Reformist Pezeshkian wins Iran’s presidential runoff election, beating hard-liner Jalili
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has emerged as the winner of Iran’s presidential runoff election, defeating hard-liner Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian has pledged to establish better relations with the West and relax enforcement of the country’s mandatory headscarf law following years of sanctions and protests that have strained the Islamic Republic. While also asserting there will be no significant changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy, as he has always considered Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the ultimate authority on state matters. However, Pezeshkian’s goals will face challenges from the hard-line Iranian government and other obstacles. According to official vote count, Pezeshkian secured 16.3 million votes compared to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election.
Biden downplays age concerns in interview as he works to rescue reelection campaign
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Joe Biden used a highly anticipated TV interview to reject the idea of undergoing an independent medical evaluation to reassure voters about his ability to serve another term. He attributed his poor debate performance to a “bad episode” and insisted that there were no signs of any serious health condition. Biden is striving to salvage his jeopardized reelection bid. The 81-year-old president managed to get through his 22-minute interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos without major mishaps that could further harm his candidacy. However, the concerns about his age, fitness for another four years, and his chances of defeating Donald Trump in November are unlikely to be completely alleviated.
Republicans shift focus to Harris as speculation about replacing Biden on Democratic ticket grows
NEW YORK (AP) — For years, Republicans have used the scare tactic that a vote to reelect President Joe Biden actually means a vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, often with racist and misogynistic undertones. After Biden’s lackluster performance in the recent presidential debate fueled calls for him to step down in favor of a more competitive candidate against Donald Trump in November, what was once considered a far-right conspiracy may now become a reality. Republicans, including Trump, appear to be hurriedly intensifying their preemptive attacks as a potential change on the Democratic ticket looms.
New UK leader Keir Starmer faces NATO summit and EU relations in early days of leadership
LONDON (AP) — Newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has a packed agenda ahead. After a grueling six-week election campaign, the center-left leader must immediately begin forming his government, addressing numerous domestic challenges, and shaping the UK’s foreign relations. Starmer aims to elevate Britain’s global standing after strained relations with Europe due to Brexit. He is slated to attend a NATO summit in Washington next week where discussions on Ukraine are expected to take center stage. Later in the month, he will host European leaders at a meeting of the 47-nation European Political Community.
Hamas signals potential cease-fire after dropping key demand, officials say
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza (AP) — Hamas has given initial approval to a U.S.-backed phased cease-fire proposal, abandoning its demand for an immediate commitment from Israel to end the conflict altogether, as per a Hamas and Egyptian official on Saturday. This concession by the militant group could pave the way for the first halt in fighting since last November and lead to further negotiations for ending the prolonged nine-month war. However, all parties have cautioned that a final agreement is not guaranteed. Hamas still seeks “written assurances” from mediators regarding Israel’s commitment to continue discussions for a permanent cease-fire after the initial phase commences, according to the two officials.
Putin rules out need for nuclear weapons in Ukraine conflict but keeps options open
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a clear warning to NATO, cautioning against excessive military support for Ukraine, which could escalate the conflict to a nuclear level. Despite Russia gaining an advantage in the war, Putin asserts that nuclear weapons are unnecessary to achieve his objectives. However, he stresses that the West shouldn’t dismiss the possibility of their use. Moscow’s nuclear strategy allows for employing such weapons in response to threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. As NATO bolsters Ukraine’s forces, Putin’s nuclear rhetoric signals a potentially perilous phase in the conflict.
France faces surprising election as outcome could weaken president’s global influence
PARIS (AP) — The forthcoming second round of the high-stakes legislative election is poised to impact French President Emmanuel Macron’s role in defense and foreign affairs, potentially diminishing his influence in European and global politics, as well as his support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. Macron’s centrist party finished a distant third in the initial round of voting for a new parliament, setting the stage for a crucial second round where Macron is unlikely to emerge strengthened.
Tropical storm Beryl reemerges in Gulf of Mexico as Texas prepares for potential impact
TULUM, Mexico (AP) — Following its weakening to a tropical storm as it crossed Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Beryl has returned to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where it is expected to regain hurricane strength. The U.S. National Hurricane Center anticipates Beryl heading toward northeastern Mexico and the Texas coast, prompting state and local officials to advise coastal residents to brace for storm surge flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds. Some Texas cities have issued voluntary evacuation orders for flood-prone areas, restricted beach camping, and encouraged tourists to move recreational vehicles from coastal parks ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend.
Extreme heat wave hits US West and beyond, breaking records with more to come
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A relentless heat wave across the Western U.S. is shattering records and gripping the region from the Pacific Northwest to Arizona. The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are also experiencing soaring temperatures and high humidity, expected to persist beyond Saturday. Death Valley in California set a new record high of 127 degrees, while Phoenix saw a daily record of 118 degrees. The scorching heat is forecast to continue, with temperatures in Phoenix expected to reach 115 degrees or higher through Wednesday. Needles, California also hit a record of 122 degrees.
Russian airstrikes leave thousands without power and water in northern Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian airstrikes have left over 100,000 households without power in northern Ukraine and disrupted the water supply to the provincial capital of Sumy. Civilian casualties escalated in eastern Ukraine as Russian shelling claimed the lives of 11 civilians overnight. The northern Sumy region, bordering Russia, plunged into darkness after energy infrastructure was damaged in Russian attacks. Subsequently, a drone strike disrupted the water supply to Sumy’s residents.
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