Tech Daily reports the U.S. National Science Foundation issued a "Dear Colleague" letter proposing a new research-security policy, citing national security, to take effect in FY2027 that would bar collaboration on NSF-funded projects with entities on U.S. restricted lists (Commerce Department BIS Entity List, DoD 1260H list, and FCC-controlled lists). NSF accounts for roughly one-quarter of U.S. federal funding for university basic research. If implemented, the ban would significantly damage Chi

Iranian sources report residents heard explosions near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island in the afternoon local time on July 13. Reports say the sounds came from areas away from the city, possibly from the west coast of Bandar Abbas.

China's State Council approved the 15th Five‑Year plan to expand consumption, directing stronger fiscal‑financial support to boost domestic demand. The plan calls for increased government spending on social protection, coordinated use of central budget investment and local government special bonds to back eligible consumption infrastructure, and fuller deployment of fiscal‑financial cooperation funds. It urges financial institutions to expand consumer lending and step up credit to service‑sector firms, mandates optimization of interest‑subsidy programs for personal consumer loans and loans to service‑industry operators, and encourages insurers to develop protection products for priority consumption areas.