Escalating Attacks Between US & Iran, Inflation Hits Three-Year High, World Cup Opens
NPR
— · 13min
The U.S. unleashed a second straight night of strikes on Iran with President Trump saying Iran is taking too long to negotiate, as Iran fires back at U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan and Trump reveals U.S. efforts to help oil tankers slip past the Iranian blockade.
Inflation jumped to its highest level in more than three years last month, largely driven by soaring gas prices since the war with Iran began, leaving many families like Emily Inlow in Kentucky struggling as wages fail to keep pace with rising costs.
And the 2026 World Cup kicks off today in Mexico City, the world’s biggest sporting event already shadowed by protests, geopolitical tensions, and disputes over which teams and fans can even enter the United States.
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(0:00) Introduction
(02:23) Escalating Attacks Between US & Iran
(06:12) Inflation Hits Three-Year High
(10:04) World Cup Opens
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US, Iran Exchange Retaliatory Strikes
- Israel, Iran appear to pause strikes after trading fire for first time since April ceasefire Korea Times —
- Iran war day 102: Trump warns Israel against new strikes as ceasefire holds Al Jazeera —
- Oil falls as Iran-Israel halt attacks Irish Times —
- Iran, Israel halt strikes but warn of further retaliation RTE —
- Israel and Iran appear to pause strikes after trading fire for the first time since April ceasefire 📹 CTV News — · 29sec