US Envoy Tom Barrack on the scandal in Lebanon:

If I had to do all over again, I would not have used those words.

JD Vance:

I've gotten a lot of good on-the-job training over the last 200 days.

If God forbid, there's a terrible tragedy, I can't think of a better on-the-job training than what I've gotten over the last 200 days.

JD Vance:

We of course want to protect Ukraine's territorial integrity. We don't want Russia to conquer the entire country. We also want the killing to stop.

The US ended its long-standing de minimis tariff exemption for imports under $800. Starting Friday, all packages face normal duties regardless of value or origin.

Source: Reuters

"Don't say that! Because that irritates me, and I've punched blokes in the mouth for saying that."

Australian politician Bob Katter raised his fist at a journalist during a press conference after he was asked about his Lebanese heritage.

Taiwan estimates China spent $21B on Pacific military drills in 2024, about 40% more than 2023.

Source: Reuters

California Governor Gavin Newsom:

I’ve had the privilege of meeting many foreign leaders. They’re laughing behind Trump's back. I’ve had dozens and dozens. They’re laughing behind his back. He’s being played everywhere. It’s an embarrassment.

Venezuelan commandos announce that they 'would give their lives' for their country and for Maduro.

The UK has barred Israeli government officials from attending this year’s London arms fair (DSEI) in response to Israel’s ongoing Gaza offensive. Israeli defense firms can still exhibit, but officials won’t be invited.

Source: POLITICO

Satellite images show massive destruction in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood within just 3 weeks.

First image Aug 8, second on Aug 25.

Source: NYT

Israeli Minister Smotrich:

Water, electricity, and food must be cut off from Gaza.

Those who don’t die by bullets will die of hunger or surrender.

Poland plans to spend $54.75B on defense in 2026, equal to 4.8–5% of GDP, making it NATO’s top spender by GDP share.

This is one-quarter of Poland’s state budget, nearly double pre-2022 levels.

Ukraine’s military intelligence hit Russian S-400 air defence system's 91N6E radar in occupied Crimea.

The 91N6E radar is the main surveillance radar of the S-400 air defense system.

It can detect targets up to 600 km, track 300 targets at once.

Japan’s Defense Ministry is seeking a record $60B budget for FY2025, prioritizing drones and long-range missiles to counter China and North Korea.

JD Vance on Gavin Newsom:

He's trying to be a fake copy of Trump and it just doesn't work. You can't mimic the king.

India plans to boost Russian oil imports in September by 10–20% despite new US tariffs aimed at curbing the trade.

Source: Reuters

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan:

We hope that Greek politics will one day reach the level of maturity that Türkiye has achieved. My advice to them is to stop engaging in hostility against Türkiye.

BREAKING: Germany has urged its citizens to leave Iran and avoid travel there, warning of possible retaliation over its role in triggering UN sanctions on Tehran’s nuclear program.

Source: Reuters

Somalia: PM Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Djibouti’s FM Abdiqadir Hussein Omar in Mogadishu, his first official visit.

Both sides pledged to deepen ties and strengthen security cooperation against Al-Shabaab and ISIS-linked groups.

BREAKING: The Israeli army declares that Gaza City is now a “dangerous combat zone.”

Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for an ethics violation.