NPR is reporting that President Donald J Trump signed a framework agreement to end the war with Iran during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at Versailles. It said the Trump administration shared details of the deal at a press conference following the G7 summit. The agreement aims to restore oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran committing to not building a nuclear weapon and the U.S. prepared to lift decades of sanctions. NPR's Greg Myre noted Trump's language, including his comparison to Herbert Hoover and a claim that world oil supplies would run out. Myre said Trump shifted from demanding "unconditional surrender" to preventing an economic crisis, while still using belligerent language about resuming the war. Iran stands to gain significantly, able to sell oil freely if a final agreement is reached and all U.S. and UN sanctions are lifted, marking a major shift since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
In other news, NPR is reporting that President Trump's approval ratings continue to fall to record lows, particularly concerning his handling of the economy, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. It said only one-third of Americans approve of Trump's economic handling, and his overall job performance approval is 36%, with 59% disapproval — the widest gap he has faced. NPR's Stephen Fowler said economic factors like high gas prices, inflation, tariff policies, and the Iran war are working against Republicans. Fowler noted that persistent pessimism about the economy, especially among independents, could shift key races and cause some Trump supporters to stay home.
NPR also reported that Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton announced the Senate has postponed the confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton to serve as director of national intelligence. It said President Trump urged Republicans to delay, posting on social media that he was delaying Clayton's nomination and blocking the renewal of FISA section 702, a key surveillance tool. Trump wants to tie FISA 702 reauthorization to the GOP voting bill, the SAVE America Act, and expedite the confirmation of Clayton's replacement as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Bill Pulte will temporarily lead the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies. NPR's Eric McDaniel said Democrats are concerned about Pulte's access to surveillance tools, and Republicans are frustrated by his lack of national security experience. McDaniel added that Trump's action denies the Senate its constitutional responsibility to vet cabinet positions.
Finally, NPR reported that forecasters have named Tropical Storm Arthur the first storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. While Arthur is not expected to strengthen significantly, forecasters warn of dangerous flash floods and urban flooding.