French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, detained since May 2022, have been charged by Iran with “spying for Israel,” “conspiracy to overthrow the regime,” and “corruption on land.” Their families insist they were tourists, and France considers the accusations baseless. Both detainees reportedly endured psychological torture and were feared missing after an Israeli strike on Evin prison. A French diplomat recently confirmed they are alive, but their location remains unknown. France has filed a case at the International Court of Justice, labeling them “state hostages” and urging their release.
DENMARK PRESSURES HUNGARY
Denmark, holding the EU Council presidency, has vowed to apply “maximum pressure” on Hungary to lift its veto on Ukraine’s EU accession talks. Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán, cites domestic opposition and risks of war involvement. Denmark’s European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre warned that stalling enlargement could push candidate countries away. She emphasized Ukraine’s reform progress and linked EU momentum to Ukraine’s war-driven push. While talks of decoupling Moldova from Ukraine have emerged, Denmark prefers that both proceed together. Brussels maintains that Ukraine has met all requirements to begin negotiations under the “Fundamentals” cluster.
TRUMP THREATENS MUSK
The rift between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has escalated, with Trump threatening to revoke subsidies for Musk’s companies and suggesting possible deportation. The feud reignited after Musk slammed Trump’s tax cuts and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” In response, Trump invoked the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to potentially investigate Musk’s businesses. Musk fired back, criticizing the GOP and floating the idea of a new “America Party.” Once close allies, the pair’s falling out signals a deeper political rift, as Musk questions US bipartisanship and Trump hits back with personal and financial threats.
JAPAN AGENCY DISMISSES TSUNAMI RUMOUR
The Japan Meteorological Agency has labeled viral earthquake and tsunami predictions from a manga comic as a “hoax,” urging the public to disregard the unscientific claims. The rumour stemmed from Ryo Tatsuki’s comic “The Future I Saw,” predicting a seabed crack near the Tokara Islands. Despite a surge of over 900 minor quakes since June 21, no major damage has occurred. The false prediction disrupted tourism in Japan, Hong Kong, and beyond. Officials stressed that predicting the exact timing or location of earthquakes remains impossible and warned against spreading fear through disinformation.
INDIA UNFAZED BY TARIFF THREAT
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded calmly to U.S. threats of a 500% tariff over India’s Russian oil trade, saying, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” The proposed legislation, backed by Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to punish nations trading with Russia to weaken its war economy. India, which imports over 36% of its crude oil from Russia, has saved $13 billion since 2022. Jaishankar emphasised India’s energy security and ongoing dialogue with the U.S., even as bilateral trade talks continue ahead of a July 9 deadline on reciprocal tariffs.
