“U.S. Nomination Drama: Trump Tagged for Nobel Peace Prize by Israel’s Netanyahu Amidst Gaza Conflict Talks” – 7/9/2025, 12:22:56 PM

Here are the latest world news highlights as of July 9, 2025:

• U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to urge progress toward ending the Gaza conflict. During the meeting, Netanyahu also formally nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize[1].
• China has expanded its visa-free policy, now allowing citizens from 74 countries to enter for up to 30 days without a visa in a bid to boost tourism—this is China’s most relaxed travel rule to date[1].
• The United States has lifted licensing restrictions on ethane exports to China, allowing these shipments to resume, which is seen as a positive signal in easing recent trade tensions[2].
• U.S. President Trump has imposed a 50% levy on imported copper and previously launched 25% duties on Mexican goods, moves that have unsettled financial markets and global supply chains[2].
• Shipments of antimony to the U.S. have surged, routed through Thailand and Mexico to circumvent China’s export ban on critical minerals bound for the U.S.[2]
• Russia has confiscated company assets worth 3.9 trillion roubles (about $50 billion) since 2022, reflecting a shift to a ‘fortress Russia’ economic model[2].
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to visit North Korea from July 11 to 13, as announced by Russia’s Foreign Ministry[2].
• A severe heatwave has struck Japan, with Tokyo recording its highest temperature so far this year[2].
• The European Union is seeking immediate U.S. tariff relief and a ‘stand-still’ pledge in ongoing trade talks[2].
• UN Climate Change continues to drive progress on climate goals, highlighted during recent meetings in Bonn[4].
• A major strike in Philadelphia has ended after city leaders and union officials reached an agreement[5].

For ongoing national developments:
– India announced it will seek to reshape BRICS when it assumes the presidency in 2026[1].
– A massive nationwide strike involving 300–400 million workers and farmers is taking place in India today, protesting government policies[1].