Latest news for 7 August 2025

UNITED STATES

Big day.

The US president has announced he’s considering a 100% tariff on foreign-made semiconductors, with exemptions for firms that invest in the US. He also flagged he intends to meet Russia’s Vladimir Putin as early as next week to push for an end to the war. (F24)

ISRAEL

Decision time.

Local outlets are reporting Israel’s security cabinet will tonight (Thursday) approve a plan to expand Israel’s Gaza operation to occupy the entire Strip, citing a Hamas refusal to release the hostages on acceptable terms. (Axios)

Comment: Netanyahu is absorbing several risks here, including a) to the hostages (the IDF will enter areas where they’re believed to be held), b) local civilians already mired in a humanitarian crisis, c) Israel’s already-damaged standing, and d) Israel’s own security (the IDF chief of staff reportedly warned Netanyahu he’s walking into a trap). But President Trump reportedly won’t object to the Israeli proposal, with aides telling Axios the president was moved by the latest Hamas proof-of-life videos.

SPAIN

Buy local.

Spain has scrapped plans to buy US-made F‑35 fighter jets, in favour of a European home-grown alternative (either the Eurofighter Typhoon or the European Future Combat Air System). (Defence Industry Europe)

Comment: Spain’s single pivot kills several birds, whether maximising European capabilities, or curbing costs and US dependencies (the US had to quash rumours of an F-35 ‘kill switch’). But paired with Spain’s refusal to match NATO’s 5% spending target, it also sends a message of strategic autonomy to DC. Of course, it comes with costs, too: absent any F-35s, Spain’s navy loses its carrier-based strike capability once its Harriers retire from 2030.

BANGLADESH

Save the date.

Voters will finally head to the polls in February for the first election since the fall of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina last year. The transitional government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has long been under pressure to call a date. (Daily Sabah)

BRAZIL

Stay home.

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is now under house arrest after violating his court terms by using social media to address a rally. Prosecutors accuse him of attempting a 2023 coup, while he alleges the charges are political. (Sky News)

SUDAN

Under siege.

The UN’s food agency has warned that a quarter million locals are facing starvation in Darfur’s city of el-Fasher, after a year-long siege by the notorious Rapid Support Forces paramilitary. It’s the Sudanese military’s last bastion in the region. (BBC)

Comment: Almost two decades have passed since Clooney made that documentary trying to shine a light on Darfur, but the atrocities continue.

MONGOLIA

Joint riches.

Officials from Oman are in Ulaanbaatar this week, offering to help establish a joint investment fund to finance unspecified programs and projects. (KINA)

Comment: Why would cashed-up Oman and land-locked Mongolia do this? The Omanis are trying to diversify their oil and gas billions into new markets and sectors, while the Mongolians need capital to develop their vast mineral deposits.