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Time:2026-06-18T11:19:33Z

Ukrainian drone strikes hit a Moscow oil refinery in the largest air assault on the city since the war began, bringing fighting home to Russians and stirring domestic discontent. The US and Iran signed an initial agreement to end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease sanctions, though core nuclear issues and a $300 billion question remain unresolved. The deal has opened rifts within the Republican Party as some lawmakers voice opposition. Ukraine is also bolstering northern defenses amid fears Belarus may be drawn into the conflict, while allies have authorized Kyiv to reproduce Western air-defense missiles.

Ukrainian drones strike Moscow oil refinery in massive attack

Ukrainian drones strike Moscow oil refinery in massive attackUkrainian drones hit a Moscow oil refinery in the largest air raid on the Russian capital since the start of the war. Black smoke rose over the city as the attack marked a significant escalation in Ukraine's ability to strike deep inside Russia. President Zelenskyy continues seeking Trump's support to bring the war to an end. The assault underscores growing Ukrainian capabilities to project force into Russian territory.

Sources:
Clouds of black smoke rise over Moscow after Ukrainian drones hit an oil refinery (AP News)
Ukraine hits Moscow refinery as Zelenskyy seeks Trump support to end war (Al Jazeera)
Moscow oil refinery struck in Ukraine’s biggest air raid on city since start of war (The Guardian)
Ukrainian Drones Hit Moscow Refinery in Large-Scale Assault (NYT)
Ukraine hits Moscow oil refinery again, part of massive drone wave inside Russia (CBC)

US and Iran sign initial deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

US and Iran sign initial deal to reopen Strait of HormuzThe United States and Iran have signed an initial agreement to end hostilities, ease sanctions, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz as nuclear talks continue. Defense Secretary Hegseth warned that the US could reinstate a naval blockade if Iran does not uphold the deal. The agreement has drawn mixed global reactions, with many observers noting it provides a two-month window for broader nuclear negotiations. The deal also includes provisions on oil sanctions and Lebanon.

Sources:
US and Iran sign initial deal to end war, ease sanctions and open strait as nuclear talks continue (AP News)
World reacts to US-Iran deal to extend ceasefire, reopen Strait of Hormuz (Al Jazeera)
Hegseth warns US could reinstate naval blockade if Iran deal not upheld after Trump signs agreement (BBC)
US-Iran deal takeaways: reopening the strait of Hormuz, waived oil sanctions and Lebanon (The Guardian)
U.S. and Iran sign deal that includes plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz, 2-month window for nuclear talks (CBC)

Core nuclear issues left unresolved in US-Iran agreement

Core nuclear issues left unresolved in US-Iran agreementThe US-Iran agreement leaves many critical details for later, particularly the sensitive issue of Iran's nuclear program. The deal promises Iran significant financial relief, estimated at over $300 billion. Analysts warn that the core sticking points remain unresolved, and the long-term effects of the war will linger. The outline lacks specifics on how to address Tehran's nuclear ambitions within the two-month negotiation window.

Sources:
The outline leaves many details for later, including the touchy subject of Iran’s nuclear program, and promises Iran a lot of money (CNN)
Iran war day 111: Tehran warns US as 14-point plan takes effect (Al Jazeera)
US-Iran deal leaves core sticking points unresolved - and a $300bn question (BBC)
Here's how much the Iran war cost -- and how its effects will linger (NPR)
The HeadlinesAudioHow Iran Could Benefit From Its Deal With the U.S., an A.I. Arms Race in Schools, and More10min listen (NYT)

Trump's Iran deal draws Republican backlash

Trump's Iran deal draws Republican backlashPresident Trump's memorandum of understanding with Iran is facing backlash from some fellow Republicans, opening new rifts within the party. The deal has also fueled tensions between Trump and the GOP majority leader, stoking an election-year divide. Critics within the party argue the agreement is too lenient on Tehran and lacks sufficient enforcement mechanisms.

Sources:
Trump’s MoU with Iran draws backlash from some Republicans (Al Jazeera)
Trump’s Deal With Iran Opens New Rifts in G.O.P. (NYT)
Trump Feuds With Majority Leader and G.O.P., Stoking Election-Year Rift (NYT)

Ukraine bolsters defenses as Belarus fears and Russian discontent grow

Ukraine bolsters defenses as Belarus fears and Russian discontent growUkraine is strengthening its northern defenses amid growing concerns that Belarus may be dragged into the war. Meanwhile, Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia are stirring public discontent among Russians as the conflict hits closer to home. Allies have given Kyiv permission to reproduce Western air-defense missiles, bolstering Ukraine's defensive capabilities.

Sources:
Ukraine’s deadly strikes are bringing the war home to Russians, and discontent is bubbling up (CNN)
Ukraine bolsters its northern defences amid fears Belarus is being dragged into war (The Guardian)
Ukraine war briefing: Allies give nod for Kyiv to reproduce their air-defence missiles (The Guardian)