Independent · Printed Daily · Est. 2026

The Daily Dispatch

Late EditionTHURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026Edition: Good News

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Lead Story

US and Iran trade new strikes after Trump declares ceasefire 'over'

The U.S. military launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian cities including Bandar Abbas, Chabahar and Bushehr, and Iran responded with strikes of its own, in the most severe escalation since the two sides signed a ceasefire memorandum in mid-June. Trump said the strikes were retribution for an Iranian attack on shipping and warned things would get "much worse" if it happened again, while also floating a naval blockade and strikes on electricity and water infrastructure. Crude oil prices jumped and stocks fell on the renewed uncertainty.

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Russian missile and drone barrage on Kyiv kills at least 22

Russia fired 351 drones and 68 missiles, including 23 ballistic missiles, at Ukraine overnight, mainly targeting Kyiv. Fifteen people were killed in the capital and 56 injured, with seven more deaths in the wider Kyiv region, exposing widening gaps in Ukraine's air defenses more than four years into the war. Russia's Defense Ministry said it targeted weapons factories and energy infrastructure, though the strikes have repeatedly hit civilian areas; Ukraine's Patriot interceptor stocks remain strained in part by the parallel war in the Middle East.

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NATO allies pledge 5% GDP defense spending target at Ankara summit

Leaders at the NATO summit in Ankara committed to raising defense investment to 5% of GDP by 2035, alongside new pledges including $40 billion for counter-drone capabilities and over $26 billion for integrated air and missile defense. NATO also pledged 70 billion euros in equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine. Trump said he was largely satisfied with allies' progress on burden-sharing, even as he continued to criticize NATO members over their lack of support in the U.S.-Iran conflict.

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