Geopolitics
The US is reportedly facing resistance from Gulf States regarding its plans for a potential strike on Iran. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait have refused to allow the US to use their bases or airspace for such an attack. In response, the US has stationed B-2 bombers at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, a strategic location that allows bypassing Gulf airspace. This move comes amid heightened tensions following Hamas-led attacks on Israel and President Trump’s threats to bomb Iran if it does not agree to a nuclear deal. The US military buildup in the Middle East raises questions about its intentions, with significant assets already positioned in the region. Iranian military commanders have reportedly considered pre-emptive strikes on Diego Garcia, indicating the strategic implications of the US’s military adjustments.
In Greece, international air force drills are underway, involving Qatar, the UAE, the US, and Israel. These exercises, known as Iniochos Warrior, are taking place in neutral airspace, independent of NATO command. The drills highlight ongoing military cooperation among these nations, despite regional tensions. Al Jazeera English noted concerns from Middle Eastern analysts about the implications of such cooperation, especially involving Israel.
Politics
In the US, President Donald Trump is experiencing a transition in his administration as Elon Musk reportedly plans to step back from his role as a key partner and advisor. Musk, who has been involved in efforts to address government inefficiencies, will maintain an informal advisory role after his special government employee status expires. This change is occurring amid reported frustrations over Musk’s unpredictability and political challenges, particularly following an election loss in Wisconsin. Despite these issues, Trump is said to continue valuing Musk’s contributions and considers him a friend. As the midterm elections approach, Trump is reportedly cautious about maintaining his House majority and is aware of the political implications of Musk’s actions. Elon Musk’s recent post on X confirmed his decision to focus on his companies while continuing to support Trump’s agenda from the outside, highlighting a mutual understanding of the transition.
In France, a petition to overturn Marine Le Pen’s presidential ban has reportedly gained significant traction, with 300,000 signatures collected in just 24 hours. The surge in support for Le Pen’s ‘National Rally’ party, which has gained over 10,000 new members since Monday, reflects a growing movement among French citizens. However, Libération raised concerns about the petition’s validity, suggesting potential duplicate signatures or automated bots.
Economy
Japan, China, and South Korea are reportedly strengthening their economic ties in response to US tariffs. The three nations recently held their first trade discussions in five years, focusing on navigating the challenges posed by these tariffs. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), effective since 2022, aims to reduce trade barriers among 15 Asian nations. The discussions emphasized the importance of continued economic collaboration and the potential for a Korea-China-Japan Free Trade Agreement. Technology and semiconductor materials were key topics, with China expressing interest in importing from Japan and South Korea. As China’s middle class grows, these nations are recognizing new markets outside the US, potentially shifting the global economic landscape. The Wall Street Journal noted that these discussions could be seen as a strategic move to reduce economic dependence on the US.
European officials are reportedly expressing concerns about their reliance on the U.S. Federal Reserve for dollar funding, particularly under the Trump administration’s policies. Informal discussions have raised doubts about the Fed’s willingness to provide dollar support during market stress, especially given Trump’s stances on issues like Russia and tariffs. Despite these concerns, there is currently no viable alternative to the Fed for dollar funding. The situation is further complicated by the use of financial systems, such as the SWIFT messaging system, and the handling of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, which left foreign depositors unprotected. While alternatives to the dollar are being considered, the U.S. remains a dominant force in global finance. The Financial Times reported that the ECB is discussing potential alternatives, though acknowledging the lack of viable substitutes.
In Utah, Governor Spencer Cox has vetoed HB306, a bill that would have allowed the state to pay vendors in gold. The bill, which had strong bipartisan support, aimed to establish a system for gold transactions. Representative Ken Ivory, the bill’s sponsor, remains hopeful about overriding the veto, emphasizing Utah’s leadership in financial technology and its significant gold industry. The bill’s passage would align with Utah’s fintech strengths and its role in the gold market. Governor Cox’s veto was reportedly based on concerns about practicality and potential conflicts with competitive bidding processes, though Ivory argues these concerns are unfounded.
Health
Sources
Trump and Musk: A Political Partnership on the Verge of Transition
President Donald Trump has told his inner circle, including members of his Cabinet, that Elon Musk will be stepping back in the coming weeks from his current role as governing partner, ubiquitous cheerleader, and Washington hatchet man.
Source | Submitted by BonnieB2A
Utah’s Gold Rush Stalls: Governor Cox Vetoes Pioneering Gold Payment Bill
Governor Spencer Cox put a stop to, or at least paused, Utah’s drive toward transacting business using gold.
Source | Submitted by BonnieB2A
Japan, China, and South Korea Forge Stronger Trade Ties Amidst US Tariff Turbulence
“It is necessary to strengthen the implementation of RCEP, in which all three countries have participated, and to create a framework for expanding trade cooperation among the three countries through Korea-China-Japan FTA negotiations,” said South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun, referring to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
European Officials Question Dollar Dependability Under Trump: A Currency Conundrum
The sources consider it highly unlikely the Fed would not honour its funding backstops — and the U.S. central bank itself has given no signals to suggest that.
US Faces Gulf State Resistance in Iran Strike Plans, Turns to Diego Garcia Base
Gulf States Refuse To Let US Use Bases, Airspace For Iran Attack
French Petition to Overturn Marine Le Pen’s Presidential Ban Gains 300,000 Signatures in 24 Hours
300,000 French people have signed a petition demanding that Marine Le Pen’s Presidential Ban is immediately overturned in just 24 hours.
International Air Force Drills in Greece: Qatar, UAE, US, and Israel Train Together
All flying side by side in Iniochos Warrior air force drills in Greece.
French Petition to Overturn Marine Le Pen’s Presidential Ban Gains 300,000 Signatures in 24 Hours
300,000 French people have signed a petition demanding that Marine Le Pen’s Presidential Ban is immediately overturned in just 24 hours.
Fauci’s Wife, An NIH Bioethicist Who Never Probed Ethics Of Wuhan Research, Fired
“One of the problems when the coverup was going on of the Wuhan lab leak, that whole fiasco, was that they were not listening to anyone giving ethics advice,” the official said. “If they had had someone at the table with knowledge of this, they would have said: ‘Hey do you want to play it this way, or be more transparent?’ Someone could have raised the question.”
Source | Submitted by carolynnedwards
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Elon Musk’s X post, Governor Cox’s Veto Statement on X, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera English, Financial Times, Libération, The Wall Street Journal, and The COVID-19 History Project on X.
by kathy10 
