US President Donald Trump signaled flexibility on the July 9 deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs, saying, “We can do whatever we want.” Speaking at the White House, Trump hinted the timeline could shift depending on trade progress. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested deals with 10–12 major partners might be finalized by Labor Day. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called the July deadline “not critical.” Trump also hinted at a “very big” deal with India after the recent China agreement. Markets rallied on hopes of delayed tariffs, which could avert major global trade disruptions. Negotiations continue with the EU, India, and others. (PC: India Today)

One month into Gaza’s controversial US- and Israeli-backed aid system, over 500 Palestinians have been killed and 4,000 injured while seeking food, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN has warned the deaths could amount to a “war crime.” Verified videos show daily chaos and gunfire around aid sites. Israel’s military claims it fired only “warning shots,” blaming Hamas for disruptions. However, medics and eyewitnesses report Israeli fire on civilians. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denies deaths at its sites, but videos show people killed near convoys. Aid groups call for safer, demilitarized access amid growing desperation and civilian casualties. (PC: BBC)

The US Supreme Court has allowed Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship to take effect next month, while limiting lower courts’ power to block presidential actions. Trump hailed the decision as a “giant win,” calling birthright citizenship a “hoax.” The ruling also boosts presidential authority on multiple policy fronts, including immigration, foreign aid, and civil service reforms. Justice Amy Coney Barrett emphasized states could still seek broader injunctions in future legal battles. Trump's administration, emboldened by the decision, now plans to move forward on delayed policies. The final decision on citizenship may come in October’s Supreme Court session.

North Korea has opened the Wonsan Kalma coastal resort, a massive tourism project featuring 54 hotels, waterparks, pubs, and entertainment zones along a 5-km beach stretch. Leader Kim Jong Un, appearing in a dark suit, called it one of North Korea’s “greatest feats” of the year during the grand opening. Built over seven years, the resort opens to domestic tourists on July 1. Though foreign visitors remain limited due to sanctions, a Russian agency is organizing tours from July 7. The project saw no major foreign investment, highlighting ongoing international restrictions linked to North Korea’s controversial weapons programs.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) informed a New York court that Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has not been served a summons in a federal bribery probe, despite repeated requests since February. The SEC alleges Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani violated securities laws by making misleading statements related to Adani Green Energy. Though India’s Law Ministry forwarded the summons to Ahmedabad’s District Court in March, no confirmation of service has been received. The SEC’s filing highlights procedural delays under the Hague Service Convention, stalling progress in the case and raising concerns over international legal cooperation with India. (PC: India Today)

Short of commanders, deprived of key tunnels, and uncertain of Iranian support, Hamas is struggling to maintain control in Gaza amid Israel’s intense military campaign . Growing tribal defiance, encouraged by Israeli backing, has led Hamas to dispatch top fighters to eliminate rebel clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab in Rafah—without success . A humanitarian-driven ceasefire is urgently needed, both to alleviate domestic pressure and to allow Hamas to reassert order over clans and looters . Israel claims it has killed 20,000+ Hamas fighters and dismantled much of its tunnel infrastructure, further weakening the group . Increasingly young, undertrained recruits are being drawn from impoverished youth. (PC: Reuters)

Tehran firmly rejects any nuclear negotiations with the U.S. while Israel’s military operation persists. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated Iran will not engage in discussions until "Israeli aggression stops," dismissing U.S. claims of imminent talks . Though present in Geneva for European-led diplomacy, Tehran remains steadfast, citing no agreements or promises to engage . The U.N. has urged all sides to de-escalate amid mounting tensions. With no timeline or concessions granted, Iran’s stance places future nuclear diplomacy at an impasse until Israel halts military actions. (PC: AFP)

Tehran is cautiously returning to normal after a 12-day Israeli offensive left 627 dead and nearly 5,000 injured across Iran. The capital’s cafes and bazaars have reopened, but fear lingers. “We don’t trust this war has ended,” said head nurse Ashraf Barghi. The state TV complex, heavily damaged in a strike, symbolises the trauma. Israel claims it targeted military sites, but injured civilians, like prison staffer Morteza, dispute this. Citizens, from baristas to students, express a yearning for peace, freedom, and a future beyond sanctions and war. Patriotic concerts offer some solace, but Tehran remains deeply shaken. (PC: BBC)

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has admitted that Israel planned to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei during the recent conflict. Speaking to Israeli media, Katz said Khamenei “went underground” and cut communications, making the strike “unrealistic.” He compared Khamenei to Hezbollah’s Nasrallah, who was killed in 2024. Former US President Donald Trump had also warned Khamenei publicly. Katz clarified Israel aimed to “pressure, not topple” Iran’s regime. Following a ceasefire, he said no strike was currently planned. Khamenei dismissed reports of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities and claimed Iran had “slapped America” with its missile retaliation. (PC: NDTV)

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed that during the 12-day war with Iran (June 13–25, 2025), Israel aimed to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Katz said, “We wanted to eliminate Khamenei, but there was no operational opportunity” as the Ayatollah went “very deep underground” and cut communications . He added Israel didn’t require U.S. permission and had a “green light” from President Trump to strike Iran’s nuclear program . Post-ceasefire, Katz confirmed Israel will not pursue further strikes on Khamenei, but pledged to act again if Iran resumes nuclear advancements. (PC: Reuters)