Trump signals imminent trade deals, confirms tariff deadline
US President Donald Trump on Friday hinted that major trade agreements could be announced soon, suggesting they are nearly finalized.
Speaking at the signing of the Stablecoin Act at the White House, Trump emphasized the impact of US tariffs in driving negotiations. “When I send out the paper that you’re paying 35 to 40 percent tariff, that’s a deal,” he said, adding that such measures often prompt countries to return to the table, according to Reuters.
Trump also confirmed that the 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs, previously extended to August 1, will not be delayed further. Tariffs will take effect as scheduled if no agreements are reached.
EU adopts tougher sanctions on Russia
The EU has approved a new round of sanctions against Russia, described as one of its toughest yet, according to foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
The package includes a lower price cap on Russian oil exports—cut from $60 to $47.60 per barrel—and measures to permanently block the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines. It also targets a Russian-owned refinery in India and blacklists over 100 vessels linked to sanction evasion, according to Xinhua.
Slovakia, which had delayed the deal over energy concerns, backed the move after receiving assurances from the European Commission.
Israel calls on UN to disband Gaza rights commission
Israel has urged the UN Human Rights Council to dismantle a commission probing alleged rights violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories, calling it biased and discriminatory.
In a letter, Israeli envoy Daniel Meron accused the commission of one-sided reporting, particularly over its criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attacks. He said the body reflects institutional prejudice against Israel, according to Reuters.
The commission, created in 2021, has authority to gather evidence for international legal proceedings. A Council spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter but noted that only its 47 member states can dissolve the commission.
Israel left the Council in February, Reuters reported.
Almost 600 killed in south Syria violence, monitoring group says
At least 594 people have been killed in violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin communities in Syria’s Suweida province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The fighting, which turned sectarian, included alleged executions and heavy civilian casualties, according to BBC.
Among the dead are 300 Druze, including civilians and fighters, and over 250 government personnel. Israeli airstrikes, reportedly aimed at protecting the Druze, also killed several government troops and struck key sites in Damascus.
The Syrian government declared a ceasefire and withdrew forces, but Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri rejected it, vowing continued resistance. Israel has pledged to prevent further Syrian military presence in the south.
Syria’s interim president condemned the Israeli strikes, warning of attempts to destabilize the country, and pledged to safeguard the rights of all communities, BBC reported.
