USA
Stories (30)
Trump, Biden both see tariffs as a key tool of diplomacy
Trump and Biden both embrace tariffs as a central tool of economic statecraft, but their approaches differ. Key points: - Both leaders view tariffs as a diplomatic instrument that can influence allies and rivals, though mainstream economists warn they are inflationary and can hurt consumers and exporters. - Trump’s proposals: aggressive tariffs such as a 60% tariff on Chinese imports and a 10% across-the-board tariff on global imports; even floated using tariff revenue to re
2026-06-13Iranian foreign minister says deal with U.S. "never been closer"
Summary: - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the potential deal with the U.S. to extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and begin negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program is at its closest point yet. - The comments come as mediator-led efforts (notably by Pakistan) indicate an agreement text has been reached, with next steps under discussion. - U.S. President Trump publicly criticized Iranian state media disclosures and suggested a deal could be signed s
2026-06-13What's in the Iran deal Trump says he's ready to sign
Summary: - A U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU), reportedly near finalization, would pause the broader nuclear dispute for 60 days to allow ongoing talks, with a pathway to future sanctions relief for Iran based on compliance. - Key provisions: reopen the Strait of Hormuz immediately without tolls and restore pre-war shipping volumes within 30 days; Iran would receive temporary sanctions relief (initially for 60 days, expandable with compliance). Any further nuclear
2026-06-12Trump's Iran strikes follow two-week waiting game in negotiations
Summary: - Topic: President Trump ordered strikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of waiting for Tehran’s response to a U.S. offer on nuclear limits and strait of Hormuz tradeoffs. - Purpose: Strikes aimed to restore leverage while avoiding casualties and preserving the possibility of a deal. - Diplomacy in play: Qatar and regional mediators (Doha) attempted to revive negotiations and bridge remaining gaps; Iran pushed for early release of frozen assets, while Trump pressed f
2026-06-12Why Presidents Love Foreign Affairs
Summary: The piece explains why foreign policy often influences presidential voting less than domestic issues, yet why it should matter more to voters. It argues that Americans typically prioritize the economy in elections, while presidents wield more leeway in foreign affairs due to Congress’s domestic focus and the executive branch’s relative flexibility on national security. Examples cited include the Iraq surge under Bush and U.S. actions in Libya under Obama, which proce
2026-06-09Israel and Iran nearly pull Trump back into a war he's anxious to end
Summary: - The past 24 hours highlight the risk of the U.S. being drawn back into major Middle East conflict as President Trump seeks an exit strategy. - Trump nudged Israel and Iran away from all-out war but remains unsure how long a de-escalation will last. - He faces a dilemma: Israel may retaliate for Iranian attacks, risking a broader war, while he worries about being drawn back in. - Trump claims he warned Netanyahu not to retaliate and says progress toward a potential
2026-06-09Trump loyalist Pulte gets oversight of vast US intel
Summary: - President Trump appointed Bill Pulte, longtime MAGA loyalist and current Federal Housing Finance Agency director, to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), making him the top U.S. intelligence official. This elevates a politically aligned figure into a central national-security role with broad data access across the FBI, CIA, DHS and other agencies. - The move raises concerns among critics about independence and politicization of intellig
2026-06-07Where They Stand on Foreign Policy Issues - WSJ.com
WSJ Graphics provides a comparative view of Clinton vs. Trump on foreign policy, highlighting key areas likely to shape U.S. diplomacy, security, and international engagement. The series frames the next president facing a volatile global landscape—Russia, China, Middle East turmoil, and European security concerns—with potential consequences from miscalculations in those areas. The page is an overview, not a poll or detailed policy memo, and directs readers to topic jumps with
2026-06-05Trump broadens US military footprint
Summary: - President Trump has expanded U.S. military operations abroad in his second term, focusing on Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and maritime areas, including actions against drug-smuggling boats and strikes against ISIS, al-Shabaab, and Iran-related targets. - The approach centers on an America First doctrine that emphasizes visible force, borders, and homeland security, with officials framing actions as counterterrorism, drug interdiction, and deterrence agai
2026-06-05Netanyahu squeezed between Trump and election year politics
Summary: - Netanyahu’s Iran and Lebanon strategies are tightly linked to his relationship with President Trump, with U.S. President’s tolerance for escalation influencing Israeli military plans and Netanyahu’s political standing ahead of Israel’s October election. - Tensions arose after Trump publicly pressured Netanyahu to back down from planned strikes on Hezbollah in Beirut, highlighting potential divergence between the two allies’ objectives. - U.S. officials warn Netany
2026-06-05