i24News reports Israeli security officials, responding to a New York Times article, said "if Israel wanted to eliminate anyone, it could." The NYT had earlier reported US officials feared Israel might assassinate key Iranian negotiators during US–Iran talks.

CME: June average daily volume hit a record 30.6 million contracts, up 19% YoY.

In Tokyo morning trade, two Barclays Japan analysts said the JGB yield curve has shown clear "bear steepening" this week, driven by market concern the Bank of Japan may be slow to act and by worries over Japan’s fiscal outlook. Analysts said investors are likely to continue awaiting details of fiscal spending; the cabinet may decide on a draft of the government’s Basic Policies on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform.