Donald Trump has signed a 14-point agreement with Iran, claiming it delivered a “major win” for the US – even as it made significant political and financial concessions to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent a “worldwide depression.”
Trump's Iran Deal Sparks Controversy
In extraordinary remarks, Trump went from threatening Iran with a new wave of attacks to suggesting the country had basic rights to enrich uranium for civilian use, that he would not pressure Tehran to abandon its ballistic missiles program, and the US was “going to have to give back” billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said: “The agreement is a record of US failure. People will see it and judge.” Republican reactions were mixed. Senator Lindsey Graham softened his view after a conversation with envoy Steve Witkoff, while Ted Cruz called it “giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics.” Senator Bill Cassidy declared: “Reagan is rolling over in his grave.”
Ukrainian Drones Strike Moscow
Ukrainian drones hit several locations across Moscow, setting an oil refinery on fire and forcing airports to suspend flights. The scale of the attack caught Muscovites by surprise, prompting panicked messages on social media.
Trump Administration Challenges Reparations Program
The Trump administration has joined a lawsuit to stop a first-of-its-kind reparations plan in Evanston, Illinois, arguing its race-based criteria are unconstitutional. The program offers Black residents up to $25,000 for past housing discrimination.
Other News
- A blaze engulfed the roof of a 500,000 sq-ft warehouse in LA, sending smoke and ammonia into the sky.
- Harvard and Bard College face new questions about ties to Jeffrey Epstein amid allegations of trafficking.
- The FTC is suing the World Professional Association for Transgender Health over gender-affirming care for minors.
- The Taliban has banned smartphone use by government officials, with devices being destroyed.
Climate and Science
The Biodiversity Heritage Library, a digital archive of 64 million pages, is in peril due to budget cuts. An essay by John Drake explores why ecosystems don't have functions to fail. A 5,000-year-old solstice-aligned monument was discovered near Stonehenge, described as a “once in a lifetime” find.
Investigations
Amelia Gentleman investigates the rise of OnlyFans managers who encourage young women into content creation and take a large cut of earnings. A controversial stem cell treatment for autism is gaining traction under Health Secretary RFK Jr.
