Geopolitics
Ukrainian drones struck a thermal power plant in Kerch, Crimea, causing power loss to roughly half the peninsula, with fires also reported at an oil depot, railway sites, and port infrastructure. Governor Sergey Aksyonov suspended civilian fuel sales across Crimea on June 21. President Zelensky commented on the strikes.
Relatedly, the UK tested new long-range strike missiles in the Hebrides, reportedly intended for Ukraine. The weapons have a reported speed over 370 mph, 500-pound warheads, and a 300-mile range. Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones described the program as standing “shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine.”
In other news, a senior Somali official told Middle East Eye that Israel deployed roughly 50 soldiers to Somaliland. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel is training Somaliland’s military and police. Reports indicate Israel is exploring the use of Berbera Port for submarine operations. Israeli officials have described reports of the troop deployment as fake news.
Iran War
President Trump stated on Truth Social that Iran has agreed to high-level nuclear inspections, to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that released funds would be held in US-controlled escrow for purchases of American corn, wheat, and soybeans. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said an agreement would release $12 billion in frozen assets, with up to $50 billion possible under a final deal. Iran’s UN ambassador Ali Bahreini rejected the soybean condition, stating Iran would decide the use of its funds. Iran’s Central Bank denied any obligation to buy American agricultural goods. Iran is reportedly considering sending enriched uranium to Russia. Sporadic Israeli fire in southern Lebanon, including a reported killing near Nabatieh, has occurred.
Vice President JD Vance said at a Swiss news conference that Iran had agreed to IAEA inspectors and free transit through Hormuz. Vance credited Jared Kushner with helping design the framework for distributing frozen assets in coordination with Qatar. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a temporary 60-day general license authorizing Iranian oil production, delivery, and sale. Vance announced a new communication mechanism between Israel, Hezbollah, Lebanon, and regional partners. Talks are expected to continue through August.
Energy
At least three supertankers carrying 6 million barrels of Iranian crude transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, with destinations listed as Singaporean waters.
Health
Documents released by Sen. Ron Johnson show the FDA’s CBER identified 10 child deaths linked to COVID-19 vaccines in November 2025, later revised to seven. Pathologist Dr. James Gill called the parvovirus B19 explanation a “red herring.” Sen. Johnson described the matter as possibly “the biggest government scandal” of his lifetime.
In health news, a NHANES-based study found roughly 26% of adults with “normal” BMI meet the Lancet Commission’s “clinical obesity” definition. The figure rises above 50% in the overweight range and 85% in severe obesity. Waist-based screening identified about 78% of adults carrying excess fat.
Relatedly, Judge Amy Berman Jackson blocked USDA waivers allowing Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia to bar SNAP recipients from buying soda and candy. The USDA stated it would continue pursuing restrictions.
Economy
China’s gold imports reached 163 tons in May. The PBoC reported adding 9.95 tons. At least four of 11 banks in Hong Kong’s new gold clearing system are importing 400-ounce bars.
In the private equity space, Apollo Global Management capped withdrawals at 5% of its $25 billion Apollo Debt Solutions fund after redemption requests reached 16.8% in Q2. Cliffwater and BlackRock also enforced 5% caps after requests of 17% and 13%, respectively. Filings indicate institutional demand for private credit remains strong.
US Politics
Judge Sparkle Sooknanan blocked the administration’s effort to combine SSA, naturalization, and DHS SAVE database records for voter verification. In a 75-page ruling, she found the effort violated the Social Security Act, Privacy Act, and Administrative Procedure Act. DHS general counsel James Percival criticized the decision.
In other news, Tucker Carlson said he may no longer support the Republican Party and described loyalty to Israel over American interests as “treasonous” and “immoral.” Carlson suggested Charlie Kirk was likely murdered for his views on Israel and rejected accusations of antisemitism.
British Politics
South Yorkshire Police launched a Professional Standards review after footage showed officers shoving teenage girls, drawing batons, throwing a punch, and pointing Tasers during a dispersal order in Rawmarsh, Rotherham. Accusations of “two-tier policing” have been made.
Sources
Trump and Iran Clash Over Nuclear Inspections and $12B Asset Terms
Conflicting Claims Remain: Washington and Tehran continue to dispute whether Iran agreed to extensive IAEA nuclear inspections and the terms of sanctions relief.
Half of Crimea Goes Dark After Ukrainian Strike on Thermal Plant
A strike on a power plant caused major power outages across Crimea, leaving about half the peninsula without electricity.
Israel Deploys Covert Forces to Somaliland as Ties Emerge
Israel secretly deployed a small contingent of forces to Somaliland earlier this year following its recognition of the breakaway territory, a senior Somali government official revealed to Middle East Eye (MEE) on 22 June.
Apollo Gates Investors as 17% Seek Exits from $25B Credit Fund
Apollo Debt Solutions, which has roughly $25 billion in assets, capped withdrawals at 5% of outstanding shares on Monday after investors asked to redeem 16.8%, according to a shareholder letter first seen by Bloomberg.
Iranian Oil Exports Through Hormuz Hit Wartime High
That’s the most Iranian crude openly making its way out the key Iranian oil port at Kharg Island and into the Strait of Hormuz in a day since the war began on February 28, according to Bloomberg.
Biden Judge Blocks Trump’s Citizenship Database for Voter Verification
All in all, the federal government has knowingly trampled on the privacy rights of American citizens in a manner that threatens the sacred right to vote. This Court cannot stand idly by while that happens,
China Gold Imports Hit 2-Year High as Hong Kong Banks Stockpile for Clearing Launch
China’s monthly gold imports reached their highest in more than two years in May
VP Vance: Iran Talks Yield “Good Progress,” IAEA Inspectors Head to Tehran
Iran has agreed to allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors into the country to ensure they’re not enriching uranium.
Clinical Obesity Found in 1 in 4 Normal-BMI Adults
clinical obesity remains high even among persons with ostensibly normal BMI values.
South Yorkshire Police Probe Force Against Rotherham Girls Amid Two-Tier Policing Fury
This contrast has intensified accusations of two-tier policing.
FDA Downgrades Child Vaccine Deaths in Revised Autopsy Findings
Scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised the autopsy results of children who died after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, reducing the number of children the agency classified as having likely died as a result of their vaccination, according to documents released last week by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.).
UK Tests 300-Mile Missiles for Ukraine to Strike Moscow
that NATO is backing such actions against a nuclear-armed superpower constitutes madness.
Tucker Carlson: Loyalty to Israel Over US Is ‘Treasonous’
How could I or any American voter support a political party that’s not loyal to the United States, that puts the interest of a foreign country above those of its own citizens?
Judge Blocks USDA Bid to Bar Sugary Items from SNAP Benefits in Five States
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Monday blocked the Trump administration from preventing food stamp recipients in five states from using their benefits to buy sugary foods and drinks.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Middle East Eye, Israeli/Somaliland statements, Apollo filings, SEC documents.
by sand_puppy 
