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

The Middle East is experiencing escalating conflict, with the U.S. and Iran engaging in a tenth consecutive night of strikes and retaliations. U.S. forces have targeted Iranian military sites, including command centers and missile launch locations, in response to Iran's actions. Iran, in turn, has claimed responsibility for attacks on Bahrain's civil aviation navigation systems and Amazon infrastructure, though the U.S. military denies these claims. Jordan intercepted three missiles launched from Iran amid the hostilities. Meanwhile, a tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, and Yemen's Houthis have declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, further threatening regional shipping lanes.

Israeli forces conducted multiple strikes and raids across Gaza and the West Bank, resulting in significant casualties and detentions. In Gaza, strikes on Nasser hospital and outside a clinic in Deir Al Balah killed at least 20 and 15 people respectively, including children. Another strike targeted an electric bike, killing one person. Meanwhile, Israeli ministers and lawmakers participated in a march advocating for the re-establishment of Gaza settlements. In the West Bank, Israeli fire killed two Palestinians during a settler assault in Deir Jarir, and Israeli forces detained five Palestinians, including two minors, in Kisan. Separately, Iran congratulated Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayyah on his election, reaffirming support for the Palestinian struggle, while the British consulate in Jerusalem had its X account suspended after criticizing Israel's administrative detention policy.

Ukraine has launched over 400 drones targeting the Moscow region, resulting in 10 injuries and damage to infrastructure, including an oil depot. This action is framed by President Zelenskyy as retaliation for Russian assaults. Meanwhile, Russia's attacks across Ukraine have killed at least 14 people and injured 162, with significant strikes in Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv. In Russia's Lipetsk region, fires broke out at industrial sites following reported explosions. Separately, three Chinese nationals were among those injured in the Moscow drone attack, prompting the Chinese embassy to coordinate with Russian authorities.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to teach the US an "unforgettable lesson" amidst ongoing military exchanges and US confirmation of casualties. This statement follows a proposal from mediators for a 10-day ceasefire to de-escalate tensions and potentially revive an interim deal. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson indicated that both diplomacy and war are tools for national interests, and any future talks hinge on these interests being served. Meanwhile, Iran's parliament spokesperson accused the US of bringing new military equipment to the region, contradicting claims of seeking an end to the conflict and stating Iran is adept at recognizing American strategies.

China summoned the Philippine ambassador to protest a maritime encounter at Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines alleges a sailor was struck by China's coast guard, an accusation China denies, calling Manila's actions provocative. Meanwhile, Japan reported a Chinese destroyer conducted live-fire drills within its exclusive economic zone near Okinotori Island, following joint drills with Russian warships in the same vicinity. Malaysia is also bolstering its South China Sea defenses near Sabah due to territorial disputes with the Philippines, indicating rising regional maritime tensions.

Multiple explosions have been reported across Iran, with incidents occurring in Bandar Lengeh, Bandar Abbas, Sirik Island, Qeshm Island, Shiraz, and Isfahan. These events follow earlier reports of explosions in various Iranian cities. Additionally, a Sunni cleric, Molavi Mohammad Anvar Rigi, was killed by unknown gunmen in Mirjaveh, located in the Sistan-Baluchestan province. Iranian authorities are investigating this killing, suspecting it aims to destabilize the region and incite sectarian conflict. The IRGC's Quds Force has attributed the attack to Israeli-linked groups.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss a plan for Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. The initiative, which involves Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment to disarm Hezbollah, aims to leverage U.S. pressure for regional stability and launch pilot safe zone operations in southern Lebanon. The plan faces complex incentives and potential resistance.

Ukraine's resistance in occupied Crimea is intensifying, with a surge in volunteers contacting Ukrainian Special Operations Forces and the Atesh group. This growth is fueled by successful strikes against Russian military infrastructure and energy facilities. Overnight on July 20, Ukrainian drones targeted seven Russian shadow fleet vessels and seven energy sites, aiming to disrupt Russian logistics and infrastructure. The expanding underground resistance reflects a growing belief in Crimea's eventual liberation.

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.

Taiwan is set to conduct civil defense drills that will include deliberate slowdowns of mobile internet speeds to test communication resilience. These exercises are designed to prepare citizens for potential bandwidth limitations during emergencies, such as a Chinese invasion or blockade. In a separate development, Taiwan is reviewing its liquefied natural gas imports from Papua New Guinea after China pressured PNG to close Taiwan's economic office there, potentially impacting energy supply chains.

The U.S. has identified three intelligence gathering sites in Cuba linked to China, which are reportedly monitoring American military activities. This discovery underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions and intelligence operations between the two global powers. Meanwhile, diplomatic communications between China and the U.S. are continuing, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi having met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned September visit to the U.S.

AI-generated deepfakes and disinformation present a significant societal challenge, eroding trust and security. Experts advocate for enhanced detection methods and ethical guidelines to address this growing threat. Meanwhile, the Global Combat Air Programme's timeline for its new fighter jet remains unchanged, with service entry expected by 2035, even as Canada prepares to join as an observer.

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.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro calls for ASEAN unity amidst rising geopolitical tensions and external pressures that threaten to divide the region. The call comes as ASEAN foreign ministers gather in Manila, with heightened concerns over the South China Sea. Meanwhile, the Kremlin expresses openness to a potential meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of ASEAN-related events in the same city, though the meeting's finalization remains uncertain.

UNESCO officials are urging global action to protect world heritage sites from the dual threats of climate change and armed conflicts, emphasizing a shift towards preventive measures over post-disaster repairs. Meanwhile, authorities have issued a flood advisory for the Imjin River near the inter-Korean border due to heavy rainfall and an unannounced water release from North Korea's Hwanggang Dam, prompting evacuation orders for residents and visitors in the affected areas.

Palestinians in Gaza celebrated Spain's World Cup victory, seeing the team as a symbol of support amid ongoing conflict. Player Lamine Yamal's display of solidarity with Palestine inspired many. In contrast, Israeli politicians aligned with Argentina, viewing the nation as a political ally. However, public sentiment in Argentina is divided regarding Israel, with a significant portion holding unfavorable views.

The Arctic is facing an alarming future due to record-breaking heat and significant ice loss. Scientists report unprecedented warming trends and record-low sea ice levels, directly linking these changes to the burning of fossil fuels. This rapid environmental shift in the Arctic has far-reaching global implications, including disruptions to weather patterns and rising sea levels worldwide.

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.

Ten bodies have been recovered after a ferry carrying 133 people capsized off the coast of Guyana. Sixty-seven survivors, including 15 children, have been rescued, but dozens are still unaccounted for. An investigation into potential institutional failures is underway to determine the cause of the disaster.

Ukraine's General Staff claims Russia has suffered approximately 1.43 million troop losses since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. The latest daily report on July 21 indicated 1,370 Russian casualties in the preceding 24 hours. This figure encompasses both personnel and extensive equipment losses, according to Kyiv's military. The reported numbers represent a significant toll on Russian forces, though independent verification of such figures is challenging amidst the ongoing conflict. Ukraine continues to provide regular updates on its assessment of Russian military casualties and equipment destruction.