NATO allies are negotiating a €70 billion multi-year military aid package for Ukraine, proposed by Germany, to be announced at the July 7-8 summit in Ankara. The plan includes a tracking mechanism for burden-sharing, with €30 billion from an EU loan facility and €40 billion from bilateral contributions. Ukraine's ambassador urged prioritizing air defense, drones, and long-range munitions. The talks occur amid transatlantic tensions and US troop reductions in Europe. The proposal, circulated by Germany last month, aims to increase transparency and fair burden-sharing, amid complaints from some countries about disproportionate costs. A senior NATO diplomat emphasized the need for a firm commitment from Ankara to continue sustainable support. Discussions are still at an early stage, with a meeting of NATO defense ministers later this month expected to help reach agreement. The new funding would not consist entirely of fresh cash: €30 billion would come from an already agreed €90 billion two-year EU loan for Ukraine, while €40 billion would come from bilateral commitments. Some diplomats expressed concern that countries may feel less pressure to make direct donations if they can rely on EU funding instead. Five countries, including the United Kingdom and France, rejected NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s earlier proposal to allocate 0.25% of GDP for military assistance to Ukraine.

The Defense Intelligence Agency has raised its counter-intelligence threat assessment for Israel to 'critical', citing concerns that Israel is seeking intelligence on Trump administration internal discussions and decision-making on regional conflicts. US officials note Israel is 'well-known to aggressively collect' intelligence, and American personnel take additional precautions when visiting Israel.

Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have caused a partial loss of IAEA oversight. He accused the agency of using the consequences of the attacks to create ambiguity about Iran's nuclear program, called on it to refrain from politicizing technical reports, and urged it to avoid political pressure and contribute to a diplomatic solution.

In the California governor's primary, former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra has secured a spot in the November runoff, according to projections by AP, CNN, and NBC. He will face either Republican Steve Hilton or Democrat Tom Steyer, with vote counting ongoing. Becerra and Hilton are currently tied at over 26% each, while Steyer trails at 21%. The election will determine the successor to term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom in the influential, Democratic-leaning state.

The New York state legislature approved a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale datacenters over 20MW, aiming to address concerns over energy grid strain, environmental impact, and rising utility costs. The bill, which now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature, would require an environmental impact report and new efficiency standards. This marks the first statewide datacenter moratorium in the US, reflecting growing backlash against the AI industry's infrastructure demands.

Background: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun previously accused Iran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the US. Today: In a CNN interview, Aoun directly addressed Iran's Revolutionary Guard, stating 'It is not your country, it is our country' and accused Iran of not helping Lebanon. He called for direct peace talks with Israel and Hezbollah's disarmament, citing war fatigue among Lebanese. Aoun also criticized Israel's military strategy against Hezbollah, arguing the party's influence can only be ended through the state and after an Israeli withdrawal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi rejected the accusations on X, warning Aoun to 'save Lebanon from your real enemy.' An Israeli strike killed several Lebanese soldiers, including two officers, on the Khardali–Nabatieh road, complicating de-escalation efforts.

The Trump administration argued before a federal appeals court that the White House ballroom project, now underway after East Wing demolition, cannot be halted by courts due to national security interests and advanced construction. Judges expressed skepticism, with one comparing it to bulldozing the Statue of Liberty. The National Trust for Historic Preservation's lawsuit claims the project requires congressional approval, as White House grounds are a national park.

California's slow vote-counting process, due to extensive mail-in ballot verification, has led to days-long delays in primary election results. President Trump has made unsubstantiated claims of cheating, while state officials defend the process as normal and secure. The delays affect key races including the Los Angeles mayoral and California gubernatorial primaries. California Secretary of State Shirley N Weber confirmed the delayed results are "normal" and called for patience. Trump doubled down on Thursday, urging Congress to pass the Save America Act. Governor Newsom's office reposted an explainer to combat misinformation. Initial results show Republican Steve Hilton leading the gubernatorial race with 27.6% of the vote, followed by Democrats Xavier Becerra (25.6%) and Tom Steyer (19.8%). In Los Angeles, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass advanced to the November runoff with 35% of the vote, while the second-place contender remains unclear between Spencer Pratt (29.9%) and Nithya Raman (22.8%). An estimated 56% of votes have been counted as of Thursday. The Justice Department sent a federal prosecutor to observe ballot counting in Los Angeles. Experts explain that California's slow vote counting is a byproduct of robust verification procedures, including signature verification and a 22-day period for voters to correct ballot errors, designed to prevent fraud and ensure every vote is counted. The controversy highlights tensions between election integrity measures and public confidence in an era of rapid disinformation.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed the Trump administration is in active dialogue with Sable Offshore Corp. to establish a West Coast Strategic Petroleum Reserve in California. The proposed facility would initially hold 370,000 barrels, expandable to 30 million barrels, to supply military installations and refineries, countering Governor Gavin Newsom's efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence. The move faces opposition from state officials and questions about declining refining capacity in the state.

Igor Sechin, CEO of Russian state-owned Rosneft, speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, accused the United States of using the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to reshape global energy market regulations in its favor. He claimed US energy firms are the main beneficiaries and that the blockade, initially aimed at Iran, has backfired globally. Sechin also noted OPEC+ production has declined following the UAE's withdrawal. He cited Rystad Energy estimates that US oil and gas companies could earn over $60 billion in additional profit in 2026 if oil prices remain around $100 per barrel, with additional tax revenues of about $80 billion. He argued that China is better prepared for Strait of Hormuz disruptions due to investments in renewable energy and low-cost transportation infrastructure, including electric vehicles, buses, metro systems, and electric trains. The crisis stems from US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, which triggered Iranian retaliation and disruption of maritime traffic through the strait, though a ceasefire later took effect.

Iran's foreign ministry condemned US attacks on Qeshm Island and Goruk as violations of a fragile ceasefire, warning they seriously endanger regional security. The ministry called on regional states to prevent aggressors from using their territory against Iran.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, called on European NATO partners to strengthen their own defense capabilities. He stated that while America will lead, allies must stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and that peace is guaranteed only through strength. He did not address conflicts in Iran, Ukraine, or other regions. French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin responded that France is in a 'rearmament process'.

The de facto US ambassador to Taiwan, Raymond Greene, called on Taiwan to increase and modernize its defense spending, particularly in unmanned systems, citing lessons from the Ukraine and Middle East wars. This comes as Taiwan's parliament cut a third of the president's requested $40 billion defense budget, and as President Trump has signaled uncertainty over a $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan. Greene emphasized that the US remains legally committed to providing Taiwan with self-defense means.

At the 82nd D-Day anniversary in Normandy, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth linked immigration to the legacy of the landings, warning European nations about an 'invasion' of dangerous ideologies via Mediterranean beaches. He specifically referenced beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria as points of entry. The speech drew criticism and highlighted US-EU tensions on migration policy.

Background: A Kenyan High Court had temporarily blocked a US plan to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base for American citizens exposed in the DRC outbreak, and protests against the facility had resulted in two deaths. On June 4, 2025, hundreds of Kenyans protested in Nanyuki, chanting 'Kenya is not an American colony!' and carrying an Ebola coffin to the health ministry. Police opened fire, killing two protesters; a security source confirmed two deaths but did not specify the cause. The High Court extended the block on the facility for another three weeks and ordered the government to disclose all agreements within seven days, with the next hearing set for June 23. US military aircraft continued transporting staff and equipment, with at least nine arrivals since May 24. Health Minister Aden Duale insisted the facility would serve both Kenyans and Americans, while a US official anonymously stated it would treat only US citizens. President William Ruto defended the decision during a state visit to South Africa, calling it a mutual agreement.

Two Democratic US House members led 85 colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the Trump administration to use diplomatic and legal tools to prevent Israeli settlement construction in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, which critics say would undermine a future Palestinian state.

St Anthony of Padua church in Luling, Louisiana, initially included convicted priest Anthony Odiong in its prayer intentions, sparking outrage from his victims. After criticism, the church removed his name and replaced it with a prayer for victims of clergy abuse. Odiong was sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault of two women. The archdiocese instructed the pastor to include victims in prayers.

The United States has threatened to reconsider its role in international peacekeeping in Bosnia and Herzegovina after European states rejected Washington's preferred candidate for High Representative, Antonio Zanardi Landi, and instead backed France's René Troccaz. The US also pushed to weaken the High Representative's powers. The rift reflects growing US-European tensions over Bosnia policy, amid concerns over Trump administration motives and business interests in the region.

The US State Department approved a potential $842 million Foreign Military Sale to Denmark of 200 AGM-158 JASSM-ER long-range stealth cruise missiles, along with support equipment. The missiles, with a range over 900 km, will enhance Royal Danish Air Force F-35A long-range precision strike capabilities. The sale supports a NATO ally and does not alter the regional military balance.

Utah residents and the Alliance for a Better Utah have filed a lawsuit against the proposed Stratos AI datacenter in Box Elder County, arguing that the state's Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) approval process unconstitutionally strips citizens of rights to public input on land use, taxation, and safety. Celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary, backing the project, has agreed to reduce its footprint amid criticism. The lawsuit highlights tensions between rapid AI infrastructure development and local governance. O'Leary also alleged foreign interference by 'Chinese-backed interests' in opposition campaigns, a claim echoed by some congressional Republicans.

The U.S. State Department has authorized the potential sale of five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to New Zealand for $1.5 billion, including sonars, radars, communication systems, 225 APKWS II rockets, and 65 Hellfire missiles. The sale aims to strengthen New Zealand's maritime security and interoperability with Australia, following increased Chinese naval activity in the Tasman Sea. New Zealand is also pursuing a broader defense modernization, including plans to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP over eight years and acquire new frigates, with the Mogami-class (Japanese) or Type 31 (British) under consideration.