Armed conflicts and attacks

Oman reaches an agreement with France and the United Kingdom to ensure safe navigation through the country's waterways including the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz. (CNBC)

• https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/07/04/uk-france-agree-with-oman-to-ensure-safety-of-its-territorial-waters.html

Armed conflicts and attacks

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces deny Russia's claim that it captured Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, yesterday, saying Ukrainian forces still control the city and continue defensive operations there. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-denies-russian-capture-key-eastern-city-kostiantynivka-2026-07-04/

Arts and culture

The United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 1776. (BBC News)

• https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c20y3rzq0w1t

International relations

China releases pastor Jin Mingri, the founder of the Beijing Zion Church, after detaining him since October, with ChinaAid.org saying officials presented the release as a goodwill gesture following U.S. president Donald Trump's visit to China last May. (AFP via New Straits Times)

• https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2026/07/1481117/china-frees-jailed-pastor-ezra-jin

International relations

A Russian cultural center in Chișinău, Moldova, closes after the government orders its shutdown, citing security concerns linked to Russian influence and drone incidents amid strained bilateral relations. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-cultural-centre-closes-moldova-after-government-order-2026-07-04/