Iran’s central bank governor said Tehran is not required to buy U.S. agricultural products under current agreements, and any remaining frozen assets can be used for non‑sanctioned goods. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to further cement the country’s nuclear power status, accelerate development of nuclear weapons technology, and speed up construction of a 10,000‑ton strategic submarine equipped with guided missiles, blaming U.S. policies for heightened tensions in Europe and the Middle East. Israel announced its army will continue operations to eliminate threats, destroy militant infrastructure, and maintain security in southern Lebanon, emphasizing zero compromise on civilian safety. Australia’s June manufacturing PMI rose to 51.2, while services and composite indices remained below 50, indicating continued but slowing contraction. The U.S. Senate advanced Trump‑backed housing reform aimed at limiting institutional home purchases, sending it to the House. Japan’s manufacturing PMI edged up to 54.9, showing stronger industrial activity. U.S. interest‑cost payments hit a record $723 billion for the first eight months of FY2026, projected to reach $1.6 trillion over the next decade. AI-driven chip makers dominate Asian markets, with Samsung and SK Hynix controlling 55% of South Korea’s KOSPI and TSMC holding 42% of Taiwan’s TAIEX. U.S. officials are considering steps to keep early‑stage drug research domestic as companies shift trials to China and Australia. White House spokesperson Karine Leavitt said the U.S. sees signs of progress toward a deal with Iran but will not accept any agreement that fails to protect national security. Israeli distribution agency reported sharing detailed intelligence on Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure in the Al‑Tal mountains with the United States. The New York Post warned that full resumption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is impossible without mine clearance, noting that Iranian tolls could disrupt global trade and that insurers are refusing to register vessels before passage.