Global dynamics once again brought several important developments this week. From US-Saudi Arabia civil nuclear cooperation and renewed conflict in the Middle East to environmental issues in Europe, various events demonstrated how global political changes continue to shape international relations. HI UNPAR has compiled seven international issues that captured global attention from July 20–26, 2026.
In the Middle East, US President Donald Trump stated that a civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia would depend on the country’s participation in the Abraham Accords. The agreement aims to develop Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure with support from US industries over a 30-year period. Trump also emphasized that the cooperation would not involve uranium enrichment. The agreement will be discussed further and is planned to be submitted to the US Congress.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi group launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Hodeidah. The attacks targeted facilities belonging to the oil company Aramco in Yanbu and Jizan. The escalating tensions threaten important shipping routes in the Red Sea, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
In Eastern Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday. The meeting comes amid efforts to revive negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia. Relations between Trump and Zelenskyy have also reportedly improved in recent months.
Meanwhile, 17 people remain missing after the Vietnamese vessel Khoi Nguyen 18 sank in the South China Sea. The ship was carrying 62 crew members, while 45 people were rescued. The search operation involves several Chinese vessels, rescue helicopters, and Vietnamese ships. The incident occurred while the vessel was operating in poor weather conditions.
In the world of sports, Formula 1 is set to hold the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on October 4. The race will replace the previously cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix, which was called off due to conflict in the Middle East. With the addition, the F1 calendar will return to 23 races. The race is still awaiting final approval from the FIA.
In the field of culture, Mount Olympus in Greece was officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List after a 12-year wait. In addition to Mount Olympus, the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy also received the same status. UNESCO recognized the sites for their significant cultural and historical value.
On the other hand, wildfires in France and Spain have forced more than 220,000 people to evacuate. In France, around 200,000 people were evacuated, while wildfires in Spain forced 25,000 people to flee. Heatwaves, drought, and strong winds have worsened the fires in both countries.
Source:
Bocia, Chris., dkk. “Trump says nuclear energy deal is contingent on Saudi signing Abraham Accords”. abc news. 24 Juli 2026. https://abcnews.com/International/trump-approves-us-saudi-civil-nuclear-energy-agreement/story?id=134976263.
“Malaysia to host rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix F1 race in October”. Aljazeera. 26 Juli 2026. https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/7/26/malaysia-to-host-rescheduled-bahrain-grand-prix-f1-race-in-october.
Rawnsley, Jessica. “More than 220,000 evacuated in France and Spain due to wildfires”. BBC. 25 Juli 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czjlenp0xk8o.
Ruffino Greta. “Trump and Zelenskyy to meet in Washington next week”. Euro News. 24 Juli 2026. https://www.euronews.com/2026/07/24/trump-and-zelenskyy-to-meet-in-washington-next-week.
Sasipornkarn, Emmy. “Viatnamese Vessel sinks in South China Sea, 17 missing”. DW. 26 JUli 2026. https://www.dw.com/en/vietnamese-vessel-sinks-in-south-china-sea-17-missing/a-78118211.
Smith, Helena. “Joy in Greece as Mount Olympus joins Unesco list of world heritages sites”. The Guardian. 26 Juli 2026. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/26/greece-mount-olympus-unesco-world-heritage-site.
“Yemen’s Houthis fire missiles, drones at Saudi Arabia in response to strikes on Hodeida”. NBC News. 25 Juli 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/yemens-houthis-fire-missiles-drones-saudi-arabia-response-strikes-rcna589200.