The United States launched a new wave of strikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran, including air defense, radar, and maritime assets, in response to attempted attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes killed at least 11 people in Iran, including four at a wedding in Sirik county and seven in Khuzestan province, according to Iranian state media. Iran retaliated with ballistic missile and drone attacks on US bases and interests in Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The IRGC claimed its strikes on Prince Hassan airbase in Jordan destroyed drones and killed pilots. The escalation follows the expiry of a June ceasefire agreement and marks a significant return to hostilities after a month-long lull.

Background: The US and Canada have been locked in a trade dispute, with the US imposing 50% tariffs on Canadian goods and Canada retaliating with dollar-for-dollar tariffs. The trade war has caused significant economic damage on both sides. In Canada, Ontario has been hardest hit by auto and steel tariffs, with tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs lost since early 2025. Quebec's metal exports fell 36% between February 2025 and 2026, with a 3.6% drop in sector employment. The Royal Bank of Canada estimates Ontario and Quebec are most impacted. In the US, Ohio will be hardest hit by Canada's counter-tariffs, with C$3.2bn (12% of its exports) affected, followed by Illinois and Pennsylvania. Canada's average effective US tariff rate has nearly doubled from 2.9% to 5.7%, approaching rates faced by the UK and Vietnam. Canadian businesses are diversifying away from the US market, with foreign direct investment into Canada reaching C$96.8 billion in 2025, the highest since 2007. Canada's GDP rebounded to 3.3% growth in Q2 2026. However, around 55,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in Canada from January 2025 to January 2026, and economist Trevor Tombe estimates 90,000 jobs could be lost if new US tariffs persist. US households may pay $840 more on average this year due to tariffs. Canada's counter-tariffs are targeted to limit consumer impact but will raise costs for businesses.

Background: The USS Abraham Lincoln has been on an extended deployment in the Middle East supporting US operations against Iran, with reports of crew morale and supply issues. The carrier left California in November 2025 and was rerouted to the Middle East for US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Today: The carrier arrived at Laem Chabang port near Pattaya, Thailand, on Wednesday morning after more than 270 days at sea, marking its first liberty port call in 285 days. Thai authorities deployed about 600 officials for security, and the crew will disembark in groups of approximately 50. Sailors are banned from water sports and cannabis use, and local police arrested 25 women for soliciting before the arrival. The visit is expected to boost local tourism, with about 40 buses arranged for transport. The ship is scheduled to depart on Sunday. The deployment is expected to be among the longest in the modern carrier era, second only to the USS Gerald R. Ford's 326 days.

The Department of Homeland Security has denied reports alleging torture, beatings, and medical neglect in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. The denial addresses growing scrutiny over the treatment of detainees, though no specific evidence or further details were provided in the initial report. The department has officially reiterated its denial in response to these reports, but has not provided additional information.

A U.S. Senator has advocated for strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities, stressing the importance of additional support in the context of the ongoing war. This call reflects heightened congressional attention to Ukraine's defensive needs. The senator has publicly reiterated the call for increased air defense support, emphasizing the need for additional capabilities amid the ongoing conflict. These remarks highlight growing political pressure in Washington to bolster Ukraine's defensive systems.

China has postponed its lunar exploration schedule, impacting the timeline of its crewed moon mission and the broader US-China space race. This delay could provide the United States with a strategic advantage, as both nations aim for crewed lunar landings in the coming years. The schedule shift may alter the competitive dynamics, giving the US more time to achieve its own lunar milestones. This development underscores the intensifying geopolitical competition in space exploration, with strategic implications for both nations' space programs.

Background: Five years after the Taliban retook power, they face growing armed opposition and internal clashes, with tensions with Pakistan. Today: A new report highlights that the situation for Afghans, both inside Afghanistan and in the United States, has deteriorated significantly, with ongoing conflict and political instability worsening hardships for the population. The report reiterates the general deterioration without providing specific new facts.