Latest Episode
May 7 Morning Brief
In the Middle East
Iran says it is reviewing a U.S. proposal to end the fighting, after President Trump warned Tehran not to reject the deal. The foreign ministry says officials are still considering it. On the ground, people inside Iran say they are stuck between hopes for change and fear of more destruction, with the war, strikes, and economic pressure all closing in at once.
Turkey also unveiled what it says is its first intercontinental ballistic missile, the Yildirimhan, with officials claiming a 6,000 kilometer range and a payload capacity of 3,000 kilograms. A very calm announcement for a very not calm kind of hardware.
In Europe
European leaders are weighing a backup defense plan in case the United States pulls key support from NATO before Europe can replace it. The concern is that Washington could step back faster than European governments can build the military and political structures to cover the gap, especially as support for Ukraine remains tied to broader tensions with Moscow.
Separately, the EU executive is reportedly considering dropping methane fines as it revisits energy rules under crisis pressure, a move that would further weaken incentives to monitor pollution.
In business and energy
Shell more than doubled its first-quarter profits after the war in Iran pushed oil and gas prices higher. The company benefited from the surge across the quarter, as energy markets did what they so often do, which is reward instability with better margins.
The same oil price spike is now feeding pressure across Africa, where several countries are seeking financial help as higher fuel costs add to economic uncertainty.
In security and investigations
The FBI is facing scrutiny after reports that agents may have opened a leak inquiry connected to reporting about Director Kash Patel. The question is whether the bureau was investigating a leak, a journalist, or the awkward overlap between the two.
Interpol says a global operation against illegal online drug sales led to the seizure of 6.42 million doses of counterfeit and unapproved medicines, including fake Viagra, steroids, and weight-loss drugs.
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