The last 24 hours of news across every topic — markets, crypto, geopolitics, and tech, AI-curated by PiQ Markets

SpaceX's initial public offering on Nasdaq has set a new record, raising $75 billion and becoming the largest IPO in history. The company's shares surged 19% on their debut, pushing its valuation past $2 trillion and making Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire. The IPO created over 4,400 millionaires among employees and saw significant retail investor allocation, though concerns about valuation volatility and limited Asian investor access have been raised. Options trading is set to begin, while crypto exchanges canceled tokenized offerings due to a lack of share allocations.

The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing a comprehensive agreement to end their conflict, with terms potentially including nuclear material removal, sanctions relief, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in the ongoing negotiations, with a senior US official stating the deal is 75% complete and expected to be signed within days, carrying an 80-85% probability of finalization. However, key objectives such as dismantling Iran's missile capabilities and nuclear program remain unfulfilled or have shifted in focus. The potential deal comes amid recent incidents, including US forces intercepting Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, and regional tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway with the U.S. men's national team securing a decisive 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match at SoFi Stadium. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, and Christian Pulisic was instrumental in early play before being substituted at halftime. In another development, Canada earned its first World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto, thanks to a late equalizer from Cyle Larin. Meanwhile, Ghana's Thomas Partey faces visa issues related to rape charges, potentially impacting his participation in early matches. Emirates will broadcast all tournament matches live on its flights.

The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing a memorandum of understanding to end a conflict, with Iran's Foreign Minister stating a deal is "closer than ever." President Trump initially dismissed leaks as "fake news" but later reposted the Foreign Minister's statement. The potential deal could involve unfreezing $24 billion in Iranian assets. Meanwhile, regional tensions persist, with the UN Security Council condemning the killing of a UNIFIL peacekeeper in southern Lebanon and Israel ordering displacements in southern Lebanon. US forces are also maintaining patrols in the Middle East and downing Iranian drones targeting commercial ships.

The U.S. government has ordered AI company Anthropic to suspend access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models globally, citing national security concerns over potential jailbreaks. This directive has led to a sell-off in Anthropic's pre-IPO market and prompted calls for technological sovereignty from figures like Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu. Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen criticized such AI restrictions as "red-tape monsters" hindering innovation. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has shifted two-thirds of its AI usage away from Anthropic due to a contract dispute, and U.S. senators are considering AI restrictions within a Pentagon policy bill.

Iran is reportedly nearing an agreement to dismantle its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Pakistan's PM announcing a final deal text has been reached. Switzerland has offered to host the signing, potentially this weekend, with economic rewards tied to Iran's compliance. However, Iran's parliament speaker warned the US against failing to honor commitments. Meanwhile, India has lodged a strong protest with the US over the deaths of three Indian sailors in a US military strike on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, UN peacekeepers reported extensive Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon amid reported explosions and drone activity.

South Korea's military has grounded its LAH-1 Miron helicopters due to engine defects, with 47 out of 57 supplied choppers showing corrosion and cracks. Separately, investigators are seeking arrest warrants for three former Shincheonji Church officials accused of pressuring members to join the opposition People Power Party to influence elections. In international news, South Korea and dozens of UN member states have launched a group to combat technology-facilitated human trafficking, prompted by a student's death. Meanwhile, thousands attended Seoul's annual LGBTQ pride parade, facing a nearby counter-rally by a conservative Christian group.

An Israeli airstrike on a medical facility in Selaa, Lebanon, wounded two paramedics, an incident Doctors Without Borders called alarming due to a pattern of attacks on first responders. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the nation at a "fateful choice" regarding state authority and militia influence, stressing national unity. In the West Bank, Israeli forces used tear gas and stun grenades near Bethlehem, impacting Palestinian visitors. The UN also reported heavy Israeli military activity near the Lebanon border, including armored movements and air operations.

The Indian rupee strengthened significantly against the US dollar, closing at 95.11, driven by a sharp decline in global crude oil prices and optimism surrounding potential US-Iran peace talks. This geopolitical easing also improved general risk sentiment, benefiting Bitcoin, which traded near $63,538. In response to currency pressures, Indian banks are seeking regulatory clarification from the Reserve Bank of India for a new deposit scheme aimed at attracting over $50 billion from non-resident Indians to bolster reserves. The drop in crude oil prices also provided relief to sectors like airlines and paint companies by easing input cost concerns.

President Donald Trump's White House UFC event is proceeding on the South Lawn on Sunday, despite some opposition. A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit seeking to block the event, ruling the plaintiffs lacked legal standing. The event coincides with Trump's 80th birthday and the U.S. 250th anniversary. Crypto firms like Polymarket, Exodus, and VeChain will have prominent branding. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has voiced concerns about taxpayer funding and the appropriateness of hosting a UFC fight on the White House lawn. Meanwhile, a separate Freedom 250 fair is taking place on the National Mall, featuring over 100 institutions, though some states are absent.

Iran has denied claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that it attacked Indian ships, accusing the U.S. instead of striking merchant vessels in the Gulf of Oman and killing three Indian sailors. India has lodged multiple protests with the U.S. over the incident, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar speaking with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The U.S. Central Command stated the vessel violated a naval blockade of Iran's ports. Separately, a union official denied reports of four Indian sailors being killed on another vessel, the MT Liaki Freedom, with the Ministry of External Affairs confirming the crew is safe.

A media investigation by Mediazona and BBC Russian has identified over 225,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, a figure likely to be an undercount. Western intelligence estimates nearly 500,000 Russian casualties. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Armed Forces have released their own updated estimates of Russia's combat losses as of June 13. Separately, a year-long report by the Journal details the transformations endured by Ukrainians in a front-line town as their daily lives were dismantled by the ongoing conflict.

The New York Knicks are on the verge of winning the NBA Championship, holding a commanding 3-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs with just one win needed. This potential victory is creating significant scheduling conflicts for fans, with some weddings planned for Saturday potentially clashing with a championship-clinching game. Meanwhile, the "Inside the NBA" broadcast team is experiencing their first NBA Finals coverage on ESPN and ABC, coinciding with a notable rise in viewership for the championship series.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and a contender for Prime Minister, is focusing on both national and local issues. Nationally, he plans to bring water and energy utilities under public control to lower bills and hinted at compensation for WASPI women. Locally, he is investing in hyper-local online advertising for the Makerfield by-election to counter Reform UK and strengthen his local image. Meanwhile, personal tensions may overshadow an upcoming meeting between Burnham and Labour Leader Keir Starmer, with the specifics of their discussion and the nature of these resentments undisclosed.

President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces conducted a "swift and lethal kinetic strike" that killed Hector Guerrero Flores, the leader of the Tren de Aragua gang. Trump stated the operation was coordinated with the government in Caracas. Separately, a federal judge has indefinitely blocked a $1.776 billion fund intended to compensate individuals claiming to be victims of a weaponized government, requiring the Justice Department to confirm the fund will not be revived.

OpenAI is now the subject of a broad investigation by a coalition of U.S. state attorneys general. The company received a subpoena demanding documents concerning its operations and user impact. The probe specifically includes inquiries into data handling practices, the company's policies regarding minors and seniors, and its internal operations. This investigation adds to OpenAI's existing legal challenges as it reportedly prepares for an initial public offering.

China's commerce ministry voiced strong dissatisfaction with the U.S. Pentagon's updated list of Chinese firms allegedly supporting Beijing's military, warning of retaliation. Meanwhile, Taiwan's opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun, met with U.S. lawmakers and Trump administration representatives in Washington, suggesting peace with China is achievable by removing permanent secession from discussion to ease U.S. concerns. Separately, North Korea's foreign ministry condemned the U.S. approval of advanced missile sales to South Korea, warning of worsened tensions and vowing to bolster its self-defense capabilities.

North Carolina defeated Mississippi 6-2 in the College World Series, with Colin Hynek's eighth-inning three-run homer breaking a tie. The Tar Heels advance to face West Virginia, while Mississippi faces elimination. In another game, West Virginia, in its first College World Series appearance, beat Troy 7-5. The tournament is being held in Omaha, Nebraska, and features a double-elimination format leading to a championship series.

The Chicago White Sox defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2, extending their strong home performance with a 19-3 record in their last 22 home games. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox secured a 10-1 victory over the Texas Rangers, with Ceddanne Rafaela contributing a home run and three RBIs. In player news, White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami is progressing in his recovery from a right hamstring strain sustained on May 29 and is expected to be out for four to six weeks.

Federal prosecutors appointed under President Donald Trump are facing court challenges, with experts citing inexperience and deviation from Justice Department norms. Meanwhile, Republicans are leveraging the World Cup to pressure Democrats on extending FISA authority, with Senator Todd Young highlighting geopolitical implications and the importance of Section 702. President Trump also teased a new Iran deal.