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Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi affirms uranium enrichment as an inalienable sovereign right, underscoring the program’s significance for national dignity and political independence amid escalating regional tensions.

Tehran remains firm in its determination to preserve and develop its uranium enrichment program, a stance reiterated by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Speaking recently to the press, Araghchi emphasized that enrichment is not only a technical matter but a symbol of Iran’s political sovereignty and scientific progress achieved by its own experts.

Araghchi described uranium enrichment as a fundamental achievement of Iranian scientists and an “inalienable sovereign right” enshrined under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Responding to questions about why Iran chooses not to import enriched uranium, he stated:

“Because it’s a scientific achievement; an achievement we have achieved ourselves. Why should we import something we can produce ourselves?”

This assertion highlights Iran’s commitment to self-reliance and technological independence, reinforcing its stance against external pressure.

The nuclear program suffered material damage when Israeli forces launched an attack on June 13, targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities,actions subsequently supported by US bombing of three nuclear sites. Despite this aggression, Araqchi signaled continuity, affirming,

“We will not abandon enrichment.”

In response to these provocations, Iranian armed forces struck strategic locations in the occupied territories and the US Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, demonstrating Tehran’s readiness to defend its sovereignty.

Amid rising confrontation, Araghchi sent a message to Washington expressing willingness for dialogue, proposing:

“Let us find a solution based on negotiation for the Iranian nuclear program.”

This call underscores Iran’s preference for diplomatic engagement while affirming its sovereign rights.

Regarding potential European sanctions reimposed on Iran’s oil exports, officials express confidence that such measures will have limited impact, reflecting Tehran’s broader strategy of resistance and economic resilience amid external pressures.

Bar associations and judges’ associations called for political differences to be set aside in order to defend Brazil’s sovereignty. On Friday, more than 250 Brazilian social organizations issued a manifesto in defense of national sovereignty in response to interference from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to sanction the country over what he claims is political persecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

“We repudiate any and all forms of intervention, intimidation or admonition aimed at subordinating our freedom as a democratic nation,” reads the manifesto, which was presented at the University of Sao Paulo’s Law School.

The chant “No to tyranny! Sovereignty is not negotiable!” echoed in unison from students, professors, and workers every time a speaker ended a key statement during their speech.

Among the organizations that signed the open letter were bar associations and judges’ associations from several states, which called for political differences to be set aside in order to defend Brazil’s sovereignty.

Celso Fernandes Campilongo, dean of the University of Sao Paulo’s Law School, said the letter marks an initial step in defending the sovereignty of the South American nation.

“Sovereignty means having the final word on what law is valid for a people and a territory,” the academic declared, adding that “it is unacceptable” for there to be “foreign interference in the functioning of Brazilian institutions.”

“Highlights from the protest at the University of Sao Paulo today! Students, professors, and the people united to shout: Trump, respect Brazil!

Although the letter does not mention Trump by name, Campilongo explained that this omission was intentional: “Everyone is absolutely clear about who this message is for.”

This public display of dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy comes less than a week before a 50% tariff on Brazilian products is set to take effect. The Trump administration justified the measure by citing an alleged “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro, who is facing trial in the Supreme Court over an attempt to stage a coup.

The dispute has sparked a series of media clashes between Trump and President Lula da Silva, who has described the Republican leader’s threats as “unacceptable blackmail.”

Meanwhile, Bolsonaro, the leader of the Brazilian far right, is due to appear before the Supreme Court to face charges of leading a plot to overturn the 2022 election results, prevent Lula’s inauguration, and remain in power.

Tensions between Brazil and the United States further escalated after the Trump administration revoked the visas of several Brazilian Supreme Court justices.

In this context, Campilongo, a member of the São Paulo Academy of Law, said the manifesto also serves as “a defense of the Supreme Court,” which has been the target of several interventions and attacks.”

Before closing the event, attendees shouted the refrain of the Independence Anthem, the song composed in 1822 to celebrate Brazil’s emancipation from Portugal. “Either free the homeland or die for Brazil,” resounded through the hall, filled with green and yellow flags.

President Nicolas Maduro announced that Venezuela expects an 80% growth in international tourist arrivals by 2025, highlighting tourism as a productive engine and a pillar of economic and social development.

President Nicolas Maduro stated this Monday that Venezuela projects an 80% increase in international tourist arrivals by 2025. This announcement adds to official data showing a solid rebound in the sector, making tourism one of the strategic priorities within the 13 Productive Engines the Bolivarian government promotes to diversify the national economy and generate jobs.

President Maduro highlighted an additional 20% growth specifically in Margarita Island, located in the Nueva Esparta state, reaffirming the key role this region plays in positioning Venezuela as a competitive international Caribbean tourist destination. This increase is driven by the gradual recovery of the sector and greater air connectivity, as well as new international partnerships.

The president emphasized that tourism not only generates direct employment but also stimulates the activity of multiple financial sectors linked to the national economy, creating a multiplier effect that strengthens the region and the country as a whole. He also emphasized the importance of training and professionalizing tourism workers:

“Personnel working in this sector must have a certain level of preparation; they must be specialists in tourism, love their country, and know how to present its history.”

In a message shared via Telegram in January 2025, President Maduro described the Venezuelan tourism system as “deeply human, ecological, and kind,” based on preserving cultural heritage, natural beauty, and community strengthening. The government actively promotes national and foreign investment to sustain this inclusive and sustainable vision.

Tourism Minister Leticia Gómez reported a 72% increase in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, a figure that consolidates recovery and growth in the sector. In 2024, inbound tourism grew by 94%, in a context the government defines as resistance to adverse media campaigns.

President Maduro has also highlighted the importance of bilateral agreements with countries such as Cuba and Honduras to boost regional tourism and configure a “new economic model” based on multiple “influence rings,” including intra-Caribbean and Latin American tourism.

The White House has sought to balance policy demands from regime-change hardliners and MAGA operators who warn against so-called Chinese influence in Venezuela.

The Donald Trump administration has walked back a major sanctions policy by granting Chevron a new sanctions waiver to operate in Venezuela.

This week, the US Treasury Department issued a specific license allowing the Texas-based corporation to restart oil extraction and sales operations in the Caribbean nation. The Wall Street Journal first reported the move on Thursday.

White House and Treasury officials have yet to comment on the policy U-turn. Unlike general licenses, which are publicly disclosed, specific licenses can be issued privately to select firms.

A State Department official quoted by the Miami Herald offered no details on the new sanctions waiver but claimed that Washington “will not allow the Maduro regime to profit from the sale of oil.” However, both Venezuelan legislation and the fact that Chevron is a minority partner in joint ventures suggest that oil operations generate revenues for the Venezuelan state.

Chevron owns between 30 and 40 percent of shares in four joint ventures, with Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA owning majority stakes. The enterprises’ recent output stood between 200,000 and 250,000 barrels per day (bpd), roughly a quarter of the country’s total production.

The Herald report added that Chevron negotiated changes to its contract with PDVSA on Wednesday in Caracas, and that under the new arrangement, the company would pay its Venezuelan partner in barrels of oil.

With US sanctions blocking PDVSA’s access to financial markets, the Venezuelan company has allowed Chevron to take over all sales operations, delivering the owed compensation to the Venezuelan state through various mechanisms in recent years. The renewed agreement could mean that PDVSA and Chevron will commercialize their respective production shares separately. The Venezuelan state firm could also direct crude to domestic refineries.

The Trump administration’s decision marks a minor but not insignificant retreat from the “maximum pressure” campaign against Venezuela introduced in its first term (2017-2021). The South American nation’s oil industry remains under financial sanctions and an export embargo, having also been targeted with secondary sanctions and other measures aimed at cutting off its most important revenue source.

The Biden administration issued General License 41 (GL41) in November 2022, allowing Chevron to resume crude pumping and exporting activities in its Venezuelan joint projects.

Earlier this year, the Trump White House succumbed to pressure from Florida Congress members who demanded a tightening of coercive measures against Venezuela in exchange for supporting key legislative proposals from the Republican administration.

The US Treasury Department withdrew GL41 and issued a specific license in May following a wind-down period. The new waiver reportedly only allowed Chevron to perform basic maintenance activities, with PDVSA subsequently taking over oilfield operations.

In contrast to predictions of an immediate oil sector setback, Venezuela has maintained crude production and export levels in recent months. Last month, PDVSA directed 90 percent of its cargoes to Chinese refineries.

Trump’s foreign policy towards Venezuela has sparked tensions among allies. Hardliners, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have openly advocated for harsher sanctions and regime change operations, whereas MAGA politicians and commentators have called for leveraging coercive measures to favor US corporate interests and stave off growing ties with China.

Washington has threatened to levy “secondary tariffs” on countries that receive Venezuelan energy exports, but the measure has not been enacted to date.

Alongside the withdrawal of Chevron’s license, the US Treasury likewise forced Eni (Italy), Maurel & Prom (France) and Repsol (Spain) to wind down their activities in the country. It is presently unknown whether the European corporations will receive similar permissions to restart operations.

The White House’s Chevron policy reversal comes in the wake of an agreement that saw Caracas release 10 detained US nationals and permanent residents in exchange for 252 Venezuelan migrants that the US had deported to the notorious CECOT mega prison in El Salvador.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro acknowledged Chevron’s renewed sanctions waiver on Thursday evening, adding that there are working plans underway for the resumption of its activities. The Maduro government has consistently condemned Washington’s coercive measures while vowing that the country will continue its economic recovery.

France had previously announced its willingness to recognize the Palestinian state. On Friday, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said his country is open to recognizing the State of Palestine, following France’s signal that it intends to do so in September.France had previously announced its willingness to recognize the Palestinian state. On Friday, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said his country is open to recognizing the State of Palestine, following France’s signal that it intends to do so in September.

Rangel was asked by reporters about the announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron and said it was not new, noting this is the third time in recent months Macron has made such a statement.

Portugal “has shown openness and will remain open to recognizing a Palestinian state,” said Rangel, who emphasized that his country has taken “a shared path” with other allies, including France.

The diplomat added that Portugal will participate in the meeting set for July 28–30 in New York, sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at advancing a two-state solution in the Middle East.

He said his government is following the process “very closely,” but reminded that Portugal is “a sovereign country and its policy is not defined by other states, although it has always been coordinated with its partners.”

In June, Rangel stated that Portugal had not yet made a decision on recognizing the State of Palestine, saying the issue is something his government is “constantly” evaluating and prefers to approach in a way that is “useful.”

On Thursday, Macron said France would recognize the Palestinian state in September, according to a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas—a move that has sparked outrage from Israel.

“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron announced, adding that he will formalize the recognition at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

The former president reacted to the comments of a U.S. citizen who does not hide his imperial intentions. On Wednesday, former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez responded to grotesque remarks made by Peter Lamelas, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Argentina.

In a prior appearance before the U.S. Senate, Lamelas acknowledged that his diplomatic mission would include monitoring developments in Argentine provinces rich in natural resources, particularly those attracting Chinese and other foreign investors. He also stated that he would ensure that Fernandez receives the justice she deserves.

In response, Cristina Fernandez, who is under home prison in Buenos Aires, posted the following message on social media:

“Lamelas or Argentina!”

“Yesterday, we saw and heard Mr. Lamelas, Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. ambassador to our country, saying he is coming to Argentina to ‘monitor the governors,’ to ‘block agreements with China,’ and—just in case anyone still wonders why I am imprisoned—to ‘make sure CFK receives the justice she deserves.’

What a level of obsession, bro… As if our judicial system were not already remote-controlled enough, they’re sending us a new plenipotentiary prosecutor straight from Mar-a-Lago. The only thing he didn’t say was that he would appoint judges himself. Not even Monroe went that far.

Meanwhile, Trump, who took office with 24 criminal charges, still has not fulfilled his promise to reveal the names on Epstein’s list in the cases involving pedophilia, child corruption, and sexual abuse… Nor has the U.S. judicial system investigated Epstein’s convenient ‘suicide.’ Maybe they should clean their own house before commenting on ours.

As if that weren’t enough, he also said his mission is to support Milei’s victory in the October elections—’the midterms,’ as he called them.

Just like Kristalina at the International Monetary Fund, who has already made it clear that Argentines ‘must vote the right way.’

As you can see… it’s not the Milei brothers who are running the campaign—it’s Washington and the IMF.

In the end, all that talk about ‘The Forces of Heaven’ and the ‘Evil’ tweeters was just for show… Take note: the ones truly running Milei’s Argentina are ‘The Forces of the North.’

It’s clear that what Trump, Milei, and the IMF really fear is Argentine democracy. What bothers them is that the people can vote for whomever they choose.

We always knew Milei needed some kind of professional oversight and support… but this wasn’t exactly what we meant.

P.S. 1: Mr. Lamelas talks about monitoring democratically elected Argentine governors for corruption in investment deals with China. Will he also monitor the Argentine businessman tied to Chinese firms who controls the country’s telecommunications monopoly and celebrated July 4th at the U.S. embassy?

P.S. 2: As you can see… nothing new under the sun. Exactly 80 years ago it was Braden or Peron. Now it’s…

Lamelas or Argentina. You choose.”