Trump tells lawmakers war against Iran has "terminated" as 60-day deadline arrives
U.S. President Donald Trump told lawmakers on Friday that the war against Iran has "terminated," as the military action -- which was launched without Congressional approval -- has reached a 60-day legal deadline.
"There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7, 2026," Trump was quoted by Politico as saying in a letter to congressional leaders.
"The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated," Trump said.
Trump threatens to increase tariffs on auto imports from EU to 25 pct
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to increase tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union (EU) to 25 percent next week.
"I am pleased to announce that, based on the fact the European Union is not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal, next week I will be increasing Tariffs charged to the European Union for Cars and Trucks coming into the United States," Trump said on Truth Social, adding the tariff will be increased to 25 percent.
"It is fully understood and agreed that, if they produce Cars and Trucks in U.S.A. Plants, there will be NO TARIFF," he stressed.
EU "keeps options open" if U.S. breaches trade deal: spokesperson
The European Union (EU) will "keep options open" to protect its interests if the United States takes measures inconsistent with the joint statement between the two sides signed last year on reciprocal, fair and balanced trade, a European Commission spokesperson told Xinhua on Friday.
"We remain fully committed to a predictable, mutually beneficial transatlantic relationship. Should the U.S. take measures inconsistent with the Joint Statement, we will keep our options open to protect EU interests," the spokesperson said.
The remarks came after Trump's latest threat earlier on the day that he would raise tariffs to 25 percent on cars and trucks imported from the EU from next week, accusing the bloc of failing to comply with the agreement.
Explosion kills 14 IRGC members in NW Iran -- media
Fourteen members of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed and two others wounded on Friday due to a blast caused by an unexploded ordnance in the northwestern province of Zanjan, the official news agency IRNA reported.
The explosion occurred as IRGC members were defusing unexploded ordnance left from U.S. and Israeli airstrikes during the 40-day war against Iran, the report said, quoting a statement from Zanjan's Ansar al-Mahdi Corps, a provincial unit of the IRGC.
It added that the lethal explosion was caused by an unknown munition, noting all the victims were among the IRGC's most experienced, well-trained, and specialized forces.
Iran's supreme leader urges economic, cultural battles to defeat "enemies"
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Friday urged Iranians to wage an "economic battle" and a "cultural battle" to defeat the country's "enemies," according to a message carried by Iranian media.
In the message marking the Workers' Day and Teachers' Day, which fall on Friday and Saturday, Khamenei said that after over 47 years of struggle, Iran has demonstrated its military capabilities against enemies and "must also disappoint and defeat them in the economic and cultural battles."
He described teachers and workers as the most effective elements in these battles, calling them "the backbones" of the areas of culture and economy.
Armed groups take control of Mali's Tessalit camp: sources
The Tessalit camp in northern Mali fell under the control of armed groups on Friday, according to local sources.
No immediate confirmation is available from the Malian army, as the general staff has yet to issue any statement on the situation by Friday.
Witnesses reported temporary blockades on some roads linking Bamako with other major cities. Local media said the affected routes included Bamako-Kouremale, Bamako-Segou, Bamako-Ouelessebougou, Bamako-Kita, and Koutiala-Konseguela.■
