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News Reports

Current Operations

• Security Council's resolution on Red Sea should not be misinterpreted or abused: Chinese envoy Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- After a vote on the Security Council resolution regarding the Red Sea, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), made an explanatory statement, emphasizing that the relevant resolutions of the Security Council should not be misinterpreted or abused, and that Yemen's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected, according to a statement posted on the website of the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.
• Pentagon orders half of National Guard to leave Los Angeles People's Daily 16 Jul 2025 -- The U.S. Department of Defense on Tuesday ordered 2,000 of the roughly 4,000 California National Guard members deployed in the Los Angeles area to return to their home commands.
• Governor Newsom calls on Trump to end Los Angeles militarization, shares community resources California Governor - Gavin Newsom 16 Jul 2025
• California Guard's 79th IBCT Activated as Brigade for First Time in History Army News 16 Jul 2025 -- In a historic first, more than 2,000 Soldiers from the California Army National Guard's 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were mobilized under Title 10 federal orders to support federal agencies in the greater Los Angeles area.
• Yemeni Partners Successfully Interdict Massive Iranian Weapons Shipment Bound for the Houthis CENTCOM 16 Jul 2025 -- Congratulations to the Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF), led by Gen. Tareq Saleh, for the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Smith Statement on House Armed Services Committee Passage of FY26 NDAA House Armed Services Committee - Democrats 16 Jul 2025 -- Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after voting for passage of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery (SPEED) and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 as marked up in the full committee.
• First Multinational HIMARS Launch on Australian Soil Highlights Interoperability, Modernization DoD News 16 Jul 2025 -- Multinational forces demonstrated integrated fires and maneuver capabilities across multiple domains during a combined joint live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in Queensland, Australia, July 14, 2025.
• Army's Tropic Lightning Division Enhances Lethality in Pacific With HIMARS, Retrains Howitzer Troops DoD News 16 Jul 2025 -- New High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems rolled off aircraft in Hawaii this week. The systems are bound for a new mission with the 25th Infantry Division, also called "Tropic Lightning," which expects to have a total of 16 HIMARS within weeks.
• Pentagon to Increase Low-Cost Drone Production in U.S. DoD News 16 Jul 2025 -- The Defense Department, with help from industry, will ramp up production and fielding of drones to maintain battlefield superiority.
• Magazine Depth Wins Wars: The Future of NATO's Arsenal Army News 16 Jul 2025 -- A strong defense isn't solely about the quantity of weapons stockpiled, but the ability to adapt and rapidly produce what's needed, experts asserted at the LANDEURO 2025 conference today. A panel discussion focused on the critical need for broadened production within NATO to secure global supply chains, enhance interoperability, and bolster strategic flexibility.
• Allied leaders confront interconnected global threats at inaugural LANDEURO panel Army News 16 Jul 2025 -- At the first-ever LANDEURO, senior defense officials and security experts gathered to examine how today's fragmented conflicts are giving way to a far more dangerous global reality.
• SETAF-AF highlights 173rd Airborne Brigade innovation at LANDEURO 2025 Army News 16 Jul 2025 -- Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade's Bayonet Innovation Team (BIT) are set to participate in the inaugural LANDEURO Symposium and Exposition, taking place July 16-17 in Wiesbaden, Germany, to showcase tactical innovation and allied collaboration.
• 317th AW showcases combat readiness in major AMC inspection US Air Force 16 Jul 2025 -- The 317th Airlift Wing completed the initial phase of its first-ever Combat Readiness Inspection, evaluated by Air Mobility Command at Dyess Air Force Base, July 8.
• USNS Comfort Arrives in Dominican Republic for CP25 US Navy 16 Jul 2025 -- The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic for the fourth mission stop of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25), July 15, 2025.
• Warrior Strengthens Bond with Japan US Navy 16 Jul 2025 -- The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10) departed Niigata Japan, July 16, 2025, following a four-day port visit.
• U.S., Royal Thai Navies Forge Stronger Bonds Through Secure CENTRIX Communications During CARAT Thailand 2025 US Navy 16 Jul 2025 -- In the Indo-Pacific, effective and secure communication forms the bedrock of strong alliances. This critical principle is at the forefront of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2025, where U.S. Navy personnel and their Royal Thai Navy (RTN) counterparts conducted subject matter expert exchanges on the Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIX)
• Ground forces remain critical amid service transformation says Army leader Army News 16 Jul 2025 -- As the Army moves forward with its efforts to transform the force, one aspect of war remains constant: the importance of putting Soldiers on the ground, an Army leader said.
• Sustainment is key to deterrence on NATO's Eastern Flank Army News 16 Jul 2025 -- As NATO adapts to an evolving security environment, Maj. Gen. Ronald Ragin, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, emphasized the central role of sustainment in supporting deterrence efforts on the Eastern Flank during a Warrior's Corner session at the LANDEURO conference, July 16, 2025.
• U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa to participate in RIAT 2025 USSTRATCOM 16 Jul 2025 -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa will participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, July 18-20.
• Space Force releases Principles for Space Access Resourcing Decisions United States Space Force 16 Jul 2025 -- The U.S. Space Force released its Principles for Space Access Resourcing Decisions Annex to the Commercial Space Strategy, July 16.
• Mobile Training Team Strengthens Air Planning Cooperation with Serbia NATO Allied Air Command 16 Jul 2025 -- From July 8 to 10, 2025, Allied Air Command's Mobile Training Team (MTT) deployed to Belgrade to deliver a focused course on the NATO Air Operational Planning Process (AOPP), marking another milestone in NATO's practical cooperation with the Serbian Armed Forces under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Programme.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General calls for stronger NATO-EU cooperation to build on historic Summit decisions NATO 16 Jul 2025 -- On Wednesday (16 July), NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska addressed a joint meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE). She explained the outcome of the NATO Summit in The Hague, called for stronger cooperation with the European Union (EU), and answered questions from Members of the European Parliament.
• Allies agree NATO's 2026-2030 Common Funding Resource Plan NATO 16 Jul 2025 -- On Wednesday 16 July, the North Atlantic Council approved the 2026-2030 Common Funding Resource Plan. This newest Resource Plan gives an overview of the resource demands over the next five years and allocates the necessary common funds to reflect NATO's increased level of ambition. In approving this Resource Plan, the Council agreed the 2026 ceilings for the common‑funded Military and Civil Budgets, as well as for NATO's Security Investment Programme, allocating in total EUR 5.3 billion.
• Increased Military Spending Can Lead to EU Using Russia's Frozen Assets - Shoigu Sputnik 16 Jul 2025 -- The European Union can turn to using the illegally frozen Russian assets in order to pacify the citizens concerned over increased military spending, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has said.
• Trump warns Zelensky against hitting Moscow; pledges to arm him with missiles that can: Reports Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky not to strike Moscow yet pledged to supply Kiev with long-range American missiles said to be capable of flying as far as the Russian capital.
• Satellite communications services donated to Ukraine European Defence Agency 16 Jul 2025 -- On 14 July, Denmark - the EU Member State currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union - announced its donation of satellite communication services to Ukraine via the European Defence Agency.
• Some Patriot Missiles Already On Their Way To Ukraine, Trump Says RFE/RL 16 Jul 2025 -- US President Donald Trump said some Patriot missiles are already on their way to Ukraine a day after announcing a that NATO members would send weapons to Ukraine in a change in his stance against sending US weapons to the war-torn country.
• We Must Reach The Level Of 50% Ukrainian-Made Weapons Within The First Six Months Of The New Government's Work - Address by the President President of Ukraine 16 Jul 2025
• Parliament supports increased defence funding in first reading Ukraine Government 16 Jul 2025 -- Today, 16 July, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2025" in its first reading, aimed at ensuring financial support for the security and defence sector and addressing urgent priorities.
• France Not Planning to Partake in Initiative to Purchase US Weapons for Ukraine Sputnik 16 Jul 2025 -- France has no intention of participating in an initiative to purchase US weapons for Ukraine amid its desire to develop its own weapons production, US media reported.
• UK reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine and welcomes vital US contribution: UK Statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 16 Jul 2025 -- UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says the UK, alongside the US and international partners, remains committed to providing the economic, diplomatic, and military tools Ukraine needs to defend itself.
• Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation to LANDEURO audience: "Let's Test Everything in Ukraine" Army News 16 Jul 2025 -- Officials from Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation showcased the country's rapid technological transformation born out of the ongoing conflict with Russia during a keynote address at the first-ever LANDEURO symposium here, July 16.
• Ukraine and NATO strengthen cooperation in defense procurement Ukraine MOD 16 Jul 2025
• Latvia-supplied Patria armored personnel carriers will strengthen the Third Army Corps units Ukraine MOD 16 Jul 2025
• Army engages in tank field maintenance in Han Kuang exercises CNA 16 Jul 2025 -- The Army on Wednesday conducted a field repair drill simulating a tank malfunction during the ongoing Han Kuang military exercises, highlighting the importance of battlefield maintenance in sustained combat operations, the military said.
• Military conducts in-depth defense drill in Taichung CNA 16 Jul 2025 -- As part of the ongoing Han Kuang military exercises, the Fifth Theater of Command on Wednesday conducted a deep defense combat drill in Taichung.
• Armed Forces simulate response to airborne assault on Songshan Airport CNA 16 Jul 2025 -- Taiwan's military conducted a nighttime drill Wednesday simulating a response to a potential Chinese attempt to seize Taipei Songshan Airport.
• Recognising Operational Service in the Indo-Pacific Australia DOD 16 Jul 2025 -- The ship's company of HMAS Stuart has today been recognised, with approximately 150 personnel among the first in the nation to receive the Australian Operational Service Medal (AOSM) - Indo-Pacific, during a ceremony at Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia.
• Minister McGuinty visits NORAD Canada 16 Jul 2025
• Scottish defence dividend £250m investment launched UK MOD 16 Jul 2025 -- Scottish Secretary and Minister for Defence Procurement & Industry visit HMNB Clyde to launch the multi-decade, multi-billion pound Clyde 2070 programme.
• Pezeshkian urges damage assessment to address security gaps exposed during war IRNA 16 Jul 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for a comprehensive damage assessment to identify and address security gaps and operational shortcomings revealed during the recent 12-day war of aggression imposed by Israel.
• President Pezeshkian urges stronger multi-layered protection of national data in cyberspace Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stressed the need for a fundamental review of the country's physical and multi-layered protection of national data in cyberspace, calling it a critical priority in digital governance.
• Israeli air defense commander replaced following Iranian missile strikes: Report Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- The commander of the Israeli army's air defense array has been replaced following recent Iranian missile strikes targeting Israeli-occupied territories.
• Israel MOD to Procure Advanced Negev Machine Guns for Ground Forces in Approximately $20M Deal Israel MOD 16 Jul 2025 -- The Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) at the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), through the Deputy Ground Forces Procurement Unit, has signed an agreement with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) to supply advanced machine guns in 7.62 mm caliber from the Negev 7 and UX series.
• Chinese defense spokesperson comments on Japan's 2025 defense white paper PRC MND 16 Jul 2025 -- "Japan, in an attempt to justify its move to loosen the restraints on its military, has been fabricating false narratives, grossly hyping up the "China threat" rhetoric, and blatantly interfering in China's internal affairs. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to such actions, and has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side," said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, on Wednesday.
• Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson slams Japan's new defense document, warns against Tokyo's resurgence of militarism Global Times 16 Jul 2025
• UK-Germany landmark agreement to help smash smuggling gangs and boost defence exports Gov.UK 16 Jul 2025 -- Brits and Germans alike will benefit from a closer partnership on the issues that matter most to them, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a comprehensive visit to London.
• A look at the Defence news 7 - 13 July Netherlands Ministry of Defence 16 Jul 2025
• Finland calls for moderation in EU budget and supports funding allocation for defence, competitiveness and Ukraine Finnish Government 16 Jul 2025 -- Finland believes that the overall level of the European Commission's proposal for the EU's next multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034 is too high. Finland considers the proposed priorities to be steps in the right direction. The Government will formulate a more detailed position on the proposals in early autumn.
• EU Budget Proposal Doubles Ukraine Aid And Boosts Military Spending RFE/RL 16 Jul 2025 -- The European Commission has put forward its vision for the next long-term (2028-2034) European Union budget - a record-high 2-trillion-euro ($2.3 trillion) framework, with a doubling of funds for both Ukraine and EU foreign policy in general, and a fivefold increase in defense-related investment.
• NZ Army gunners primed for historic PNG exercise New Zealand Defence Force 16 Jul 2025 -- A dynamic security environment in our region highlights the importance of training with our Pacific partners, with 16th Field Regiment gearing up for a significant Exercise in Papua New Guinea.
• PH, US military forces conduct 8th Maritime Cooperative Activity Philippine News Agency 16 Jul 2025 -- Units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) conducted their eighth bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) on Wednesday.
• PH, Indonesia Special Forces conduct territorial defense training Philippine News Agency 16 Jul 2025 -- Filipino and Indonesian Special Forces units are currently holding training on "critical areas of territorial defense" aimed at enhancing the capability and interoperability of the two elite units.
• US to construct new Palawan boat maintenance facility for PH Philippine News Agency 16 Jul 2025 -- The United States Navy is set to build a new boat maintenance facility to help repair Philippine military vessels at the Naval Detachment Oyster Base in Ulugan Bay, Palawan, the US Embassy in Manila announced Wednesday.
• Ranking Member Shaheen Floor Remarks on Trump Administration Diplomatic Cuts: "China is eating our lunch" US Senate Foreign Relations Committee 16 Jul 2025 -- Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor to condemn the Trump Administration's rescissions package and chaotic dismantling of the U.S. diplomatic corps and foreign assistance programs, which she warned is empowering adversaries like China - as she laid out in this week's SFRC minority report.
• United States and Bahrain Sign Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation US Dept. of State 16 Jul 2025 -- On July 16, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani of the Kingdom of Bahrain signed a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Civil Nuclear Cooperation (NCMOU) with the aim of advancing peaceful nuclear cooperation between the United States and Bahrain.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio And Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani At the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Cooperation with Bahrain US Dept. of State 16 Jul 2025
• Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Vice Foreign Ministerial Meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 16 Jul 2025
• Trump says 19 percent tariff to be charged on Indonesian goods People's Daily 16 Jul 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that a 19 percent tariff will be imposed on imports from Indonesia while the United States will pay nothing, local media reported.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 16, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 16 July 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Jul 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood | Operation Northern Arrows | Giddeon's Chariots

• Israel Persists in its crimes: Bloodshed Mounts; 27 Children Killed Daily in Gaza Since the Start of the War in October 2023-----Occupation Keeps the Situation Teetering on the Edge; Allows Drips of Aid to Avoid International Pressure Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 16 Jul 2025
• Hamas dismisses Israeli claims of progress in Gaza ceasefire talks Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- A senior member of the Hamas political bureau has dismissed Israeli media claims of progress in new ceasefire talks aimed at bringing an end to the campaign of genocide in Gaza.
• Iran strongly condemns continuation of Israeli crimes in Gaza IRNA 16 Jul 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has condemned the Israeli regime's intensified atrocities against Palestinians.
• U.S. uses sanctions to silence critics of Israeli genocide in Gaza: Iran IRNA 16 Jul 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says the United States is trying to silence critics of Israel's genocide in Gaza by resorting to sanctions.
• UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell's remarks on the humanitarian situation for children in Gaza at the UN Security Council meeting UNICEF 16 Jul 2025
• Gaza war: UN officials warn of unspeakable conditions as children bear the brunt UN News 16 Jul 2025 -- Conditions in Gaza have reached an unspeakable level of devastation with children paying the highest price, top UN officials told the Security Council on Wednesday, warning of soaring child deaths, starvation and a shattered health system amid continuing bombardment and displacement.
• Gaza: More misery as new evacuation orders impact tens of thousands UN News 16 Jul 2025 -- New evacuation orders in Gaza issued by the Israeli military have uprooted tens of thousands of Palestinians, amid ongoing bombardment, aid agencies have warned.
• Displacement, poverty and insecurity fueling violence against women in Gaza UN News 16 Jul 2025 -- In Gaza, illness, poverty, mass displacement and depleted services are leading to soaring stress levels and causing an increase in domestic violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, according to the UN sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA).
• UN Relief Chief warns Security Council: Erosion of rules of war in Gaza demands urgent response UNOCHA 16 Jul 2025 -- Briefing to the Security Council on the Middle East by Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
• Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator - Briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation on the Middle East, 16 July 2025 UNOCHA 16 Jul 2025
• Killing of Civilians in Gaza Waiting in Line for Humanitarian Aid Must End, Relief Chief Tells Security Council, Urging Return to UN-Led Delivery Mechanism UN Security Council 16 Jul 2025 -- As civilians lining up for humanitarian aid in Gaza are being killed, speakers in the Security Council today urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid operations in the Strip, called for a return to United Nations-led delivery mechanisms, and stressed the urgent need for both the release of hostages and a ceasefire.
• ICC refuses to back down: Netanyahu, Gallant arrest warrant stand despite mounting Israeli-US pressure Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC)'s judges have ruled that the tribunal's arrest warrants for the Israeli regime's prime minister and his former minister for military affairs would stand, defying overwhelming Israeli and American pressure.
• Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on Escalating Violence in Syria US Senate Foreign Relations Committee 16 Jul 2025
• Arab Parliament: Israeli attacks on Syria and Lebanon pose a serious threat IRNA 16 Jul 2025 -- The Arab Parliament has strongly condemned Israel's repeated attacks on Syrian and Lebanese territories, declaring them a blatant violation of international law and a serious threat to regional stability.
• Arab Parliament: Israeli attacks on Syria, Lebanon threaten regional stability Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- The Arab Parliament has strongly condemned the repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Syria, warning that they pose a "serious" threat to the stability of West Asia.
• Maduro slams silence in face of Israel's Gaza genocide as 'moral crime' Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- The Venezuelan president has slammed Israel's long-running aggression on the Gaza Strip, stressing that silence in the face of crimes by the "Nazi-Zionism" in the besieged Palestinian territory is a "moral crime."
• With each day that passes, the suffering increases. We urge the parties to secure an immediate ceasefire: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 16 Jul 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
• Yemen's naval blockade forces closure of Israel's only Red Sea port Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- Israel says its only Red Sea port in Eilat will shut down next week, as a deepening debt crisis—triggered by a months-long naval blockade by Yemen's Ansarullah movement—brings the strategic facility to a standstill.

Operation Rising Lion / Operation True Promise III

• US report details how Iranian missiles cracked Israeli defense systems Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- Iran managed to penetrate Israel's boasted air defense systems during the 12-day war by changing missile launch tactics and identifying "gaps" in Israeli defense through "trial and error", The Wall Street Journal reports.

Other Conflicts

• PCG 9701 vessel makes dangerous maneuvers, 'will trigger China's strengthened rights protection efforts': analyst Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- On Tuesday morning, Philippine Coast Guard vessel 9701, operating in the waters near China's Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea, deliberately provoked China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels 21550 and 5009, which were conducting rights protection and law enforcement operations in the area.
• China's CNOOC reports breakthrough in metamorphic buried-hill exploration in South China Sea Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has achieved a major breakthrough in deep metamorphic buried-hill exploration in the South China Sea, marking the first successful discovery of metamorphic sandstone and slate buried hills in China's offshore waters, Securities Times reported on Wednesday.
• UK's secret plan to relocate Afghans after data leak; thousands unprotected Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- Britain has set up a secret plan to bring thousands of Afghans to the UK following a major data breach that exposed their personal information, putting them at risk of retaliation by the Taliban after the group regained control of Afghanistan.
• Unprecedented Afghan returns are 'a test of our collective humanity' UN News 16 Jul 2025 -- The international community must support Afghanistan as it grapples with the staggering number of citizens returning from the region, a senior UN official has said.
• Israel bombs HTS regime's military headquarters in Damascus Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- Israel has bombed the military headquarters of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime in the Syrian capital Damascus.
• Israel steps up attacks on Syria, bombs army HQ in Damascus IRNA 16 Jul 2025 -- Israel has carried out new attacks on Syria, targeting the entrance to the military headquarters in the capital, Damascus, news sources reported.
• Statement by Prime Minister Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 16 Jul 2025
• FM Sa'ar holds calls with counterparts regarding the developments in Syria Israel MFA 16 Jul 2025 -- In his calls, FM Sa'ar stressed the recurring phenomenon of massacres and attacks against minorities in Syria both by forces of the Syrian regime and by jihadist gangs that support it.
• FM Sa'ar's statement regarding the situation in Syria Israel MFA 16 Jul 2025 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar's today (Wednesday, 16 July 2025) issued a statement to the media regarding the situation in Syria. Following are excerpts of his remarks (Translated):
• Syria: UN chief urges de-escalation as Sweida violence escalates, Israel strikes Damascus UN News 16 Jul 2025 -- Clashes between Bedouin tribal fighters, caretaker government forces and Druze militias stretched into their fourth day in Sweida on Wednesday while Israeli forces struck the Syrian capital, Damascus.
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Syria UN Secretary-General 16 Jul 2025
• Syria: Statement by the Spokesperson European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 Jul 2025
• League's General Secretariat condemns Israeli occupation raids on Syria League of Arab States 16 Jul 2025 -- The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States strongly condemned the raids carried out by the Israeli occupation forces on Syrian territory, including those targeting the General Staff headquarters in Damascus and the vicinity of the Presidential Palace.
• OIC General Secretariat Strongly Condemns the Continued Israeli Aggression on Syrian Territory Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 16 Jul 2025
• Iran decries Israeli strikes on Syria as 'predictable' aggression Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- Iran has condemned the latest wave of Israel's aerial and drone strikes on Syria, describing it as a 'predictable' behavior from the "rabid" Israeli regime that knows no bounds in savagery.
• Spanish Government calls for end to violence in Syria Spain MFA 16 Jul 2025
• No: 145, 16 July 2025, Regarding Israel's Attacks on Damascus Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jul 2025
• Condemning Recent Drone Attacks in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region US Dept. of State 16 Jul 2025 -- The United States strongly condemns the drone attacks that have been targeting oil fields in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region since July 14.
• Sudan: UNICEF condemns weekend attacks that killed 35 children UN News 16 Jul 2025 -- More than 450 civilians were killed in recent "horrific attacks" in Sudan's North Kordofan state which the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has condemned in the strongest possible terms.

News Reports

• Russia's Grip Weakens In The South Caucasus, Opening Doors To New Players RFE/RL 16 Jul 2025 -- As Russia remains preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, its influence is weakening along its southern border, particularly in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on July 16, 2025 PRC MofA 16 Jul 2025
• Xi meets heads of foreign delegations attending SCO council of foreign ministers meeting PRC MND 16 Jul 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met in Beijing with foreign ministers and heads of standing bodies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) who are in China to attend the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of SCO Member States.
• Wang Yi Meets with SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev PRC MofA 16 Jul 2025 -- On July 16, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev in Tianjin.
• The Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the SCO Member States Held in Tianjin PRC MofA 16 Jul 2025 -- On July 15, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Tianjin. 
• Wang Yi: Meeting of the SCO Foreign Ministers Council Makes Sound Preparations for Tianjin Summit PRC MofA 16 Jul 2025 -- On July 15, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Tianjin.
• China opposes illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, says FM spokesperson in response to NATO sanction threat Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- "China believes dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis. We categorically oppose all illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction," said Chinese FM spokesperson Lin Jian on Wednesday, in response to a Reuters report that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that countries such as Brazil, China and India could be hit very hard by secondary sanctions if they continued to do business with Russia.
• Chinese FM confirms restriction removal on former EU lawmaker Reinhard Buetikofer Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- Commenting on South China Morning Post's report that China has removed "restrictions" on Reinhard Buetikofer, the former EU lawmaker it sanctioned in 2021, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that in recent years, exchanges between the legislative bodies of China and Europe have encountered some setbacks due to well-known reasons. In the current situation, both sides believe it is very important to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.
• Chinese judicial organs handle cases in accordance with law, FM on Japanese man's sentence for espionage Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- When asked to comment on a Beijing court on Wednesday sentencing a Japanese man working for a Japanese pharmaceutical company to three years and six months in prison for espionage, and the Japanese side's claim that the verdict could impact bilateral ties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that China is a country governed by the rule of law, and its judicial authorities handle cases strictly in accordance with the law, ensuring the legal rights and interests of parties concerned.
• China's state security ministry warns AI could become 'hidden weapon' if misused Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries and daily life in the digital era, China's Ministry of State Security on Wednesday reminded the public about the technology's potential to threaten national security if misused. In an article published on its official WeChat account, the ministry cautioned that AI tools, if exploited by malicious actors, could be used to fabricate disinformation, steal sensitive data, and incite ideological confrontation—turning them into a "hidden weapon" capable of undermining critical infrastructure and social stability.
• French national strategy report highlights China's threats to Taiwan CNA 16 Jul 2025 -- France's latest national strategic report has highlighted China's repeated military exercises around Taiwan and asserted that Beijing's escalating pressure on Taipei has created unease in the region.
• Taiwan coast guard expels Chinese ships from Dongsha waters CNA 16 Jul 2025 -- Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said on Wednesday that it dispatched a vessel early that morning to expel two Chinese coast guard ships that had intruded into Taiwan-controlled waters off Dongsha Island in the South China Sea.
• Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson slams DPP authorities for posing threats to anti-Japanese war veterans and smearing commemorative events Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- Responding to media questions on Wednesday regarding the threats posed by the Mainland Affairs Council in the Taiwan region to Kuomintang (KMT) anti-Japanese war veterans invited by the mainland to participate in events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, slammed the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for not only refusing to commemorate the war but also for intimidating these veterans. The Taiwan region's "defense authorities" warned residents and retired military personnel not to be "lured," and the island's Mainland Affairs Council stated that any participants in such events deemed to "undermine Taiwan's dignity" would have their retirement benefits revoked.
• Ministry of National Defense Statement on the PLA's Joint Combat Readiness Patrol ROC MND 16 Jul 2025
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 16 Jul 2025
• Placing 8 Taiwan entities on export control list is mainland's necessary move to defend national sovereignty: spokesperson Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- In response to media inquiry on that the so-called "mainland affairs council" in the Taiwan island claimed that the mainland's move to include eight Taiwan entities in the export control list is to "weaponize" trade, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday the facts that the eight Taiwan entities deliberately cooperated with the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces to "seek independence by force" are clear and the evidence is conclusive. Putting them on the export control list is a necessary measure to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, said Chen.
• Mainland spokesperson opposes Lai's planned US transit, urges the US side to strictly adhere to one-China principle Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- In response to media inquiries regarding Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's reported "visit" to Paraguay, Guatemala, and Belize, with planned "transit" stops in New York and Dallas, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stated on Wednesday, "We firmly oppose any form of official interaction between the US and China's Taiwan region, and resolutely oppose Lai's 'transit' stops in the US under any pretext or in any form."
• Taiwan's DPP hypes so-called 'attack' incident to incite cross-Straits confrontation: spokesperson Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- In response to an inquiry on that the so-called "mainland affairs council" in the Taiwan island asked the mainland to explain and apologize for Chinese embassy staff in the Czech Republic "attacking" Hsiao Bi-khim during her visit to Czech Republic, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that we have always clearly opposed any form of official exchanges between countries having diplomatic ties with China and the Taiwan region, and firmly opposed relevant country providing a political stage for "Taiwan independence" separatists.
• Mainland remains a promising investment destination; DPP's 'decoupling' efforts doomed to be futile: Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- Cross-Straits economic cooperation and integrated development continue to benefit businesses and people on both sides of the straits, with the Chinese mainland remaining a stable, secure, and promising investment destination for businesses from the island of Taiwan, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a regular press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.
• Nuclear Diplomacy On The Brink As Europe Pushes Iran With UN Sanctions Threat RFE/RL 16 Jul 2025 -- European patience with Iran is running out as nuclear talks stall, with Paris warning that UN sanctions could return unless Tehran offers verifiable commitments.
• Lawmakers: No new talks with the U.S. until all preconditions met IRNA 16 Jul 2025 -- Iranian lawmakers have released a statement saying that no new round of talks with the United States should be held until Iran's preconditions are fully met, asserting that the diplomatic approach of the past is no longer acceptable given recent developments.
• Iran's Parliament rejects US talks without preconditions, citing deception Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- Iran's Parliament has issued a statement declaring that the country cannot engage in talks with the United States as it did before the recent aggression and that no new negotiations with the United States should take place unless preconditions are met.
• Iran-US Negotiations Should Not Be Held Without Preconditions - Parliament Sputnik 16 Jul 2025 -- New negotiations between Iran and the US should not be held until the American side fully implements the preliminary conditions set by Tehran, the Iranian Majlis (parliament) stated on Wednesday.
• Ayatollah Khamenei: Israel clung to US for ceasefire with Iran Press TV 16 Jul 2025 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Israel was compelled to "bow down and cling to the United States" in desperation during the recent 12-day aggression against Iran, as it proved incapable of facing the Islamic Republic alone.
• Wang Yi Meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi PRC MofA 16 Jul 2025 -- On July 16, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Tianjin.
• China expresses support to Iran in safeguarding sovereignty, dignity as senior diplomats meet Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, resisting power politics and bullying, defending its legitimate rights and interests through political negotiation, and adhering to the principle of good-neighborliness and friendship to continuously improve and develop relations with its neighboring countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday, according to the Xinhua news Agency.
• Iran seizes foreign vessel carrying smuggled fuel in the Sea of Oman IRNA 16 Jul 2025 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran has seized a foreign oil tanker in the Sea of Oman on charges of transporting two million liters of smuggled fuel.
• Press conference - Great Wall of China Prime Minister of Australia 16 Jul 2025
• Opening remarks - Meeting with the Secretary of the Communist Party of China Sichuan Provincial Committee Prime Minister of Australia 16 Jul 2025
• Press conference - Beijing Prime Minister of Australia 16 Jul 2025
• China, Australia sign MoU to implement, review bilateral FTA amid 10th anniversary Global Times 16 Jul 2025 -- China's Ministry of Commerce and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the implementation and review of China-Australia free trade agreement (FTA), Chinese commerce ministry said on Wednesday.
• Wang Yi Meets with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu PRC MofA 16 Jul 2025 -- On July 15, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu in Tianjin.
• Press Conference by Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 16 Jul 2025
• World News in Brief: Haiti funding cuts bite, civilian suffering intensifies in Myanmar, Belarus deaths in custody alert UN News 16 Jul 2025 -- In violence-wracked Haiti, more than 5.7 million people are estimated to be food insecure, with many unable to meet their daily food needs.