Donald Trump claimed on Thursday that the United States and Iran are on the verge of signing a peace agreement and announced he would cancel fresh missile strikes. His comments, made via social media, were not immediately confirmed by Iranian leadership.
Another Imminent Deal?
This is far from the first time Trump has declared a breakthrough. The US and Iran have cycled through months of negotiations, only to see talks fail, accusations fly, and bombings resume. Trump has previously claimed Iranian agreement when none existed.
A diplomat briefed on the talks indicated that a deal was largely agreed weeks ago but still has a 50% chance of collapse due to potential spoilers.
Details of the Proposed Agreement
The new agreement would include a timeline for demining the Strait of Hormuz, with the US naval blockade remaining in place. It also discusses mechanisms for further nuclear talks and the release of frozen Iranian assets, but lacks concrete steps for implementation.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated: “So far, Iran has not reached a final conclusion on the agreement.”
Strikes on Water Facilities May Constitute War Crimes
Military strikes that damaged two water storage facilities in southern Iran may be war crimes, according to experts. A 10 June strike on Bemani, near the Strait of Hormuz, destroyed a key reservoir for about 20,000 people. It is unclear if the water tanks were deliberately targeted.
Trump Nominates Jay Clayton as Top Intelligence Official
Trump has nominated Jay Clayton, former head of the US markets watchdog, to be director of national intelligence. This follows criticism over the appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director.
Lincoln Memorial Pool Makeover Complete
The $14.2 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool is finished. Early public reactions are mixed despite Trump's claims of rave reviews.
Republicans Split on Voting Bill
Trump demands a party-line measure to boost defense spending and impose new voting restrictions. Republicans are divided on the approach.
Democrats Seek Vance Testimony on Epstein Files
House Democrats plan to call JD Vance to testify about the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files, following a New York Times report on internal crises.
Mysterious Etching on National Mall
Federal authorities investigate a large etching of '8647' into the grass of the National Mall, visible from the Washington Monument.
Other News
- El Niño has officially arrived and may intensify to historic levels by fall.
- Lawmakers urge Trump to protect Afghan allies from being sent to unsafe third countries.
- Supreme Court overturns obstruction conviction of former Twitter employee accused of spying for Saudi Arabia.
- New documents show a group behind misleading 2024 election ads received funding from a non-profit linked to election deniers with Trump ties.
- Florida Supreme Court allows new GOP-drawn US House districts for midterms.
