Marco Rubio

Americans will soon use smartphone cameras for passport photos, eliminating photo center visits. The US State Department is developing technology for nearly complete online passport applications. Facial recognition will verify images captured directly on personal devices. Future passports will include presentation boxes and historical QR codes. These changes aim to make obtaining a passport faster and more convenient.

A conservative Iranian newspaper published a revenge list targeting foreign leaders. This list includes prominent figures from the United States and Israel. Mojtaba Khamenei stated vengeance is the nation's will and must be carried out. The infographic featured leaders like Trump, Netanyahu, and Macron. These individuals will face consequences for the supreme leader's killing.

The Trump administration initiated a campaign against the International Criminal Court. This action targets the court's authority over American officials and military personnel. The United States argues the court threatens national sovereignty and self-governance. Diplomatic efforts and potential sanctions will be employed to disable the court. This move aims to protect American citizens from international prosecution.

But Rubio downplays radical islamist extremism

President Trump convened a meeting to discuss expanding military operations against Iran. The United States is currently conducting strikes targeting Iranian air defense systems. Trump warned of intensified attacks on power plants and bridges if Iran does not negotiate. Washington is also monitoring a deeply buried site believed to be part of Iran's nuclear program. Iran has continued retaliatory attacks on US military bases in the region.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has openly criticized Donald Trump's suggestion to impose a fee on ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz, branding the U.S. as a 'pirate state.' Trump claimed that the U.S. would assume the role of guardian over this vital waterway. This development emerges amid increased U.S.

A Chinese-born American seismologist faces spying charges in China. Youlin Chen has been detained for nearly two years, according to his wife. US officials have designated his detention as wrongful and a top priority. China denies any wrongful detention and states its judicial organs follow law. The case adds tension to the ongoing relationship between the two nuclear-armed nations.

Darline Graham, the younger sister of late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, has officially been sworn into the US Senate after her brother's sudden death, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. The 62-year-old was appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to complete the remainder of Lindsey Graham's term, which runs until January 2027.

The United States will restart enforcing a maritime blockade on Iran from Tuesday. This action targets all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas. American forces will enforce the blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports. Commercial mariners have been advised to monitor official navigation notices and contact naval forces. The renewed blockade follows days of military escalation around the Strait of Hormuz.

Mojtaba Khamenei released a list of thirteen world leaders after his father's funeral. This publication coincided with reports of an Iranian plot against Donald Trump. US officials monitored intelligence about possible threats to the American president. The conflict continues as both sides breached a recent ceasefire agreement. Iran stated the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until US interference ends.

Russia acknowledges continued US weapons supply to Ukraine after a new license. Moscow believes the United States desires a peace process, despite military aid. Russia rejects the idea that deeper Ukrainian strikes could end the conflict. Such actions will prolong the war and expand Russia's security buffer zone. The Kremlin views the US position as dualistic regarding peace and escalation.

A judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration immigration policy. This policy targeted foreign researchers and fact-checkers working on misinformation. The judge found the policy likely violated the First Amendment and APA. This ruling allows researchers to continue their important work without fear. The litigation will now proceed on the merits of the case.

China's newly enacted Ethnic Unity Law has provoked significant global advocacy from Uyghur communities. The World Uyghur Congress is mobilizing support from European and Japanese policymakers to address urgent issues of cultural repression and forced assimilation. Recent delegations have engaged with officials in Sweden and participated in the World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris, emphasizing the plight of Uyghur political prisoners.

The United States reportedly waged a diplomatic campaign to dissuade nations from attending the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian media claims at least 13 countries either withdrew or reduced their delegations following US pressure, with warnings about potential cuts to development aid and implications for bilateral ties. The funeral ceremonies are ongoing, with Khamenei's burial scheduled for July 9.

In a recent address, President Trump highlighted his ambition for the U.S. to gain control over Greenland, citing its essential role in bolstering American national security. He pointed out that Denmark has fallen short in investing in the Arctic territory, which has adversely affected his rapport with NATO. Moreover, Trump disclosed plans to lift sanctions on Turkey regarding the S-400 missile system acquisition.

A lawsuit alleges the Trump administration shared confidential Iranian asylum seeker data with Tehran. US immigration authorities allegedly disclosed sensitive details from asylum applications to Iranian officials. This information sharing reportedly occurred while coordinating deportations of Iranian nationals. The Department of Homeland Security denies these allegations, stating compliance with US laws. The lawsuit seeks to halt this alleged information sharing and prevent future disclosures.

India's economy is projected to reach $7 trillion by 2030, with ambitions for $14 trillion by mid-2030s and $25-30 trillion by 2047, according to Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, expressed optimism about finalizing an interim trade deal soon and hinted at a potential visit by President Trump to India next year, underscoring strengthening bilateral ties.

President Trump declared the June 17 ceasefire with Iran over, ordering fresh US strikes. Iran responded by targeting tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions. The conflict's tempo is now largely controlled by Iran's ability to disrupt oil shipments. Both sides face pressures, with neither in a decisive position to end the war. Managed instability with periodic attacks and negotiations is the likely immediate outcome.