CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a rare unannounced visit to Moscow for talks with Russian intelligence officials, but did not meet Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin said. President Donald Trump called the trip “semi-routine” and said “something may come out of it” as Washington seeks an end to the war in Ukraine.
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Iran and Oman have agreed on a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran says vessels will not transit until Washington meets commitments under a June deal. The plan comes amid mine-clearing talks, new U.S. sanctions pressure and continued shipping risks near the strait.
Everton Blair defeated Marcye Scott in a runoff to serve the rest of the late Rep. David Scott’s term in Georgia’s 13th District. Blair will hold the seat only until January after losing the Democratic primary for the full term.
Justice Department lawyers warned in a court filing that the Kennedy Center could be torn down if renovation plans tied to adding President Donald Trump’s name to the building are blocked. A hearing on the planned closure and name change is scheduled for Thursday in Washington.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow for unannounced talks, according to U.S. media reports, with neither Washington nor Moscow confirming the purpose of the visit. The trip followed sightings of U.S. military aircraft and a diplomatic motorcade in Moscow.
China said it would take “all necessary measures” to protect its interests after Washington expanded sanctions targeting Iran and its trading partners. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that no bank or business was beyond the reach of U.S. sanctions.
President Trump says the United States is considering renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” as tariffs and retaliatory threats deepen a trade dispute with Canada. Canadian officials say they are preparing countermeasures after talks collapsed.
South Carolina Republicans are choosing between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman in a runoff triggered by Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death. The race has tested Donald Trump’s influence and sharpened questions over experience, loyalty and foreign policy.