Lebanon Front: Israeli strikes and artillery hit southern Lebanon from overnight into Friday, with explosions reported between Arnoun and Kfar Tebnit and air raids and shelling around Nabatieh and Tyre. Iran–US Economic War: Iran’s leaders warn any new US threats would be “devastating,” while President Masoud Pezeshkian argues it’s time to end the war while Iran is “in a position of strength,” as Washington pushes “economic D-Day” sanctions. Hezbollah Sanctions: The US redesignated Hezbollah as an Iranian proxy and sanctioned a funding network tied to the IRGC-Quds Force, while Hezbollah rejected the claim and defended its Lebanese identity. West Bank Settlements: International condemnation grows after Israel’s E1 tender for 1,234 homes, with Britain and the UN warning it threatens a viable Palestinian state. Culture & Society (Turkey): Türkiye reported a slight dip in foreign arrivals in July, while Istanbul’s surviving Ottoman “mounting stones” are highlighted as a quiet reminder of horse-era transport culture. Iraq Security: An Iran-aligned Iraqi faction handed over weapons to state authorities as militia disarmament integration continues.