Background: The US-Israeli war against Iran has entered its third month with no end in sight, characterized by an indefinite impasse, no good deal possible, Washington losing the initiative, Israel's complicating role, and Iran's asymmetric advantage in defining victory as regime survival. The US and Iran are in a frozen conflict with US financial sanctions and a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's closure of the strait and toll charges, and stalled negotiations. Iran proposed a side deal to reopen the strait in exchange for lifting the blockade, but the US has not decided. President Trump vacillates between military strikes and maintaining maximum pressure. Iran's economy is under severe strain from sanctions and inflation, but the regime remains defiant, relying on a patronage system and Revolutionary Guard influence amid domestic protests and international pressure. Today: The fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US remains in place, but tensions persist with Israeli attacks in Lebanon, IRGC warnings against US interference with Iranian shipping, and a British warship deployment to secure Hormuz shipping lanes. Diplomatic activity includes a phased US-Iran framework and Russian offer to store Iranian enriched uranium.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich stated that President Trump's upcoming visit to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could yield a 'remarkable breakthrough' in U.S.-China relations. The meeting, moved to May due to the Iran conflict, is expected to address Taiwan, the war in Iran, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Gingrich suggested China may reassess its strategic position, while Chinese officials have criticized U.S. actions in the strait. The summit, the first U.S. presidential visit to China in nearly a decade, comes amid a trade truce, ongoing Iran conflict, and heightened Taiwan tensions.

Background: US President Donald Trump previously threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain over their stance on the Iran war. Today, the White House is reportedly considering further reductions of US forces in Europe, with Italy identified as a potential next target, following a confirmed withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany. The reassessment may also scrap plans to station long-range missiles in Germany. The moves are driven by Trump's frustration with allies' insufficient support for US operations against Iran. Poland has offered to host additional forces, with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz calling the alliance the 'cornerstone' of Polish security. The potential for wider withdrawals has raised concerns among Congressional leaders and NATO officials about the future of collective European security.

The Trump administration and FDA announced that hundreds of baby formula samples tested under Operation Stork Speed meet a high safety standard, but independent scientists and health advocates dispute this, citing data showing at least half of samples contained PFOS, about half contained phthalates, and some had lead and the pesticide chlorpyrifos. Critics argue that even low levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals pose developmental risks to infants, and that the FDA's testing lacks transparency by not naming products or indicating multiple contaminants. The FDA has not set enforceable limits for many of these substances.

Background: Iran operates a fleet of approximately 300 small speedboats in the Strait of Hormuz for asymmetric warfare, hiding military assets among civilian traffic. A Financial Times report reveals that these fast attack boats, operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, are concealed in caves and tunnels along Iran's southern coast, enabling rapid deployment and swarm tactics to threaten global oil and gas flows and challenge US naval forces during heightened tensions.

The US federal government's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) cuts SNAP food benefits by $186bn over 10 years, threatening 665,000 recipients in California. The state is considering a one-time 5% tax on billionaires' assets to fill the gap, facing opposition from tech entrepreneurs like Sergey Brin. The measure is likely on the November ballot.

The expiration of enhanced premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to significant enrollment declines across U.S. health insurance marketplaces. Preliminary data shows total 2026 enrollment fell to about 23 million, a drop of over 1 million, with projections of up to a 25% decline. Major insurers like Cigna and Aetna are exiting the marketplace. State exchanges report sharp disenrollments, particularly in California and Idaho. Experts warn of a 'smaller and sicker' market but do not expect a collapse.

The article argues that the ongoing trade war initiated by former US President Donald Trump has inadvertently opened economic opportunities for China, allowing it to expand its influence and fill gaps left by US policies.

The Trump administration has proposed multiple contradictory policies on overdose prevention within weeks, including a new prohibition on funding for fentanyl test strips, proposed budget cuts that would gut overdose prevention efforts, and an ambitious drug control strategy that experts say would be impossible to implement if the cuts go through. These conflicting measures confuse experts and could strain health resources and increase overdose risk.

Background: Bosnian lawmakers passed legislation naming the newly formed US company AAFS Infrastructure and Energy as the investor for the Southern Interconnection gas pipeline, bypassing transparent procurement rules, prompting EU warnings about risks to Bosnia's EU accession and funding. Today's development: New reporting reveals that AAFS is led by Joseph Flynn (brother of Trump's former security advisor Michael Flynn) and deputy Jesse Binnall (a Trump lawyer who contested the 2020 election results), with Michael Flynn working for Bosnian Serb separatist leader Milorad Dodik, whose US sanctions were lifted in late 2025. Trump Jr. visited Banja Luka in April for an investor conference opened by Dodik's son. The pipeline route crosses disputed state property, raising constitutional concerns. High Representative Christian Schmidt has not intervened despite warnings, reportedly due to fear of US retaliation. Local politicians and EU officials are reluctant to oppose the US, with one source stating 'We will not oppose Washington under any circumstances.'