Iran's Foreign Minister stated that Tehran will defend its nuclear rights, including uranium enrichment, during talks with the E3 on Friday, according to state media.

He also said that Iran's positions remain "strong" and that uranium enrichment will continue.

Germany aims to recruit up to 40,000 18-year-olds annually for voluntary military service by 2031, offering flexible terms and attractive pay to strengthen its armed forces amid rising security concerns.

The goal: expand the professional army to 260,000 troops and reserves to 200,000 by 2035 as part of NATO’s push to deter Russian aggression.

Source: FT

The IMF has sharply criticized Ukraine's new law that weakens the independence of anti-corruption agencies, warning it could harm economic stability and growth.

President Zelensky signed the bill despite protests from civil society and warnings from Western allies. The IMF says the move “neutralizes” the effectiveness of key institutions vital to Ukraine’s reform agenda.

Source: Bloomberg

Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi:

I call on the countries separating us from Palestine to open the crossings for our people to cross to support the Palestinians.

Interesting: Ukrainian reusable FPV drone takes out a Russian Lancet kamikaze UAV.

Iran reaffirms its “unshakable” right to enrich uranium ahead of EU meeting.

Netanyahu:

We will not stand by and watch what is happening to our brothers in Suwayda.

We must demilitarize the area south of Damascus and protect the Druze.

NEW: Explosions were heard at a weapons depot in Yemen’s Al-Anad military base.

Source: Al Masirah

Russia has commissioned five missile carriers into its Navy in six years, RIA Novosti reported citing Putin.

U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff:

We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and work toward a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.

Netanyahu:

We will not stand idle while our brothers in Sweida are held accountable.

We must demilitarize the area south of Damascus.

Tesla stock dropped 8.5% on Thursday after the company warned that Trump’s trade policies and stance against electric vehicles could hurt its revenue.

The decline follows a 20% drop in Tesla’s Q2 profits and a continued selloff, with shares down about 35% since December highs.

Trump, however, said he wants Elon Musk to “thrive.”

Source: FT

Israeli airstrike targeted the area between the towns of Midoun and El-Serirah in the south of the country.

Source: Lebanon News Agency

Clashes continue along the Cambodia-Thailand border, with footage showing a Royal Cambodian Army RM-70 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firing at targets in Thailand.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he will hold an emergency call with France and Germany on Friday to discuss stopping the violence in Gaza, adding that “we all agree” on the urgent need for Israel to change course and allow more aid into Gaza.

CIA-Linked Website Hacked

Hackers breached the CIA’s Acquisition Research Center, exposing sensitive tech and data, including the Digital Hammer program, the NRO confirmed. Federal investigators are probing the incident, which follows a recent Chinese hack of the U.S. nuclear agency.

Source: Washington Times

NEW: U.S. State Dept urges an immediate cessation of hostilities amid Thailand-Cambodia conflict.

NEW: The U.S. State Department has called for an immediate investigation into the death of a U.S. citizen in Syria, stating that it has held direct discussions with the Syrian government on the issue.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid:

It is time for Israel to put a clear and public proposal on the table - ending the war, returning all the hostages, significantly increasing humanitarian aid to the citizens of Gaza, ending Hamas rule.

UPDATE: The death toll has risen to 10, with more than 150 injured, following an explosion at an ammunition depot in Maarrat Mısrin.

NEW: The U.S. State Department said the U.S. will not attend the conference on a two-state solution next week.