
Oman and Iran Discuss Safe Passage Through Hormuz Strait
Oman and Iran held talks on ensuring safe shipping through the Hormuz Strait, respecting both nations' sovereign rights, with progress made and ongoing technical/political consultations.

Oman and Iran held talks on ensuring safe shipping through the Hormuz Strait, respecting both nations' sovereign rights, with progress made and ongoing technical/political consultations.

Russian Ambassador to Turkey Sergey Vershinin states that Western sanctions against Russia are illegal under international law, hindering bilateral trade and negatively impacting the global economy. Russia and Turkey aim to reach $100 billion in annual trade despite these challenges.

US President Donald Trump clarifies that Saudi Arabia's joining of the Abraham Accords is a prerequisite for the approval of a US-backed nuclear energy cooperation deal, despite the agreement already being finalized and awaiting US Congressional review.

The International Criminal Court's 125 member states voted to dismiss Prosecutor Karim Khan (56) due to allegations of serious misconduct, including an inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior lawyer, which he denies.

Paramount Skydance has agreed to pause its Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition until a court rules on a multistate antitrust challenge or until June 1, 2027. The delay could cost the company about $7 million a day in fees if the deal does not close by Sept. 30.

The U.S.'s largest multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms' Mexican plant, has spread to nine states, infecting nearly 2,000 people. The CDC and FDA are investigating, while President Trump mentioned tariffs on Mexico due to the lettuce. Taylor Farms faced criticism for its response and a retraction regarding an FDA apology.

Taco Bell leadership scrambled to contain a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce, removing affected produce and reassuring customers. The outbreak has led to thousands of illnesses and a significant drop in foot traffic at restaurants.
Iran launched drone attacks on US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, and Iranian-linked forces attacked a base in Iraq, following US airstrikes on Iranian cities Ahvaz, Khorramabad, and Jask, continuing a 13-night tit-for-tat exchange.
The largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US has expanded to nine states, with over 12,000 cases and 308 hospitalizations linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. Health officials continue investigations.

The U.S. administration declined to participate in a U.N. declaration on sustainable livestock, citing excessive mentions of gender equality and climate change, which it believes distract from the core mandate. The voluntary plan was adopted by delegates in Rome.

China, after a surprising five-set victory over the United States, has advanced to the Women's Volleyball Nations League semi-finals in Macau. They are set to face Turkey on Saturday, a team that has consistently defeated them in recent major tournaments, including the 2023 VNL final and the Paris Olympics quarter-finals.

Australian boxer Jai Opetaia has filed a lawsuit in a US court against the IBF, seeking to reinstate his cruiserweight world title. He claims the IBF unlawfully stripped him of his belt after his first fight with Zuffa Boxing, alleging industry-wide collusion to penalize him.

The Trump administration's EPA is considering a rule change that would transfer authority over public participation in minor air pollution permits to states. This could make it easier for facilities like data centers to be built with less public notice, drawing criticism from environmental groups concerned about community input.

Southeast Asian governments face renewed energy shocks and trade disruptions due to revived US-Iran hostilities, prompting ASEAN foreign ministers to express grave concern and urge an immediate cessation of fighting.

A Detroit woman, Ella-Salone Jones, recounts severe cyclosporiasis symptoms after eating at Taco Bell, leading to hospitalization and legal action. Her case is part of a multi-state outbreak linked to Taylor Farms' shredded iceberg lettuce, despite a "false positive" test report.

The US has imposed tariffs of 10-12.5% on goods from several countries, including China, Japan, and the EU, citing forced labor practices. Experts view these actions as a pretext for President Trump's 'America-first' trade agenda, with another Section 301 investigation ongoing.

Democrats are set to finalize their 2028 presidential nominating schedule, likely moving away from Iowa and New Hampshire to elevate more racially diverse states like South Carolina or Nevada. This overhaul aims to give greater influence to Black and Latino voters, reflecting the party's diverse coalition.

Members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York to vote on whether to remove prosecutor Karim Khan, who faces sexual misconduct allegations he denies. The vote culminates a two-year saga, with the case intertwined with the ICC's Gaza war crimes investigation and US sanctions.
Donald Trump's foreign policy approach to allies in the Middle East and Europe is likened to a protection racket, demanding financial compensation for US security. He proposed a 20% toll on Hormuz shipping and pressured NATO allies to increase defense spending and buy US weapons, framing security as a billable service rather than a collective good.

The United States imposed a fresh wave of tariffs late on Thursday against 60 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, and European Union member states, just hours before a temporary 10% blanket levy was set to expire.

US teenage fencer Jaelyn Liu views the preliminary rounds at the Kerry Fencing World Championships as a crucial test following a challenging season. Despite a dip in results, Liu advanced to the main tableau and is set to face world No 14 Sumire Tsuji.

West Virginia's Ascend program offers remote workers $12,000 and outdoor recreation access to relocate, successfully attracting over 700 participants and contributing an estimated $750 million to the state's economy, despite challenges like population decline and the rise of hybrid work schedules.

A Pew Research Centre survey reveals over one-third of Americans view China as the global leader in AI, surpassing the US. President Trump confirmed AI will be a key topic during his planned September summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the US's goal to dominate the technology.

US Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna announced that US administration officials plan to visit Russia, alongside a potential visit by US Congress members this fall or winter. She also hinted at an upcoming announcement involving Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.