Escalating Tensions Ahead of Deadline

On the eve of the deadline set for July 7, U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran, warning on Truth Social that ‘a whole civilization can be completely destroyed,’ implying that Iran could be reduced to ruins, according to South Korea’s Donga Ilbo. Trump also reportedly ordered military strikes on key infrastructure, including the strategically important Hormuz Strait and military facilities on the island of Kish, according to the same source. This was seen as a final pressure move against Iran ahead of the deadline.

Iran’s Major Guard Corps responded by stating that U.S. leaders ‘cannot even calculate which of their assets would fall within our range of fire’ if they attacked Iran’s infrastructure, as reported by the same source. They also emphasized that they could retaliate not only in the Middle East but also in regions outside the region, according to the report.

Stalemate in Key Negotiations

Despite these threats, both sides remain deadlocked on critical negotiation points, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters; the lack of progress in talks has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation, particularly as both nations continue to posture militarily.

Meanwhile, the rising oil prices have prompted airlines to cancel flights, leaving consumers anxious about travel plans during the upcoming Golden Week holiday, according to the same source. Many are now booking accommodations that allow for last-minute changes in case of flight cancellations.

Domestic Politics and Other Developments

In South Korea. President Lee Jae-myung met with leaders from both major political parties on July 7, emphasizing the importance of internal unity during times of crisis, according to the Kyungnam Ilbo. However, disagreements remained on issues such as the supplementary budget, constitutional reform, and the investigation into political scandals.

Other news included the implementation of a five-day vehicle rotation system at public parking lots starting August 8, as a response to the heightened resource security alert following the Middle East conflict. Additionally, a former executive at the e-commerce company ‘Coupang’ was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, for sexual misconduct against a trainee employee.