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News Reports

Current Operations

• Remarks by President Biden on a Successful Counterterrorism Operation in Afghanistan The White House 01 Aug 2022
• The Death of Ayman al-Zawahiri US Dept. of State 01 Aug 2022 -- President Biden last year committed to the American people that, following the withdrawal of U.S. forces, the United States would continue to protect our country and act against terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan.
• Biden Confirms US Killed al-Qaida Leader Ayman al-Zawahiri VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- President Joe Biden said Monday that a U.S. missile strike over the weekend has killed the leader of al-Qaida, Ayman al-Zawahiri, one of the world's most wanted terrorists.
• 'This Terrorist Leader is No More': Biden Confirms US Strike Killed Al Qaeda Figure Al-Zawahiri Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- Biden's late Monday address came hours after reports first surfaced detailing that the US military had successfully killed an Al-Qaeda* operative over the weekend in Afghanistan.
• White House: US Conducted 'Successful' Weekend Counterterrorism Strike in Afghanistan Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- On Sunday, an explosion occurred in the Shirpur district of the Afghan capital Kabul as a result of a rocket hitting a residential building, but there were no injuries, according to a spokesman for the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Defense Policy / Programs

• U.S., Israel Begin Maritime Exercise in Red Sea CENTCOM 01 Aug 2022 -- Naval forces from Israel and the United States began a four-day maritime exercise in the Red Sea, Aug. 1.
• U.S. Naval Base Guam to Conduct Citadel Protect Exercise US Navy 01 Aug 2022 -- U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG), along with various Navy first responders, will participate in the annual Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNIC) anti-terrorism/force protection exercise Citadel Protect 2022, Aug. 8-12.
• U.S. 4th Fleet Announces USNS Comfort Deployment US Navy 01 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will deploy to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations this fall as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet's Continuing Promise 2022 mission.
• Wyoming Guard Civil Support Team Returns from Tunisia Training Army News 01 Aug 2022 -- While training in Tunisia last month, the Wyoming National Guard's 84th Civil Support Team witnessed their Tunisian counterparts spring to action to support civilian authorities.
• Pennsylvania Guard Joins Dense Urban Terrain Exercise Army News 01 Aug 2022 -- Pennsylvania National Guard members joined numerous military and civil agencies for a large-scale Dense Urban Terrain exercise in Philadelphia.
• Biden Says US Ready to Negotiate With Russia on Replacement for START Strategic Arms Control Treaty Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- The US president insisted that Russia should now demonstrate readiness to cooperate with Washington in the sphere of nuclear arms control.
• Sen. Hawley Says US Must Reject Sweden, Finland NATO Accession to Focus on China Threat Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- The United States must put aside European issues such as the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO in order to focus on increasing competition with China in the Indo-Pacific region, Sen. Josh Hawley said on Monday in an op-ed for The National Interest.
• US and Indonesia begin largest ever 'Garuda Shield' military exercise Radio Free Asia 01 Aug 2022 -- Indonesia and the United States, with additional participation from Australia, Japan and Singapore, kicked off a joint military exercise on Monday in a show of defense partnership amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
• US to Deepen Military Ties With New Zealand to Counter China's Growing Influence in South Pacific Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- The commitment by the US to expand defense ties with New Zealand comes as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has grown increasingly critical of "growing strategic competition" with Beijing in the South Pacific. Ardern has claimed that a potential Chinese military presence would pose "national security concerns" to New Zealand.
• Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine DoD 01 Aug 2022
• $550 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 01 Aug 2022 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announces the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $550 million to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden Administration's seventeenth drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
• Biden-Harris Administration Announces $550 Million in New U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 01 Aug 2022 -- More than five months into Russia's brutal and unprovoked assault the people of Ukraine inspire the world as they defend their country and their freedom. The United States continues to stand with Allies and partners from more than 50 countries in providing vital security assistance to support Ukraine's defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia's aggression.
• Ammunition For HIMARS Included In Newly Announced $550 Million In U.S. Military Aid For Ukraine RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- The United States on August 1 announced a new tranche of weapons for Ukraine, including ammunition for rocket launchers and artillery guns that Ukrainian military officials say have been critical in the fight to repel Russian troops and to strike their supply lines.
• Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 01 Aug 2022
• Readout of National Security Advisor Sullivan, Secretary of State Blinken, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Milley's Call with Ukrainian Counterparts The White House 01 Aug 2022
• Russia says U.S., NATO "main threats" to national maritime security People's Daily 01 Aug 2022 -- The United States' quest for the dominance of world oceans and the expansion of NATO are the main threats to Russia's national maritime security, according to the new Russian naval doctrine adopted Sunday.
• Russian Armed Forces to get Zircon hypersonic missiles in months: Putin People's Daily 01 Aug 2022 -- The Russian Armed Forces will obtain Zircon hypersonic missile systems in the coming months, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday.
• PLA conducts mock night time drills amid Pelosi's possible Taiwan visit Global Times 01 Aug 2022 -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has recently organized naval aviation force to conduct mock air combat training after midnight, aiming to promote the pilots' ability to quickly enter combat status for abnormal situations at any time.
• PLA's air tanker YY-20 boosts combat readiness training PLA Daily 01 Aug 2022 -- At the press conference held on Sunday for the air force aviation open-house activity and the Changchun aviation exhibition, Senior Colonel Shen Jinke, spokesperson for the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) said that the air force's YY-20 refueling aircraft and the J-16 fighter carried out aerial refueling training above the sea recently, which marks an improvement of the combat training level.
• PLA Eastern Theater Command conducts mock night time air combat training Global Times 01 Aug 2022 -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has recently organized naval aviation force for mock air combat training after midnight. Such training aims to promote the pilots' ability to quickly enter combat status for abnormal situations at any time.
• Xi attends reception celebrating 95th founding anniversary of PLA People's Daily 01 Aug 2022 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Sunday attended a reception to celebrate the 95th founding anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which falls on Aug. 1.
• Taiwan military to hold live-fire artillery drills next week CNA 01 Aug 2022 -- Taiwan's military will hold live-fire artillery drills in Pingtung County on Aug. 9 and Aug. 11 as part of a follow-up to the annual Han Kuang exercises that concluded last week, an anonymous source told CNA on Monday.
• US Leads Missile Defense Drill to Tackle Pyongyang's 'Evolving Military Threats' - Report Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- Since last autumn, Pyongyang has conducted a series of missile tests, as part of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's five-year plan to expand the country's nuclear arsenal.
• DPRK Minister of National Defence Sends Greetings to His Chinese Counterpart KCNA 01 Aug 2022 -- Ri Yong Gil, minister of National Defence of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, sent a message of greeting to Wei Fenghe, state councilor and minister of National Defense of the People's Republic of China, on the occasion of the 95th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
• No need for nukes; Iran military might deterrent enough: AEOI spox IRNA 01 Aug 2022 -- Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi has said that it is pointless for the Islamic Republic to try to make a nuclear bomb, because the country is already powerful enough to defend itself without nukes.
• Iran Reiterates It Has Technical Means To Build Nuclear Bomb, But Has No Intention Of Doing So RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- The head of Iran's atomic energy organization, Mohammad Eslami, said on August 1 that the Islamic republic has the technical capability to produce a nuclear bomb but has no intention of doing so, according to the semiofficial Fars news agency.
• Defence invests in Super Hornet and Growler training support Australia DOD 01 Aug 2022 -- The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is upgrading and extending its air combat training support to bolster the RAAF's aviation capability into the future.
• Kakadu 2022 set to be biggest ever Australia DOD 01 Aug 2022 -- Kakadu 2022 (KA22) is set to be one of the biggest Exercise Kakadu's ever with as many as 19 vessels, 34 aircraft and more than 3000 personnel from 25 countries expected.
• 17 nations pitch in for Pitch Black Australia DOD 01 Aug 2022 -- About 100 aircraft and 2500 military personnel from 17 nations will arrive in the Northern Territory in two weeks to commence Exercise Pitch Black 2022 (PBK22).
• US Says Submarines Australia to Get Under AUKUS Will Be Nuclear-Powered, Not Nuclear-Armed Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- The submarines that Australia will get under the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) pact will be nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday.
• Defence Exports India PIB 01 Aug 2022 -- The value of defence exports during the financial year 2021-22 has been Rs 12,815 crore. Authorisations were issued for export of SCOMET Category-6 items to about 61 countries during the year 2021-22. However, names of countries cannot be divulged due to strategic reasons. The year-wise value of defence exports since 2018-19 to 2022-23 (till June, 2022) is as under:
• Training of Unskilled People India PIB 01 Aug 2022 -- The 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) under the Administrative control of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, every year impart apprenticeship training under the Apprentice Act 1961 in various trades to unskilled youth, including the locals to improve their skills and enhance their employability into the industries in Defence Sector, including the small scale industries.
• Enhancement of Capabilities of AI Technology India PIB 01 Aug 2022 -- As per the recommendation of a task force set up by DDP under the Chairmanship of Shri N Chandrasekaran, Chairman Tata Sons, and in consultation with all stakeholders, Defence Artificial Intelligence Council (DAIC) has been set up under the Chairmanship of Raksha Mantri to provide necessary guidance and structural support. Further, Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) has been created under the Chairmanship of Secretary DDP for enabling AI based processes in defence Organisations.
• Self-Reliance in Defence Production India PIB 01 Aug 2022 -- The Government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment, thereby promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing & technology in the country.
• Mandatory Procurement from MSMEs for Defence Establishments India PIB 01 Aug 2022 -- The Government has taken the following policy initiatives for promotion of Micro, Small & Medium enterprises (MSMEs) in defence sector:
• Indian and French Navies Exercise in The Atlantic India PIB 01 Aug 2022 -- INS Tarkash, on her long range overseas deployment, conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Naval Ships in the North Atlantic Ocean on 29 and 30 July 2022.
• Greece - S-70B Program Follow-On Support and Sustainment DSCA 01 Aug 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of follow-on support and sustainment of S-70 helicopters for an estimated cost of $162.07 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Pakistan Army Helicopter Carrying Senior General, 5 Others, Missing VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan said Monday that a military helicopter carrying six people, including a top general, went missing during a flood relief operation in southwestern Baluchistan province.
• United Kingdom - Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units DSCA 01 Aug 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Kingdom of Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs) for an estimated cost of $300 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Greetings on the opening of the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons President of Russia 01 Aug 2022 -- Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to the participants and guests of the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 01 Aug 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken's Remarks to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference US Dept. of State 01 Aug 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before His Meeting with Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Non-Nuclear States Parties on the Margins of the NPT Review Conference US Dept. of State 01 Aug 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Non-Nuclear Weapons States Parties on the Sidelines of the NPT Review Conference US Dept. of State 01 Aug 2022
• President Biden Statement Ahead of the 10th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons The White House 01 Aug 2022
• Non-proliferation Treaty Review Conference: IAEA's Grossi Calls for Recommitment IAEA 01 Aug 2022 -- "In this moment of global uncertainty, anxiety, fear and distress, we must come together and recommit to the noble principles enshrined in the NPT: nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament, and to promote cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy." This was the message from IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the opening session of the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which he called vital to peace and development.
• Amid Rising Global Tensions, UN Chief Warns About Nuclear Annihilation RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on nations around the globe to "put humanity on a new path" that is free of nuclear weapons as rising geopolitical tensions have put the planet just "one miscalculation away from nuclear annihilation."
• Humanity's just one misunderstanding away from 'nuclear annihilation' warns UN chief UN News 01 Aug 2022 -- As geopolitical tensions reach new highs, and some governments are spending billions on nuclear weapons in a false bid for peace and security, countries must uphold the nearly 80-year norm against their use, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in New York on Monday.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons UN Secretary-General 01 Aug 2022
• At UN, Review of Nuclear Controls in Tense World Underway VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- The U.N. secretary-general warned Monday at the start of a nuclear non-proliferation conference that the risks of more nuclear weapons is growing as guardrails to prevent escalation are weakening.
• Ministerial Statement of the French Republic, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America US Dept. of State 01 Aug 2022 -- For more than fifty years, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been an irreplaceable and vital component of a global rules-based order. We reaffirm the NPT as the cornerstone of the nuclear nonproliferation regime and as the foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament and peaceful uses of nuclear technology. We recall our enduring efforts to reduce nuclear risks in furtherance of our nuclear disarmament obligations under Article VI of the NPT.
• Let us strengthen the cornerstone of our efforts to deliver a world free of nuclear weapons: Minister Stuart to UN General Assembly UK FCDO 01 Aug 2022 -- The Minister for Europe delivered the UK National Statement at the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
• Statement by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Germany Federal Foreign Office 01 Aug 2022 -- For more than five months, Russia's war of aggression has caused death and destruction in Ukraine. This war marks a turning Point. A permanent member of the UN Security Council is blatantly breaching the UN Charter and trying to subdue its smaller neighbour. In attacking a country that gave up nuclear weapons, Russia is brutally violating the assurances it gave in the Budapest Memorandum.
• Statement delivered by Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde at the 10th NPT Review Conference General Debate Finnish Government 01 Aug 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 01 Aug 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 1, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 1 August 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 01 Aug 2022
• Iranian Special Envoy for Afghanistan suggests solutions to prevent border conflict ISNA 01 Aug 2022 -- The Special Envoy of Iranian President for Afghanistan held a meeting with officials of Taliban Ministry of Defense during which he said that a joint committee would be established to prevent border conflict with Afghanistan.
• No need to extend a UN truce that cannot serve nation: Yemeni PM Press TV 01 Aug 2022 -- The prime minister of Yemen's National Salvation Government says it might not extend a United Nations-sponsored ceasefire in the war-torn country as it has failed to bring much-needed breathing room for civilians.
• No: 243, 1 August 2022, Press Release Regarding the Developments in Iraq's Capital Baghdad Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Aug 2022
• Hezbollah does not rule out 'war' with Israel over disputed gas field Press TV 01 Aug 2022 -- The Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah does not rule out going to war with Israel over the regime's attempts at impinging on Lebanon's natural resources.
• US Mediator for Lebanon-Israel Maritime Border Talks Says 'Optimistic' About Deal Progress Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- US Senior Advisor for Energy Security Amos Hochstein, who is mediating negotiations on the demarcation of the maritime border between Israel and Lebanon, said on Monday that he remains optimistic about the progress parties are making on a possible deal.
• Kosovo Pauses Issuing Documents To Serbs As Barricades Come Down RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- Kosovar authorities have paused issuing documents to Serbs entering the country after agreeing to delay implementation of two regulations regarding automobile license plates and travel papers for visitors from Serbia after consultations with U.S. and European Union representatives.
• UN chief outraged after peacekeepers kill two in DRC People's Daily 01 Aug 2022 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed outrage after UN peacekeepers opened fire and killed two residents in a border town between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
• Two Dead After UN Troops Open Fire at DRC Uganda Border Post VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- The U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has arrested U.N. peacekeeping troops suspected of having opened fire on a Ugandan border post, killing at least two people and injuring 15 others. It's the latest violent incident involving the U.N.'s mission to the DRC, which has been facing violent protests.
• Uganda Monitors DRC Border After Deadly Shooting VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- Ugandan police are deploying a standby force to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after U.N. peacekeeping troops opened fire on a border post, killing two people and wounding 15, including an 8-year-old Ugandan girl.

News Reports

• Texas Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Actions Related to Capitol Breach US Dept. of Justice 01 Aug 2022 -- A Texas man was sentenced today to 87 months in prison on civil disorder, obstruction of justice, and other charges for his actions before, during, and after the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His and others' actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.
• Readout of Election Threats Task Force Briefing with Election Officials and Workers US Dept. of Justice 01 Aug 2022 -- Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. convened a virtual discussion today with a bipartisan group of approximately 750 election officials and workers to provide an update on the work of the Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force.
• NYC Mayor Adams Declares State of Emergency over Monkeypox VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency Monday over the spread of monkeypox.
• Von Der Leyen Says EU Must Prepare For 'Worst' On Russian Gas Supplies RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that Europe must prepare for the "worst situation" with regard to Russian gas supplies.
• Latvia Not Receiving Russian Gas Since July 30, Reports Say Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- Latvia has not received gas from Russia since July 30, the LETA news agency reported on Monday, citing the AS Conexus Baltic Grid operator.
• Foreign Ministry's statement on personal sanctions on British politicians, journalists, and businesspeople Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Aug 2022
• Russia Imposes Travel Ban on Dozens More Prominent Britons VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- Russia announced sanctions Monday against dozens of British politicians, officials and public figures, accusing them of supporting the "demonization" of the country.
• Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov's meeting with Head of Israeli interagency delegation Tamar Kaplan Turgeman Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Aug 2022
• Russian Lawmakers Outline Bill Banning Adoption Of Russian Children By Citizens Of 'Unfriendly Countries' RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- A group of Russian lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban the adoption of Russian children by citizens from so-called unfriendly countries.
• Bank Of Russia Expands Restrictions For Hard-Currency Withdrawals Until March 2023 RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- The Bank of Russia has prolonged restrictions that limit hard-currency withdrawals from bank accounts until March next year amid the country's financial isolation from the West sparked by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
• Last Chief Of Soviet KGB, Vadim Bakatin, Dies At 84 RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- Vadim Bakatin, the last chief of the Soviet Union's Committee of State Security, widely known under its Russian acronym KGB, has died at the age of 84.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on August 1, 2022 PRC MofA 01 Aug 2022
• INTERVIEW: Hong Kong Chronicles is CCP's bid to rewrite city's history Radio Free Asia 01 Aug 2022 -- Authorities in Hong Kong last week launched the first English volume of the "Hong Kong Chronicles," as the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) moved to sponsor an official history of the former British colony using a traditional format for local records. The first English volume, titled "Overview and Chronology," covers more than 7,000 years since the city's roots in prehistoric fishing settlements in the Pearl River Delta. But according to veteran journalist Ching Cheong, the move is also a bid by the CCP to rewrite the city's history amid an ongoing crackdown on political opposition and public dissent under the national security law:
• TSMC 'non-operable' if China invades Taiwan: Chairman CNA 01 Aug 2022 -- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) Chairman Mark Liu (劉德音) said that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would render TSMC's factories "non-operable" and create "great economic turmoil" on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
• Chinese FM spokesperson urges Biden not to allow Pelosi's visit to Taiwan Global Times 01 Aug 2022 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Monday reiterated a warning that the US should not arrange a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island of Taiwan, stressing that it would lead to serious consequences.
• US urges China not to stir up crisis over expected Taiwan visit by Nancy Pelosi Radio Free Asia 01 Aug 2022 -- Top U.S. officials said Monday China should not use a visit to Taiwan by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as a pretext for saber rattling or aggressive military actions in the region, after Beijing issued fresh threats on the eve of the expected trip.
• White House: Nancy Pelosi Has Not Confirmed Any Travel Plans to Taiwan, but She Has Right to Visit Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- Pelosi's plans to visit Taiwan have sparked a major backlash from Beijing, which condemns any official contacts between the US and Taiwan. The Chinese side has repeatedly claimed that by pursuing the trip Washington would infringe on the one-China principle and jeopardize US-China bilateral relations.
• China Warns Military Won't 'Sit Idly By' If Pelosi Lands in Taiwan Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- Pelosi announced her Asia trip on Sunday but skipped mentioning a possible visit to Taiwan, which has been reported by several media outlets. Her visit, if it takes place, will coincide with a military exercise carried out by the Chinese People's Liberation Army across the Taiwan Strait.
• Pelosi Visits Singapore Amid Speculation on Taiwan Stop VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived Monday in Singapore for a two-day official visit, amid speculation that her Asia trip could include a stop in Taiwan — a possibility that prompted the White House to reassure Beijing that U.S. policy has not changed, and to urge Chinese leaders not to escalate an already strained relationship between the two great powers.
• UK Lawmakers Intend to Visit Taiwan Amid Escalating Tensions in Region - Reports Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- The Foreign Affairs Committee of the UK House of Commons is planning to visit Taiwan later this year, probably in November or early December amid mounting tensions in UK-China bilateral relation and rising insecurity in the Taiwan Strait, The Guardian newspaper reported on Monday, citing sources.
• Efforts Directed to Protection of Crops from Heat Damage KCNA 01 Aug 2022 -- Officials and working people in the agricultural sector of the DPRK are concentrating all efforts on protecting the crops from damage by fierce heat.
• AEOI launches hundreds of centrifuges including IR1s, IR6s: Spokesman IRNA 01 Aug 2022 -- Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Monday that AEOI staff have been ordered to launch and inject gas to hundreds of centrifuges including IR1 and IR6 advanced machines.
• Iran FM: All parties assessing Borrell's JCPOA proposal IRNA 01 Aug 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Monday that all parties to the talks over the revival of the 2015 Iran deal are currently assessing a proposal put forward by EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell.
• Spox predicts JCPOA talks timing be determined soon IRNA 01 Aug 2022 -- The Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday that Iran welcomed any initiative facilitating a deal, predicting that the timing of the next round of talks between Tehran and the P4+1 would soon be decided on.
• Blinken: US Prepared to Proceed With Iran Nuclear Deal on Basis of What Has Been Agreed Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- The United States is prepared to move forward with the Iran nuclear deal on the basis of what has already been agreed but Washington is uncertain whether Tehran is willing proceed, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday.
• Designation of Entities Supporting Trade of Iranian Petroleum and Petrochemical Products US Dept. of State 01 Aug 2022 -- The United States is designating six entities facilitating illicit transactions related to Iranian petroleum as well as petroleum and petrochemical products, key sources of revenue for the Iranian government.
• Treasury Targets Companies Supporting Iranian Petrochemical Conglomerate US Treasury 01 Aug 2022 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against companies used by Iran's Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industry Commercial Co. (PGPICC), one of the nation's largest petrochemical brokers, to facilitate the sale of tens of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran to East Asia. PGPICC is a subsidiary of Iran's petrochemical conglomerate Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industry Co. (PGPIC), which accounts for half of all of Iran's total petrochemical exports.
• U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Companies Accused Of Dealing With Iranian Oil Broker RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on several companies in China, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore that it says were used by an Iranian petrochemical broker to sell Iranian products to East Asia.
• Iranian Security Agents Raid Baha'i Homes, Arrest Several Leaders RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- Iranian security agents have raided the homes of dozens of Baha'i citizens in different parts of the country, arresting several well-known community leaders.
• Iran says proposed ideas submitted to accelerate nuclear talks People's Daily 01 Aug 2022 -- Iran has submitted proposed ideas in "both substance and form" to the other sides of the Vienna talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, to pave the way for the "swift conclusion" of the talks, Iran's top negotiator said Sunday.
• New round of nuke talks likely to be held soon: Iranian lawmaker People's Daily 01 Aug 2022 -- An Iranian lawmaker said on Sunday that new round of talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal will probably be held soon, the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported.
• Myanmar junta extends state of emergency citing need for 'election prep' Radio Free Asia 01 Aug 2022 -- Myanmar's military regime has extended the country's state of emergency for an additional six months to Feb. 1, 2023 citing the need for additional "election preparations," as citizens staged rallies over the weekend pledging allegiance to the anti-junta democracy movement.
• Myanmar extends state of emergency for another 6 months People's Daily 01 Aug 2022 -- Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council decided on Sunday to extend the state of emergency for another six months.
• Interview with the Federal Chancellor - "It is up to Russia to resume their contractual obligations" Germany - Federal Government 01 Aug 2022 -- By delivering the gas turbine Prime Minister Trudeau took a strong decision that reinforced Germany's and Europe's position and helped to call Putin's bluff, said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in an interview with the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail. He also explained, how Canada and Germany would strengthen their energy partnership.
• Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos dies at 94 People's Daily 01 Aug 2022 -- Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos died from COVID-19 complications on Sunday afternoon at the age of 94.
• Sri Lankan Supreme Court Reportedly Extends Exit Ban on Ex-President's Brothers Sputnik 01 Aug 2022 -- The Sri Lankan Supreme Court has extended until August 4 an exit ban on the brothers of resigned President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Mahinda and Basil Rajapaksa, who have also previously occupied public office, the local media reported on Monday.
• Mali's Government Lashes Out at Macron VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- Mali's military government has lashed out at French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of having a "neo-colonial" attitude and stirring up ethnic hatred.
• Myanmar, South China Sea to Divide, Dominate ASEAN Summit VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- Foreign Ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will try and thrash out their differences, ranging from the conflict in Myanmar, to the disputed South China Sea, to admitting East Timor to the bloc, when they meet in Phnom Penh, Cambodia this week.
• Nigerians Turn to Crypto Assets as Currency Weakens VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- Cryptocurrency experts say Nigerians are hedging against the drop in value of their currency, the naira, by trading more dollar-denominated digital assets. The naira has been falling to new lows on the black market in Nigeria, Africa's largest and most populated economy. But experts say investing in cryptocurrency is also driving the Nigerian currency's devaluation.
• Ruling, Opposition Parties Claim Early Victory in Senegal's Legislative Elections VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- Senegal's ruling and opposition parties claimed victory Monday as provisional vote tallies came in from Sunday's legislative election.
• EU disburses €50 million of Macro-Financial Assistance to the Republic of Moldova EEAS 01 Aug 2022
• Bulgarian President Calls Snap Polls For October 2, Appoints Caretaker Cabinet RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- President Rumen Radev has announced October 2 as the date for Bulgaria's fourth parliamentary elections in less than two years following the collapse in June of reformist Prime Minister Kiril Petkov's coalition government.
• No: 242, 1 August 2022, Press Release Regarding the Trilateral Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Transport of Türkiye, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Aug 2022
• Probe Launched After Notorious Kyrgyz Kingpin Killed While In Custody RFE/RL 01 Aug 2022 -- Kyrgyz authorities say they have launched a probe into the death while in custody of a notorious criminal boss who has been linked to another infamous kingpin for whom the United States has offered a $1 million reward.