U.S. Patriot Missile Stockpiles Plummet Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict The ongoing conflict in Iran has led to a significant reduction in U.S. military stockpiles of key interceptor missiles, now estimated to be at just 40% of pre-war levels. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), as of July 27, the U.S. military's inventory of Patriot interceptor missiles is estimated to be between 759 and 827 units, down from approximately 2,330 units just before the war began in February. Similarly, the stockpile of Terminal High Altitude Area De July 30, 2026

U.S. and Saudi Airstrikes Kill Five Iranian Military Advisors in Iraq U.S. and Saudi airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have resulted in the deaths of five Iranian military advisors, according to a report by AFP on July 29. Sources from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an armed group affiliated with the Iraqi government, confirmed to AFP that the Iranian advisors were killed in airstrikes conducted in Diyala province, located in central Iraq. AFP reporters observed coffins draped in Iranian flags at a funeral for the airstrike victims held July 30, 2026

Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady at 3.50% to 3.75%, Three Members Call for Hike The Federal Reserve has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate steady at 3.50% to 3.75%. However, three of the 12 members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) expressed support for a rate hike, citing concerns over inflation pressures due to rising international oil prices.On July 29, following a two-day FOMC meeting, the Fed announced it would maintain the current rate.This marks the fifth consecutive hold this year, following similar decisions in January, March, April, and June. It July 30, 2026

Incheon Global Campus to Become Hub for Industry-Academia Collaboration The South Korean government is developing the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) as a global hub for industry-academia collaboration. The initiative aims to connect the research capabilities and talent of foreign universities located in Songdo with domestic industries, thereby promoting foreign investment and attracting global companies.On July 30, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a meeting to enhance industry-academia collaboration at the IGC and hosted the IGC Navigator Day 2026 at the July 30, 2026

Preparing for the Next Standards in ADAS: All-Weather Sensing The competition in automotive sensing technology is evolving. While the focus used to be on how far and accurately sensors could detect, the key criteria now center on how reliably, quickly, and consistently these technologies can be implemented in mass-produced vehicles.At the company's annual technology demonstration held in June, topics included UWB-based in-vehicle detection technology, next-generation millimeter-wave radar, and changes in ADAS-related regulations. Notably, the introduction July 30, 2026

President Yoon Calls for Evolution of Korea-Chile FTA to Reflect New Economic Realities 이재명 대통령은 29일(현지시간) 한국이 처음으로 체결한 한·칠레 자유무역협정(FTA)이 디지털 무역과 인공지능(AI), 청정기술 등 변화한 경제 환경을 반영하도록 진화해야 한다고 밝혔다. 아르헨티나의 인터넷매체 인포바에에 따르면 이 대통령은 칠레 방문에 앞서 공개된 스페인 EFE통신과의 서면 인터뷰에서 “오늘날 경제는 디지털 무역과 AI, 청정기술, 회복력 있는 공급망, 탄소중립 전환을 중심으로 재편되고 있다”며 이같이 말했다. 이 대통령은 “한·칠레 FTA가 이러한 새로운 현실을 반영하도록 진화해야 July 30, 2026

President Lee Arrives in Santiago, Chile, for Official Visit President Lee Jae-myung arrived in Santiago, Chile, on July 29 after completing a state visit to Brazil. He aims to modernize the free trade agreement (FTA) with Chile, Korea's first FTA partner, which marks its 22nd anniversary this year, and to expand cooperation in critical mineral supply chains and infrastructure.The presidential aircraft carrying President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung landed at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago at 2:20 p.m. local time.They were wel July 30, 2026

Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns As military tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate and Brent crude oil prices briefly surpass $100, the U.S. Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged.On July 29, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to maintain the current benchmark interest rate at 3.50% to 3.75%. In the vote, 9 out of 12 members supported the decision to hold rates steady, while three members—Lorie Logan (Dallas), Neel Kashkari (Minneapolis), and Beth Hammack (Cleveland)—advocated for an incr July 30, 2026

Rivalry Among Democratic Party Leadership Candidates Intensifies Over Investigation Authority Three candidates for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea engaged in a heated debate on various controversies surrounding the abolishment of supplementary investigative authority on July 29. The factional conflict between the pro-Lee Jae-myung and pro-Jung Cheong-rae camps was also highlighted.During the MBC 100-Minute Debate, candidate Kim Min-seok stated, "If the relationship between the ruling party and the government is shaken, it can affect the country and President Lee Jae-myung July 30, 2026

Hyundai Workers Begin Partial Strikes Amid Ongoing Wage Negotiations The wage and collective bargaining negotiations at Hyundai Motor Company are likely to extend beyond the summer vacation period. The union has been escalating pressure on management through a series of partial strikes over the past nine days, but significant differences remain between the two sides. As the strike actions spread to Hyundai Group affiliates, labor disputes are intensifying across the domestic automotive industry.According to industry sources, the Hyundai union began a three-day pa July 29, 2026