Key facts
- Iran has halted ceasefire negotiations and message exchanges with the U.S.
- Iran reportedly plans to close the Strait of Hormuz.
- The U.S. House of Representatives voted 215-208 to limit President Trump's war powers against Iran.
- Former President Donald Trump reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that 'everybody hates you.'
- An agreement prevents government investigations into Donald Trump's past tax filings.
- Donald Trump's net approval rating has fallen to a new low of -25.
- Donald Trump claimed gas prices will fall to $1.85 per gallon once the Iran war ends.
- Former President Trump vowed fuel and fertilizer costs would decrease within 90 days.
- Donald Trump Jr. promoted cryptocurrencies and AI at a forum in Zurich.
- Former UN chief weapons inspector Hans Blix warned Donald Trump about his Middle East policy.
Iran has halted ceasefire negotiations and message exchanges with the U.S. following military confrontations, including the interception of Iranian ballistic missiles targeting U.S. troops in Kuwait. Iran also reportedly plans to close the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the U.S. of ceasefire violations. This development comes amid broader geopolitical tensions involving former U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy decisions. Trump has claimed Iran has "already agreed" not to develop nuclear weapons, though he conceded the country could change its mind, and denied reports that U.S.-Iran talks have stopped, asserting they have been continuous. He also stated that the U.S. does not require an agreement with Iran to secure enriched uranium and would be honored to meet Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, if a deal could be made to end the war. However, Iranian leaders have not reached a deal due to Iran being "strong" and "proud," according to Trump. He previously considered, but rejected, a high-risk military mission to Iran to secure uranium due to significant risks.
In parallel, Trump is reportedly facing criticism regarding his interactions with allies and adversaries. He allegedly berated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call concerning Israel's strikes in Lebanon, telling him, "Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this." Trump later publicly confirmed this sentiment and reportedly called Netanyahu 'f***ing crazy' during a heated call. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution to limit President Trump's war powers against Iran with a vote of 215 to 208, invoking the War Powers Resolution of 1973, though the measure requires Senate approval and faces an expected presidential veto. Trump is also set to attend the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7-8, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming attendance despite Trump's frustrations with allies over support for the war in Iran. Rubio described the summit as potentially the most important in NATO's history. Former UN chief weapons inspector Hans Blix has warned Trump that his Middle East policy resembles that of George W. Bush and could lead to the 'law of the jungle.'
Domestically, U.S. officials are proceeding with an agreement that prevents government investigations into the past tax filings of Donald Trump and his businesses, though specific terms remain undisclosed. The Justice Department's agreement to shield Trump from future audits will remain, while his weaponization fund is on hold, with Republican lawmakers seeking assurances it is defunct before advancing an immigration bill. Trump's net approval rating has fallen to a new low of -25, according to a poll by The Economist/YouGov, with voter concerns including the Iran war and the economy ahead of the November midterm elections. He has also claimed gas prices will fall to $1.85 per gallon once the Iran war ends and vowed fuel and fertilizer costs would decrease within 90 days, linking this to the resolution of the Iran war. Farmers are grappling with a 'three strikes' situation due to drought, soaring fuel costs exacerbated by the Strait of Hormuz closure, and high fertilizer prices. Trump is advocating for U.S. energy isolationism, suggesting Europe, China, Korea, and Japan should secure the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. aims for greater energy independence. He also urged the U.S. military to speed up AI adoption and commented on interest rates. Donald Trump Jr. promoted cryptocurrencies and AI at a forum in Zurich, expressing optimism about his father securing a deal with Iran.
In other related news, Trump alleges India has exploited U.S. policies for years by imposing significant tariffs, stating his policies aim to rectify this imbalance. Late night host Michael Kosta criticized Trump's disinterest in peace talks. Trump highlighted stock market gains and lower inflation as key economic achievements. An article argues that current artificial intelligence systems do not meet the criteria for consciousness.