The sandstorm that started in the Anbar province in Iraq on Wednesday evening, has negatively affected the life in the country. Flights were suspended due to the decrease in visibility in Baghdad, Najaf and Sulaimaniyah caused by the sandstorm. Yermuk Training Hospital in the capital Baghdad announced that more than 600 people were hospitalized with complaints of shortness of breath, and most of the patients were in good health. Hospital stated that no deaths were recorded due to the sandstorm and that the health personnel were alarmed. It was reported that most of those taken to hospitals were members of the security forces. In addition to that, the security forces were put on full alert to prevent the terrorist organization DAESH from attacking by taking advantage of bad weather conditions.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic warned that a proposed 30% US tariff on European goods would effectively amount to a trade ban, severely disrupting transatlantic supply chains.
Speaking ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Sefcovic expressed disappointment over a letter from US President Donald Trump that halted expected trade progress. “We were close to an agreement,” he said, but now “must prepare for all outcomes.”
The EU has delayed retaliatory measures on $72 billion worth of US goods until August 1, hoping for a negotiated resolution. Sefcovic emphasized that “no one wants a trade war,” while France urged faster preparation for countermeasures and Hungary blamed the EU Commission’s weak response to US pressure.
Danish and Lithuanian ministers echoed calls to avoid escalation but emphasized EU readiness to defend its interests.
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