BCPR
World in Focus
02 July, 2025
Key Developments
US Lifts Syria Sanctions: Donald Trump has China Signals WTO Openness: China has
signed an executive order ending most US indicated its readiness to discuss trade policies,
sanctions against Syria, a move aimed at including tariffs and subsidies, with the US at
supporting "stability and peace" after Bashar al- the World Trade Organization (WTO). This
Assad's overthrow. While key sanctions remain, move follows months of trade tension and
this signals a policy shift to facilitate Syria's addresses Washington's concerns over China's
economic recovery, with the US monitoring the trade practices and its "Special and Differential
new government's actions, including potential Treatment" (SDT) privileges as a developing
ties with Israel. Syria faces immense challenges, country.
with 90% of its population in poverty after 13
years of civil war that killed over 600,000. Post-Iran Conflict Support to Israel: The US
State Department has approved a 510 million
Europe's Heatwave Crisis: An early summer USD sale of bomb guidance kits to Israel. This
heatwave has sparked widespread wildfires in approval, coming after recent tensions with Iran,
Turkey and France, leading to over 50,000 signals continued American military support for
evacuations in Turkey's Izmir province alone. Israel's defense capabilities and its strategic
Temperatures are 5-10 degrees Celsius above posture in the Middle East. The sale includes
seasonal norms across Western Europe, with 6,000 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs),
Spain on course for its hottest June on record. which convert unguided bombs into precision-
This crisis highlights the escalating impact of guided munitions, potentially enhancing Israel's
human-induced climate change, manifesting in aerial strike accuracy and effectiveness.
increasingly severe and early extreme weather
events. India-US Trade Deal Nears Brink: With a
July 9 deadline, the India-US "big, beautiful"
Iran Reports Over 900 Deaths in Israeli Air trade deal faces collapse over agricultural
War: Iran's judiciary announced 935 deaths, access, auto tariffs, and steel. Despite optimism,
including 38 children and 132 women, in a 12- a "mini-deal" is more likely, given India's "red
day air war with Israel, a sharp increase from lines" on farm protections (affecting over 700
previous tallies. This severe toll highlights the million people) and the US's 45 billion USD
conflict's human cost and raises concerns over trade deficit. If talks fail, a 10% baseline tariff
alleged "war crimes." on Indian imports is anticipated.
Upcoming Developments
Global Development Push Faces US Absence. Global leaders at the Seville summit pledged urgent
action to reduce poverty and tackle climate change, proposing measures like tripling multilateral lending
capacity and debt relief, even as the US conspicuously shunned the critical development forum.
Gaza Ceasefire Talks: Israeli Envoy in Washington. Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is
in Washington this week for ceasefire talks with White House officials amidst ongoing military
escalation and destruction in Gaza.
OPEC+ Eyes Fourth Supply Hike. Oil traders anticipate OPEC+ will approve a fourth increase of
411,000 barrels per day in August, part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to reclaim market share. This move is
expected to further pressure crude prices, with Brent already near USD 68 a barrel, down over 9% year-
to-date, potentially deepening an impending global surplus.
