First Lady Melania Trump issued a rare public statement from the White House, vehemently denying "lies" linking her to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and called for a congressional hearing for victims.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
President Trump's approval rating dropped three points as voters remain wary of the Iran war and rising prices, while Democrats like Rep. Andy Kim call for his removal from office, citing his handling of the conflict.
Ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which have killed over 300 people, are jeopardizing the two-week US-Iran ceasefire, with Iran insisting Lebanon is covered by the truce and Spain condemning the actions as international law violations.
Major stock indices, including the S&P 500 and Dow, climbed for a second day, with the Dow turning positive for 2026, as investors reacted to optimism surrounding the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and potential de-escalation in the Middle East.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte defended President Trump's actions against Iran, stating the world is safer and allies were "slow" to provide support, while China gained favor with Trump by engaging in Iran diplomacy.
Iranian attacks on Saudi facilities cut oil output by over 500,000 barrels per day, contributing to rising petrol and diesel prices globally, while Exxon and Chevron face eroded profits despite soaring oil and natural gas prices due to regional disruptions.
The U.S. military plans to implement automatic draft registration by December, a development that comes weeks after the US and Israel launched a war against Iran, streamlining the process for potential conscription.