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German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has called on the European Union to take firm action if ongoing trade talks with the United States fail. His remarks, published Sunday in Sueddeutsche Zeitung, follow US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 30 percent tariff on EU imports starting August 1, according to Xinhua.

Klingbeil warned that Germany would not remain passive if negotiations break down, stating that preparations for countermeasures are already underway. He stressed the need for a fair trade agreement, saying, “Trump’s tariffs produce only losers,” and urged an end to escalating tensions.

He also noted that Germany will accelerate efforts to diversify its global trade partnerships. The US is currently Germany’s largest export market, with exports totaling €161bn in 2024 and a trade surplus of nearly €70bn, Xinhua reported.

The EU has once again delayed retaliatory tariffs on US goods, hoping to avoid a full-blown trade clash after US President Donald Trump warned of 30 percent tariffs on European imports starting August 1.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the pause—originally set to expire Tuesday—will now last until early August to allow space for talks. “We still prefer a negotiated solution,” she told reporters, according to BBC.

EU trade ministers will meet Monday in Brussels to decide how tough a stance to take. Germany’s finance minister Lars Klingbeil called for “serious” dialogue but said Europe must be ready to act if needed. France’s Emmanuel Macron echoed that message, urging strong defense of EU interests.

Trump’s administration has floated tariff plans targeting 24 countries and the EU. Despite rising tensions, Trump insisted the tariffs are bringing “hundreds of billions” into the US, BBC reported.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was reportedly injured during an Israeli airstrike on a hidden underground facility in Tehran last month, BBC reported.

The strike on 16 June hit six access points to the bunker, where Pezeshkian was attending a high-level security meeting. He is said to have suffered minor leg injuries while escaping through an emergency shaft after power and ventilation were cut.

Israel hasn’t commented, but Iranian officials believe the attack was part of a broader effort to target top leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Pezeshkian later accused Israel of trying to assassinate him — a claim Israeli officials deny.

The strike was part of a larger Israeli operation launched on 13 June to hit nuclear and military sites. Days later, the US also bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. President Trump said the US strikes “obliterated” them, though US intelligence remains cautious. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, according to BBC.

Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed at least 52 Palestinians in Gaza, including children and women, according to local medical sources. Strikes on Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis claimed 28 lives, while 24 others were shot while heading to an aid site near Rafah.

Israel’s military said it fired warning shots but denied knowledge of casualties, Al Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he’s nearing a ceasefire deal with Hamas, though recent talks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu showed no progress. Around 50 hostages remain in Gaza.