Reformist Pezeshkian emerges victorious in Iran’s presidential runoff election, defeating hard-liner Jalili
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has secured Iran’s presidential runoff election, prevailing over hard-liner Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian has pledged to initiate dialogue with the West and relax enforcement of the country’s compulsory headscarf law following years of sanctions and protests that have put pressure on the Islamic Republic. He has also stated that there will be no drastic changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remaining the final authority on all state matters. However, Pezeshkian’s modest goals will face challenges from a predominantly hard-liner Iranian government, among other obstacles. According to official vote count results announced Saturday, Pezeshkian garnered 16.3 million votes compared to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election.
Biden rejects inquiries about his age in interview as he strives to revive reelection campaign
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Joe Biden declined to undergo an independent medical assessment in a highly anticipated TV interview, asserting that he is physically capable of serving another term in office. He attributed his lackluster debate performance to a “bad episode,” and dismissed any concerns about having a serious medical condition. Biden is working to salvage his struggling reelection bid. Despite being 81 years old, the president managed to complete a 22-minute interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos without making any major mistakes that could further harm his candidacy. However, doubts about his age, fitness for office, and ability to defeat Donald Trump in November are unlikely to be fully dispelled by the interview.
Republicans shift focus to Harris as talk of replacing Biden on Democratic ticket gains momentum
NEW YORK (AP) — For years, Republicans have used the specter of Vice President Kamala Harris to criticize a vote for President Joe Biden, sometimes resorting to racist and misogynistic insinuations and grim imagery. However, following Biden’s poor performance in the recent presidential debate, calls for him to step down in favor of a stronger candidate have grown louder. What was once dismissed as a fringe conspiracy theory on the far right may now become a reality, with Republicans, including Trump, hurrying to intensify their early attacks.
A NATO summit and repairing EU relations are among the initial challenges for new UK leader Keir Starmer
LONDON (AP) — After a grueling six-week election campaign, newly appointed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has no time to rest. The center-left politician must swiftly form his government, address numerous domestic issues, and shape the UK’s relations with the global community. Starmer aims to elevate Britain’s role on the global stage following strained ties with Europe due to Brexit. His upcoming agenda includes attending a NATO summit in Washington to discuss Ukraine, followed by hosting a meeting of the 47-nation European Political Community later this month.
Putin asserts no need for nuclear weapons to achieve victory in Ukraine, but leaves options open
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a clear warning to NATO: refraining from excessive military support for Ukraine to avoid a potentially nuclear conflict. Despite claiming he can achieve his objectives without nuclear weapons, Putin emphasizes that Russia won’t hesitate to use them if it perceives a threat to its sovereignty. As NATO reinforces Ukraine’s forces, Moscow’s nuclear rhetoric signals a potentially perilous phase in the conflict.
Following its impact on the Yucatan Peninsula, Beryl churns in the Gulf of Mexico as Texas braces for potential landfall
TULUM, Mexico (AP) — Beryl has reentered the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where it is anticipated to regain strength after weakening during its passage over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The U.S. National Hurricane Center predicts Beryl will intensify into a hurricane and head towards northeastern Mexico and the Texas coast. Coastal residents have been urged to prepare for storm surge flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds, with some Texas cities implementing voluntary evacuations and restrictions on beach camping to address the potential impact on the July 4 holiday weekend.
Sweltering heat wave wreaks havoc in the US West and beyond, with more extreme conditions anticipated
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A slow-moving heat wave of potentially historic proportions is shattering records across the Western U.S., from the Pacific Northwest to Arizona. The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are also experiencing oppressive heat and humidity expected to persist for days. Death Valley set a new record high temperature of 127 degrees on Friday, while Phoenix broke its daily record with 118 degrees. Temperatures in Phoenix are projected to reach 115 degrees or higher through Wednesday. Needles, California, saw a record high of 122 degrees, underscoring the severity of the heat wave.
From a promising political newcomer to a weakened leader: The journey of France’s Macron
PARIS (AP) — The anticipated political setback for French President Emmanuel Macron in Sunday’s crucial parliamentary elections could paralyze the country, diminish his international standing, and overshadow his legacy. As France gears up to host the Paris Olympics, Macron’s diligent diplomacy and pro-European initiatives on the global arena may face challenges with a potentially opposition-dominated parliament and a confrontational government. Constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term in 2027, the 46-year-old Macron is confronted with the risk of becoming a lame duck leader.
Gaza soccer stadium transforms into shelter for displaced Palestinians
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Thousands of displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza have sought refuge in one of the region’s largest soccer arenas. Struggling with scarce resources amid Israel’s ongoing offensive in eastern parts of Gaza City, many families have little food and water and no homes to return to. Tents line the base of the Yarmouk Sports Stadium, where countless families have been displaced multiple times. One resident, Um Ahmad, expressed the pervasive fear among both children and adults in the face of the current situation.
Cleanup of frozen garbage at Mount Everest’s highest camp could take years
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Over seven decades after the first ascent of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain remains littered with trash and human remains left by climbers. The highest camp at South Col is especially burdened with garbage, necessitating a prolonged cleanup effort. Sherpas leading a recent cleanup expedition removed 11 tons of trash and four frozen bodies from the site, estimating that up to 50-60 tons of garbage still remain. The monumental task of restoring the pristine beauty of Everest’s slopes remains ongoing.
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