Former U.S. President Barack Obama has said the current situation in the United States is worse than it was before the start of the Iran war. In an interview with NBC News ahead of the inauguration of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Friday, he expressed concern over the heavy costs of the conflict, including billions of dollars spent, pressure on the military, and loss of lives, while achieving no tangible results.

Obama criticized the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, arguing that it allowed Iran to expand its nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance claimed that the peace plan has weakened Iran’s conventional military power and reduced fuel prices, though his postponed trip to Switzerland has created uncertainty over new talks. Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran’s red lines must be respected in any future negotiations.

Oil transport disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have raised global market concerns, with ExxonMobil’s senior vice president Neil Chapman warning that prices could rise to $150–160 per barrel if strategic reserves fall critically low.

Host nation United States advanced to the World Cup knockout stage after defeating Australia 2–0 in their second group match. Despite missing star forward Christian Pulisic due to injury, the team maintained strong form to secure two consecutive victories and a perfect six points, ensuring direct qualification to the round of 32.

The match began favorably for the hosts when Australia’s Cameron Burgess scored an own goal in the 11th minute following pressure from Folarin Balogun’s attack down the left wing. Near the end of the first half, 21-year-old Alex Freeman doubled the lead, heading in a rebound from a set-piece after Sergiño Dest’s shot was blocked. The goal was confirmed as valid after a video review, marking Freeman’s first World Cup goal.

With this result, the United States joined Mexico as the second host nation to win its opening two matches and secure early progression, underlining the dominance of the tournament’s co-hosts.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran, not Washington, was in a desperate position during discussions over an interim agreement between the two countries. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that the United States did not sit for talks out of desperation, but Iran did, describing Tehran as being in a state of despair. He added that the United States would monitor the situation for the full 60-day negotiation period mentioned in the memorandum of understanding.

Trump also made it clear that Iran would not receive any financial assistance from the United States. He wrote that Iran would not get any money, not even a cent. The remarks came amid ongoing scrutiny of the interim deal process and the conditions attached to it.

According to the report, the statement was sourced from Al Jazeera and reflects Trump’s firm stance on maintaining pressure on Iran during the negotiation period.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who had declared at the start of the Iran invasion that no deal would occur without Tehran’s unconditional surrender, signed an agreement on Wednesday that appeared to contradict his earlier stance. The newly released document allows Iran to access billions of dollars in oil revenue previously frozen by the United States. Observers described the deal as resembling an American concession rather than a victory, while Iran reportedly viewed it as a cause for celebration after months of conflict.

The agreement, referred to as a memorandum of understanding, includes provisions that could enable Iran to strengthen its position over the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting earlier statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had said such control would be unacceptable. Trump justified the release of Iranian funds as a reward for “good behavior,” a move similar to one made by former President Barack Obama, which Trump had long criticized.

Following the deal’s publication, hardliners within Trump’s party voiced objections, and Israeli officials expressed concern that the accord might interfere with their ongoing operations against Hezbollah.

A series of shootings in Kansas City, Missouri, left one person dead and four others injured on Tuesday evening, June 16. Among the injured was an Uber driver transporting Argentina football supporters to Arrowhead Stadium, located about four miles from the shooting sites. Police identified a 22-year-old suspect who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. The incidents occurred between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. across a five-mile area, including three shootings on Interstates 70 and 670.

According to police, three adults and one teenager were hospitalized, with one adult in critical condition. The fatality occurred when a driver crashed into a pole on Truman Road and was later found to have gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported that shots were fired at vehicles traveling eastbound on the highways. Investigators believe the shootings were carried out by the same suspect within a short time span.

Police later raided a house in Independence, Missouri, where the suspect was believed to be hiding, but he was not found. Authorities also confirmed that the same suspect is wanted in connection with an earlier illegal weapons case dated June 11.

A shooting occurred at New York’s Times Square on Thursday afternoon, causing panic among tourists and pedestrians. According to the New York Police Department, the incident took place around 3:40 p.m. local time near Broadway between West 44th and 45th Streets. One person was injured and taken to the hospital, the New York Fire Department confirmed.

The shooting happened shortly after a parade celebrating the NBA champion New York Knicks filled the streets of Lower Manhattan with crowds. Officials said about 10,000 police officers had been deployed for the event. Police also noted that Times Square had larger-than-usual crowds due to the World Cup festivities.

Authorities said one juvenile suspect was arrested shortly after the shooting, and a firearm was recovered. Videos shared on social media showed people running for cover as gunfire erupted in the busy tourist area.

President Donald Trump’s new agreement with Iran has triggered sharp divisions within his own Republican Party. Following months of costly conflict, questions have emerged on Capitol Hill and among party members about whether the administration secured sufficient concessions from Tehran. After the deal’s release on Wednesday, several Republican senators voiced criticism and concern, while former party leaders and conservative media allies also expressed skepticism.

The preliminary deal lifts sanctions on Iran, releases billions in frozen assets, and allows 60 days for further nuclear discussions. It also establishes a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, though Trump insists the United States will not contribute financially. Some Republicans, including Senators Bill Cassidy and Ted Cruz, condemned the deal as a strategic mistake, while others such as Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham described it as a victory for U.S. security and global stability.

The internal rift comes five months before the midterm elections, amid rising fuel prices and inflation. Party leaders are eager to end the war quickly as Democrats link the economic strain to Trump’s Iran policy.

US Vice President JD Vance has strongly criticized Israeli leaders, saying Israel cannot solve its security problems through continuous violence. In an interview with The New York Times, Vance expressed anger at Israeli criticism of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Iran-Israel war. The MoU was signed a day earlier by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, despite Israeli pressure on Washington to continue the conflict.

Vance urged Israel to allow diplomatic discussions to proceed and to show gratitude toward the United States as a long-standing partner. He defended the MoU as a “victory” for the American people, highlighting provisions such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, and halting fighting across all fronts including Lebanon. However, top US Democrats and some Republicans argued the deal favored Tehran.

The agreement includes lifting sanctions on Iran’s fossil fuel sector and creating a $300 billion reconstruction fund, but leaves Iran’s nuclear program and missile activities unresolved, raising concerns among Israeli and US hardliners.

US President Donald Trump has declared that the war against Iran proved his power has no limits. In an interview with the American media outlet Axios, Trump said the US military is undoubtedly the strongest in the world. He described a naval blockade he ordered, claiming that no ship was able to pass through despite attempts by some vessels.

When asked whether the memorandum of understanding with Tehran amounted to Iran’s unconditional surrender, Trump maintained his stance, saying it was probably indeed an unconditional surrender. Following the signing of the memorandum, the United States lifted its naval blockade on Iran.

The report cited Middle East Eye as its source, but did not provide further details on the terms of the agreement or reactions from other parties.

The United States has delivered a strong message to Israel, urging it to comply with Lebanon-related conditions outlined in a memorandum of understanding. According to Al Jazeera correspondent Mike Hanna reporting from Washington, US Vice President JD Vance issued a particularly firm warning to Israel. Hanna added that President Trump had earlier engaged in heated discussions with the Israeli prime minister, fearing that Israel’s actions in Lebanon could obstruct the memorandum’s approval.

The report noted that the inclusion of Lebanon in the agreement has drawn criticism from the pro-Israel lobby in the United States. Despite this, the Trump administration has remained steadfast, defending its position amid growing questions and dissatisfaction among several pro-Israel members of Congress. The final agreement is expected to take effect in two months.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly opposes the formal establishment of the deal and is seeking to reshape its terms in his favor. An Israeli official told CNN that Netanyahu is using right-wing media allies and some US senators to pressure the Trump administration to alter the agreement’s content.

The White House confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance will not travel to Switzerland today for planned discussions with Iran. A spokesperson said that while the US delegation remains ready to depart when possible, the technical and logistical arrangements for the talks have not yet been finalized. The spokesperson added that the logistics of the discussions were never simple or predictable, and further updates will be shared once available.

The development follows a digital signing of an agreement between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and former US President Donald Trump on Thursday. The accord includes provisions to end hostilities, address the situation in Lebanon, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lift the US naval blockade on Iran. A formal signing ceremony had been scheduled for Friday in Switzerland but was canceled after the digital signing.

Pakistan, acting as mediator, confirmed the cancellation of the Swiss event, noting that the agreement had already taken effect. Future meetings between US and Iranian representatives in Switzerland remain possible but have not been confirmed.

Political analyst Harlan Ullman has described the relationship between the United States and Israel as 'alarming' and 'dangerous' following a major rift between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The dispute centers on a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which Ullman said has deeply angered Netanyahu. He told Al Jazeera that the Israeli leader is desperate to dismantle the agreement.

Although Netanyahu has refrained from publicly criticizing the deal, multiple media reports and observers suggest he is furious about it. According to Ullman, Netanyahu believes the agreement could harm his chances in Israel’s upcoming October election. Ullman also noted that Trump’s public remarks, implying he alone controls key decisions, may be boosting support for Netanyahu’s political opponents.

The tensions highlight growing strategic friction between Washington and Tel Aviv, with analysts warning that the dispute could reshape political dynamics ahead of Israel’s fall elections.

Senior Democratic lawmakers in the United States Congress have requested the full text and an immediate briefing on the memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently reached between the US and Iran. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Representatives Gregory Meeks, Jim Himes, and Adam Smith asked the administration to provide details of the MoU, any related secret agreements or implementation plans, and the broader US strategy for future engagements with Iran.

The lawmakers accused the administration of keeping Congress and the American public uninformed for more than 15 weeks about what they described as a “war of choice” that has become a “strategic failure.” They cited the deaths of 14 US soldiers, hundreds of injuries, damage to key military facilities, depleted ammunition reserves, and global increases in food and oil prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. While welcoming the administration’s decision to return to diplomacy and end the conflict, they insisted on greater transparency regarding the MoU.

The letter also raised questions about Iran’s nuclear program, the 60-day negotiation timeline, implementation mechanisms, Lebanon’s situation, Iran’s ballistic missile activities, allied groups, sanctions relief, and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has removed all detainees from Florida’s controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ migrant detention center, effectively shutting it down. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the move was made for safety reasons as the Atlantic hurricane season begins. DHS spokesperson Lauren Bice told the Associated Press that detainees were relocated to other facilities for their protection, but did not specify how many were moved or where they were sent.

The facility, located inside the Big Cypress National Preserve, had faced criticism since its launch on June 19, 2025. Built on a former airbase and surrounded by swamps, it was designed to prevent escapes. Indigenous leaders from the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes opposed the center, saying it damaged their homes and sacred sites. Human rights groups questioned its ability to protect detainees from Florida’s extreme weather.

The center had been accused of multiple human rights violations, including denial of legal access and medical neglect. The American Civil Liberties Union’s Amy Godshall called the evacuation an important step but urged permanent closure of the facility.

The United States military used Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence technology ‘Grok’ to conduct strikes on more than 2,000 Iranian targets within four days, according to a written testimony by Cameron Stanley, head of Digital and Artificial Intelligence at the Pentagon. The disclosure came during a civil case in the Northern District Court of Mississippi, where the Trump administration intervened in an environmental lawsuit filed against Musk’s company xAI.

Stanley stated that the US government deployed a ‘Grok Gov Model’ based on xAI’s commercial version, integrated into the Pentagon’s Maven Smart Systems (MSS) for target identification, intelligence gathering, and military readiness. The testimony did not specify the exact dates of use, leaving unclear whether the AI was linked to a February 28 strike that killed 156 civilians, including 120 schoolchildren. Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans reported about 3,500 civilian deaths since the joint US-Israeli offensive began.

The lawsuit, filed by the NAACP on April 26, accuses xAI of violating environmental laws by operating 27 methane gas turbines in Southaven, Mississippi, to power the ‘Colossus 2’ data center. The Pentagon and the US Department of Justice opposed the case, citing national security risks if the data center’s operations were disrupted.