Energy Markets: Azeri Light crude jumped to $98.73 a barrel, underlining how fast global prices are moving beyond Azerbaijan’s budget assumptions. Diplomacy & Security: President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that former German and Russian officials held secret talks in Baku on July 12–14, saying Azerbaijan learned only via media and that its territory was used without its knowledge, while Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he had no prior involvement. Energy Cooperation: In Berlin, Aliyev and Merz pushed closer Germany-Azerbaijan energy ties, agreeing a strategic agenda and discussing new gas pipeline interconnections and European funding to expand supplies. Regional Watch: The US carried out its 11th straight night of strikes on Iran, targeting military and drone-related sites as air defenses reportedly activated around Tehran. People & Society: Azerbaijan’s population surpassed 10 million, reaching 10,271,638 as of June 1, with urban residents making up 54.3%. Sports: Azerbaijan’s Fugar Asadli finished second on tie-break at the Qatar Rail Chess Open, scoring 8 points behind Victor Bologan. Culture: Azerbaijan marked National Press Day, recalling the 1875 launch of the Akinchi newspaper.