In a 45-minute interview on 'The Axios Show', President Donald Trump discussed his administration's military operations and diplomatic strategies. He claimed his deal to end the war in Iran averted a global depression, suggested Cuba could face similar treatment as Venezuela, and stated that AI lab Anthropic was a national security threat a week prior. Trump also asserted that his post-war power has 'no limits' and discussed his views on world leaders including Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi.

Background: The US and China have entered a new phase of competitive coexistence, with Taiwan as the critical flashpoint. A detailed analysis by Professor Gunter Schubert argues that Taiwan's strategic location in the first island chain and its semiconductor industry make it vital to both powers. China has intensified military pressure with regular incursions across the Taiwan Strait median line and coordinated exercises simulating a blockade and invasion, while the US maintains strategic ambiguity despite preparations for conflict. Internal Taiwanese political divisions between the DPP and KMT complicate the situation, with DPP President Lai Ching-te viewed by China as a hardline independence advocate. Europe lacks a coherent Taiwan policy. The analysis concludes that responsible statecraft is needed to 'freeze' the conflict.

Background: Hours after the US and Iran signed an agreement to end the Middle East war, Israeli drone strikes killed three people in southern Lebanon's Kfar Tebnit and Zebdine areas, and Hezbollah claimed to have repelled an Israeli offensive. In Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, residents cautiously return after the Iran-US deal announcement, but fighting between Israel and Hezbollah persists. The city, heavily damaged by Israeli drone strikes, remains without water, electricity, or network. The situation tests the fragile agreement.

Israel conducted deadly airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, killing at least 16 people in the Nabatieh area, hours after the United States announced a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah brokered by the US and Qatar. The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure in response to over 50 rocket launches from Lebanon. Hezbollah maintained its right to respond, while Israel said it would respond to fire with fire. The renewed ceasefire followed a preliminary US-Iran agreement to halt the wider Middle East war, but follow-up talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland were postponed indefinitely. The strikes threaten the fragile diplomatic framework.

Background: Oil prices had declined on market optimism over the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with a US official reporting increasing transits. Today, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz is returning to normal levels, signaling a de-escalation of tensions affecting global energy markets and supply chains.

In a rare joint statement, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (Australia, US, UK, New Zealand, Canada) warned that frontier AI models capable of disrupting governments and businesses are months away, not years. The statement urges leaders to treat cyber resilience as a core business risk and calls for a whole-of-society response. This follows US restrictions on Anthropic's Fable AI model, which was blocked for use by foreign nationals in June. Experts anticipate more advanced models from other states, including China.

A Defense Department official disclosed that the U.S. military used Elon Musk's Grok AI tool to target over 2,000 munitions in the first four days of combat in Iran. The disclosure came in a court filing supporting the DOJ's effort to dismiss a lawsuit against a Mississippi power plant that supplies electricity to data centers running Grok. The NAACP lawsuit alleges the plant lacks required permits and emits harmful pollutants. The DOJ argues the lawsuit threatens national security.

Background: Tensions have emerged between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump over the conduct of the war against Iran, with Trump sidelining Israel from peace talks and publicly rebuking Netanyahu over strikes on Lebanon. Today: US Vice President JD Vance publicly warned Israel against attacking the Trump administration's diplomatic initiative with Iran, marking a rare public acknowledgment of Israel's dependence on US support and signaling a potential shift in the alliance. Vance criticized Israeli attacks on Beirut that killed civilians and suggested such actions risked undermining broader diplomatic efforts. He publicly acknowledged that Israel's strategic freedom depends heavily on US military, financial, and diplomatic support, signaling that the Trump administration is no longer willing to treat Israeli objections as a veto over US policy. The remarks reflect a divergence in strategic visions, with the US pursuing a diplomatic framework for regional stability while Netanyahu remains committed to pressure and confrontation.

On June 14, 2025, Senatobia, Mississippi police responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart fired at a vehicle, fatally striking one-year-old Kohen Wiley and wounding the driver. The boy's family denies the shoplifting claim and says the driver was not driving toward officers. The incident has ignited protests and calls for police accountability, drawing comparisons to other police shootings of Black Americans over minor offenses. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

President Trump indicated in an Axios interview that a potential military operation in Cuba could resemble the swift capture of Venezuela's president, citing Cuba's proximity and lack of oil. He contrasted this with the longer Iran conflict, noting Iran's more powerful military. Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is involved in planning, but declined to offer a timeline.

Former US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried warns that a unilateral withdrawal of US forces from Europe would be dangerously short-sighted given Russia's hybrid campaign of sabotage, assassinations, and drone incursions. He argues Washington should 'land the win' on European defense spending increases rather than threaten withdrawal, and that Ukraine can be a net contributor to European security. Fried cautions that any perceived weakening of US commitment to NATO's Article 5 could invite dangerous miscalculations by Moscow, particularly along NATO's eastern flank.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has pledged to complete the primary US-Mexico border wall by mid-2027, but current construction rates of roughly 2.6 miles per week would need to more than triple to 13 miles per week to meet the deadline. Only 10% of planned primary wall is finished, with 698 miles remaining. DHS faces legal challenges, eminent domain lawsuits, and environmental review waivers as it accelerates construction.

A RAND Corporation study based on a wargame concludes that US warships damaged in a conflict with China could not be rapidly repaired and returned to combat due to overwhelmed maintenance facilities, insufficient spare parts, and lack of assured allied shipyard access. The study recommends streamlining repair command, expanding mobile repair capabilities, and securing prior agreements with allies to address vulnerabilities in the Indo-Pacific theater. The wargame specifically simulated a conflict with China and identified these same critical vulnerabilities, reinforcing the need for the recommended actions.

Informal diplomatic contacts between Russia and Western officials have resumed, with proposals for a phased ceasefire along Ukraine's front lines. The US increasingly views Ukraine as the side gaining the upper hand, shifting perceptions in Washington. President Trump's view of the war has reportedly evolved, with Ukraine seen as a 'winner' rather than a loser. The report highlights renewed talks, a mood shift in the US administration, and cautious optimism linked to an emerging deal with Iran that could free up US focus on Ukraine and ease energy pressure.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is positioning himself as a defender of Joe Biden's legacy ahead of the 2028 Democratic primary, contrasting with other potential candidates who have distanced themselves. Newsom has hosted Hunter Biden on his podcast, publicly praised Biden's policymaking as a 'masterclass,' and stated he will never turn his back on Biden. This strategy aims to appeal to Black and Latino voters who view Biden favorably, despite his unpopularity with the broader electorate. Biden's team reportedly feels warmer toward Newsom than toward Kamala Harris, who criticized Biden in her book.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE from June 23 to 25 to attend a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting and discuss the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, regional security, and maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The visit is his first to the Middle East since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28. Rubio will seek to build regional support for the agreement, which includes a 60-day roadmap for a final deal, a temporary 60-day US license allowing Iranian oil imports, and Iran's agreement to readmit IAEA inspectors. The Strait of Hormuz remains open with 15 transits recorded on June 22.

China's Ministry of Commerce added 10 US companies, including rare-earth miner MP Materials and defense contractors, to its export control list, prohibiting the export of dual-use items. Separately, the Ministry of Finance barred Chinese government agencies from purchasing products from 46 US firms, including subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin and Boeing. These actions are a direct retaliation for the Pentagon's recent addition of Chinese tech giants Alibaba, Baidu, and BYD to its military-linked blacklist. Analysts view the measures as largely symbolic but indicative of escalating US-China trade and technology tensions despite a recent trade truce.

Iran's negotiating team departed Switzerland after 18 hours of talks with the United States, while technical teams remain to continue negotiations on the Islamabad memorandum of understanding. The talks mark a significant diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

Alan Greenspan, who served as chairman of the US Federal Reserve from 1987 to 2006, has died at age 100 from complications of Parkinson's disease. His tenure spanned multiple economic booms and crises, including the 1987 stock market crash, the dot-com bubble, and the aftermath of 9/11. While praised for guiding the US economy through periods of growth, he was later criticized for policies that critics say contributed to the 2008 global financial crisis, particularly his faith in self-regulating markets and light financial regulation. His death marks the end of an era in American economic history.

Pakistan has been mediating between the US and Iran since February 2026. Its shuttle diplomacy included visits to Iran in May 2025 and intensive efforts after US-Israel airstrikes in late February 2026, culminating in the April 11 Islamabad talks hosted by Pakistan. In a major diplomatic achievement, Pakistan successfully mediated a ceasefire and subsequent peace talks between the US and Iran, now taking place in Switzerland. Army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif played key roles, with Munir earning praise from US President Trump as 'my favorite field marshal.' Analysts note that support from China and Qatar was critical to the success. US Vice President JD Vance joked about Munir, calling him a 'great diplomat' and comparing him to his Indian-American wife. Pakistan's role extended beyond messaging to direct mediation, with three-way discussions taking place. The mediation has elevated Pakistan's global diplomatic standing.

A Hebrew University poll of 3,644 Israelis conducted June 17-20 found 92.1% believe Iran emerged stronger from the recent Middle East conflict and subsequent U.S.-Iran deal. 82.9% feel Israel's long-term security has been weakened, and 72.5% do not trust Prime Minister Netanyahu's claims about the military campaign's achievements. Support for Netanyahu's premiership dropped from 40.5% in March to 29.4% in June. Despite this, 48.2% back renewed major military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon even at risk of confrontation with Washington.

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the SABER Act (Seized Assets for Battlefield Equipment and Readiness), which would allow confiscated Russian sovereign assets to be used for purchasing weapons and military equipment for Ukraine. The bill builds on the REPO Act and aligns with the Trump administration's policy of using frozen assets as a foreign policy tool without additional taxpayer burden. Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanishyna welcomed the initiative, noting it broadens the political discussion on practical mechanisms for using Russian assets.

China called on the US and Iran to keep working in the same direction for positive results after the first round of high-level talks at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. The talks, involving US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, produced a joint statement noting encouraging progress and a mechanism for further technical talks. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun publicly urged the US and Iran to maintain negotiation momentum and work toward positive results. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the negotiations achieved major progress toward ending the war in Lebanon and easing economic pressure on Iran, including waiving oil and petrochemical export restrictions, lifting the blockade, releasing some frozen assets, and launching a reconstruction plan for Iran.

The Trump administration had previously ordered Anthropic to suspend access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models over national security concerns. In a new Axios interview, President Trump said he viewed Anthropic as a national security threat a week ago but that relations have since improved. He noted that Anthropic responded responsibly after the administration restricted access to its advanced models and threatened use of the Defense Production Act. Trump emphasized that the U.S. is leading China in AI and that the technology's benefits outweigh risks. The two sides are now reportedly working on standards to evaluate AI jailbreaks.

Background: Former President Obama cited the 2015 JCPOA as a successful diplomatic model. Today, former President Donald Trump publicly defended a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran while attacking the Obama administration's handling of the nuclear deal, amid ongoing criticism of the agreement.

The US case against Turkish state lender Halkbank for helping Iran evade sanctions concluded on June 17, 2026, when US District Judge Richard M. Berman approved a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) between the US Justice Department and Halkbank, dismissing the indictment with prejudice. The DPA requires no fine, no asset forfeiture, no restitution, and no admission of wrongdoing; Halkbank only retained Ernst & Young to review compliance. The DOJ disclosed the DPA was part of diplomatic negotiations involving Turkey's assistance in securing a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, with President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally involved. Over 1,100 victims of Iranian-sponsored terrorism, who hold more than $10 billion in unsatisfied court judgments against Iran, filed objections arguing the DPA violated their rights under the Crime Victims' Rights Act and that the DOJ excluded them from negotiations. They claim Halkbank helped move Iranian assets beyond their reach, and that the deal undermines sanctions enforcement.

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, reinstated the murder conviction of Pedro Hernandez for the 1979 kidnapping and murder of six-year-old Etan Patz in New York City. The Court overturned a lower appeals court ruling that had thrown out the conviction due to a flawed jury instruction. Hernandez's lawyers argue his confession was false and coerced, but the Supreme Court held that the lower court exceeded its authority in overturning the state conviction.

Iran's deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ghadir Nezami, said during a visit to India that Iran is prepared to respond to any potential threats despite ongoing negotiations with the US. He also called on China to continue supporting the implementation of the first-phase memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US, underscoring China's role in international and regional issues. He expressed hope that China would continue supporting the implementation of the first-phase memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US, highlighting China's role in international and regional issues.

Background: Direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon opened in Washington on May 14, with Israel demanding 'total peace' conditional on Hezbollah's dismantlement, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun pushed for a return to the 1949 armistice and PM Nawaf Salam signaled openness to peace within the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative framework. On June 22, Aoun discussed ceasefire reinforcement and halting Israeli escalation with US Vice President JD Vance, senior adviser Jared Kushner, and Qatari PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Talks included forming a support cell. Separately, Iran reported significant progress in US negotiations in Switzerland toward ending the war in Lebanon. Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed over 4,000 people and injured over 12,000.

US President Donald Trump blamed vandalism for issues with the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, claiming chemicals were dumped in it. Separately, the US military killed two people in an attack on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Spear. The article also covers Trump's criticism of UK PM Starmer, a dispute with Italian PM Meloni, US criticism of Cuban economic reforms, the unveiling of a new Air Force One gifted by Qatar, a flu outbreak at a US base after mandatory vaccination was ended, a US trade investigation into German drug pricing, Republican criticism of a proposed $300 billion fund for Iran, and other US political and security developments.

Background: Global financial markets had turned cautious amid renewed tensions with Iran, with oil prices rising and gold falling, as investors awaited US economic data and expected elevated interest rates. Today: Global markets opened mixed as US-Iran talks in Switzerland continued over the weekend, with both sides remaining at the table despite harsh remarks from US President Donald Trump. Maritime shipping traffic via the Strait of Hormuz declined compared to the previous week. The US Personal Consumption Expenditures index and growth data are due this week. The Fed is expected to hike rates once by year-end. Gold rose 0.6% to $4,180/oz, while US indexes fell. The US 2-Year Treasury yield rose to 4.22%, the 10-Year yield climbed 3 basis points to 4.48%, and the US Dollar Index edged up 0.1% to 100.9. European and Asian markets showed mixed performance, with China maintaining its one- and five-year credit interest rates at 3% and 3.5%, respectively. South Korea's SK Hynix shares rose 3.9%, reaching a market cap of $1.3 trillion.

Background: The US Southern Command has conducted multiple lethal kinetic strikes on vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing suspected narco-traffickers. On June 22, 2026, the US military struck another alleged drug trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing two people and leaving six survivors. The strike brings the total vessels hit to over 60 and deaths to over 210 since Operation Southern Spear began in September 2025. The Pentagon's inspector general is reviewing targeting procedures but not the legality of the strikes. Legal experts and rights groups continue to warn that the strikes may be illegal under international law and constitute extrajudicial killings, while critics also question the campaign's effectiveness, noting that most fentanyl reaching the US is smuggled overland from Mexico.

MIT scientists Jake Hecla and R. Scott Kemp published a detailed analysis concluding that Russia's Burevestnik (SSC-X-9 Skyfall) nuclear-powered cruise missile almost certainly uses a direct-cycle air-breathing nuclear turbojet, which would exhaust radioactive material during flight, making it a 'dirty' weapon. The missile is subsonic, slow, and unstealthy, raising questions about its military utility. The analysis suggests the weapon may be a technology demonstrator for future nuclear-powered systems rather than a strategic game-changer.

A weakening Indian rupee, stricter visa policies in the US and UK, and a challenging job market are causing many Indian students to reconsider or alter plans for studying abroad. Enrolments in traditional destinations like the US and UK have declined, while interest is growing in alternative European destinations like Germany and Italy. The trend has implications for the higher education sectors and soft power of major host countries.

Analysts assess that China is developing a new beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the PL-16, with an estimated range of 200-300 km and dual-pulse rocket motor technology. The missile is designed to target large, slow-moving aircraft such as AWACS and tankers, potentially giving the PLA an edge in Asia-Pacific conflicts. The PL-16 would rival the US AIM-260 JATM and could be carried in greater numbers by stealth fighters like the J-20. Details remain unconfirmed by Beijing, relying on leaked information.

A temporary U.S.-Iran peace agreement has driven down oil prices, potentially saving airlines billions on jet fuel. However, analysts say travelers are unlikely to see immediate fare reductions due to limited seat availability, aircraft delivery delays, and airlines' focus on rebuilding margins. U.S. carriers have only recouped 40-60% of fuel cost increases through higher fares. Outside the U.S., fare relief is expected to be uneven, with long-haul European routes more likely to see cuts than short-haul. Middle Eastern carriers may use promotions to regain traffic.

India is maintaining its strategic partnership with the United States as a core element of its foreign policy, driven by the imperative to counter China's growing economic and military power. Despite facing US tariffs, Trump's mediation claims in the India-Pakistan conflict, and pressure to reduce Russian oil imports, New Delhi has no viable alternative to US support. Other potential partners—Russia, Japan, Australia, and BRICS—are insufficient to balance China's dominance. India's dependence on the US is a strategic necessity, as China's economy is five times larger and its military capabilities, including advanced fighter jets and drones, far surpass India's. The partnership persists despite domestic criticism and internal government disagreements.

AI firm Micro AGI, through its Shift initiative, is offering free cleaning and cooking services in New York City apartments. In exchange, the company records every inch of the home using cameras worn by staff to gather dexterity data for training future autonomous robots. Privacy experts from the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Electronic Privacy Information Center warn of significant risks, including data misuse, surveillance, and potential job displacement for cleaners. The company plans to sell anonymized datasets to robotics firms. Shift founder Bercan Kilic defends the program as transparent and transactional, noting similar data-gathering operations for mechanics in Turkey.

The US Army deployed unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to escort a logistics support vessel during Exercise Salaknib 2026 in the Philippines, demonstrating autonomous maritime security operations. The USVs navigated autonomously, providing real-time situational awareness and threat detection, compressing commander decision-making from hours to seconds. This test aligns with the US military's expansion of unmanned maritime capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will lead a new joint venture between Intercontinental Exchange (parent of NYSE) and cryptocurrency exchange OKX, signaling a major tie-up between traditional finance and crypto sectors. This partnership marks a significant collaboration between traditional finance and crypto sectors.

Coca-Cola is appealing a 2020 US Tax Court ruling that could result in a $20 billion tax bill over transfer pricing practices with foreign subsidiaries. The case, which begins oral arguments in a Florida court, centers on whether Coca-Cola undercharged its units in Ireland and other countries to minimize US taxes. The outcome could set a precedent for how US multinationals are taxed on overseas profits.

Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency has issued notices to rapidly field autonomous interceptor drones by 2027 to protect radar sites, bases, and vessels from Shahed-136-like UAV swarms. This move comes amid concerns that U.S. Tomahawk missile orders could be delayed due to stockpile strain from the Iran war. Japan is also investing in domestic missile systems and joint production of SM-6/SM-3 interceptors with the U.S., with the defense budget for unmanned systems jumping to 277 billion yen ($1.72 billion) in 2026 and the ruling LDP proposing to produce 80,000 drones annually by 2030.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, began June 11 with 48 teams and 104 matches, amid political tensions, pricing disputes, and new rules. New reporting reveals that FIFA President Gianni Infantino's extensive use of a private jet to attend multiple matches has sparked criticism from environmental groups, who estimate his travel could emit 300-500 tonnes of CO2 during the tournament, highlighting the carbon footprint of the expanded event. Critics point to a 'sustainability paradox' as FIFA promotes environmental goals while enabling high-emission travel.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, renovated at a cost of $14 million and completed on June 5, turned green from algae within days. President Trump alleged vandalism, including a 250-foot gash and chemical dumping, without providing evidence. Five people were arrested, including former Olympian David Hearn, who said he only touched the pool's liner. A no-bid $1.7 million contract was awarded to a firm tied to Trump donor John J. Cafaro, who has prior convictions for bribery and false statements. The National Park Service used hydrogen peroxide to treat algae, which can also act as paint remover. Trump ordered immediate repairs and said the pool may need to be drained.

An analysis argues that Singapore's heavy reliance on imported natural gas for power generation (95%) and its role as the world's largest bunkering port (record 56.77 million tonnes of marine fuel sold in 2025) make it a key indicator of fuel stress in an Indo-Pacific conflict. The article warns that disruptions to Singapore's energy system would directly impact US military logistics, given the 1990 US-Singapore access agreement. It recommends USINDOPACOM monitor fuel indicators and build a more distributed regional fuel architecture.

BAE Systems has received a $535 million contract from the US Army to produce additional M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and M992A3 ammunition carriers. The M109A7 is the latest variant of the 155mm tracked artillery system, offering rapid 'scoot-and-shoot' capability to improve survivability against counter-battery threats. The contract underscores ongoing demand for modernized artillery systems.

A Foreign Policy column by Suzanne Nossel argues that the United States must complement its AI innovation lead with a deliberate strategy to spread its AI stack worldwide, countering China's diffusion through the Belt and Road and Digital Silk Road. It proposes a Global Empowerment Network for Accountable AI to offer financing, training, and safeguards, differentiating US technology from Chinese offerings that raise privacy and surveillance concerns.

A roundup of key developments: Qatar and Pakistan report progress in US-Iran talks in Switzerland; a factory explosion in Qatar's Ras Laffan injures 54 and leaves 18 missing; Trump criticizes Italy's Meloni over Iran nuclear stance; Starmer resignation predicted; Iran frozen assets deal; Jordan executes six; DRC Ebola cases exceed 1,000; Syria arrests ex-Sednaya officer; Zelenskyy accuses Polish president; Bangladesh PM visits Malaysia; German minister warns on Hormuz; India ammonia leak kills 7; Russia dismisses Alaska summit agreements; Israel refuses Lebanon withdrawal; Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia back Palestinian statehood; Libya oil output highest since 2013.

L3Harris is pursuing crewed-uncrewed teaming for the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint ISR aircraft, enabling the jet to control drones to extend sensor range, collect intelligence in higher-risk areas, and keep the crewed aircraft further from threats. The company also discussed similar capabilities for its AERIS-X airborne early warning platform and rapid upgrade cycles for electronic warfare systems. This development could transform the Rivet Joint fleet into more multi-purpose platforms and enhance intelligence collection in contested environments. L3Harris is in discussions to demonstrate this capability, and has also discussed similar capabilities for its AERIS-X airborne early warning platform and rapid upgrade cycles for electronic warfare systems.

Cuba's Communist Party and legislature approved 176 market-oriented measures that fundamentally shift the island's socialist economy toward private and international capital, amid the worst social crisis in decades. The reforms come as the US tightens an energy blockade and sanctions against entities trading with Cuba's military conglomerate Gaesa.

Sri Lankan authorities have arrested over 700 foreign nationals (mostly Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Indian) since January for operating online scams from the island. The scams, including lottery fraud and 'pig butchering' cryptocurrency schemes, target victims in China, Europe, and the US. Criminals rent entire hotel floors and office buildings, often paying months in advance, raising concerns about the country's reputation.

David 'Davey' Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoeist, was arrested by US Park Police on Friday for allegedly vandalizing the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC. Hearn denies wrongdoing, claiming he only touched a delaminated rubber strip. President Trump claimed the pool was defaced and may need draining and repair. Hearn faces a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property. The incident highlights ongoing maintenance issues with the pool and political tensions surrounding its condition.

Pharmaceutical company AbbVie has agreed to acquire Apogee Therapeutics for $10.9 billion, gaining access to a promising drug candidate for inflammatory diseases. The deal underscores AbbVie's strategy to bolster its immunology pipeline.

The 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, has created a new ammunition-linking machine that repurposes 30 mm rounds from retiring A-10 Thunderbolt IIs for use on AC-130J Ghostriders. The machine links 15 rounds in seconds, shifting munitions management from external contractors to airmen. The initiative saves approximately $4 million per year and increases training ammunition availability. Full implementation is expected by October.

Irish building materials group CRH has agreed to acquire US-based Arcosa for $8.5 billion, expanding its footprint in North America and marking a significant consolidation in the construction materials sector.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani denied reports that he snubbed the US vice president, stating they spent hours together during negotiations and maintained a strong partnership. The denial was made in an interview with Al Jazeera.