A Reuters poll published this week suggests Donald Trump’s decision to wage war against Iran is unpopular at home. Fewer than one in four Americans said they are satisfied with the war or think it was worth the cost, while about half opposed it. Nearly two-thirds also said the emerging U.S.-Iran deal will not bring lasting peace, despite Trump calling it a long-term success.
The political fallout could matter in November’s midterm elections. Reuters found only 17% of U.S. voters said they would back a Republican in their district, compared with 34% who said they would choose a Democrat. The story points to persistent inflation, prices that are not falling, complaints about the chaotic performance of the government, and broad fatigue with the political system as reasons voters are looking for an alternative.
In Brussels, the European Union hosted a Taliban delegation for the first time, a move condemned by human-rights groups. The EU said the limited talks with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities were meant to arrange the return of rejected asylum seekers, especially those with criminal records or considered security threats. Afghan officials, however, said the discussions also covered opening a consulate in the EU, restoring consular services for Afghans, and building trust. Malala Yousafzai denounced the meeting, saying Europe would not legitimize a regime responsible for one of the world’s worst human-rights crises.
In North Korea, Kim Jong Un launched the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon in Nampo, saying the navy had been the weakest branch but that “things have changed.” He promised to launch at least two large warships a year, including 10,000-ton strategic vessels, signaling what outside analysts see as an effort to make the sea a new nuclear arena. The article links that posture to the collapse of nuclear talks with Trump and to closer ties with Russia and China, which may be supplying technology and resources through North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Separately, Alibaba sued the U.S. Department of Defense in federal court in San Jose, seeking removal from the Pentagon’s “Chinese Military Company” list. The company says it has an independent board, no military license or certification, and is simply complying with Chinese regulation. The Pentagon added Alibaba on June 8, and the blacklist now includes 188 entities. The dispute comes amid rising U.S.-China tension, including Beijing’s sanctions on ten U.S. defense-linked companies.
