Talks due to take place today between the US and Iran to implement a peace deal were abruptly cancelled. The White House said the US still looked forward to "beginning technical talks as soon as possible". Hezbollah-linked media reported Tehran was delaying sending its delegation due to Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The talks had been set to begin in the Swiss village of Obbürgen two days after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that opened a 60-day window to negotiate a permanent agreement over Iran's nuclear programme, while reopening the strait of Hormuz. The centre of the strait is blocked with about 80 mines that will need clearing for normal shipping to resume, the independent tanker owner trade body has said.
What is happening in Lebanon?
Hezbollah targeted Israeli forces near Nabatieh with several salvoes of rocket fire after Israeli shelling. Israel responded with a wave of airstrikes, killing at least 18 people and injuring 33. Iran has said Israel's attacks on Lebanon must end as part of any peace deal.
What did JD Vance say to Israeli critics of the deal?
In sharp words, the vice-president said: "Donald J Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time. If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world."
Why does Trump's Iran entanglement echo the Jimmy Carter years?
In this excellent analysis piece, Robert Tait reminds us that one of Trump's earliest political forays was lambasting the Democratic president during the 1980 Iran hostage crisis. Tait says Trump now finds himself in a position that uncannily resembles that of his predecessor – unable to bend Iran to his will despite superior US military power.
Other news
Luigi Mangione's legal team said they would no longer pursue a psychiatric defense in his upcoming state trial over the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges. His state trial is scheduled to start on 8 September. His federal trial, which involves stalking charges, is due to begin on 13 October.
The Barack Obama presidential center opened in Chicago amid a musical fanfare and paeans to democratic principles. Barack and Michelle Obama launched full-frontal attacks on Trump's authoritarian approach, depicting it as an affront to American values.
Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith has been found dead at his apartment in Nashville at age 29. He worked with Drake, Travis Scott and Beyoncé.
California's "billionaire tax" will make it on to November's ballot.
Andy Burnham returns to Westminster, paving the way for a likely leadership challenge to UK PM Keir Starmer.
Barbados's prime minister, Mia Mottley, announced a new reparations manifesto.
A three-year-old boy was injured after falling into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in England.
Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda is under control.
Peter Bradshaw gave Toy Story 5 two stars, saying the franchise is "played out".