AFBytes Quarter Rundown — Thursday, July 9, 7:00 AM ET

Here are today's top stories from around the world, affecting us all in different ways. Donald Trump, the former president, claimed he remains Iran's primary assassination target. He said the threat won't change his approach. This direct threat underscores the need for robust deterrence and border security measures. It also affects household costs as heightened U.S.-Iran friction can lead to oil price volatility, impacting gasoline and heating expenses. The United States carried out further strikes on Iran after the president declared the prior ceasefire over. Both sides appear reluctant to return to full-scale war yet unwilling to concede. Renewed direct conflict raises risks of broader regional war that can disrupt oil flows and draw in additional U.S. military resources. This affects deterrence credibility and the protection of critical maritime energy routes. President Trump is conditioning support for a large defense spending package on passage of the SAVE America Act containing voter ID and citizenship verification provisions. Linking voter verification rules to defense funding can determine whether the legislation advances before midterm elections and affects federal spending priorities. The SAVE Act provisions aim to strengthen election integrity through citizenship verification. President Trump reported that Iran had reached out to discuss a deal following recent U.S. strikes, while leaving open the possibility that large-scale fighting could resume. Direct communications between the two governments can alter the trajectory of military confrontation and regional stability. This test whether U.S. military pressure can produce negotiated limits on Iranian capabilities. Donald Trump warned he may be an assassination target of Iran. Fresh exchanges of strikes between U.S. and Iranian forces occurred near the Strait of Hormuz. Escalation risks in the Strait of Hormuz directly affect global oil prices and U.S. energy costs. The policy prioritizes keeping critical sea lanes open to protect trade flows and energy independence. That's the day from where we sit — thanks for spending part of it with us. Stay with us at AFBytes for what's next.