QtrendsA pair of powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela near Caracas, collapsing buildings and causing widespread destruction. The U.S. Senate backed down from a rebuke of President Trump over the Iran war, as Trump requested $87.6 billion in emergency spending, mostly for war costs. Meanwhile, U.S.-Iran negotiations continue with cautious optimism, though disputes over nuclear inspections remain unresolved.
Two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela in quick succession, with epicenters near the capital Caracas. The back-to-back tremors caused buildings to collapse and widespread damage across the region. Multiple international news outlets including AP News, BBC, NPR, and SCMP are covering the unfolding disaster. Rescue and damage assessment efforts are underway as the full extent of destruction becomes clearer.
Eyewitness accounts from Caracas and surrounding areas describe scenes of panic as the twin earthquakes struck. Residents reported seeing windows move, buildings sway, and walls crack. CNN and BBC have compiled first-hand testimonies and photographic documentation of the destruction. The human impact of the disaster continues to emerge as rescue operations scale up.
The U.S. Senate walked back a bipartisan resolution criticizing President Trump's handling of the Iran war after a heated lunch meeting that included shouting matches. Trump also criticized NATO allies for insufficient participation in the conflict during talks with Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The episode highlights deepening divisions between the executive branch and Congress over the direction of the Iran conflict.
The White House has requested $87.6 billion in emergency spending from Congress, with the majority allocated to funding the ongoing Iran war. BBC and NPR reports indicate the figure includes both immediate military costs and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. The request has sparked debate over who should bear the financial burden of the conflict and post-war rebuilding.
Disagreements over nuclear inspection protocols continue to complicate U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at ending the war. While Vice President Vance described talks as having a 'good foundation,' the U.N. nuclear chief says inspectors will visit Iran only after a final deal is reached — a position Tehran insists upon. Iranians express cautious optimism about reaching an agreement, but key obstacles remain.