NPR is reporting that President Donald J Trump, Iran and mediators from Pakistan have reached a deal to end the war between the U.S. and Iran. Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a key mediating role, both announced on social media that an official signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday. Shehbaz also stated that the U.S. and Iran declared an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Iran had made an end to violence in Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants, a condition for the deal. NPR's Carrie Kahn told Up First that Israel was not part of the negotiations, and a response from Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, casts doubt on whether the country will cooperate and if the U.S. has control over its actions.
Following Trump's announcement, oil futures dropped 4%. While prices remain elevated compared to before the war, they are now cheaper than at any point since the conflict began. Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen "for purposes of mine removal" after the deal is signed. NPR noted that a reopening would ease pressure on global oil consumers but would not mean an immediate return to pre-war oil supply levels and prices.
The newly reached agreement is expected to dominate conversations as Trump heads to the French Alps today for the G7 summit. Leaders from the world's wealthiest nations are meeting to discuss artificial intelligence, trade, immigration and the war in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit host, said the objective will be to examine the agreement's consequences, its support for Lebanon, the long-term reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement on Iran's nuclear and ballistic weapons. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reported that Trump is unlikely to criticize allies at the summit, as analysts suggest he will be counting on them to lend credibility to his peace deal.
Trump's trip to France follows a UFC fight held on the White House Lawn to celebrate his 80th birthday and the U.S.'s 250th. Mixed martial arts fighters competed in an octagon built on the lawn, hours after the peace deal announcement. NPR's Mara Liasson said the event served as a celebration and a way to counter messages about Trump's health, occurring amidst an election focused on age and generational change. Liasson noted the overlap between the UFC audience and young, non-college-educated men, a critical part of Trump's base from which he has recently lost support. Democrats have criticized the event as a personal whim, while Republicans are reportedly more quietly concerned about Trump's focus on issues that would help them maintain congressional majorities after the midterms.
NPR, via KCUR, is reporting that 12 people died after a plane crashed Sunday in Missouri, killing all on board. Federal Aviation Administration records show the plane was operated by Skydive Kansas City, which called the crash a "devastating loss" and is cooperating with investigators. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating, with NTSB investigators expected to arrive today. A preliminary report is anticipated within 30 days.
NPR also provided health advice on extreme heat, noting it kills more people in the U.S. annually than hurricanes, tornadoes and floods combined. It explained that heat can lead to multiple organ failure, heart attacks or strokes due to the body's attempts to cool itself, and kidney failure from dehydration. Tips include drinking plenty of water and seeking shade or cool spots when overheated.
In other news, NPR's "Living Better" series highlighted that parents and adult children are emotionally closer than in past generations. More than half of parents of 18- to 25-year-olds surveyed by the University of Michigan track their adult children using smartphone apps. While tracking for peace of mind can be healthy, it can cause anxiety for about 25% of tracking parents. Researchers suggest that using tracking to micromanage indicates difficulty transitioning from parenting a child to a young adult, a period crucial for developing autonomy.
Additionally, NPR reported that workers removed Trump's name from the Kennedy Center less than six months after it was affixed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that New World screwworm infestations in the U.S. have risen to 12, with state and federal officials working to contain the parasite. Texas Public Radio reported this via NPR. Finally, former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was admitted to a hospital on Sunday. His condition is unknown, but the 84-year-old Kentucky senator has faced regular health challenges.