The United States is planning to significantly reduce the number of aircraft and naval assets allocated to NATO operations in Europe, according to a report by The New York Times citing two senior European officials. The decision was communicated to allies earlier this month through a written document and is described as part of a broader shift in Washington’s security policy toward Europe.

According to the report, the U.S. intends to cut the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets assigned to NATO from about 150 to 100, reduce maritime patrol aircraft from 26 to 15, and withdraw eight aerial refueling planes currently allocated for European missions. The changes will also include the redistribution of one aircraft carrier, one missile-carrying submarine, several warships, and strategic bombers.

Officials cited in the report warned that these adjustments could weaken the alliance’s long-range strike and aerial surveillance capabilities. The report was sourced from Middle East Eye.

A hacker group named Hanzala has claimed responsibility for breaching California’s water supply system, stating that the attack was carried out in retaliation for a United States strike on a water reservoir in southern Iran. The group announced that it had collected data from the hacked website and described the operation as a warning to Washington.

According to Hanzala’s statement, the group possesses the capability to disrupt water distribution but chose not to completely shut down supply to American cities, citing ethical differences with its adversaries. As evidence of the breach, the hackers released five gigabytes of data.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, did not include any official response from US authorities or confirmation of the claimed hack.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that a deal with Iran has been finalized, stating that Tehran has agreed never to develop nuclear weapons. He also announced the cancellation of a planned military strike against Iran on Thursday night. The announcement suggests a potential shift in U.S.-Iran relations following heightened tensions.

According to Richard Weitz, an international security expert at NATO Defense College, Trump’s remarks indicate the possibility of a phased agreement. He told Al Jazeera that some measures, such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz, could be implemented quickly, while more complex issues like the nuclear question would be addressed later. Weitz cautioned that although the initial phase may progress smoothly, both sides could become entangled in details, potentially reversing early gains.

Weitz added that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is vital for Iran’s oil exports and equally important for U.S. Gulf allies and the global economy, underscoring the broader stakes of the emerging deal.

Questions have intensified over U.S. President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran issue, particularly his fluctuating approach to negotiations and military threats. Analysts say that over the past two and a half months, Trump has created a situation that obscures reality and reflects internal contradictions. Despite repeatedly claiming that Iran is desperate for a deal, he has eased deadlines, downplayed Iranian provocations, and softened his tone after issuing threats, including a recent reversal on a planned assault on Iran’s Kharg Island.

Critics argue that Trump’s reluctance to escalate militarily has allowed Iran to exploit the situation, prolonging both the conflict and its economic fallout. The issue is now intersecting with the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, potentially giving Iran political leverage. Trump’s muted response to the downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter and his mixed messages about deploying troops have further fueled debate.

Experts warn that Trump’s flexibility and premature disclosure of plans are strengthening Iran’s bargaining position, while rising domestic inflation could deepen political challenges for Republicans ahead of the elections.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the ongoing state of war with Iran has ended following the finalization of a new agreement between the two countries. Speaking during a tele-rally in support of Senate candidate Barry Moore, Trump announced that Iran had agreed never to develop nuclear weapons, which he described as the United States’ main demand.

In his remarks, Trump said that all issues with Iran had been resolved and expressed satisfaction with the deal, calling it a great agreement. He stated that there would be no nuclear weapons under the terms of the accord and that American personnel would soon begin returning home. According to Trump, the agreement was nearly complete and fulfilled all U.S. objectives.

The announcement marks a significant development in U.S.-Iran relations, though no further details of the agreement or Iran’s official response were provided in the source.

US stock markets recorded a sharp rise after President Donald Trump made positive remarks about canceling an attack on Iran. Late Thursday, major Wall Street indices turned upward following his comments suggesting that a deal with Iran was very close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.75 percent, while the technology-focused Nasdaq Composite rose 2.54 percent.

Rick Meckler, a partner at Cherry Lane Investments in New Jersey, said the administration viewed the day as one when the war might be ending, which lifted the markets. However, he expressed some doubt, questioning whether this was another false signal or a genuine end to tensions. Meckler added that the ongoing war and inflation, particularly in the energy sector, had been major pressures on the market, and any real resolution would be a clear positive for investors.

The report cited Al Jazeera as its source, noting that the market reaction reflected optimism about easing geopolitical risks and potential stability in global trade and energy prices.

Erin Klatt, an American who moved to New Zealand on a working holiday visa in 2016, formally renounced her U.S. citizenship in early 2026 after settling permanently in the country. She cited political dissatisfaction during the Trump era and the heavy tax obligations on Americans living overseas as key reasons for her decision. Klatt paid a $2,350 fee before the U.S. State Department reduced the renunciation cost by nearly 80 percent. Her case reflects a broader trend of Americans abroad reconsidering their citizenship.

According to Americans Overseas, a group assisting expatriates, 4,889 names appeared on the IRS list of citizenship renunciations in 2025, the highest since 2020. The organization reports a 15 percent rise in inquiries this year and expects the trend to continue. Experts note that many “accidental Americans” face complex tax liabilities despite little connection to the United States.

Immigration lawyers warn that renouncing citizenship carries long-term consequences, including loss of visa-free travel and the right to live or work in the U.S. For some, however, the decision represents not only financial or political motives but also a search for personal identity.

US President Donald Trump announced that he canceled a planned military strike on Iran on Thursday night after receiving final approvals for a potential agreement between the United States and Iran. Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated that discussions with Iran had been approved at the highest levels of the Islamic Republic’s leadership, prompting his decision to halt the attack. He said all relevant parties had endorsed both the talks and the final terms.

According to Trump, the countries granting approval include the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt. He added that a naval blockade would remain in place until the agreement is finalized and that the time and location for signing the deal would be announced soon. This is not the first time Trump has claimed that a deal with Iran is close, though previous efforts did not materialize.

A source familiar with the matter said Iran recently sent the latest draft of the proposed agreement to the United States through Qatari mediators, while both sides continued limited hostilities earlier in the week.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the organization’s limited control over ongoing controversies surrounding the 23rd FIFA World Cup, which has just begun in the United States. The tournament, described as the “greatest show on earth,” has been overshadowed by disputes over high ticket prices, visa complications for teams and fans, and strict entry measures imposed by US authorities. The situation intensified after Somali referee Omar Artan was sent back home by US officials over alleged links to a terrorist group, sparking widespread criticism.

Infantino stated that FIFA cannot control everything and must respect government and security decisions, emphasizing that the world has become increasingly aggressive and security concerns now dominate. He said FIFA continues to work behind the scenes to manage the challenges. Despite the diplomatic tensions, Infantino highlighted Iran’s participation in the tournament as a major achievement for FIFA, calling it a success to bring the Iranian team to play in the US.

The remarks reflect FIFA’s attempt to balance global football operations with host nation sovereignty and security priorities.

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he canceled planned military strikes against Iran, claiming that Iran’s leadership had approved a draft agreement to extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and begin 60 days of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Trump said the deal had been approved by all parties involved, including the U.S. and several regional countries, and that a naval blockade would remain until the agreement was finalized.

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency denied that any agreement had been approved, though it acknowledged a possibility that Tehran might consider signing off later. Three sources briefed on the talks told Axios that key gaps were narrowed during discussions between Iranian officials and Qatari mediators in Tehran on Wednesday, focusing on frozen assets, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the structure of nuclear negotiations.

According to those sources, Iranian officials informed several countries that an agreement in principle had been reached, pending final approval from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Abeer Kawas, a Palestinian-American activist, is running as a Democratic Socialist candidate in the June 23 primary election for New York State Senate District 12, representing Queens. If successful, she would become the first Palestinian elected to the New York Senate. Her opponent is Filipino-American legislator Steven Raga, with the winner advancing to the November election and assuming office in Albany next January. Kawas has received the endorsement of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously ran a progressive campaign emphasizing housing and transit reforms and a strong stance on Palestine.

Kawas’s candidacy reflects her long-standing community activism and her personal history as the daughter of a Palestinian immigrant detained and deported after the September 11 attacks. She has worked with organizations focused on immigrant rights, language access, and police reform. Her campaign emphasizes the need for diverse, progressive voices in the Democratic Party and legislative system.

The race takes place amid heightened anti-Muslim incidents in the United States, with advocacy groups reporting a sharp rise in attacks on Muslim Americans and institutions under the Trump administration.

US President Donald Trump said he 'likes inflation' as the country experiences its fastest price rise in three years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index rose 4.2 percent in May compared to a year earlier, up from 3.8 percent in April. The increase was mainly driven by higher energy costs linked to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he liked the numbers and promised that prices would fall sharply once the war with Iran ends.

On the same day, Trump announced that US forces had seized millions of barrels of oil from Iran in overnight operations, which slightly reduced oil prices. Later, he told the New York Post that his remarks were taken out of context and that he meant inflation was lower than expected despite the war. Inflation has now risen for three consecutive months, with energy bills up nearly 25 percent from a year earlier. Opposition leaders, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sharply criticized Trump’s comments.

Economists warned that even if the war ends soon, supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz could persist until 2027. The Federal Reserve faces pressure ahead of its rate-setting meeting next week, though analysts expect rates to remain between 3.5 and 3.75 percent.

The United States government has come under sharp criticism from immigration and human rights experts over visa complications and entry denials affecting athletes, officials, and fans attending the FIFA World Cup. The controversy intensified after Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to officiate in the tournament, was denied entry at Miami airport despite holding a valid visa. The Department of Homeland Security cited “vetting concerns,” while the incident reignited debate about discrimination and immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Other affected participants include members of Iran’s football delegation, some of whom were denied visas and forced to base their team in Mexico, entering the US only for match days. Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein and photographer Talal Salah faced lengthy detentions, while Haiti’s Woodensky Pierre received a delayed visa. Swiss forward Breel Embolo also faced a temporary travel block due to a prior conviction. UN human rights chief Volker Turk called for a “massive rethink” of US immigration policies, warning against racial profiling and surveillance.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization cannot override government decisions, emphasizing that FIFA remains a sports body focused on finding solutions within its limited authority.

More than 4,400 current and former SpaceX employees are set to become millionaires as the company, founded by Elon Musk, prepares for its initial public offering this week at a share price of $135. The IPO marks the largest public debut ever by a private space company, valuing SpaceX at $1.77 trillion—five times the market capitalization of General Electric. Former launch engineer Trevor Heis, who joined SpaceX in 2011, holds over 100,000 shares now worth at least $13.5 million.

According to San Francisco-based investment platform Hill.com, around 400 of these employees will see their wealth exceed $100 million. Hill.com CEO Andrew Benson described this as an unusual outcome, noting that such wealth creation typically benefits only founders. The IPO is expected to transform the financial lives of thousands of SpaceX workers, both current and former.

Some early employees sold their shares years ago, doubting that SpaceX would ever go public. Others, like former supply manager Helvin Bacariza, plan to hold onto their shares even after the IPO, anticipating further growth.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed on Wednesday that the United States launched a second consecutive night of airstrikes on key facilities in Iran, describing the attacks as part of ongoing negotiations for a permanent ceasefire. Speaking in Tampa, Florida, after leaving the US Central Command headquarters, Hegseth said the strikes were ordered by President Donald Trump and reviewed with CENTCOM Commander Admiral Bradley Cooper. CENTCOM later announced “additional self-defense strikes” at 5:15pm Eastern time, while Iran’s IRNA reported explosions in several cities, including Bandar Abbas and Gorgan.

The strikes follow the downing of a US AH-64 Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the week, which Trump blamed on Iran. The renewed attacks have fractured the fragile truce established on April 8, amid conflicting explanations from Washington about the war’s purpose. Hegseth said the offensive was meant to pressure Iran into advancing stalled negotiations, echoing Trump’s warning that Tehran would “pay the price” for delays.

Iran has responded with strikes on US bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, signaling no intention to retreat. Analysts described Hegseth’s remarks as a return to “gunboat diplomacy,” using military force to gain diplomatic leverage.