Geopolitics & Global Risk news from the last 24 hours, AI-curated by PiQ Markets

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has escalated with missile exchanges and new casualties, following the deaths of three U.S. soldiers in Jordan. U.S. Central Command has conducted air strikes in Iran for nine consecutive days, targeting locations including Bushehr and Shiraz, citing Iran's attack on the M/V GFS Galaxy container ship. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for missile attacks on U.S. bases in Syria, Jordan, and Qatar, and also attacked Bahrain's civil air navigation systems. Kuwaiti and Bahraini air defenses intercepted Iranian drone and missile threats, while the U.S. has implemented a naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, redirecting seven commercial vessels and disabling one.

The United States has conducted a ninth consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, targeting military command centers and other sites. President Donald Trump stated the attacks were "in honor" of American service members killed in the conflict, bringing the total U.S. military deaths to 17. Iran has retaliated with attacks on Bahrain and a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, while Brent crude oil prices surpassed $90 a barrel. The U.S. war mission has reportedly shifted to ensuring oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, with or without Iranian cooperation. Iran's IRGC has vowed to deliver an "unforgettable lesson" to the U.S., though Iran also signals a potential return to talks if national interests are respected.

An Israeli airstrike in Deir Al Balah, Gaza, killed at least 15 people, including eight children and two women, who were queuing for nutritional supplements outside a health clinic. The Israeli military stated it targeted a Hamas militant and is reviewing the incident. Meanwhile, Hamas has elected Khalil al-Hayyah as the new head of its political bureau, succeeding Yahya al-Sinwar. Separately, Israeli ministers and lawmakers led a march near the Gaza border, calling for the re-establishment of settlements in the Palestinian enclave, with thousands of participants joining the demonstration organized by the Nachala settler movement. A report also indicates Israel committed 3,795 ceasefire violations in Gaza since October, resulting in 1,168 Palestinian deaths and 3,734 wounded.

Ukraine has launched over 400 drones targeting the Moscow region, resulting in 10 injuries and infrastructure damage, including an oil depot. This action is presented by President Zelenskyy as retaliation for recent Russian assaults. Meanwhile, Russia's attacks across Ukraine over the past day have claimed at least 14 lives and injured 162 others. In Zaporizhzhia, Russian glide bombs struck residential buildings on July 19, killing two and injuring 42, with eight of the injured being children.

Ukraine faces internal challenges as it struggles to mobilize troops for the ongoing war, with a surge in violence against military recruiters and widespread fear of the front lines. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is addressing growing discontent over defense leadership, including protests against the removal of a defense minister and calls for the dismissal of the Commander-in-Chief. Meanwhile, in Poland, reported hate crimes against Ukrainian citizens have significantly increased, prompting political accusations and de-escalation efforts by activists.

ASEAN foreign ministers are meeting in Manila to discuss the Myanmar crisis, South China Sea tensions, and the Middle East conflict, testing the bloc's unity. Meanwhile, the Kremlin expressed openness to a potential meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the ASEAN event. Separately, Japan is providing Cambodia with $3.08 million in defense aid, including communications gear and patrol boats, to bolster regional security.

Ukraine is intensifying its campaign against Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea, with a notable increase in underground resistance volunteers contacting Ukrainian forces. Drone strikes have significantly impacted Russian operations, with one commander claiming a 75% reduction in Kerch Strait ferry capacity. Overnight strikes on July 20 targeted seven Russian shadow fleet vessels and seven energy facilities, aiming to disrupt Russian logistics and infrastructure.

Ten bodies have been recovered following two separate maritime disasters. In Guyana, a ferry capsized off the coast with 133 people on board, resulting in 10 recovered bodies and 67 survivors, though dozens remain missing. Separately, a Russian missile strike on the civilian cargo ship Golden Leo near Odesa killed 10 individuals, including four crew members of Indian and Syrian nationality, marking the deadliest incident in recent Black Sea violence.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, warns of a critical $100 million shortfall for 2026, jeopardizing essential services for millions. This comes as the British consulate in Jerusalem had its X account suspended after posting criticism of Israel's administrative detention of Palestinians. Roland Friedrich of UNRWA highlighted the need for sustained international support amid escalating crises in Gaza and the West Bank.

Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in the occupied West Bank town of Deir Jarir on Sunday during an army-backed settler attack. Settlers raided a house and stole sheep, and residents who intervened faced live fire from both settlers and Israeli soldiers. Meanwhile, Israeli politicians have expressed support for Argentina in the World Cup, a stance not fully mirrored by public sentiment in Argentina, which is divided regarding Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accuses Iran of using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the world, warning that any tolls imposed by Iran would have global repercussions. The U.S. remains open to diplomatic solutions. Meanwhile, Iran's parliament spokesperson claims the U.S. is bringing new military equipment to the region, contradicting its stated desire for peace and asserting Iran's ability to recognize American strategies.

Militants linked to al Qaeda and a Tuareg-led separatist group ambushed a military convoy in northern Mali, killing over 50 soldiers and allied Russian fighters. Some individuals were taken hostage during the attack. Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of a drone strike in the Belgorod region that killed five civilians and injured 23 others, including a minor. Three civilians were hospitalized in critical condition.

A prominent Iranian Sunni cleric, Molavi Mohammad Anvar Rigi, was killed by unknown gunmen in Mirjaveh, in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province. Iranian authorities are investigating the attack, which they suspect aims to destabilize the region and incite sectarian conflict. Meanwhile, France has warned of consequences after Iranian security forces detained and interrogated two French embassy officials in Tehran, with one reportedly assaulted before both were returned to the embassy.

China has publicly backed Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and security, urging respect for its territorial integrity amidst regional tensions and Houthi attacks. This statement aligns with China's broader diplomatic stance advocating for peaceful resolutions to Middle East disputes. Meanwhile, diplomatic communications between China and the United States are ongoing, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi having met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned September visit to the US.

Two Ukrainian soldiers were captured by Russian forces in Kostiantynivka after raising a flag in an area their unit claimed was cleared of Russian troops. The soldiers confirmed the city remains under Russian control. In a separate incident, Ukraine's 225th Separate Assault Regiment claims to have captured 64 Russian soldiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. These Russian soldiers were allegedly tasked with infiltrating Ukrainian positions for intelligence gathering and propaganda flag-planting.

The Philippines has accused China's coast guard of striking a Filipino sailor with a baton near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. This incident has led to both nations trading accusations and is expected to be discussed by Southeast Asian foreign ministers amid rising regional tensions. Concurrently, Malaysia is enhancing its defense capabilities in the South China Sea, specifically around Sabah, due to escalating territorial disputes with the Philippines, further highlighting the growing focus on maritime security in the region.

Mediators have put forward a 10-day ceasefire proposal to Iran aimed at de-escalating tensions and reviving an interim deal with the U.S. A senior Iranian official confirmed the proposal, with Iran's Foreign Ministry acknowledging ongoing diplomatic exchanges through intermediaries. Concurrently, an explosion was reported in Shiraz, southern Iran, amid heightened regional tensions. Iran has also warned regional nations against hosting U.S. forces for potential attacks.

MBDA is developing a new interceptor missile system to defend against mass drone attacks, aiming to provide European and NATO forces with a sovereign defense capability. This system addresses limitations in current defenses against saturation attacks and the economic pressures of modern warfare. Meanwhile, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is reportedly maintaining its 2035 service entry timeline for its new fighter jet, even with potential new partners like Canada joining as observers.

The U.S. military has confirmed the death of an additional service member amidst ongoing retaliatory strikes against Iran's Revolutionary Guard. These exchanges of fire have targeted key infrastructure on both sides. The situation marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.

Dozens are feared dead following a recent boat disaster in Nigeria's Jigawa state, reigniting calls for accountability from grieving families. This incident underscores a persistent problem of fatal boat accidents across the country, often attributed to overcrowding, unseaworthy vessels, and a lack of regulatory enforcement. The recurring nature of these tragedies highlights systemic failures in maritime safety, leaving communities to grapple with repeated loss and demand answers.