United States

Richard Wastnage, co-founder of Pharmaxo Group and owner of One Atlantek, joined the Cornish Pirates ownership consortium as investor interest seeps into rugby's second tier. The Champ Rugby side aims for Premiership entry by 2030 despite franchise model risks that could freeze out lower divisions. With storm damage costing hundreds of thousands at their Mennaye Field ground, the Pirates exemplify how second-tier sports are professionalizing through business backing.

Federal Judge Kenneth Karas ordered release of a handwritten note allegedly found by Epstein's former cellmate, though the judge made no authentication assessment.

Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz fully open Friday after seven weeks of closure, triggering the sharpest oil sell-off since March 2022. WTI fell to $84.95 per barrel while Brent dropped to $90.87, erasing $500 billion from energy markets as traders priced in normalised supply flows. Yet Trump's naval blockade stays active until Iran agrees to uranium transfers, keeping 19 vessels turned away and preserving leverage for nuclear talks set to resume in Pakistan within days. The reopening hinges on Lebanon's fragile ceasefire holding, making this relief temporary unless broader deals materialise.

Six weeks of shipping gridlock ends Monday as Trump begins guiding neutral vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, bypassing Iranian-controlled routes. The USS Frank E. Peterson Jr. Already cleared IRGC sea mines from the international channel, enabling safer transit for the 20 million barrels daily that typically pass through. Trump described the mission as humanitarian following very positive discussions with Iran. Commercial ships have stuck to Iranian waters for weeks, adding massive rerouting costs. The test comes immediately: will vessels trust US-cleared channels over Iranian guarantees, and will Tehran's positive tone survive American warships directing traffic in its backyard.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters told Washington to turn "rhetoric into reality" on fuel supply support for Pacific nations, specifically requesting tanker deployments. Pacific Islands depend on oil for 80% of energy needs, importing refined fuel from Singapore as Middle East instability threatens supply chains. Peters met Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau, describing US interest as "encouraging" but demanding concrete action. The IMF flagged "very concerned" outlook as fuel prices surge across the region. This reflects broader geopolitical competition for Pacific influence, with New Zealand positioning as intermediary between island partners and US strategic interests.

King Charles III urged Congress to preserve the UK-US "special relationship" during a 25-minute address marking America's 250th anniversary, calling the alliance "more important today than it has ever been" amid global instability.

Iran accused the US of violating international law after American forces seized an Iranian vessel in the Gulf of Oman, escalating maritime tensions.

Islamabad will stage the first in-person US-Iran negotiations since February's war began, with Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner leading America's delegation. Iran rejected the US's 15-point plan demanding dismantling of three nuclear sites but proposed its own terms including permanent war end and $2 million per ship fees for Strait passage. Pakistan's successful mediation comes as 3,500 additional US Marines head to the region, creating negotiation under military pressure. The talks represent Trump's biggest foreign policy test since taking office.