IJR News

U.S. Pauses Major Strikes as Iran Tensions Persist

The United States is rapidly expanding its aerial and kinetic presence in the Middle East, deploying fighter jets, bombers, aerial refueling capacity, and special operations personnel in response to Iranian-linked attacks and to deter further aggression. Officials say the shift aims to provide strategic flexibility rather than guarantee a large-scale ground war, as President Trump weighs expanding operations with options including intensified airstrikes and possible strikes on critical Iranian infrastructure such as Kharg Island and a Zagros-area nuclear facility, with allied forces and bases in Europe involved in the buildup.

Donald Trump

Jul 27, 2026

U.S.-Iran Tensions Pause, Diplomacy Advances

The United States continues nighttime strikes against Iran to degrade its ability to threaten maritime shipping, expanding targets inland and preparing a broader military surge in the Middle East. Iran warns Europe against involvement and says US threats could widen the conflict beyond the region, potentially targeting energy infrastructure if Donald Trump carries out attacks.

Donald Trump

Jul 27, 2026

Crime

ICC Removes Chief Prosecutor Khan in Historic Move

ICC member states will vote on removing Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan amid sexual misconduct allegations, a move Khan denies that could reshape the tribunal's leadership and its ongoing investigations while the United States intensifies sanctions and pressure against the court, affecting its credibility. The process exposes deep divisions within the ICC and among its member states, with Western nations broadly favoring removal and the court central bodies divided on the proper course of action.

Karim Ahmad Khan

Jul 27, 2026

FDA

LYTENAVA Receives FDA Approval for Wet AMD

Outlook Therapeutics has won FDA approval for LYTENAVA (bevacizumab-vikg), making it the first and only ophthalmic bevacizumab formulation approved for treating wet AMD in the United States and a potential new standard of care developed specifically for the eye. The approval follows a lengthy regulatory history and positions LYTENAVA with anticipated market exclusivity under the BPCIA while signaling a major milestone for retina care.

United States United States Food and Drug Administration

Jul 27, 2026

Iranian

Trump uses Iranian assets to cover ship damage

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States will use frozen Iranian assets it holds to pay for any damages to ships and cargo from strikes around the Gulf, framing the move as fair and equitable while signaling a new policy that could face legal challenges. The reports from multiple outlets confirm the pledge and note its potential legal and geopolitical implications amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Donald Trump

Jul 27, 2026

Human Trafficking

US Tariffs Expand to 60 Partners, Brazil 25%

The United States is intensifying pressure under Section 301 to address forced labor and other trade concerns, signaling Thailand and other exporters face targeted investigations, potential tariffs, and heightened scrutiny as Washington shifts from broad tariffs to legal mechanisms. Across the region, new compliance demands and findings on forced labor—ranging from a global 60-economy report to the Philippines’ electronic filing rules and Thailand’s ongoing tariff risk—underscore a broad push to trace, prevent, and penalize forced labor in global supply chains.

Jul 26, 2026

Okefenokee Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List at Busan, marking Georgia’s first World Heritage site and the United States’ 27th, as conservation advocates emphasize its pristine wetlands and carbon-rich peat. The committee also expanded South Korea’s getbol tidal flats with four additional wetlands to protect the Yellow Sea ecosystem, even as some locals oppose UNESCO involvement and increased external management.

Jul 26, 2026

ASEAN Summit

Hormuz Tensions Escalate With Iran Attacks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran is leveraging the Strait of Hormuz to pressure the world and urged allies to contribute more resources, saying the United States cannot bear the security burden alone. He also emphasized openness to a genuine, binding diplomatic solution while continuing to safeguard global shipping and coordinating with ASEAN, with calls for financial and military support from other nations across multiple reports.

Donald Trump Marco Rubio

Jul 25, 2026

Gordie Howe Bridge Opens with Canada-First Ceremony

Canada’s Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor and Detroit is set to open with Canadian ceremonies amid tensions with the United States after current President Trump threatened tariffs, while officials emphasize the project will ease congestion and bolster cross-border trade valued in the hundreds of billions annually. The six-lane crossing, named for hockey legend Gordie Howe, marks a milestone after decades of delays and signals renewed cooperation as Canada celebrates the milestone with events and live streams on both sides of the border.

United States Donald Trump

Jul 24, 2026

IRGC Urges Civilians Away From US Bases

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has repeatedly warned civilians in Middle Eastern countries hosting U.S. forces to stay at least 500 meters away from U.S. bases or discreet troop locations as tensions with the United States rise following renewed hostilities and a breakdown of a ceasefire. The IRGC також urged the public to report new U.S. positions through its Telegram channel or official website channels, framing the warnings as safety measures amid ongoing clashes and alleged U.S. war crimes.

United States Iran

Jul 24, 2026

US Tariffs Hit Bangladesh, Reshape Global Trade

The United States announced new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on imports from about 60 trading partners over forced-labor enforcement, stating the measures replace existing duties rather than add new ones, with Bangladesh noting no new tariff but a replacement taking effect after a legal transition. The development drew positive EU sentiment toward the tariff framework while the UK and Britain said their trade terms remain unchanged and that zero tariffs on whisky and medical technology could benefit British exporters.

United Kingdom European Union

Jul 24, 2026

Books

Book Traces Evolution of American Politics

The book In Their Own Words: The Intentional Drive from Democracy to Socialism analyzes official presidential party platforms from 1952 onward, using primary documents to trace how debates over federal power, immigration, healthcare, labor, and other policies have evolved. It connects historic shifts to today’s policy debates and examines key events such as the Korean War and Cold War tensions to illustrate the long-term evolution of government power in the United States.

United States Cold War

Jul 24, 2026

Markets

Cochlear Secures U.S. Duty-Free Access

Cochlear said its hearing implant systems will continue to enter the United States duty-free after the final Section 301 review, preserving cost-free access for American patients relying on the devices. The company highlighted a large unmet clinical need with only about 5% of those who could benefit currently receiving implants, and plans to engage regulators and policy makers to expand access worldwide.

United States Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974

Jul 24, 2026

Human Trafficking

Brazil Rejects US Tariffs, Plans WTO Challenge

Brazil denounced the United States’ 12.5% tariffs on its exports and 59 other trading partners as completely arbitrary and unjustified, saying Washington lacks a legal basis and is using human-rights concerns to advance protectionism. Brasília pledged immediate retaliation under its Reciprocity Law and to take the dispute to the WTO, while Lula signaled willingness to negotiate but warned Brazil will seek alternative markets if needed.

United States Mexico

Jul 24, 2026

US Politics

World Wars Reshape Global Economy, Study Finds

A consensus across sources is that World War I and World War II profoundly reshaped the global economy, from the collapse of empires and reparations to hyperinflation, the Great Depression, and rapid industrialization. The wars also accelerated labor shifts, technological advances, and the United States’ rise as a dominant economic power, with wartime and post-war policies setting the stage for long-term economic transformation.

United States Germany

Jul 24, 2026

US Politics

Cuba sanctions expansion targets nine entities, two officials

The United States imposed a fresh round of sanctions on nine Cuban-linked entities and two individuals under Executive Order 14404, targeting the energy sector, GAESA-related evasion, the Port of Mariel, and the overseas medical missions program. U.S. officials say these measures aim to curb Cuba's access to foreign currency by limiting energy imports, financial services, remittance flows, and the medical missions system, while warning businesses of secondary sanctions.

United States Washington, D.C.

Jul 23, 2026

AI

OpenAI Expands Health in ChatGPT US Rollout

OpenAI has rolled out Health in ChatGPT in the United States, allowing eligible users 18 and older to securely connect Apple Health and medical records to receive more personalized health-contextual responses across web and iOS on Free through Pro plans, with strict consent and assurances that health data won’t be used to train models or for ads. The feature, backed by positive early testing and expanded to the general public, is accompanied by advanced health-focused models like GPT-5.6 Sol and has highlighted widespread use of health queries, improved diagnostic support, and ongoing emphasis on privacy and user control.

United States OpenAI

Jul 23, 2026

Mergers and Acquisitions

Joy Xu Named Vice President Investor Relations

Joy Xu, aka Qianyi Xu, has focused her career on investor relations and cross-border capital, and since January 2025 she has been Vice President of Investor Relations at New Land Capital to build cross-border pipelines and clearly communicate investment narratives for sustainable urban development. Her background includes a stint as PR Specialist at Youyork Management LLC (February 2023 to January 2025), where she developed PR materials, media relations, and investor outreach to support projects in the United States.

United States

Jul 23, 2026

Immigration

Two killed as US strike hits Shalamcheh

Reports confirm two people were killed in a US strike at the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iran and Iraq as the United States broadens its strikes amid ongoing US-Iran confrontations. The attack, reiterated by Iranian officials and linked to broader regional hostilities, follows multiple rounds of US actions and signals a potential escalation with implications for regional trade and security.

United States Iran