Libre News of The World. Friday the 17th of July 2026

Subscribe today so you never miss an episode! Today on Libre News of The World, we begin in Canada, where the Bank of Canada kept interest rates unchanged at 2.25% while signalling cautious confidence that the economy is beginning to recover. In the United States, military operations against Iran expanded dramatically, with fresh strikes and escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz raising concerns over global energy security. Mexico announced it will pursue criminal complaints in the United States following the deaths of Mexican migrants during immigration enforcement, deepening a sensitive diplomatic dispute. Jamaica's inflation climbed above the central bank's target range as higher transport and fuel costs intensified cost-of-living pressures. Brazil remained in focus after the United States confirmed new tariffs on selected Brazilian imports following a Section 301 investigation, highlighting growing trade tensions. Colombia's Constitutional Court upheld key emergency transport measures while limiting the government's extraordinary powers, reinforcing judicial oversight during climate-related emergencies. Chile activated nationwide emergency preparations ahead of a major winter storm threatening central and southern regions with heavy rain, snow and flooding. Argentina reported another monthly fiscal surplus as President Javier Milei's programme of spending restraint continued to strengthen the country's public finances. In China, President Xi Jinping prepared to unveil a major global artificial intelligence strategy at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, positioning AI governance as a central element of China's international diplomacy. Australia faced the prospect of major industrial disruption as negotiations continued to avert a significant strike across BHP's Pilbara iron ore operations. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended fiscal restraint and export-led growth as the foundation of his government's election-year economic strategy. Japan considered whether the world's largest pension fund should allocate more investment toward domestic assets, a move with potentially significant consequences for financial markets. South Korea joined the United States and Japan in reaffirming trilateral military cooperation against North Korean threats, signalling increasingly institutionalised regional defence coordination. Vietnam's National Wage Council backed a 7.8% increase in regional minimum wages from 2027, balancing rising living costs with the country's export competitiveness. Niger strengthened plans for its Dasa uranium project, including development of a potential export corridor through Algeria that could reshape regional logistics. Türkiye and Iraq advanced negotiations on an interim pipeline agreement designed to keep crude oil flowing through Ceyhan while a broader long-term energy partnership is negotiated. Saudi Arabia implemented major ministerial changes through royal decree, consolidating responsibility for energy, industry and mineral resources under Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman while reinforcing the Kingdom's Vision 2030 economic strategy. Egypt announced plans for a national programme to stabilise food prices and protect supplies of essential goods as regional instability threatens inflation and commodity availability. Iran reaffirmed that international inspectors will not receive expanded access to bombed nuclear facilities, leaving verification and nuclear diplomacy at a continuing impasse. Israel and Lebanon reached agreement on guidelines for phased Israeli withdrawals from parts of southern Lebanon following U.S.-mediated negotiations, although significant questions remain over implementation and Hezbollah's future role. France accelerated defence investment with a €3.5 billion funding package aimed at strengthening military readiness in response to Europe's changing security environment. Italy's lower house approved a controversial overhaul of the country's electoral system ahead of the next general election, triggering fierce political debate over representation and democratic fairness. Spain launched one of its most significant judicial reforms in decades, introducing structural and digital changes designed to reduce court delays and modernise the justice system. Portugal continued preparations for the partial privatisation of TAP Air Portugal, insisting that long-term strategic commitments would outweigh price alone when selecting a buyer. Azerbaijan declared that relations with Armenia had entered a period of "real peace" while maintaining that constitutional reform in Armenia remains essential before a final peace treaty can be signed. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer travelled to Kyiv during his final week in office to reaffirm Britain's long-term commitment to Ukraine and European security. Scotland confirmed that flights serving the Highlands and Islands will remain exempt from its new Air Departure Tax while also preparing higher taxation for private jets. Ireland began its six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union with competitiveness, democratic values and security at the centre of its European agenda. Greenland reaffirmed that no oil drilling may proceed in Jameson Land without government approval, underlining Greenlandic authority over Arctic resource development. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended his government's first year in office and outlined further reforms covering migration, competitiveness, infrastructure and national security. Denmark, Norway and Sweden joined a new European anti-ballistic missile coalition alongside Ukraine, marking another significant step in European defence integration. Iceland warned that magma continues to accumulate beneath Svartsengi, increasing the likelihood of another volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Uzbekistan ordered rapid implementation of more than $2 billion worth of new projects with Belarus spanning manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and organised labour migration. Russia stated there was no immediate prospect of resuming peace negotiations with Ukraine despite remaining formally open to talks, reflecting continuing diplomatic deadlock. Finally, Ukraine approved a new wartime government, but the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov sparked one of Kyiv's rare public protests since the full-scale invasion, highlighting the political sensitivity of wartime leadership changes.

Sources

Canada
• Bank of Canada — https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2026/07/fad-press-release-2026-07-15/
• CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news
• The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/

United States
• U.S. Central Command — https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PUBLIC-RELEASES/Article/4544409/us-forces-complete-new-strikes-on-iranian-military-targets/
• Associated Press — https://apnews.com/article/f98ff56554de2336f0e85bb5fdcae769
• The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/16/us-attacks-oil-tanker-strait-of-hormuz-iran-tehran-strikes

Mexico
• Government of Mexico — https://www.gob.mx/presidencia
• El Universal — https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/tag/mananera/
• The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/13/mexico-criminal-complaint-migrant-ice-deaths

Jamaica
• Bank of Jamaica — https://boj.org.jm/statistics/real-sector/inflation/
• Jamaica Observer — https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2026/07/15/taxi-fares-food-push-inflation-29-month-high/
• Radio Jamaica News — https://radiojamaicanewsonline.com/business/all-fuel-prices-to-go-up-tomorrow-2-2

Brazil
• Office of the United States Trade Representative — https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2026/june/ustr-section-301-determination-brazils-unreasonable-acts-policies-and-practices
• Associated Press — https://apnews.com/article/99e8c52a44c75f31c343d7ebad41f614
• USTR Investigation Record — https://ustr.gov/trade-topics/enforcement/section-301-investigations/section-301-brazils-acts-policies-and-practices-related-digital-trade-and-electronic-payment

Colombia
• Constitutional Court of Colombia — https://www.corteconstitucional.gov.co/
• Infobae Colombia — https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2026/07/16/corte-constitucional-avalo-medidas-extraordinarias-para-el-sector-transporte-pero-tumbo-apartes-clave-del-decreto-de-emergencia-economica/
• Presidency of Colombia — https://www.presidencia.gov.co/prensa/Paginas/Corte-Constitucional-declara-exequible-con-condiciones-la-segunda-emergencia-economica-y-social-del-Gobierno-260624.aspx

Chile
• SENAPRED — https://www.senapred.cl/2026/07/15/autoridades-refuerzan-medidas-preventivas-ante-sistema-frontal/
• Government of Chile — https://www.gob.cl/noticias/presidente-kast-sostiene-reunion-en-sede-del-shoa-y-monitorea-situacion-ante-sistema-frontal/
• La Tercera — https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/mayor-sistema-frontal-en-anos-gobierno-suspende-clases-y-despliega-planes-de-emergencia-ante-2363-puntos-criticos/

Argentina
• Ministry of Economy of Argentina — https://www.argentina.gob.ar/economia
• Ámbito Financiero — https://www.ambito.com/
• Bloomberg — https://www.bloomberg.com/

China
• State Council Information Office (SCIO) — https://english.scio.gov.cn/m/topnews/node_7247536_3.htm
• Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-xi-outline-ai-diplomacy-vision-key-shanghai-forum-2026-07-16/
• China Daily — https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/scitech

Australia
• Fair Work Commission — https://www.fwc.gov.au/
• ABC News — https://www.abc.net.au/news/
• The Guardian Australia — https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jul/16/divine-playhouse-josh-thomas-workplace-drug-survey-anthony-albanese-labor-angus-taylor-coalition-one-nation-pauline-hanson-ntwnfb

New Zealand
• Financial Times — https://www.ft.com/content/40418586-2324-4ae0-8023-9378886a32b5
• New Zealand Government (Beehive) — https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-india-relationship-elevated-strategic-partnership
• BERL — https://berl.co.nz/economic-insights/how-can-new-zealand-achieve-its-double-exports-target

Japan
• Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-finance-minister-economic-growth-potential-may-warrant-review-pension-2026-07-16/
• The Japan Times — https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/07/14/economy/japan-finance-minister-gpif-portfolio-review/
• The Japan Times — https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/07/15/economy/japan-domestic-investment-challenges/

South Korea
• United States Joint Chiefs of Staff — https://www.jcs.mil/Media/News/News-Display/Article/4546704/republic-of-korea-united-states-japan-trilateral-chiefs-of-defense-joint-press/
• Yonhap News Agency — https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260716002200315
• Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/china/north-korea-condemns-us-allies-after-nato-summit-vows-safeguard-sovereignty-2026-07-11/

Vietnam
• VietnamNet — https://vietnamnet.vn/thong-nhat-phuong-an-tang-luong-toi-thieu-vung-7-8-tu-1-1-2027-2536254.html
• VTC News — https://vtcnews.vn/chot-tang-luong-toi-thieu-vung-o-muc-7-8-tu-2027-ar1029387.html
• Đại Biểu Nhân Dân — https://daibieunhandan.vn/hoi-dong-tien-luong-quoc-gia-thong-nhat-tang-luong-toi-thieu-vung-7-8-tu-2027-10423854.html

Niger
• Global Atomic Corporation — https://www.globalatomiccorp.com/investors/news/news-details/2026/Global-Atomic-Provides-Niger-Update/default.aspx
• bne IntelliNews — https://www.intellinews.com/niger-backs-global-atomic-s-dasa-uranium-project-amid-talks-with-algeria-to-establish-export-corridor-390777/
• Global Atomic Corporation — https://www.globalatomiccorp.com/Operations/Uranium/Dasa-Project/

Türkiye
• Iraqi News Agency — https://ina.iq/en/politics/50101-iraq-and-turkey-discuss-the-pipeline-agreement-and-strengthening-cooperation-in-the-energy-sector.html
• Daily Sabah — https://www.dailysabah.com/business/economy/iraq-seeks-4-fold-increase-in-kirkuk-ceyhan-pipeline-capacity-turkiye
• Anadolu Agency — https://www.aa.com.tr/en/energy/oil/turkiye-nears-12-month-deal-to-keep-iraq-turkiye-crude-oil-pipeline-flowing-uninterrupted-energy-minister/58229

Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Press Agency — https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2631882
• Arab News — https://www.arabnews.com/node/2650516/saudi-arabia
• Saudi Vision 2030 — https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/explore/strategies/strategy-for-the-mining-sector

Egypt
• Ahram Online — https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentP/3/572911/Business/Egypt-reveals-plan-to-stabilize-basic-goods-prices.aspx
• Ahram Online — https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/572929.aspx
• International Monetary Fund — https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2026/06/30/pr-26220-egypt-imf-reaches-staff-level-agreement-on-program-reviews

Iran
• Press TV — https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2026/07/01/771450/Iran-nuclear-access-IAEA-Qalibaf-Israel-United-States-talks
• The National — https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2026/07/10/un-says-iaea-lost-oversight-of-irans-nuclear-programme-after-us-israeli-strikes/
• International Atomic Energy Agency — https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/documents/gov2025-50.pdf

Israel
• The Times of Israel — https://www.timesofisrael.com/lebanon-talks-in-rome-wrap-up-without-specific-timeline-for-pledged-idf-withdrawals/
• Haaretz — https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-07-15/ty-article-live/trump-threatens-to-attack-iranian-power-plants-bridges/0000019f-6383-d0b9-ab9f-73fb65c70000
• The Times of Israel — https://www.timesofisrael.com/sixth-round-of-israel-lebanon-talks-begins-in-rome-with-focus-on-idf-pullout-pilot/

France
• Ministry of the Armed Forces — https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/discours-president-republique-armees-14-juillet-2026
• France 24 — https://www.france24.com/en/france/20260714-macron-announces-additional-3-5bn-for-french-defence-amid-mounting-global-tensions
• Ministry of the Armed Forces — https://www.defense.gouv.fr/loi-programmation-militaire-2024-2030

Italy
• Italian Chamber of Deputies — https://documenti.camera.it/apps/CommonServices/getDocumento.ashx?ancora=undefined&http_referer=www.camera.it&idLegislatura=19&idSeduta=588&sezione=assemblea&tipoDoc=stenografico
• La Repubblica — https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/07/16/news/preferenze_fdi_vannacci_legge_elettorale-425473483/
• Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/italys-parliament-backs-melonis-contested-electoral-reform-2026-07-16/

Spain
• Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Parliamentary Relations — https://www.mjusticia.gob.es/es/actualidad/noticias/entra-vigor-ley-organica-medidas-materia-eficiencia-servicio-publico-justicia
• El País — https://elpais.com/espana/2026-07-16/la-mayor-reforma-judicial-en-decadas-comienza-su-implantacion.html
• General Council of the Judiciary — https://www.poderjudicial.es/cgpj/es/Temas/Modernizacion/

Portugal
• Diário da República — https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/decreto-lei/92-2025-928937302
• ECO — https://eco.sapo.pt/2026/07/15/privatizacao-da-tap-e-decisao-estrategica-que-nao-deve-ser-confinada-ao-preco/
• Government of Portugal — https://portugal.gov.pt/gc25/comunicacao/noticias/governo-apresenta-pressupostos-da-1-fase-de-privatizacao-da-tap

Azerbaijan
• Official website of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan — https://president.az/en/articles/view/72875
• Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/azerbaijan-real-peace-with-armenia-wants-it-change-constitution-2026-07-16/
• European Commission — https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/statement-president-von-der-leyen-azerbaijani-president-aliyev-2026-07-01_en

United Kingdom
• UK Government (Prime Minister's Office) — https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-visits-ukraine-in-final-week-of-office
• ABC News (Australia) — https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-16/sir-keir-starmer-political-journey-over-last-question-session/106921652
• UK Government — https://www.gov.uk/government/news/15-billion-new-funding-boost-to-transform-armed-forces-and-keep-the-uk-safe

Scotland
• Scottish Government — https://www.gov.scot/news/air-departure-tax-3/
• Daily Business — https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2026/07/highlands-to-retain-exemption-from-airline-tax/
• Scottish Government — https://www.gov.scot/publications/delivering-scotlands-air-departure-tax-consultation-analysis-report/

Ireland
• Department of Foreign Affairs (Government of Ireland) — https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-foreign-affairs/press-releases/minister-mcentee-sets-out-irelands-priorities-for-eu-presidency/
• RTÉ News — https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0628/1580550-eu-presidency-part-two/
• Ireland.ie — https://www.ireland.ie/en/eu/eu_presidency/

Greenland
• 80 Mile PLC (Investegate) — https://www.investegate.co.uk/announcement/rns/80-mile--80m/company-update-/9621817
• The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/09/licence-to-drill-trump-linked-texas-oil-company-elbowing-into-greenland
• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2093507/000182912626003806/greenlandenergy_s1a.htm

Germany
• Federal Government of Germany (Bundesregierung) — https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/sommer-pk-merz-2026-2447114
• ZDF heute journal — https://www.zdfheute.de/video/heute-journal-update/heute-journal-update-vom-15-juli-2026-100.html
• Federal Government of Germany — https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/one-year-federal-government-2427414

Scandinavian Europe (Denmark, Norway and Sweden)
• Government Offices of Sweden — https://www.government.se/statements/2026/07/joint-declaration-on-the-establishment-of-the-integrated-anti-ballistic-missile-coalition/
• Associated Press — https://apnews.com/article/d813eb18fba24a57f7cb2000b302ef4d
• Breaking Defense — https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/nine-european-allies-join-ukraine-in-new-anti-ballistic-coalition/

Iceland
• Icelandic Meteorological Office — https://en.vedur.is/about-imo/news/2026
• Visit Iceland — https://www.visiticeland.com/article/volcano-info/
• Government of Iceland — https://ministryoftransportandlocalgovernment.is/topics/public-safety-and-security/volcanic-activity-in-reykjanes/

Uzbekistan
• President of the Republic of Uzbekistan — https://president.uz/en/lists/view/9418
• Kun.uz — https://kun.uz/en/news/2026/07/15/president-mirziyoyev-orders-expansion-of-regional-partnership-projects-with-belarus
• President of the Republic of Uzbekistan — https://president.uz/en/lists/view/9401

Russia
• Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/kremlin-says-theres-no-immediate-prospect-resuming-peace-talks-with-ukraine-2026-07-16/
• TASS — https://tass.com/
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye — https://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-132_-sayin-bakanimizin-ukrayna-konulu-gonulluler-koalisyonu-liderler-zirvesi-ne-katilimi-hk.en.mfa

Ukraine
• Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine — https://www.rada.gov.ua/news
• Ukrainska Pravda — https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/07/15/8044176/
• Associated Press — https://apnews.com/article/88083e4381b1690f5048088d75954d3a

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