Middle East Tensions: Germany’s foreign minister says Iran should ultimately pay for mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting any idea of European incentives and stressing any German role would need a clear legal mandate and secure conditions. Far-Right Fallout: AfD member Murat Dadayev (Noah Krieger) has joined the Russian army, raising fresh questions about the party’s ties and internal discipline. Defense & Industry: Canada is reportedly set to choose Germany’s TKMS to build 12 new submarines, a major NATO-era procurement that could be announced ahead of a Carney trip to a summit. Economy Watch: German consumer confidence in July edged up, with expectations improving as concerns over the Israel-Iran conflict eased. Auto Sector: Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume faces a make-or-break supervisory board meeting on July 9 over painful job cuts and plant closures amid pressure from Chinese rivals. AfD Politics: AfD leaders re-elected Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla at a congress in Erfurt as large protests and police clashes marked the event. Sports & Culture: Neymar announced his retirement from international football, ending a glittering Brazil career without a World Cup title. Business/Tech: A Lufthansa A380 diversion to Boston after a passenger disturbance is likely to bring a costly headache for the airline.