Al Jazeera is reporting that Iran and the United States remain at odds over sanctions, Tehran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, despite both sides signaling interest in a deal more than three months into the war. It said Iranian leaders continue to insist there will be no "surrender" to Washington, highlighting deep mistrust in the talks. In Syria, activity is increasing at the Baniyas Refinery, a key energy facility. Al Jazeera said workers are helping restore fuel supplies and keep critical infrastructure running as the country rebuilds following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The Atlantic hurricane season is underway, with forecasters expecting fewer storms than usual this year. It said this outlook is largely tied to El Nino, a weather pattern linked to warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific that can make it harder for Atlantic hurricanes to form and strengthen. Al Jazeera also reported on Colombia's presidential election, where far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella unexpectedly beat left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda in the first round. Additionally, it said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan rejected Russia's demand for an EU referendum, signaling a nosedive in relations as Armenia increasingly looks to the West.
