PARIS, France – AFP – July 15, 2026 – Here are the most important breaking world events occurring at this very second:
- US Reimposes Blockade, Launches Strikes on Iran. The United States has resumed its military blockade on Iranian ports and initiated fresh rounds of strikes aimed at degrading Iranian capabilities used in commercial shipping attacks, escalating tensions in the Middle East. President Trump ordered the restart of the blockade, signaling a breakdown in recent diplomatic efforts.
- Iran Threatens to Halt All Middle East Energy Exports. In a direct response to renewed US military pressure, Tehran has threatened to shut down all Middle East energy exports if the US blockade on Iranian ports continues. This threat could severely impact global oil markets and exacerbate the ongoing geopolitical crisis.
- Congo Ebola Outbreak Worsens Amid Health Worker Strikes. Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo have surpassed 2,000, with more than 750 deaths, marking the fastest-growing outbreak on record. The crisis is compounded by health workers in affected areas, including Bunia General Hospital, going on strike over unpaid salaries and bonuses.
- China’s Record Car Exports Fuel Global Trade Tensions. China exported a record 1.06 million vehicles in June, putting annual shipments on track to exceed 10 million for 2026. This surge, driven by weak domestic demand, is intensifying competitive and trade tensions on a global scale as Chinese automakers expand their international presence.
- South Korea, US, Japan Forge SMR Partnership. South Korea, the United States, and Japan have signed a memorandum of cooperation to jointly deploy Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in third countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This trilateral pact aims to leverage US technology, Korean manufacturing, and Japanese expertise to capture a larger share of the global nuclear power market.
- Russia Accused of Disinformation Ahead of German Elections. German lawmakers and anti-Kremlin activists are accusing Russia of engaging in a disinformation campaign to inflame regional divisions and smear mainstream political parties ahead of upcoming elections in Germany. Concerns are rising over foreign interference in European democratic processes.
- Philippines Demands Clarity from China on Batanes Claim. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has urged China to clarify whether it upholds or rejects recent statements by Chinese scholars claiming the Batanes Islands are an extension of Taiwan, and therefore China. Manila stressed the importance of an official response from Beijing to counter what it calls attempts to desensitize the international community.
- Iran Allegedly Tracks US Troops Using Mobile Networks. A new report indicates that Iran-linked actors have allegedly tracked US troops and contractors during the ongoing conflict by exploiting telecom network vulnerabilities and commercial smartphone location data. This raises significant concerns about digital surveillance and military security.
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