A US-Iran backdoor deal?

July 10, 2026

Today’s Big Question

Have Trump and Zelenskyy turned a diplomatic corner?

Plans to expand Ukrainian access to American defense batteries suggest a thaw in an infamously icy international relationship

In the spotlight

The US and Iran are clashing over confidential asylum seeker data

The Iranian American Legal Defense Fund is accusing the government of a backdoor deal

quote of the day

‘At the Smithsonian, our work is driven by scholarship, accuracy and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America’s story.’

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, in an internal staff letter, responding to a White House report that accuses the National Museum of American History of presenting a “radical view” of American history. It’s not a “fair characterization of the work and totality” of the museum, he added.

The Explainer

Sara Duterte: why the Philippines’ vice president is on trial

Case against VP Sara Duterte shifts feud with Marcos family to ‘new battleground’

Picture of the day

A flare for the dramatic

A Morocco fan holds a flare in his mouth after the World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco in New York City’s Astoria, Queens. France came out victorious after star Kylian Mbappé scored his eighth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute.
Ryan Murphy / AP Photo

Under the Radar

Social Security benefits give men the advantage

Studies show the gender gap to be several thousand dollars

puzzles

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