Author: Loisa Lane

President Trump has delayed Jay Clayton’s nomination as head of the U.S. intelligence community to pressure Congress on a voter ID bill lacking sufficient support. He announced Bill Pulte will remain acting director, linking approval of a surveillance program to the passage of the voting legislation.

Polls have closed in Georgia, where voters participated in a runoff for the GOP Senate primary. Rep. Mike Collins is projected to defeat Derek Dooley, aiming to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in November. The runoff follows a primary where no candidate secured a majority.

Oil dips to $80 per barrel, the lowest since March, on news of the Strait of Hormuz reopening as part of the Middle East live deal.

Major shipping companies remain hesitant to resume operations through the Strait of Hormuz despite a forthcoming U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at lifting restrictions. While President Trump has assured safety, firms indicate that substantial security guarantees are necessary before risk levels are deemed acceptable for transiting the vital waterway.

The US and Iran aim for an immediate end to military operations, detailed in the memorandum of understanding.

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell has been admitted to hospital, confirmed a spokesperson. While details on the admission remain undisclosed, he is reportedly engaged with Senate business. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed optimism about McConnell’s return to Capitol Hill later this week.

President Trump announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Iran during his visit to France for the G7 summit. He stated that significant progress is being made on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. assistance in mine clearance expected to begin immediately.

The Israeli Defence Force conducted airstrikes in southern Beirut targeting Hezbollah leadership, a response to rocket attacks on Israel. Meanwhile, discussions of a US-Iran truce surfaced, potentially addressing tensions in Lebanon, though compliance from Iran remains uncertain, crucial for Israel’s security concerns.

The United States and Iran have finalised an agreement to terminate all military operations, as announced by President Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A signing ceremony is set for June 19 in Switzerland, with discussions preceding the official signing.

Vice President JD Vance discussed his new book, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith,” in an interview with Robert Costa. He covered his conversion to Catholicism and hinted at a potential presidential campaign in 2028, outlining his personal and political reflections.