Geopolitical Digest by Mikhail Azhgirevich, July 10, 2026

"Operation Bitch Slap" - Trump Launches New Campaign Against Iran

Inside the White House, the new military operation against Iran is unofficially referred to as "Operation Bitch Slap" - the strikes are designed to be painful but short-term, provided Tehran does not continue its escalation. Trump announced the end of the ceasefire, called the Iranian leadership "scum" and "crazy," threatened a blockade and the seizure of Kharg Island, and on the second night of the operation, US forces struck a railway bridge in northern Iran, disrupting the transport corridor to China and Russia. Democrats in Congress are criticizing the lack of strategy, but they currently have no real leverage - the House is in recess. The operation, code-named "Slap," is hitting infrastructure that leads to China and Russia - the geography of the conflict is quietly expanding.

Khamenei Buried in Mashhad - 43 Million Attend Farewell

Iran's Supreme Leader was buried in Mashhad, with approximately 43 million people attending the farewell ceremony in Iran and Iraq - the largest procession in human history. The scale of the event stands in stark contrast to how Western media has portrayed the late leader over the past decades. 43 million mourners, and this against the backdrop of an ongoing war with the US that began during the lifetime of the man being buried.

Novak Admits: Fuel Shortage Linked to Refinery Strikes

Deputy Prime Minister Novak directly linked the fuel shortage to refineries partially going offline due to drone attacks - a more candid formulation than previous statements about "market balancing." At the same time, Russia's Defense Ministry reported six group strikes and one massive strike over the week on Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and airfields. Novak has for the first time acknowledged a direct connection between the strikes on refineries and the lines at gas stations - candor is growing along with the shortage.

“Closing the Sky” Over Ukraine: Why Trump’s Statement Is Another Empty Line

9 July, 2026

Turkey Resold Russian S-400s - Kremlin Calls the Topic "Highly Sensitive"

Turkey resold S-400 systems it had purchased from Russia to one of the Gulf states - presumably the UAE or Qatar. Peskov confirmed there are contacts with Ankara on this matter, calling it "highly sensitive," but did not deny the deal itself. Turkey, which bought the S-400s despite NATO pressure, is now reselling them further - the arms market operates by its own rules, regardless of alliances.

North Korea Announces Strengthening of Nuclear Forces

KCNA reported Pyongyang's decision to qualitatively and quantitatively strengthen its nuclear arsenal - against the backdrop of a broader global trend toward revising nuclear restrictions, including Finland's recent abandonment of its non-nuclear status. Another nuclear power announces the expansion of its arsenal - the list of countries abandoning restraint continues to grow.

Dutch Intelligence Accuses Russian Hackers of Hacking Surveillance Cameras

According to the Netherlands, Russian hackers hacked into internet-connected cameras (including doorbell cameras) near NATO military supply routes to track weapons shipments to Ukraine - many devices were compromised due to weak passwords. Surveillance via doorbell cameras - 21st-century espionage looks far more mundane than it's typically portrayed.