The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated, entering its fourth day as Israel conducted new attacks on Iran early this morning. In response, Iran launched a missile barrage, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals in Israel and injuring 67 others, according to the national emergency service.
Israeli strikes have reportedly killed at least 224 people in Iran, including six high-ranking security officials, with over 1,400 injuries reported. In retaliation, Iran's missile strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 16 civilians in Israel since Friday.
Former President Trump expressed his desire for a deal between Israel and Iran on social media, while also suggesting that sometimes conflict is necessary. Interviews with senior Iranian officials revealed that they were caught off guard by Israel's actions, indicating a significant miscalculation on their part.
In a separate incident, a suspect was detained in connection with the shootings of two Minnesota state lawmakers. The suspect, Vance Boelter, 57, was apprehended after a two-day manhunt and has been charged with second-degree murder. During the shootings, he was reportedly disguised as a police officer and had a notebook listing around 70 potential targets.
The attack has shocked Minnesota, a state known for its political civility, amidst a backdrop of increasing political violence in the U.S.
In other news, the families of victims from the recent Air India Flight 171 crash are still awaiting the return of their loved ones, with only 35 of the 270 victims' bodies identified so far. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, with investigators recovering the flight data recorder.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Group of 7 nations and allies are convening for a summit in Alberta, Canada, focusing on various pressing issues. The summit aims to avoid the drama that characterized previous meetings, particularly during Trump's administration.
In Ukraine, Russian forces are reportedly making gains in their summer offensive, while a U.N. conference on the creation of a Palestinian state has been postponed due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
Additionally, the Dalai Lama, nearing his 90th birthday, is facing concerns regarding his succession amid China's efforts to suppress the Tibetan movement for autonomy. He has promised to unveil a plan for selecting his successor on his birthday, July 6.
In cultural news, artist Andy Goldsworthy is transforming rural England into art through his restoration of farm buildings, which he has turned into artworks as part of his "Hanging Stones" project.