US President Donald Trump cancels planned strikes on Iran, saying talks with the Islamic Republic's top leadership are moving forward. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have surged in recent days despite a nominal ceasefire agreed in April. The US launched strikes on Wednesday after a US AH‑64 Apache helicopter was lost near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with a missile barrage targeting American bases in the region.
The U.S. military launched new strikes against multiple targets in Iran overnight. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched counter-attacks on 18 American military targets at airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Iran warned it would fire on any vessel trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict between the United States and Iran threatens to reignite.
The biggest World Cup ever opens on Thursday with 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations. The tournament kicks off in Mexico City’s storied Azteca Stadium with hosts Mexico facing South Africa. There are unprecedented logistical challenges to staging a three-country event across the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA has come in for fierce criticism over its ticket pricing strategy for this World Cup.
US inflation accelerated to a three-year high in May. Food prices rose 4.2% from a year earlier and increased 0.5% on a monthly basis. The US carried out new strikes on Iran for a second consecutive day. Gasoline prices climbed 40.5%, turning a $40-$50 fill-up into a $60-$70 hit.
Jay Clayton, US attorney for the Southern District of New York, has been nominated to be the next director of national intelligence by President Donald Trump. The selection comes amid controversy over Trump's earlier decision to make housing official Bill Pulte the acting intelligence chief. Democrats want him to be replaced before they'll support renewing government surveillance powers expiring Friday.
US and Israeli forces have used infrastructure operated by Elon Musk-linked companies in attacks against Iran, according to Fars News Agency. Iran reserves the right to target facilities linked to holding companies under Musk’s management across the region and in Israel, an unnamed source said.
The New York Knicks came from 29 points down to beat San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday night. OG Anunoby tipped in a missed 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left to complete the comeback. The Knicks lead the NBA Finals 3-1 and have three chances to win the championship. Game 5 is on Saturday night in San Antonio.
Russia has been expanding its military presence near the Finnish and Norwegian borders for a long time. Russia is building barracks there or expanding the capacities of existing bases. In Pechenga, Russia, about ten kilometers from the Norwegian border in Lapland, it will be possible to accommodate 17,000 army personnel instead of 7,000 soldiers.
Trump may not renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as the three countries begin co-hosting the FIFA World Cup. Businesses, exporters and supply chains across all three countries face renewed uncertainty ahead of USMCA review talks later this month. Trump's comments revive longstanding tensions over deficits, tariffs and industrial policy.
Iran's World Cup squad took part in an open practice session at their Tijuana training camp on Thursday. Only a dozen players were present, with star striker Mehdi Taremi among those who didn't show. Iran's first match is scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles against New Zealand. The team is set to enter the United States on Sunday and spend the night there before the match.