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Mojtaba Khamenei: The Rise of Iran’s New Supreme Leader

                      A picture of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is displayed on a screen in Tehran Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has emerged as Iran’s new supreme leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint U.S.–Israeli strikes. His appointment by the Assembly of Experts comes at a moment of profound crisis for Iran, as the country faces regional war, internal instability, and intense international scrutiny.  A Secretive Heir With Deep Establishment Ties Mojtaba, long considered influential behind the scenes, is a mid-ranking cleric with strong connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His political rise signals continuity of Iran’s hardline establishment, despite the country’s ideological discomfort with hereditary succession.  A Leader Shaped by Conflict and Loss His ascension comes amid the “Ramadan War,” during which he was reportedly wound...

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EU Seeks Tariff Agreement with Trump Ahead of July Deadline After ‘Constructive’ Talks

The European Union is aiming to finalize a tariff agreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump by the July 9 deadline, following what officials described as a “good exchange” during a recent call between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump. The conversation, confirmed by EU spokespersons, has sparked cautious optimism that a deal could be reached in time to avoid sweeping new tariffs on European exports.

The urgency stems from Trump’s plan to reintroduce steep tariffs—up to 50% on some goods—starting August 1 for countries that fail to strike new trade deals with the U.S. by the July deadline. EU negotiators are working “at full speed” to secure an agreement in principle, with discussions reportedly focusing on industrial subsidies, digital trade, and exemptions for key sectors like pharmaceuticals and aircraft.

Despite the Trump administration hinting at a possible extension, the EU remains committed to the original July 9 target. “We’re fully geared up to get an agreement in principle by Wednesday,” said Olof Gill, the Commission’s trade spokesperson.

The outcome of these talks could significantly reshape transatlantic trade relations. With roughly €370 billion in EU exports affected by Trump’s proposed levies, a successful deal would avert a costly trade conflict and stabilize economic ties between the two powers.



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