Aug 2, 2026, 03:00 PM UTC

The United States and Israel have temporarily suspended planned military strikes against Iran following requests from Tehran and neighboring Middle Eastern governments, according to US President Donald Trump.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated the pause is conditional on securing a rapid agreement to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The diplomatic opening follows recent military friction, during which US forces intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at regional positions. Trump asserted that Iran is "almost defeated" while emphasizing that US forces retain vast ammunition stockpiles if negotiations falter.

In response to potential diplomatic progress, Asian crude oil markets fell by over five percent. Regional security arrangements also expanded as Saudi Arabia launched a maritime initiative to protect Red Sea shipping lanes.

Sources: BBC News, Corriere della Sera, Der Standard, El Mundo, FAZ.

Amanda Knox is set to debut an autobiographical comedy play titled "Cartwheel" in London on August 7, drawing sharp criticism from the family of Meredith Kercher. The upcoming performance references the 2007 murder of Kercher in Perugia, Italy, a case in which Knox was initially convicted and later definitively acquitted by Italy's highest court.

Francesco Maresca, a lawyer representing the Kercher family, stated that the family was appalled by the initiative. Maresca criticized Knox for repeatedly exploiting the painful tragedy over the past two decades, describing the project as an inappropriate move that reopens old wounds and disrespects Kercher's memory.

Sources: Corriere della Sera

A newly disclosed internal email from a National Park Service engineer has attributed damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool floor to a contractor installation error, shifting blame away from former official Hearn. The email, dated June 11, revealed that the deterioration of the pool's lining stemmed from faulty application during recent restoration work rather than administrative misconduct.

The findings have sparked fresh political friction, with Donald Trump criticizing prosecutors over their handling of the investigation. What began as a dispute over botched infrastructure repairs has quickly escalated into a wider political confrontation between Trump and local prosecutors. Authorities have not yet indicated whether legal action will be pursued against the contractor responsible for the coating work.

Sources: Corriere della Sera