Talks scheduled for today between the United States and Iran to implement a peace deal were unexpectedly called off. The White House expressed continued willingness to initiate technical discussions as soon as possible. Hezbollah-affiliated media reported that Tehran delayed its delegation due to Israel's ongoing military operations in Lebanon.
The negotiations were set to commence in the Swiss village of Obbürgen, two days after the signing of a memorandum of understanding that opened a 60-day window for negotiating a permanent agreement on Iran's nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The strait's center is obstructed by approximately 80 mines requiring clearance for normal shipping to resume, according to an independent tanker owner trade body.
What is happening in Lebanon?
Hezbollah targeted Israeli forces near Nabatieh with several rocket salvos following Israeli shelling. Israel responded with a wave of airstrikes, killing at least 18 people and injuring 33. Iran stated that Israel's attacks on Lebanon must cease as part of any peace deal.
What did JD Vance say to Israeli critics of the deal?
Vice President JD Vance delivered sharp words, stating: "Donald J Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time. If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world."
Why does Trump's Iran entanglement echo the Jimmy Carter years?
In an analysis piece, Robert Tait notes that one of Trump's earliest political forays was criticizing Democratic President Jimmy Carter during the 1980 Iran hostage crisis. Tait says Trump now finds himself in a position uncannily resembling his predecessor's—unable to bend Iran to his will despite superior US military power.
Mangione lawyers abandon psychiatric defense over health CEO's killing
Luigi Mangione's legal team announced they will no longer pursue a psychiatric defense in his upcoming state trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges. His state trial is set for September 8, and his federal trial on stalking charges begins October 13.
Star-studded opening for Obama library in Chicago delivers implied rebuke to Trump
The Barack Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago with musical fanfare and tributes to democratic principles. Featuring appearances by musical stars and retired politicians from across the spectrum, it served as a seeming antidote to the spectacle of cage fights on the White House lawn.
Without naming the current White House occupant, Barack and Michelle Obama launched full-frontal attacks on Trump's authoritarian approach, depicting it as an affront to American values. Obama defined American democracy as "a belief that our military and law enforcement owe allegiance not to any president or political party, but to the people and our constitution … a belief in the peaceful transfer of power." With former Republican President George W. Bush in attendance, Obama named adversaries in a tribute to bipartisanship largely forgotten during Trump's era.
In other news ...
Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith has been found dead at his Nashville apartment. The 29-year-old worked with Drake, Travis Scott, and Beyoncé. California's "billionaire tax" will make it onto November's ballot despite tech mogul opposition. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham returns to Westminster after winning a byelection, paving the way for a likely leadership challenge to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced a new reparations manifesto from Caribbean leaders, asserting the "moral, ethical and legal case" over damage caused by centuries of enslavement. The York Revolution baseball team chose to forfeit a game after some players refused to participate in Pride Night. A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy entered a crocodile enclosure at an English zoo and was injured.
Stat of the day: CDC to tap $107m in emergency funding for Ebola response in DRC and Uganda
Dr. Satish K. Pillai, incident manager for the CDC's Ebola response, said: "CDC activities are focused on controlling the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, controlling the outbreak in Uganda, and ensuring our domestic readiness to respond in the unlikely event of cases." African health officials said the outbreak could become the worst on record.
Culture pick: Toy Story limps into a new chapter while Thirst thrills
Peter Bradshaw judged the beloved franchise needs new batteries, giving a two-star review to the latest Toy Story installment, concluding it is "played out, and IP exhaustion has set in." More intriguing is Thirst, an Icelandic movie featuring a 1,000-year-old vampire obsessed with removing men's genitals. Cath Clarke says it is filmed in a trashy 1980s synth-heavy style.
Don't miss this: Inside the city of grief hit hardest by Israel strikes on southern Lebanon
William Christou reports from Nabatieh, Lebanon, attending the religious ceremony marking Ashura. It mourns the slaying of a holy figure in 680 but is also a symbol for Shia Muslims of resistance. This year it has renewed meaning due to the Hezbollah-Israel war, which has killed over 3,900 people in Lebanon, mostly Shia Muslims.
... or this: Keith Richards on life as an 82-year-old great-grandad – and jousting with Mick Jagger
There was a time when the general consensus was that Keith Richards would not live to see the end of the year, let alone the birth of his great-granddaughter. Alexis Petridis interviews the 82-year-old Stones legend who keeps rolling on.
Climate check: Trump administration reverses decision to scrap ocean monitoring system
Since returning to office in January, the Trump administration has rolled back numerous science and climate initiatives, but after an outcry from scientists and lawmakers, it reversed its decision to dismantle a vital $368 million deep-sea observation system.
Last Thing: The small town fending off a new California gold rush
A new gold rush is underway in the American West after the Trump administration reclassified gold and silver as critical minerals. With demand for gold at record levels and new mining projects approved in California, Oregon, and Nevada, lands that long enjoyed protection are effectively up for grabs. Lone Pine, population 1,882, is fighting back.
