Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 31st of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. U.S. imposes sweeping sanctions on 115 Iran-linked individuals, entities and vessels

The United States imposed major sanctions on more than 115 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to Iran on 30 July, marking its most extensive move since 2018.

The sanctions focus on Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Supreme Leader adviser Ali Shamkhani, who allegedly runs a global shipping network exporting Iranian and Russian oil. His operations span 17 countries and are said to generate billions in revenue for Tehran.

The U.S. Treasury blacklisted 15 shipping firms, 52 vessels, 12 individuals, and 53 entities, aiming to disrupt sanctions evasion without destabilising global oil markets. The EU had already sanctioned Shamkhani earlier in July.

2. Canada joins UK and France in move to recognize Palestinian state

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, joining the UK and France in increasing pressure on Israel.

The move drew sharp criticism from Israel and the U.S., both accusing Canada of rewarding Hamas. The announcement reflects growing international frustration over limited aid access to Gaza amid ongoing conflict.

3. U.S. to impose 15% reciprocal and auto tariffs on South Korean exports 

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed South Korea will face a 15% auto tariff, avoiding a steeper 25% rate ahead of the 1 August deadline.

At a signing ceremony attended by Italian Ambassador Luca Di Gianfrancesco, AnewZ and Italpress formalised a memorandum to collaborate on staff training, media production, and fact-checking.

The agreement, effective upon signing, lasts one year with automatic renewal. Disputes will be resolved through negotiation, and amendments require mutual written consent.

The partnership aims to promote quality journalism and international media cooperation.

4. UK and Oman agree to strengthen energy, defence and tech ties

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met in London on 31 July, agreeing to deepen cooperation in energy, defence, security, and technology. They also urged urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza and discussed progress on UK-Gulf trade talks.

Starmer reiterated the UK’s stance on recognising a Palestinian state by September unless Israel takes meaningful steps toward peace. He also thanked Oman for its diplomatic role in easing tensions with Iran. The meeting highlights growing UK-Gulf ties amid broader strategic engagement.

5. Azerbaijani gas to be delivered to Syria under new swap deal

Azerbaijan will start supplying 6 million cubic metres of gas to Syria this week via a swap deal with Türkiye, aiming to ease electricity shortages in the war-torn country.

Türkiye’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the gas, transferred through Kilis to Damascus and beyond, could boost daily power availability from four to ten hours.

A ceremony marking the first delivery will be held in Kilis on Saturday, with officials from Azerbaijan, Syria and Qatar attending.

6. Trump says U.S. to impose 25% tariff on India from 1 August

President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports from 1 August, citing high Indian trade barriers and ties with Russia. An additional, unspecified penalty is also planned.

The move puts $87 billion in Indian exports at risk and threatens ongoing trade talks, including a proposed phase-one deal and efforts to boost trade to $500 billion by 2030. India may retaliate.

7. AnewZ and Italpress Sign Agreement to Strengthen Media Cooperation

AnewZ and Italpress have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost media cooperation, focusing on training, content sharing, and joint events.

Signed in July 2025 by AnewZ’s Rufat Hamzayev and Italpress’s Gaspare Borsellino, the agreement promotes mutual support and collaboration in digital journalism and media production.

The deal, witnessed by the Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, is valid for one year with automatic renewal and includes provisions for dispute resolution and amendments by mutual consent.

8. ‘Vibrant oasis’ of chemical-eating creatures found in Pacific depths

Chinese scientists have discovered the world’s deepest chemosynthetic animal communities at more than 9,500 metres in the Kuril-Kamchatka and Aleutian trenches.

Using the Fendouzhe submersible, researchers found tube worms, clams, and likely new species thriving on hydrogen sulfide and methane—without sunlight. The discovery expands our understanding of life in extreme conditions and hints at possibilities in alien oceans.

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