EU holds off on tariffs as Trump threatens trade escalation

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.

Iran’s President hurt in Israeli strike on secret bunker

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.

 

Over 50 killed in Gaza as ceasefire talks stall

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.

Trump announces new tariffs on EU and Mexico, expands trade pressure globally

US President Donald Trump announced Saturday that a 30 percent tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico will take effect on August 1.

The decision was disclosed in letters addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, which Trump shared on his Truth Social platform, according to BBC.

Over the past week, the president has issued more than 20 similar letters to key US trading partners — including Canada, South Korea, Japan, and Brazil — outlining new tariff measures ranging from 20 to 50 percent.