Macron China Visit: French President Macron visits China to strengthen trade ties, push for Ukraine peace, and explore new economic partnerships with Beijing.

US Venezuela tensions rise as Trump closes Venezuelan airspace, increasing Caribbean military activity and raising fears of confrontation.

"That will be bypassed in 2 years."

President Donald Trump has announced the cancellation of a planned military strike against Iran, citing last-minute diplomatic efforts. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed Tehran and other Middle Eastern nations had approached the US seeking a pause in hostilities after agreeing to a potential deal framework. The proposed agreement would include the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Trump emphasized that the decision to cancel the strike was made for the 'future benefit of the WORLD' and the survival of a 'successful and prosperous Iran'. However, the White House has not released additional details on the deal, and Iran has not confirmed Trump's account of the negotiations. The article highlights the controversial nature of Trump's claims, with no official confirmation from either side. While Trump framed the decision as a diplomatic victory, critics argue that such statements lack transparency and could destabilize regional tensions. The situation underscores the complex dynamics of US-Iran relations and the potential for political rhetoric to influence military decisions.

The article details a temporary pause in US-Iran military operations following diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. President Trump has allowed a strategic pause in airstrikes to facilitate negotiations, with the US ambassador to the UN stating that talks are gaining momentum. However, regional allies report no new Iranian attacks during the ceasefire. Commercial maritime traffic through critical Middle East chokepoints like the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, impacting global oil trade. A satellite image shows smoke rising from a Saudi refinery following Houthi claims of missile strikes, though Saudi authorities have not confirmed damage. Military analysts warn that Iran's stockpile of weapons and drones gives it an advantage in prolonged conflicts, while the US faces munitions shortages. The article also covers Iran's condemnation of a Ukrainian attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea and the stalled Saudi nuclear deal, which remains conditional on normalizing relations with Israel. Oil prices fell over 5% amid regional instability, while gas prices rose due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and their economic implications.

The article details escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowing revenge for the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by U.S.-Israeli forces. Khamenei's statement, released through state media, emphasizes that 'revenge is the demand of our nation.' Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran if Tehran attempts to assassinate him, following intelligence reports of alleged assassination plots. Diplomatic efforts are underway in Oman, where Iran's foreign minister is meeting with Omani officials to address the Strait of Hormuz crisis, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. The U.S. expects Iran to declare the strait open to commercial traffic, with potential consequences if Tehran fails to comply. The article also covers the funeral of Ali Khamenei, which drew massive crowds and online speculation about Khamenei's absence. Additionally, Israel's continued strikes in southern Lebanon and regional concerns from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are highlighted as part of the broader conflict. The piece underscores the fragile ceasefire and the complex interplay of military, political, and diplomatic factors in the region.

via Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera — While Trump said the MoU with Iran is 'over', US officials have reaffirmed Washington's commitment to continue talks.

The article details the current state of the U.S.-Iran conflict, highlighting a temporary pause in hostilities as mediators work to restart diplomatic talks. U.S. officials claim deliberate strikes are being used to avoid escalation and facilitate negotiations, while Iran maintains its stance on controlling the Strait of Hormuz. The burial of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Mashhad has raised questions about his successor's public absence, adding to regional uncertainty. Israel shared intelligence with the U.S. about a potential assassination plot against Trump, though no concrete actions have been taken. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint, with shipping lanes restricted and insurance premiums soaring due to ongoing tensions. Despite the ceasefire, unresolved disputes over the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) continue to fuel hostilities, with both sides accusing each other of misinterpreting the agreement. The article underscores the delicate balance between military posturing and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

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Trump says any Iran deal should require Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other nations to join the Abraham Accords with Israel.

During a White House gaggle, the president said he spoke to Vladimir Putin mainly about Ukraine and Iran, suggested a cease-fire and stated the United States will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons; reporters pressed on details and on assertions about Iranian military losses.

An agency official told reporters that Iran's earlier proposal was ‘‘fundamentally unserious’’ and rejected by the U.S.; the official said Iran offered a revised plan and that negotiations will proceed behind closed doors for two weeks while reaffirming that an end to enrichment remains a U.S. red line.

In a brief Q&A, a U.S. representative said the Strait of Hormuz "can be open tomorrow" if Iran stops threatening global shipping, said intermediaries are passing messages between the sides, and declined to name Iranian interlocutors.

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford said direct talks with Iran are encouraging but not a guarantee of results, and emphasized Iran's ballistic missile arsenal as a key concern raised during the negotiation window. The interview included a clip of Sen. Marco Rubio and reference to a Fox News op-ed by Sen. Lindsey Graham.

The bulletin relayed multiple international developments: media reported a suspect detained over an assassination attempt on a Russian general, a fire at an Iranian military base was reported and U.S.-Iran indirect talks in Oman were described as a "good start," with U.S. representatives named in reports.

In a press briefing the President said Iran "looks like it wants to make a deal very badly," described ongoing talks with Iran, Russia and Ukraine, and said a high-level meeting produced 'results today' with another meeting planned early next week.

The U.N. told reporters Rafah 'has not been reopened' and said it is negotiating expanded aid corridors — including the Jordan Corridor — with Israeli and other partners; the U.N. also reported nearly 13,000 children vaccinated in an immunization campaign in Gaza so far.