Newsweek is reporting that Iran's Islamic Republic is seeking to strengthen its strategic position after a war with the United States and Israel, despite suffering destruction. It said Iranian officials and Hezbollah ally Naim Qassem are proclaiming victory, citing President Donald Trump's backing away from threats and reports of a depleted U.S. missile arsenal. Newsweek said Arab countries hosting U.S. bases are seeking de-escalation due to fears of Iranian retaliation. Trump has mentioned a potential deal this week to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran is reportedly negotiating only with Oman, not the U.S. administration. Newsweek said Iran aims to consolidate control over the strait, impacting global energy flows, and is extending its influence through Houthi proxies in Yemen, who reportedly sank an Indian ship. It said Iran also seeks to reshape relationships with Middle Eastern neighbors, as Gulf Arab states appear unable to protect themselves against Iranian attacks. Newsweek noted that a stronger Iran could bolster Hamas and Hezbollah and pursue nuclear ambitions and rocket technology. It also reported that the U.S. Army has depleted its stocks of two advanced, long-range missiles, raising concerns about America's arsenal and its capacity to fight elsewhere after more than five months of war with Iran.
Newsweek is reporting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the outlet that Venezuela's path to elections is ongoing, with a transition expected to take months, not years, roughly six months after Nicolás Maduro's removal.
Newsweek is reporting that Africa, the world's poorest continent, is not performing as well as other regions in agriculture. It said lower yields lead to smaller farmer incomes and pose a problem for feeding growing populations and biodiversity, as farmland expands into wild habitats. Newsweek noted that while land reform, increased inputs, and mechanization have helped agriculture elsewhere, Africa has not advanced as much, and new AI innovation could further widen this gap.
Newsweek is reporting that South Korean police raided the national headquarters of Starbucks following defamation claims related to a controversial marketing campaign. It said Starbucks Korea launched a "Tank Day" coffee tumbler promotion in May on the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, which many interpreted as a reference to military vehicles used against pro-democracy protesters. Newsweek said the promotion sparked a mass boycott, leading Starbucks to roll it back and apologize, stating it was unintentional. It said civic groups filed a criminal complaint, and Starbucks stores closed for half a day in June for staff history lessons.