Major World Events by the Evening of July 7
Major World Events by the Evening of July 7
▪The 17th BRICS summit concluded in Brazil. Russian FM Sergey Lavrov held a press conference — key statements here;
▪Lavrov highlighted BRICS’ plan to create a new investment platform linked to the BRICS Development Bank to strengthen the bloc’s financial independence;
▪Lavrov also met with WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the summit to discuss urgent WTO reforms;
▪Trump announced a 10% tariff increase on countries supporting BRICS;
▪BRICS cooperation has never been directed against third-party countries, the Kremlin stated amid Trump’s new tariff threats;
▪Russia reiterated its openness to a diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, with Lavrov emphasizing that any solution must result in durable peace rather than a temporary ceasefire.
▪South Africa’s Ministry of Trade clarified that the country remains non-hostile towards the US and continues to pursue constructive tariff talks, awaiting formal communication on their trade deal.
▪Protests swept Kenya during Saba Saba Day, commemorating the 1990 demonstrations against one-party rule. At least 11 people have been killed, according to the police. This year’s protests were driven by rising living costs, corruption, and police brutality;
▪The Comoros marked 50 years of independence;
▪Israel announced a new military operation targeting Yemen’s Houthi forces;
▪Iran declared readiness to negotiate verification measures on its nuclear program after suspending cooperation with the IAEA;
▪Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that Israel attempted to assassinate him, stating in an interview with Tucker Carlson, “They did try, yes. But they failed.”
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