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Dollar Drifts as Investors Await Fed Board Replacement
The dollar remained fixed in its recent trading channel on Wednesday, with investors choosing to stay on the sidelines after another round of weak economic data, and as U.S. President Donald Trump prepared to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors.
Trump said on Tuesday that he would announce a nominee by the end of the week, and separately confirmed that he had narrowed the list of potential replacements for Fed Chair Jerome Powell to four candidates. On the same day, data showed that U.S. services sector activity unexpectedly stalled in July, even as input costs rose at the fastest pace in nearly three years, underscoring the hit from Trump’s tariffs on the economy, which has also begun to bite corporate earnings.
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BREAKING: Photo shows the capture of the Minnesota lawmakers shooting suspect Vance Boelter.
Boelter has been wanted for the assassination of a Democratic state lawmaker and her husband and the wounding of another lawmaker and his wife.
Visual confirmation: The Weizmann Institute, Israel's most prominent scientific center affiliated with the IDF, was completely destroyed in yesterday's Iranian missile attack on Rehovot.
"We are both incredibly lucky to be alive."
Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman was shot nine times and his wife was shot eight times, his wife shared in a text update. The suspect has still not been caught.
Pakistan calls for Muslim states to unite against Israel
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif urges Muslim countries to cut ties with Tel Aviv over strikes on Iran
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has called on Muslim nations to unite against Israel following its strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. He warned that failing to act collectively would only encourage further attacks across the Middle East.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Saturday, Asif argued that Israel “did not act alone” and had received “intelligence, cover, and support.” He said the Muslim world remained “militarily vulnerable” and urged a joint response.
“Just as Israel is currently targeting Yemen, Iran, and Palestine, if the Muslim world does not unite today and continues to prioritize its own interests and agendas, then everyone’s turn will come,” he told lawmakers.
Asif called for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene and devise a strategy to confront Israel. “Wherever there are diplomatic ties with Israel in the Muslim world, they should be severed,” he said.
“We stand behind Iran and will support them at every international forum to protect their interests,” the defense minister added.
On Friday morning, Israeli jets bombed military and nuclear sites across Iran and carried out assassinations of several senior Iranian military commanders and veteran nuclear scientists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In response, Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv.
While the US denied involvement, President Donald Trump endorsed Israel’s operation. Iran has since suspended nuclear talks with Washington.
Iran preparing to ‘shut down Israel’s war machine’ – RT source
Tehran has been preparing for a long war, a senior Iranian security official has said
Tehran is gearing up to decisively counter Israel’s military operations, and intends to “shut down the regime’s war machine,” a senior Iranian security official told RT exclusively on Sunday.
Israel and Iran have been engaged in a fierce exchange of fire for three consecutive days. According to Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom, Iranian strikes have killed at least ten people, bringing the total death toll to 13. In Iran, Israeli strikes have caused at least 406 deaths and 654 injuries, according to the group Human Rights Activists. The Iranian government has not released official casualty figures yet.
”Iran has been preparing for a long war,” the official told RT, emphasizing the country’s resolve to confront Israel. According to the source, millions of Iranians rallied in the streets on Saturday, defying West Jerusalem’s attacks, and demanding retribution. “This is an important support for Iran to continue its actions with force,” the official added.
The official outlined Iran’s extensive list of potential targets within “occupied territories,” which include covert residences of Israeli government leaders, energy facilities, factories supplying military aircraft, and critical command-and-control infrastructure.
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said that the country’s missiles had targeted fuel production facilities for Israeli fighter jets, a claim not acknowledged by Israel.
World leaders urgently called for de-escalation in order to prevent an all-out war. Russian President Vladimir Putin had condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran and expressed concern over further escalation. In a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Saturday, Putin reiterated Moscow's willingness to facilitate negotiations.
Oman-mediated nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington were scheduled for Sunday; however, they were canceled following Israel’s strikes. Trump did not rule out the possibility of continuing the negotiations, saying, “They’d like to make a deal. They’re talking.”
Iran DENIES sending Israel messages through Cyprus
'Iran has not sent any message to Israel through any country, and such claims are utterly false' — Iran FM Spokesman Baghaei.
The radiation and chemical situation in Kuwait remains normal and stable, the National Guard reassured in a statement on Sunday, noting that it is continuously monitoring the situation around the clock.
“Our system comprises 29 land monitoring stations strategically distributed across border areas, densely populated regions, and Kuwaiti islands,” Kuwait National Guard official Lieutenant Colonel Khaled Lami said in a recent interview. “Additionally, we have 15 marine monitoring stations in Kuwait’s territorial waters, equipped with advanced capabilities for detecting radiation and chemical agents in both water and air.”
Ministry of Health official Dr Munther Al-Hasawi said meanwhile that hte ministry manages a specialized laboratory for radiation measurements, meticulously monitoring the safety of seawater, soil, and air. “No abnormal radiation levels have been recorded, and all readings across Kuwait are well within normal limits,” he affirmed.
Six Israelis killed, 200 injured, 7 still missing following Iran's strike on Bat Yam
Several buildings destroyed as daylight clears view on massive destruction.
IDF says rescue efforts could take 'at least a day'.
Iran strikes back - after the IDF hits more targets in Tehran, as the Islamic Republic's capital is shrouded in smoke. Tehran says Israel couldn't have done it all alone - and accuses the US of aiding the assault. Iran's response ramps up - as a salvo of missiles descend on cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv. At least fifteen people are killed, with hundreds more wounded. Moldovan police beat priests and people with children, as citizens protest against an LGBT march in the capital city.
The crackdown is compared by some to what's been seen in neighbouring Ukraine. Protests grip US cities, with Los Angeles hosting the epicentre of unrest, as demonstrators counter a military parade overseen by the president in Washington DC. With all 50 states seeing rallies, we delve into who funds the organisations behind the pro-immigration movement, further dividing a fragile US political system.
Ukrainian drone attack deep inside Russia kills one – governor
The UAV strike on Tatarstan also left 13 wounded, according to Rustam Minnikhanov
Ukrainian drone attack in the Republic of Tatarstan in central Russia has resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, according to the head of the region, Rustam Minnikhanov.
“During the interception of the UAV, debris struck a checkpoint building at an automotive plant in the Yelabuga district, killing a worker. Thirteen people were injured in total, with one in critical condition,” Minnikhanov stated in a Telegram post on Sunday.
The crash triggered a fire at the scene, which was quickly extinguished.
In recent months, Ukrainian forces have intensified drone strikes, targeting both border regions and deeper within Russia. National air defense systems routinely intercept dozens or even hundreds of hostile drones per day, although falling debris continues to pose risks to civilians and infrastructure.
Ukraine has intensified its drone raids since mid-May, when a meeting of negotiators from the two countries took place in Istanbul, marking the first direct talks between Kiev and Moscow since 2022. The attacks peaked during the final week of May, when 2,300 UAVs were shot down, according to the Russian MOD.
Iran accuses Israel of trying to spoil nuclear deal with US
…….Nobody can deny Tehran the right to have a peaceful nuclear program, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Israel is trying to prevent Tehran from reaching a nuclear deal with the US, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in his first press conference since the escalation between the Islamic Republic and the Jewish state on Friday.
The sixth round of talks between Washington and Tehran, which had been scheduled to take place in Oman on June 15, was canceled after Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on Friday in what the Islamic Republic has called a declaration of war.
Iran responded by launching multiple volleys of ballistic missiles at targets in Israel, including the country’s largest city, Tel Aviv.
The countries continued to exchange strikes overnight and during the day on Sunday, with Israel attacking Iran’s energy infrastructure and what it called sites “related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons project.” Tehran fired more missiles at targets in Israel, including near Haifa and Tel Aviv; at least 10 people were reportedly killed and around 200 wounded in those attacks.
In his comments on Saturday, Araghchi reiterated that the Iranian authorities maintain a “firm conviction not to possess a nuclear weapon.”
However, he noted that “those who are willing to deprive Iran of our right to possess the nuclear program for peaceful purposes, they have no right to do so.”
“This is a crystal-clear matter. The Zionist entity [Israel] is not willing to see us reaching an agreement or a diplomatic solution with the US,” the minister said.
According to Araghchi, a breakthrough could have well happened during the canceled talks between Tehran and Washington.
“The previous round of talks, the Americans presented a number of proposals, which were not totally acceptable to us. We presented our response and our viewpoints, and we were supposed to present a counter-proposal. Our proposal could have opened doors for an all-out agreement with the Americans,” he claimed.
Earlier on Sunday, US President Donald Trump insisted that Washington “had nothing to do” with the attack on the Islamic Republic and urged Tehran to return to diplomacy, saying that “we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict.”
The Iranian foreign minister said that Tehran does not believe the US claims that it wasn’t involved in the Israeli aggression. “We have evidence to the contrary,” he stressed.
Israel asked US to join Iran attack – Axios
West Jerusalem has requested assistance targeting the Fordow nuclear site, according to the outlet
West Jerusalem has asked the White House to take part in its military campaign against Iran in order to eliminate Tehran’s nuclear program, according to two Israeli officials cited by Axios.
Several above-ground facilities in Iran, including sites in Natanz and Esfahan, were destroyed in recent Israeli strikes, according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi.
Israel described the operation as a preemptive move to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon – Iran has consistently denied that it has any intention to do so.
Grossi said the Iranian government had also informed him that the Fordow enrichment plant near the city of Qom, a heavily fortified site built deep inside a mountain, was targeted, but there are no indications that the site sustained significant damage.
According to Axios, Israel lacks the bunker-busting bombs and long-range bomber aircraft required to destroy Fordow. The US, however, possesses both and operates forces within range of Iran.
Israeli officials reportedly believe that if Fordow remains operational after the operation ends, West Jerusalem’s mission to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program will have failed.
An Israeli official told Axios the US might participate in the campaign and said President Donald Trump had indicated during a recent call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would consider it “if necessary.” The White House has denied this claim.
A second American official confirmed that Israel had requested US involvement but said the Trump administration is not considering it.
Washington has reportedly distanced itself from the operation, while warning that even a limited strike could draw the US into the war. White House officials have argued that it would be illegitimate for Iran to retaliate against American forces.
A senior US official told the outlet that while the Israeli attacks could not be prevented, a peaceful resolution remains possible. “We have the ability to negotiate a successful, peaceful resolution to this conflict if Iran is willing,” the source said. “The fastest way for Iran to accomplish peace is to give up its nuclear weapons program.”
Nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington began in April, with Trump warning of military consequences if diplomacy failed.
On Saturday, Tehran cancelled a sixth round of negotiations scheduled in Oman. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said talks would not resume until Israeli strikes come to an end.
Earlier on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart held a 50-minute phone call to discuss the situation in the Middle East. The two leaders reportedly agreed on the possibility of restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
VIDEO: Nigeria’s Ruling Party APC North-East Meeting Ends in Chaos Amid Tinubu, Shettima Endorsement Row
The All Progressives Congress (APC) North-East Consultative Meeting ended in chaos following a controversial move to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a video shared by AIT on Sunday, party members were seen engaging in heated confrontations.
Credit: AIT Live
Sen. Amy Klobuchar says authorities believe suspect in 'politically motivated assassination' is still in the Midwest
Sen. Amy Klobuchar said that authorities believe Vance Boelter, the 57-year-old suspect in a pair of "politically motivated" shootings, is still in the Midwest, noting that "he may be" in Minnesota and that authorities have put out an alert in South Dakota.
"We believe he's somewhere in the vicinity and that they are going to find him," Klobuchar, D-Minn., said during an interview on NBC News' "Meet the Press." "But right now, everyone is on edge here because we know that this man will kill at a second."
A Democratic Minnesota lawmaker and her husband were killed early Saturday in what Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., said appears to be "a politically motivated assassination."
State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were severely injured, Walz said. Authorities have identified the shooting suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter of Minnesota.
An official who saw the list on the suspect’s “manifesto” previously told NBC News that it targeted prominent people in Minnesota who advocated for reproductive rights.
After the shootings, Klobuchar said that she has received extra security without her request.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a Saturday statement that he asked the Capitol Police to "immediately increase security" for Klobuchar and Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., also put out a statement on Saturday saying that he asked the "the House Sergeant at Arms and United States Capitol Police to ensure the safety of our Minnesota delegation and Members of Congress across the country."
"I think they're concerned about everyone," Klobuchar said of receiving added security. She said that she does not have confirmation as to whether she was on Boelter's list.
Klobuchar emphasized that if people see Boelter, they "should not approach him, that they should immediately call the tip lines and report."
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said on Saturday that they found a "manifesto" in Boelter's vehicle with names of other officials.
The senator said that she was concerned that "this guy is going to come up against just an innocent: Try to take their car, try to go into their house."
"Because a lot of the political leaders in our state have received extra protection, but not the innocents out there," she said.
Smith, who has discussed being on the suspect’s list, said in a Sunday interview on CNN that it was “deeply concerning” to be named. She said that “the level of threat that lawmakers are exposed to is just unacceptable.”
“I’m grateful that I personally feel safe, but this is no way for our government to work when people, any any number of us, feel this kind of personal threat,” Smith said on CNN.
Klobuchar mourned the loss of the couple killed, remembering that she was at a large political dinner with them the night before they died.
"Everyone was rejoicing, happy, the session's behind them, and that was the last time so many of us saw Melissa and Mark," Klobuchar said on NBC News, referring to the late lawmaker and her husband. "And the next morning, 5 a.m., the governor, Governor Walz, calls me and tells me that we believe that she's no longer with us."
Klobuchar remembered the late lawmaker as a friend, recalling how Hortman juggled being a mother, Sunday school teacher, girl scout leader, on top of her political career, eventually becoming "this extraordinary Speaker of the House."
"When you think about political violence and the statistics of political violence, you've got to realize the people who are behind it and a true public servant that we lost," Klobuchar said.