The United States and Iran have announced a framework peace deal, expected to be signed later this week, that would bring their 15-week conflict to a tentative end, offering hope of relief for the Middle East and the world economy.
Iran stated that war and military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, would permanently cease from Monday night. Donald Trump announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of the US naval blockade, but did not mention Lebanon.
What Do We Know About the Deal?
Leaked drafts suggest an immediate 60-day period of intensive technical talks, during which the most contentious issues, including Iran's nuclear program, will be discussed. Iran's deputy foreign minister said negotiators would seek to reach a broader agreement including sanctions relief.
Reaction in Iran
The Guardian's diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour, reports anger among the country's hardliners, who say the proposed deal does not guarantee an end to sanctions, compensation, or control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Reaction in Israel
Israel's defense minister stated that its forces "will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza – indefinitely – to defend the border and Israeli communities against jihadist elements." Israel was excluded from talks, despite jointly launching the assault on Iran with the US.
JD Vance Discusses 2028 Presidential Run
JD Vance, seen as a top contender for the Republican nomination for president, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio touted as a potential running mate, gave insight into his deliberations during an interview with CBS on Sunday. "People sort of assume that I'm sitting around, figuring out whether I'm gonna run," the vice-president said. "The way that I make decisions is that I try not to make them until I absolutely must."
Regarding Trump's blessing, Vance said: "I have no doubt that the president of the US is going to be very supportive of anything that I ultimately decide to do. I never bring it up. But sure, the president brings it up a lot, sometimes publicly, sometimes privately."
Trump's White House UFC Fights Marred by Michelle Obama Smear
Trump celebrated his 80th birthday and the forthcoming 250th anniversary of US independence by staging the first professional sporting event in White House history. One fighter, Josh Hokit, delivered a rambling post-fight interview in which he veered from praise for the president to religion before concluding with the false conspiracy claim that "Michelle Obama is a man."
Thousands of fight fans had to pass protesters to get to the White House. Susan Douglas, an organizer with Third Act Virginia, said: "This reeks of corruption. It's for Trump's birthday and has nothing to do with the founding of our country."
Other News
- Senator Mitch McConnell was admitted to hospital on Sunday morning. A spokesperson said he was receiving "excellent care."
- A Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv badly damaged the Dormition Cathedral in the Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nine people were killed across Ukraine, including four in Kyiv.
- Access to social media is to be banned in the UK for under-16s, a policy criticized by the US administration.
- The son of Norway's crown princess has been convicted of rape and sentenced to four years in prison.
- A judge dismissed a suit by a fired Yosemite ranger who hung a trans pride flag in the park.
Stat of the Day: Attacks on Education Up by 40%
Attacks on education globally have surged by 40%, with more than 8,556 recorded incidents and 10,600 students and staff killed, injured, abducted, arrested, or otherwise harmed in 2024 and 2025. Attacks were reported in 83 countries, with the highest incidences in Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine, and Ukraine.
Building Power: Voting Rights Decision Explained
The Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais struck a massive blow to the Voting Rights Act, eliminating a key provision that gave minority voters representation in Congress. Guardian reporters Fabiola Cineas and Adria Walker held a Reddit Q&A about it.
Don't Miss This: Residents Fight Georgia Datacenter
As part of a growing groundswell of grassroots citizens' actions against datacenters, Coweta County could become only the third county in Georgia history to stage a referendum allowing residents to challenge a county policy or decision—in this case, the approval for Project Sail, a datacenter covering more than 800 acres.
Or This: The Quest to Save Shackleton's Endurance
The discovery of the wreck of Ernest Shackleton's Endurance in 2022 was partly because no creatures have adapted to eat wood in the Antarctic. But now conservationists fear the rapidly changing climate and potential for exploration vessels to access the ship may pose a threat.
Climate Check: AMOC Collapse Could Change Europe's Climate 10x Faster
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a vast system of ocean currents that moves heat from south to north in the Atlantic. Due to the climate crisis, the AMOC is projected to weaken enough to radically change weather and cause sea level rise in Europe. US budget cuts threaten monitoring and forecasting of the AMOC.
Last Thing: Ecstasy and Chaos Grip NYC After Knicks Win NBA Title
Euphoric fans flooded midtown Manhattan on Saturday night to celebrate the New York Knicks' first championship in 53 years. Here are the best pictures, while Aaron Timms puts it into context, saying after such a long wait, the franchise finally got its moment.
