Tesla’s sales fell 13.5% in Q2 2024 compared to the same period last year, marking two consecutive quarters of decline. The company delivered 384,122 vehicles and produced slightly fewer cars than the previous year. Tesla’s stock price dropped nearly 26% this year, its worst among major tech stocks. Increased competition from affordable Chinese EVs and political backlash against CEO Elon Musk, including protests and strained ties with Donald Trump, are impacting the company’s sales and reputation.

Though Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is reportedly eyeing the post of UN Secretary-General, his candidacy is under scrutiny due to perceived bias and controversial actions. Grossi’s reports on Iran’s nuclear program have allegedly been influenced by Western political agendas, casting doubt on his neutrality.

Critics point out that in 2023–24, unverified claims about high-enriched uranium particles in Iran were politically weaponized, leading to Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. These events have prompted Iran to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. With growing distrust among developing countries—including China, Russia, and India—Grossi’s aspirations face serious hurdles.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on individuals, entities, and vessels involved in smuggling Iranian oil under the guise of Iraqi exports. The U.S. Treasury revealed that the network, led by Iraqi-British national Salim Ahmed Said, has sold billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil since 2020 using falsified documents. Additionally, senior officials of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-linked financial institution in Lebanon, have been sanctioned. Their assets have been frozen, and all business dealings with U.S. citizens are now prohibited.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that all Middle East crises, including those involving Iran, must be resolved through political and diplomatic means. During a one-hour phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, the two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine, the Iran-Israel conflict, and various global issues. According to the Kremlin, Russia supports peaceful resolution to all international disputes. However, on the Ukraine issue, Putin reaffirmed that Moscow will not compromise on its strategic goals, although it remains open to negotiations.

The U.S. government has resumed accepting visa applications from international students, but Deputy State Department Spokesperson Mignon Houston warned that any misuse of student visas or disorderly conduct on campuses would not be tolerated. “A visa is not just an entry permit—it carries ethical responsibility,” she said. Houston also emphasized the importance of U.S.-India strategic relations, especially within the Quad framework and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, former President Trump expressed optimism over a new fair trade agreement.

Recent U.S. airstrikes have reportedly damaged several Iranian nuclear facilities, delaying Tehran's nuclear program by nearly two years, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. The strikes involved heavy use of bombs and missiles on three key sites. However, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that Iran could still produce weapons-grade uranium in the coming months, casting doubt on the long-term impact of the strikes. Analysts believe Iran may have hidden enriched uranium before the attacks.

The Trump administration has threatened legal action against CNN for reporting on "IceBlock," an app designed to help users identify the locations of ICE officers. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the Justice Department is considering a lawsuit. CNN defended its reporting, stating that publishing information about the app was not illegal. The app’s developer, Joshua Aaron, said it was his form of protest against the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies, which he compared to Nazi Germany.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the immediate resignation of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a report accusing Powell of providing false information during hearings related to renovation expenses at the Fed’s headquarters. Despite having appointed Powell during his first term, Trump has frequently criticized him for not lowering interest rates. Powell, however, has rejected the resignation calls, stating he will not step down under political pressure.

Microsoft is reportedly preparing to lay off approximately 9,100 employees — about 4% of its global workforce — in what would be its largest job cut since 2023. The layoffs are expected to mainly affect the sales division. This follows a prior round of 6,000 job cuts earlier this year. Once a booming employment sector, the global tech industry has seen repeated layoffs since the COVID-19 pandemic. Microsoft currently employs about 224,000 people. An official announcement is yet to be made.

Former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill narrowly passed the U.S. Senate 51-50, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The bill includes extended tax cuts, defense and immigration funding increases, and major cuts to Medicaid and food aid. It adds $3.3 trillion to the national debt and raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion. The House vote remains uncertain, facing opposition from both hardline conservatives and moderates. Trump hopes to sign it into law before Independence Day.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to arrest New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, labeling him an illegal immigrant for opposing ICE operations.

Mamdani countered that he has broken no laws and is only trying to protect city residents from a climate of fear. He described Trump’s threats as an attack on democracy.

Meanwhile, Trump praised current New York Mayor Eric Adams, claiming Adams was politically targeted by the Biden administration for criticizing federal policies.

U.S. President Donald Trump said that while trade talks with Japan have taken place, he is not optimistic about reaching any agreement, describing Japan as “very stubborn.” Trump complained that although Japan urgently needs rice, it shows little interest in importing U.S. rice or other goods. He added that he has no plans to extend the July 9 deadline for the negotiations and instead intends to pressure various countries into deals by sending them letters.

In a separate remark, Trump lashed out at Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, calling him “foolish,” claiming that lowering interest rates by three points could have saved nearly a trillion dollars. He also noted that he is considering two or three top candidates to replace Powell.

US Senator Lindsey Graham has warned that countries continuing to trade with Russia while failing to support Ukraine could face tariffs as high as 500% on their exports to the United States. The warning follows the passage of a bill endorsed by former President Donald Trump, now approved by the US Senate, aiming to economically pressure countries maintaining business ties with Moscow.

Experts believe the measure could significantly impact nations like India and China, who are major importers of Russian oil and other goods. Senator Graham emphasized that the proposed tariffs are targeted at nations choosing commerce with Russia over humanitarian support for Ukraine. With India-Russia trade volume surging to $68.7 billion, analysts caution the bill could deal a heavy blow to India's economy if enforced.

In the first half of 2025, the U.S. dollar has depreciated by over 10% in global markets — marking its steepest decline since 1973. Analysts attribute the slump to former President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies and an increasingly isolationist foreign policy. Growing concerns over inflation, ballooning government debt, and unpredictable trade policies have shaken investor confidence, raising questions about America's leadership in the global financial system. While the falling dollar has made imports more expensive, exporters are seeing higher profits. According to Standard Chartered, "It's not about whether the dollar is strong or weak — it's about how the world perceives the United States."

US President Donald Trump has announced that a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached at any time next week. He revealed plans for successful discussions at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Gaza and Iran. Trump stressed the priority of securing the release of hostages. His administration has already approved a $510 billion arms deal for Israel. Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on July 7.