Briefing

Trump confirmed US strikes on Iranian air defence systems on Qeshm Island and said Washington had made “a lot of progress” in talks with Tehran. Iranian media reported missile strikes on the island and said its air defences intercepted a US drone; CENTCOM described the situation as “relatively calm”.

IranUnited StatesQeshm IslandUS-Iran talks

Donald Trump said US forces carried out limited strikes on an Iranian air-defence system on Friday, calling the action “minor.” Iranian media reported two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island. Washington and Tehran continued discussions, while Qatar took part in efforts to de-escalate tensions.

United StatesIranmilitary strikesQatar mediation

President Donald Trump said the US military carried out a strike intended to destroy Iran’s air defenses. He said a small anti-aircraft installation near Qeshm Island was knocked out in about 15 minutes, perhaps five, but did not specify when the strike occurred.

United StatesIranDonald Trumpmilitary strike

Paraguayan authorities moved former President Santiago Pena to a military base for his protection, bringing a dramatic day in Asuncion to a close. Earlier, he had been placed under house arrest after UENO bank collapsed.

ParaguaySantiago PenaUENO bankmilitary protection

Santiago Peña was removed from office and arrested after a banking crisis left millions of people unable to access their money.

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Paraguay’s Congress impeached President Santiago Peña, who was ordered under house arrest minutes later. The suspension of Ueno Bank over irregularities blocked about 2.9 million customers—roughly 60% of the country’s adult population—from accessing their money, prompting protests. Peña is under investigation over allegations he used political influence to favour the bank; Vice-President Pedro Alliana was sworn in as the new leader.

ParaguayUeno Bankbanking crisisimpeachment

The US Treasury sanctioned eight Canadian currency-exchange businesses, accusing them of helping Iranian entities evade financial restrictions and handling funds linked to an alleged drug-trafficking boss. It said some firms converted Iranian rials and other currencies into digital assets. Canada’s FINTRAC said it worked with the US FinCEN on the measures.

US sanctionsCanadaIrancurrency exchange

US officials urged Beijing to fully implement commitments under the 2025 trade agreement, especially purchases of American agricultural goods and supplies of rare earths and other critical minerals. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng voiced serious concern about recent US trade restrictions, while both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and manage differences.

US-China tradetrade agreementagricultural purchasesrare earths

Cornell University's faculty senate approved a resolution Friday declaring no confidence in the school's top leaders, a symbolic move that reflects deep campus discontent after a former student sued, alleging she was gang-raped at a fraternity party in 2024.

Cornell Universityfaculty senateno-confidence votesexual-assault lawsuit

Cornell's faculty representatives voted to withhold confidence in university leaders, citing the administration's response to sexual-assault claims on campus.

Cornell Universityno-confidence votesexual assault allegations

SpaceX disclosed on Friday that Google executive Donald Harrison has left its board after serving for more than a decade.

SpaceXDonald HarrisonGoogleboard resignation