Hegseth softens China tone, reaffirms US Pacific commitment
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has moderated his warnings about China following the Xi-Trump summit, saying the U.S. remains committed to Pacific security while expecting allies to boost their own defense. Reports from AP News, BBC, and the South China Morning Post highlight the shift in tone, which analysts see as a diplomatic recalibration. Hegseth also reiterated that the U.S. is 'more than capable' of resuming conflict with Iran if necessary, as reported by The Guardian.
A complex rescue operation is unfolding in Laos as divers work to free four men still trapped in a flooded cave, with two others still missing. CNN's Will Ripley is reporting from the scene. Rescuers have already found five villagers alive after more than a week trapped in darkness, and the first of the trapped men has been successfully brought out, as reported by AP News and The Guardian.
Iran's nuclear stockpile remains a key sticking point in negotiations to end the war, as CNN explains in detail. An emerging deal risks shattering Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's legacy, according to CNN analysis. Iran has warned of 'utter ruin' if war restarts, while hard-liners in Tehran attempt to derail any potential agreement with the U.S., as covered by the New York Times.