Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
EU Weighs New Trade Restrictions on Israeli West Bank Settlements 
Trump Administration Hands Over Key Evidence in Minnesota Immigration Shooting Investigations 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
EU to Propose New Rules Limiting Children's Access to Social Media 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Venezuela Appoints Felix Plasencia to Lead Foreign Relations and Trade 
UN Says Hamas Disrupted Gaza Aid Distribution, Group Denies Allegations 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Trump Administration Bars U.S. Travelers From Congo Flights Amid Ebola Outbreak 
Western Allies Push for More Air Defenses for Ukraine at Paris Summit 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
The Trump administration signaled cautious optimism Wednesday over ending its ongoing war with Iran, while simultaneously threatening tighter economic measures if Tehran refuses to cooperate at the negotiating table.
President Trump, who launched the military campaign alongside Israel on February 28, suggested a resolution may be near — even as a U.S. naval blockade took effect, significantly disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments. The disruption has left energy markets under pressure and importers scrambling for alternative supply routes.
Diplomatic momentum is building, with U.S. and Iranian officials considering a return to Pakistan for a new round of mediation talks as early as this weekend. Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, traveled to Tehran on Wednesday to help bridge the divide between Washington and Tehran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described ongoing Pakistan-mediated discussions as "productive," expressing confidence that a deal remains within reach.
On the economic front, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that secondary sanctions could be imposed on nations — particularly China, which historically purchases over 80% of Iran's exported oil — that continue buying Iranian crude. Two Chinese banks have already received warnings from the U.S. Treasury over processing Iranian transactions.
Nuclear policy remains the biggest obstacle to peace. Washington is pushing for a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity and the removal of enriched materials from the country. Iran, however, is only willing to pause enrichment for three to five years and is demanding full sanctions relief in return.
Complicating matters further, Israel continues striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon — a campaign Iran insists falls under the ceasefire agreement, though the U.S. and Israel disagree. With both sides still far apart on key issues, the path to a lasting agreement remains uncertain but actively pursued.
