US Brokered Israel-Iran Ceasefire Amidst Conflict

US President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which appears to be holding despite initial accusations of truce violations from both sides. An early US intelligence assessment suggests that the US military's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend did not destroy the core components of its nuclear program, only setting it back by months. Trump expressed anger and frustration with both Israel and Iran, criticizing their actions and stating he doesn't seek regime change in Iran to avoid "chaos." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte backed Trump's actions, praising his "decisive action in Iran" and dismissing concerns over the effectiveness of the US strikes. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich disputed the US intelligence assessment, saying it would take time to determine the extent of the damage caused by the US and Israeli actions against Iran's nuclear program. Trump attended a NATO summit in the Netherlands, where Rutte defended Trump's decision to share a congratulatory text message from him, saying it was "totally fine" and a "statement of fact."

Over 12 days, Israel and Iran clashed in a volatile conflict that drew in the US. The conflict began when Israel launched a military operation against Iran, striking its military infrastructure. Iran retaliated with missile attacks against Israel, some of which were intercepted. The US then conducted unprecedented strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, including the Fordo enrichment site. Iran responded by attacking a US air base in Qatar, but the attack was intercepted and caused no casualties. The US president, Donald Trump, played a crucial role in mediating a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, speaking directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reaching out to the Iranians via diplomatic backchannels. Just as a ceasefire was announced, Iran launched another wave of missile attacks against Israel, killing four people in a residential building. Despite this, the ceasefire held, with a grace period for "in progress, final missions" before coming into full effect. Trump hailed the agreement on social media, calling the conflict "the 12 Day War" and declaring "it's time for peace."

A CBS News poll found that Republicans overwhelmingly back US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, while the overall public disapproves. The nation is divided on whether President Trump has handled the situation well, with Republicans showing confidence and others not. Two-thirds of Americans believe Trump needs congressional authorization for military action against Iran, including a third of Republicans. Most Americans think Iran will try to launch attacks against the US or its interests, and large majorities see Iran having a nuclear weapon as a threat to the US and Israel. The poll also found that perceptions of the US economy remain negative, with most saying it is getting worse and expecting a slowdown or recession.

US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire after a week-long conflict that began with Israel's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets. Trump posted on Truth Social that the ceasefire was "NOW IN EFFECT" and that both countries had agreed to it. Israel's government confirmed that it had agreed to the ceasefire, stating it would respond forcefully to any violation. Iran's state television also reported that the ceasefire had begun, although Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi later suggested that there was no formal agreement. The conflict had resulted in at least 974 deaths, including 387 civilians and 268 Iranian military personnel, and had raised concerns about Iran's nuclear program. The ceasefire was to take effect in stages, with Iran stopping its strikes on Israel within six hours and Israel stopping its strikes on Iran 12 hours later.

President Trump attended the NATO summit in the Hague, Netherlands, amid concerns over Iran and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Just before the summit, Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, but later stated that both sides had initially violated it. NATO had already agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, a commitment Trump had sought, although the timeline for achieving this is unclear. The summit also addressed Russia's war on Ukraine, with the US calling for restraint and backing direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. Trump met with various world leaders on the sidelines, including Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.

President Trump announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was "in effect" after 12 days of conflict, despite initially accusing both countries of violating the agreement. Israel accused Iran of breaching the ceasefire, launching missiles that killed four people, and responded with airstrikes. Trump intervened, criticizing both countries and directing a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, after which Israel refrained from further attacks. The ceasefire was intended to take effect in stages, with Iran halting strikes at midnight ET and Israel stopping 12 hours later. The conflict has killed at least 974 people, including civilians and military personnel, and the US has taken military action against Iran, striking sites related to its nuclear program.

Congress is divided over President Trump's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, with some lawmakers calling for a vote to reassert Congress' power to declare war. A bipartisan group of lawmakers had demanded that Trump seek congressional approval before taking action, and several war powers resolutions were introduced. However, with Trump announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the push for a vote is now "moot." Lawmakers, including Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer, have expressed concerns over the lack of transparency from the Trump administration regarding the strikes and have requested briefings on the situation.

The US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, authorized by President Trump, have set back Iran's nuclear program by a matter of months, according to an initial classified assessment by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The assessment found that the strikes caused significant damage to the entrances of two nuclear enrichment facilities, including Fordo, but the underground enrichment infrastructure remained largely intact. The DIA report estimated that it may take Iran a few months to less than a year to regain access to the facilities and resume work. The White House and Pentagon have pushed back on the assessment, calling it "flat-out wrong" and claiming that the strikes "obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Iran launched 14 ballistic missiles at an American airbase in Qatar in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear facilities, but appeared to avoid casualties, allowing US President Donald Trump to declare "no more hate" and announce a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, potentially ending the fighting, at least temporarily.

The article examines the effectiveness of ceasefires in the Middle East, analyzing over 2,000 truces, and finds that Donald Trump's expectation that a recent Iran-Israel truce will last "forever" is optimistic. The ceasefire in question was brokered by Trump after Israel launched a surprise assault on Iran, and America joined the conflict with "Operation Midnight Hammer". The analysis suggests that ceasefires in the region are often short-lived.

Iran's hardliners have accepted a fragile ceasefire with Israel, announced by Donald Trump, despite continued attacks on both sides. Israel struck Iran's missile launchers and assassinated a nuclear scientist, while Iran's missile hit a housing estate in Israel, killing at least four people. Iran denied making a deal with the US but said it would de-escalate if Israel did.

Israel won a 12-day war against Iran, but now faces the challenge of banking its gains. The war ended with a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, after tit-for-tat strikes continued for 10 hours. Trump intervened, calling Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to demand an end to the fighting, and Israel's jets stood down. The ceasefire brings a halt to a conflict that has transformed the Middle East, but Israel must now decide whether to continue fighting or consolidate its victory.

The article discusses the conflict between Israel and Iran, with the US intervening under Trump's presidency. A recent ceasefire was announced after a series of missile strikes and bombings. The situation remains precarious, with questions remaining about the effectiveness of the US strike on Iran's nuclear program and the potential for further conflict. Israel and Iran's hardliners are cautiously accepting the truce, but the situation is volatile and the region is struggling with the aftermath of the conflict, including humanitarian crises in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is celebrating a moment of triumph after the US, under Donald Trump's command, launched significant strikes on Iran's three main nuclear facilities, claiming to have "obliterated" Iran's nuclear programme and ended the war, but Israel must now decide whether to continue fighting.

The article discusses the aftermath of a US strike in the Middle East, following a ceasefire between Israel and Iran announced by Trump. Iran's hardliners have accepted a precarious truce, but big questions remain about the effectiveness of Trump's attack and the future of the region. Israel must now decide whether to continue fighting, while the international community assesses the damage to Iran's nuclear capabilities.

US President Donald Trump announced a "complete and total" ceasefire in the war between Israel and Iran after a US bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The ceasefire followed 12 days of fighting and a US strike involving a fleet of stealthy bombers. Trump's announcement claimed that both Israel and Iran had shown "stamina, courage, and intelligence" in ending the conflict, which he dubbed "THE 12 DAY WAR." The ceasefire's implications and Iran's acceptance of a precarious truce remain uncertain.

The Trump administration's air strikes on Iran were ambitious but their effectiveness is debated; a leaked preliminary American intelligence assessment suggests the strikes set back Iran's nuclear programme by a few months but did not destroy it.

Iran denied breaking a ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump between Israel and Iran, despite Israeli claims that Tehran had fired missiles towards Israel, prompting Defense Minister Israel Katz to order the military to strike Tehran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said air raid sirens sounded across the country and claimed to have destroyed a radar array near Tehran. Trump expressed frustration with the situation, calling on both countries to end the conflict, and eventually posted on social media that Israel would not attack Iran and that the ceasefire was in effect. After speaking with Trump, Netanyahu's office confirmed that Israel refrained from further strikes.

US analysts say the recent attack on Iran's nuclear sites has significantly damaged the country's nuclear program, but it is too early to determine if the program has been completely crippled. The strikes, carried out by the US, hit three key nuclear facilities, including Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. Experts, including a former senior Mossad official and a former head of Israeli military intelligence, agree that while the damage is severe, Iran may still retain some nuclear assets, including enriched uranium and centrifuges. They stress that a diplomatic agreement with intrusive inspections or a credible threat of continued strikes is needed to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program. The attack is seen as a "game-changer" and a demonstration of the "peace through strength" doctrine, sending a message to other countries, including China and Russia.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised President Donald Trump after the president announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Guterres, a vocal critic of Trump, issued the positive statement just days after condemning the U.S. strikes in Iran, saying "I very much welcome President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. I urge the two countries to respect it fully." Trump had announced the ceasefire after a 12-day conflict, and later expressed frustration with both Israel and Iran as the ceasefire appeared to be on the verge of faltering.

US President Donald Trump dodged a question about his commitment to NATO's founding principle, Article 5, which asserts collective and mutual defense among member states. Trump said his commitment "depends on your definition" of Article 5, prompting concerns about his willingness to protect US allies. The comment came ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, where leaders are expected to approve a target to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte later expressed "no doubt" that the US is committed to the mutual defense clause.

Israel and Iran have been exchanging aerial bombardments since June 13, with thousands of missiles fired by both sides. The US has supported Israel by using bombers to strike Iran's nuclear sites. The conflict has resulted in multiple strikes in both countries, with Tehran being the most heavily hit part of Iran. Israel's air defence system has intercepted most attacks without damage, but Iran has struck several targets in Israel, including around Tel Aviv. The US used B2 bombers to drop "bunker buster" bombs on Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities on June 22. A ceasefire was agreed on June 24, but Israel accused Iran of violating it and vowed to respond forcefully.

Leaks from the US Defence Department suggest that the US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites may have only set back the country's nuclear capabilities by months, rather than causing the significant damage claimed by President Donald Trump. According to sources, the initial assessment by the Defence Intelligence Agency found that the bunker-busting bombs dropped on three Iranian nuclear enrichment sites were not as effective as Trump claimed. The White House and US Defence Secretary have dismissed the leaks, saying they are an attempt to undermine the president and the successful mission. However, former CIA director and top US General David Petraeus has cautioned that it is too soon to draw conclusions, as Battle Damage Assessments take time and require extensive intelligence analysis. Questions remain over whether Iran may have moved equipment, including centrifuges, and the whereabouts of around 400kg of highly enriched uranium is unknown.

The recent Iran crisis highlights the need for securing US borders as a matter of national security. Despite President Trump's thwarting of Iran's nuclear ambitions, the threat from Tehran's terrorist agents remains, including "sleeper cells" within the US. Iran has a history of using terrorist proxies to attack its enemies, and there are concerns that it could activate sleeper cells in the US in retaliation for any attack on its facilities. Over 1,500 Iranians were apprehended entering the US illegally during the Biden administration, with over 700 released into the country. The author argues that Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration and tightening of border controls were necessary to prevent terrorism and that liberals' opposition to these measures is misguided. The threat from Iran's terrorist agents is a reminder that globalization has changed the nature of war, making vigilance at the border essential to preventing attacks on US soil.

Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East, declared the Iran-Israel war "over" after a cease-fire deal negotiated by President Trump took effect, citing that "no one's shooting at each other." The Institute for the Study of War reported that the cease-fire "appears to be holding" despite claims of violations from both sides. Trump stated that he instructed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "hold back the planes" sent to retaliate against Iran, and both leaders are now working towards a comprehensive peace agreement.

Trump administration officials criticized a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) bomb damage assessment that indicated Iran could restart its nuclear program within one to two months after US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. The DIA report, deemed a "low confidence" estimate, suggested that the strikes did not destroy Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium and that the Fordow facility, though damaged, could be dug out and repaired. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the assessment "flat-out wrong" and blamed an anonymous intelligence community member for leaking it to undermine President Trump's claim of a successful mission. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff also disputed the assessment, stating that key facilities were "completely destroyed" and that Iran's nuclear program was effectively obliterated. Trump took to social media to defend the airstrikes, claiming that Iran's nuclear sites were "completely destroyed" and that news outlets reporting on the assessment were trying to "demean one of the most successful military strikes in history."

President Trump was set to celebrate a perceived success at the NATO summit in the Netherlands after launching airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites, but a leaked US intelligence report damaged his claims that the strikes had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program, instead suggesting they only set it back by months, casting a shadow over his NATO appearances and highlighting tensions within the alliance, particularly over his commitment to Article 5 and his reluctance to provide more military aid to Ukraine.

US-Israel ties have been reinvigorated after President Donald Trump's strikes on Iran, despite initial discomfort over Israel's continued bombing of Iran after a ceasefire deal was announced. Israel had long sought US intervention in the Iran conflict, and Trump's actions have brought a surge of exuberance among Israelis, strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

A U.S. intelligence agency assessed that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in 3 to 8 months, but there was no indication it had decided to do so. The assessment, issued on the same day as U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, found that Iran could build a nuclear device quickly if it didn't encounter technical or logistical delays. The U.S. strikes targeted uranium enrichment facilities and a nuclear research site, and initial assessments indicate that the sites sustained severe damage. Iranian officials had discussed storing highly enriched uranium in public parking lots to avoid destruction, and the country has increased its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium in recent months. U.S. officials have varying assessments of Iran's nuclear capabilities, with some saying it could produce a nuclear weapon quickly if it decided to.

US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities did not destroy the country's nuclear programme and likely only set it back by months, according to a Pentagon intelligence assessment. The assessment found that Iran's centrifuges were largely "intact" and the impact was limited to aboveground structures. Some infrastructure was destroyed or damaged, but much of the facilities, which are deep underground, escaped the brunt of the blasts. The US had claimed the strikes were successful, but sources say some of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile was moved before the strikes, and it is estimated that the attack only set Iran back "a few months, tops".

Iran launched short- and medium-range missiles at the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, but they were intercepted and no casualties were reported. The attack was in retaliation for US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. Al Udeid Air Base is the largest US military base in the Middle East and serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command. The base houses thousands of US troops and was a major staging ground for US military assets during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US has about 40,000 military personnel in the Middle East, with bases in eight countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that his agency is unaware of the location of nearly 900 pounds of potentially enriched uranium in Iran, which Iranian officials claimed was removed for protective measures ahead of US military strikes on nuclear facilities. Grossi said that Iran has an obligation to report and account for all nuclear material, and his agency's investigation will continue to determine the whereabouts of the missing uranium.

Experts say Iran's military capabilities have been significantly diminished after a series of devastating attacks on its nuclear sites, missile stockpiles, and production facilities. Military historian Danny Orbach stated that Iran lost roughly 60% of its launchers and can't effectively deploy its remaining long-range missiles. Blaise Misztal of JINSA noted that while Iran's short-range capabilities remain intact, its long-range capabilities are severely impaired. Experts believe Iran has "a range of bad choices" and will have to prioritize rebuilding its military infrastructure, supporting proxies, or reviving its nuclear program. Despite the diminished strike power, experts warn that Iran still poses a threat to US forces, energy infrastructure, and regional stability, and is unlikely to moderate its behavior.

New satellite images from Planet Labs PBC have revealed the extent of damage caused by US B-2 stealth bombers in airstrikes on Iran's Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities during Operation Midnight Hammer. The images show multiple buildings were hit at both sites, with the International Atomic Energy Agency's Director General Rafael Grossi stating that buildings related to uranium conversion and entrances to tunnels used for storing enriched material were affected. The US launched the surprise strike on Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities, with Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Dan Caine saying all three sites sustained "extremely severe damage and destruction."

The US bombing of Iranian nuclear installations may have inadvertently encouraged other countries to pursue nuclear weapons, as it suggests that having a nuclear arsenal is the only reliable protection against attack. North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons has made it largely impregnable, and experts warn that Iran and other countries may draw similar conclusions. The attack has already sparked fears of a regional arms race, with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia potentially reevaluating their nuclear options. While nonproliferation policies have been successful so far, the bombing may have weakened the deterrent effect of these policies, and some experts see a silver lining in the demonstration of US military capability and willingness to use it.

Nato leaders have gathered in The Hague for a summit aimed at securing peace in Europe, with US President Donald Trump in attendance. Ahead of the summit, Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte sent Trump a message praising his handling of the Western alliance and conflict in Iran, which Trump shared on social media. Rutte said he was not embarrassed by the message being made public. The summit is expected to see all 32 Nato leaders commit to spending 5% of national output on defence and related infrastructure, with 3.5% going towards core defence requirements and 1.5% on "defence-related expenditure". Many Nato countries currently spend below the existing 2% target, with Spain's defence spending below 1.3%, and some have expressed interest in exemptions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet Trump on the sidelines of the summit, amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

US President Donald Trump's wavering commitment to NATO's Article Five mutual defence clause overshadowed the NATO summit in The Hague. Trump refused to state his commitment to the clause, saying it "depends on your definition." NATO leaders had taken precautions to avoid a Trump blow-up, including keeping the meeting short and giving him credit for a historic defence spending deal. The summit is set to conclude with NATO allies signing off on a pledge to spend 3.5 percent of GDP on core defence spending and 1.5 percent on broader security areas. Trump's comments and actions have sparked concerns among European allies, with one diplomat describing him as "completely unpredictable."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a wide-ranging interview to Sky News, discussing the risk of NATO being drawn into a conflict with Russia, his views on Donald Trump's relationship with Vladimir Putin, and potential peace talks. Key takeaways include: NATO is at risk of attack if it doesn't increase defense spending, with Zelenskyy warning Russia could attack a NATO country within five years; US support for Ukraine may be reduced due to the shifting focus to the Middle East; Zelenskyy is skeptical about Putin and Trump's relationship, believing they will never be friends; he supports a ceasefire and peace talks but is unwilling to cede land, believing Putin wants to occupy all of Ukraine; and Russia is using technology from countries like the UK to produce missiles and drones, which Zelenskyy says must be stopped through sanctions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is struggling to gain international attention due to the conflict in Iran and US President Donald Trump's focus on it. He met with Sir Keir Starmer and is set to attend the NATO summit, where he expressed concerns that the proposed 5% GDP spending pledge by 2035 is too slow and that Putin will be ready to attack a NATO country within a few years. Zelenskyy also stated that current sanctions are ineffective as countries, including the UK, allow dual-use components to reach Russia, and insisted that there will be no negotiations without a ceasefire.

President Donald Trump attended a NATO summit in The Hague where the alliance's member states agreed to significantly increase their defense spending to 5 percent of their national GDP, a move seen as a victory for Trump. However, his leadership and approach to international relations were criticized by many, with some describing his actions as damaging to alliances.

Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi is calling for regime change in Iran, stating that the current regime is "near collapse." He encouraged the Iranian people to rise up and warned military personnel to stand down and not follow orders to attack the public, saying it's their "final chance" to side with the people. Pahlavi launched a secure platform for defectors to contact him and urged the international community to let the regime fall, warning that it will continue to be a threat if it remains in power. He proposed leading Iran to democracy and offered a fair trial to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if he steps down.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled prince of Iran and son of the last Shah, has proposed leading the country's democratic transition to end the Islamic Republic. He stated that the regime is collapsing and on its last legs, with credible reports indicating that Ali Khamenei's family and senior officials are making preparations to flee. Pahlavi called for a "peaceful and democratic transition" to a "secular, democratic Iran," and offered to lead the transition, saying he does not seek political power but rather to help the nation achieve stability, freedom, and justice. He accused Khamenei of using the Iranian people as "human shields" and urged him to step down, promising a fair trial and due process of law. Pahlavi announced a formal channel for military and security personnel to join the opposition and outlined a plan for a national unity summit to develop a roadmap to democratic transition, with a national referendum to decide the future democracy.

The US military strikes in Iran have raised concerns about the impact on oil and gas supplies, potentially driving up energy prices. Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supplies, has contributed to market volatility. While experts believe a closure is unlikely, a disruption to the flow of oil could send prices soaring. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude jumped 4% initially but then fell over 7%. Experts predict that ongoing tensions could disrupt the energy market, with potential price increases of $80 per barrel or more if Israel targets Iran's oil export facilities. If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, prices could spike to $130 per barrel, and US gas prices could rise by 10-15 cents per gallon. Despite this, US drivers are still likely to pay less at the pump than they did a year ago, with the current average price standing at $3.22 per gallon.

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, brokered by US President Donald Trump, appears to be holding, despite both countries accusing each other of violating the truce. US stocks jumped on the news, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq Composite all rising. Oil prices regained some ground after slumping 6% on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank is "well positioned to wait" before making a decision on interest rates, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged against making trade a political issue, saying "globalization will not be reversed".

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Wednesday as investors weighed a potential ceasefire between Israel and Iran and commentary from the US Federal Reserve. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was flat, while South Korea's Kospi rose 0.31% and Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 0.11%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed 0.66%. The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to cut its cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.6% in July following a lower-than-expected inflation rate of 2.1% in May. China's tech stocks rose after the country's gaming regulator approved 158 new game licenses. US futures were near flat, with the S&P 500 futures down 0.1%. Oil prices climbed over 1% after two sessions of declines, with WTI crude rising to $65.23 per barrel.

European markets are expected to open with a positive tone, with the FTSE unchanged at 8,764, DAX up 0.2% at 23,699, CAC 40 flat at 7,625, and FTSE MIB up 0.3% at 39,673. Global sentiment rose on hopes that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel will hold, and after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank will keep rates steady to monitor inflation. Markets will also watch the NATO summit in the Netherlands, where a joint statement on increasing defense spending is expected, as well as French consumer confidence and Spanish GDP data.

U.S. stock futures were near flat early Wednesday as investors awaited data on new home sales and testimony from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The S&P 500 had jumped over 1% on Tuesday as oil prices fell following a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, bringing the index within 1% of its record high. The Nasdaq 100 notched a record close on Tuesday, rising 1.5% and marking its third positive month in a row. Investors are also watching earnings reports from General Mills, Paychex, and Micron, while after-hours movers included FedEx, AeroVironment, and Worthington Enterprises.

Israel's offensive in Gaza continues with over 860 Palestinians killed since June 13, according to health officials. At least 49 people were killed near aid distribution sites in Gaza over a 24-hour period. The conflict escalated after Israel's bombardment of Iran, which was followed by US military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire, but it appears fragile, with both Israel and Iran not commenting on it. The situation remains volatile, with Iranians demonstrating against US strikes and world leaders divided over the US attack on Iran.

The UN has condemned Israel's aid distribution system in Gaza, calling it a "death trap" after at least 46 people were killed by Israeli fire while waiting for aid in two separate incidents. The UN agencies have criticized the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which uses armed private security contractors and has been accused of cooperating with Israel's goals in the war against Hamas in a way that violates humanitarian principles. Since late May, over 410 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire or shelling while trying to reach aid distribution points. The UN has stated that Israel's militarized humanitarian assistance mechanism is in contradiction with international standards on aid distribution and may constitute a war crime. The aid distribution system has been described as "an abomination" that humiliates and degrades desperate people, with many Palestinians risking their lives to access aid, and experts warning that Gaza remains on the brink of famine.

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has condemned the U.S. and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as "an abomination" and "a death trap" that is costing more lives than it saves. The criticism comes amid reports that dozens of people have been killed near GHF aid distribution sites in Gaza. The UNRWA chief, Philippe Lazzarini, stated that humanitarian principles must be reinstated and that his agency should be allowed to provide assistance with respect and dignity. The GHF has been accused of violating humanitarian principles by allowing Israel to control who receives aid and forcing people to relocate to distribution sites, leading to mass displacement. The GHF has denied these allegations, stating that its aid is being delivered securely and that it is willing to collaborate with other humanitarian groups. The UNRWA has refused to work with the GHF, and its funding is in a dire state, with the U.S. having paused its funding due to allegations of links to terrorism, which the agency has denied.

At least 44 people were killed and many more injured in two separate incidents in Gaza when Israeli forces and drones opened fire on people waiting for aid. In one incident, 25 people were killed and 146 wounded near aid trucks south of Wadi Gaza, while in another, 19 were killed and 50 wounded in the city of Rafah. Witnesses described the scenes as "chaotic and bloody" and "a massacre." The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reports, while the UN criticized the aid delivery mechanism in Gaza as "an abomination that humiliates and degrades desperate people."