Iran buries Khamenei amid deep internal divisions
A bitterly divided Iran is grappling with the legacy of Ayatollah Khamenei as massive funeral processions give way to burial. The weeklong funeral has been marked by huge crowds, delays, and ongoing US and Iranian strikes. The event underscores the profound political and religious fault lines within the country as it faces an uncertain future without its longtime supreme leader.
The United States has launched strikes on Iran for a second straight day, escalating a military confrontation that threatens to spiral out of control. President Trump declared the agreement to end the war is 'over' as both sides trade blows. Analysts question whether the US can deliver a decisive blow or if the region is sliding into a prolonged violent cycle.
President Trump capped the NATO summit with a mix of threats, false claims, and unexpected positivity, leaving allies and observers unsettled. He lashed out at Iran, Spain, and Greenland before shifting to a conciliatory tone after meeting with Zelenskyy. Fact-checkers flagged multiple false claims made during his press conference, while European leaders navigated his unpredictable approach.
China's artificial intelligence industry is rapidly evolving, with experts highlighting the emergence of a 'token economy' as AI usage surges. Meituan has claimed a breakthrough, training China's largest AI model on domestically produced chips. Chinese AI labs including DeepSeek and Zhipu are increasingly shifting focus from model development to chip design and manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign technology.
Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for a key Maine Senate seat following a rape accusation. His withdrawal clears the way for Democrats to select a new nominee in a race that could determine control of the Senate. Platner's sudden exit, along with the related allegations, has drawn national attention.