Author: Loisa Lane

Israeli jets struck Beirut hours before President Trump’s planned announcement of a ceasefire deal with Iran, resulting in three fatalities. Trump’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalated during a phone call, highlighting tensions between the two leaders amid ongoing military operations.

Cuban lawmakers approved 176 reforms aimed at reducing state control in the economy to attract foreign investment across various sectors. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero presented the measures in response to economic pressures exacerbated by a U.S. oil blockade, marking significant changes since the 1959 revolution.

Algae has turned the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool a fluorescent green following recent renovations led by President Trump, who aimed to improve its condition. Despite using advanced cleaning techniques, the Department of the Interior confirmed that the algae bloom is part of the normal startup process following construction.

President Trump condemned critics of the U.S.-Iran memorandum, labelling them “fools” in a post on Truth Social. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy called the agreement the “worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” while other Republicans expressed concerns over the deal’s implications for Iran’s nuclear ambitions and economic relief for the regime.

President Trump has called for the immediate confirmation of Jamie McDonald as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York during the G7 summit in France. McDonald, a prominent attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell, may face scrutiny over his prosecutorial independence amidst ongoing investigations into the firm’s dealings.

Trump meets Modi to discuss Iran memorandum of understanding in Replay: Trump meets Modi, addresses memorandum of understanding in Iran and FRANCE 24’s analysis.

Senior U.S. officials detailed a memorandum of understanding with Iran, emphasising a permanent end to military operations, immediate oil exports, and a $300 billion reconstruction plan. Iran committed to not develop nuclear weapons, with sanctions set for gradual lifting, pending compliance within 60 days.

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.