remain contentious. Recent developments: Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández and Republican Women's Caucus Chair Kat Cammack are partnering to combat sexual misconduct. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna publicly criticized the process as a 'cover up.' The committee announced an investigation into Rep. Jimmy Gomez for inappropriate sexual contact with a staffer, with two attorneys alleging sexual harassment and assault. The Democratic Women's Caucus called for releasing the investigation status before the 60-day blackout period. Rep. Cory Mills, who lost his primary, remains under investigation for multiple allegations including sexual misconduct. Rep. Max Miller faces a probe over domestic abuse and drug allegations. Speaker Mike Johnson deferred to the Ethics Committee, while Rep. Sam Liccardo argued investigations take too long. The committee's chair, Michael Guest, indicated openness to changes that would expedite investigations.