Israel and Hezbollah agree to halt fighting, officials say, as US-Iran talks hang in the balance

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group agreed to halt the heavy fighting in southern Lebanon that had threatened to unravel an interim peace agreement between the United States and Iran. That’s according to officials who spoke Friday to The Associated Press. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah immediately confirmed the truce. It came after a heavy exchange of fire killed 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah and Israel went to war shortly after the outbreak of the wider conflict, with Hezbollah firing rockets and drones at civilian communities in northern Israel and Israel seizing large swaths of southern Lebanon.

US push to get Iran talks started hits an early bump. Vance stays at home, for now

ZURICH (AP) — The American push for high-stakes talks with Iran has hit a snag. Iranian officials didn’t travel to Switzerland as planned for the talks and are insisting that fighting in Lebanon must stop first. That’s according to three regional officials and person familiar with the matter. They weren’t authorized to comment publicly. The officials say the situation is fluid as Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to renew their ceasefire after a period of intense fighting in southern Lebanon. Vice President JD Vance was prepared to meet with Iranian counterparts this weekend at a Swiss mountain resort before his trip was abruptly postponed.

Friction between Trump and Republican senators is growing before the pivotal midterm elections

WASHINGTON (AP) — The relationship between President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans seems to be nearing a breaking point. Tensions flared this week on Capitol Hill as Trump upended Republicans efforts for a swift confirmation of his intelligence nominee and as he thwarted quick passage of a bill to renew a surveillance law. Republicans have been frustrated and openly critical of Trump’s agreement with Iran. The public tensions are an almost complete reversal from a year ago. Back then, Republicans senators worked closely with Trump on a complicated effort to push through his massive package of spending and tax cuts.

Hegseth attacks NATO allies and announces a review of US forces in Europe

BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe. The review’s outcome will depend on how quickly European allies take responsibility for their own security. Hegseth criticized NATO allies on Thursday for not providing access to bases for U.S. forces to launch attacks on Iran. He also accused Europe of prioritizing gender equity and climate change over defense. The review could impact NATO’s collective security guarantee, but U.S. nuclear weapons will remain in Europe. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted a significant increase in European defense spending.

Starmer vows to fight as Burnham’s election win fuels a Labour leadership showdown

ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD, England (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he will fight attempts by rival Andy Burnham to oust him from office. Starmer said on Friday that he was elected on a “mandate for change” and will not “walk away.” He will run in a leadership contest if one is triggered. Burnham, Greater Manchester’s mayor, won a seat in Parliament in a special election. He’s looking to replace Starmer as leader of the Labour Party and the country. Burnham has led Manchester since 2017, overseeing rapid regeneration for the city where the Industrial Revolution was forged. He is pledging to repeat his successes on a national scale.

What Americans think about Trump’s handling of Iran, according to a new AP-NORC poll

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new AP-NORC poll finds that Trump’s approval on Iran remained low, at 34%, even as a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart negotiations materialized. The survey was conducted June 11-17, just after Trump called off threats to escalate the war with Iran. Respondents answered as Trump announced a deal with Iran and authorized an end to the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The poll concluded just before the deal was signed Wednesday. Trump’s overall presidential approval also held steady at 37%. Only about one-third of U.S. adults approve of his handling of Israel as tensions grow between the two countries.

World shares are mixed and US futures fall after a tech-led rally on Wall St

BANGKOK (AP) — World shares are mixed, with markets in Greater China closed for holidays. U.S. futures declined as optimism over the U.S.-Iran deal to end their war was dimmed by the postponement of high-stakes talks on reopening negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and getting oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Sentiment has also been hit by expectations that central banks including the Federal Reserve will keep raising interest rates to try to curb inflation. On Thursday, the S&P 500 rose 1.1% and the Dow industrials added 0.1%. The Nasdaq composite jumped 1.9%. U.S. markets will be closed Friday for Juneteenth.

US strike on an alleged drug boat kills 3 in the eastern Pacific Ocean

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three people. Thursday’s attack brings the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 211 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists” in early September. U.S. Southern Command did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. A video posted on X showed a boat speeding through the water before being struck and bursting into flames. Senators have demanded that the Pentagon release “unedited video” of the strikes.

Democratic socialists surge in mayoral races across the country as anti-Trump fervor rises

WASHINGTON (AP) — Janeese Lewis George is making waves in Washington, D.C., with her progressive agenda as she aims for the mayor’s office. Her plans include subsidized childcare and increased homebuyer assistance. She also promises to challenge President Donald Trump’s influence. Her Democratic primary victory was a shift from centrist governance in the nation’s capital and aligns with a broader trend of democratic socialists gaining traction in urban politics. While some cities still favor moderate candidates, progressives like Lewis George are pushing for change by focusing on affordability and responsive government services.

Ukrainian drones set a Moscow refinery ablaze in a major attack on the Russian capital

Ukraine has hit a major Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week, disrupting hundreds of flights at the capital’s airports. Russian officials said Thursday that this is one of Ukraine’s biggest drone attacks since Russia’s invasion over four years ago. The attack follows Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s coordination call with the U.S. and France, securing further support from the G7 summit. Ukraine aims to cut Moscow’s war revenue by targeting oil facilities. The Russian Defense Ministry claims its air defenses shot down 555 Ukrainian drones overnight. Zelenskyy says the attack is part of efforts to force Putin to negotiate.