In a dramatic late-night Senate session, Republicans narrowly advanced President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping legislative package proposing $3.8 trillion in tax breaks, budget cuts, and deportation funding. Passed 51-49, the bill faced stiff resistance over deep Medicaid and welfare cuts. Vice President JD Vance was present to break a possible tie. Senator Tillis and Senator Rand Paul defected, citing harm to healthcare. Elon Musk labeled the plan “destructive.” Trump, working the phones from the White House, celebrated the win online. The bill now returns to the House for final votes before potential enactment.
IRAN COULD RESTART URANIUM ENRICHMENT
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi has contradicted US President Trump’s claims of having “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capacity, stating Tehran could resume uranium enrichment “within months.” Grossi confirmed that while US strikes caused “severe” damage, they failed to fully dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The IAEA noted unexplained uranium traces and warned of Iran’s possible withdrawal from oversight treaties. Lawmakers and Pentagon sources also acknowledged the strikes likely didn’t destroy all enriched material. Amid rising tensions and political spin, Grossi urged renewed access for inspections, cautioning that Iran retains both the knowledge and capacity to resume nuclear operations swiftly.
TRUMP-BROKERED AFRICA PEACE
The US has brokered a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) aimed at ending decades of bloodshed in eastern Congo. Signed in Washington, the deal includes ceasefire terms, disarmament measures, and economic cooperation. President Trump claimed credit, calling it a “great day for Africa,” though the rebel M23 militia—accused of atrocities and backed by Rwanda—has not signed on. Critics say the accord overlooks root causes like mineral exploitation, weak governance, and regional rivalries. Analysts warn peace may remain elusive without accountability and inclusive dialogue, as fighting and displacement continue across the DRC’s mineral-rich east.
RUSSIA DOWNS UKRAINIAN F-16 FIGHTER
Ukraine confirmed the downing of a US-made F-16 fighter jet and the death of its pilot during Russia’s most extensive aerial attack since the war began. The assault involved over 500 drones and missiles, targeting key regions and causing widespread damage. Ukraine intercepted nearly half using defense systems and jamming technology. The F-16 loss marks the fourth such incident, further depleting Kyiv’s limited fleet of 16 jets, despite promises of 85 from NATO allies. The F-16’s advanced capabilities are vital for Ukraine’s air defense, making every loss a serious setback in countering Russia’s growing air campaign.
IRAN EXPANDS MISSILE ARSENAL
Amid tensions following the 12-day war with Israel and U.S. airstrikes, Iran is reportedly building the world’s largest ballistic missile arsenal. Israeli officials warn that Tehran’s production goal of 20,000 missiles includes intercontinental warheads capable of reaching London. While the U.S. claims its strikes crippled Iran’s nuclear program, Israel says Iran still poses dual existential threats—nuclear and ballistic. Iran, with enough enriched uranium for nine nuclear bombs, is also advancing its missile capabilities at industrial scale, raising alarms over regional and global security. Experts warn Tehran is nearing a point of no return in missile and nuclear proliferation.
