BANGKOK — Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema paid their respects to the late Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati at the Grand Palace on Thursday morning.
At 09:24, the Bhutanese monarch and queen laid a wreath before the princess’s funerary urn at Pimarn Rattaya Hall and signed a book of condolence at Rajakaranya Sabha Hall within the Grand Palace complex.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and Princess Soamsawali, was born in 1978.
The princess had been receiving treatment at Chulalongkorn Hospital since suffering a heart-related illness in December 2022. She passed away peacefully on 11 June 2026 at the age of 47.
Following her death, The King ordered the Royal Household Bureau to conduct funeral rites with the highest royal honours in accordance with royal tradition. Her funerary urn is being housed at Pimarn Rattaya Hall in the Grand Palace.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema are known to share close ties with the Thai royal family and have attended several royal ceremonies in Thailand over the years.
BANGKOK — 18 June 2026, a 29-year-old man was injured after driving his car into a pool inside Chulalongkorn University, in front of the Sasapol Building in Pathum Wan district, Bangkok, early Thursday morning, following a dispute with his mother over condominium rent payments.
At 05:45, a white Toyota Harrier was found submerged in the pool, with the 29-year-old male driver sustaining injuries. The driver managed to swim to shore by himself before emergency crews arrived.
Officers from Pathum Wan Police Station and rescue workers later rushed to the scene and transported the man to Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital. No other casualties were reported.
A preliminary investigation found that the incident followed a family conflict in which the driver wanted his mother to help contribute around 27,000–30,000 baht per month (828–920 USD) toward condominium rent, but no agreement was reached, leading to stress and frustration.
Reports indicate that prior to the incident, the man drove into the university grounds before heading toward the pool. Security guards attempted to intervene, but the driver accelerated, crashing through a barrier and fence before the car entered the pool.
Police said the incident caused no additional injuries. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances, including a detailed assessment of the driver’s mental state and motives.
Following the incident, widespread commentary emerged on social media, with some users pointing out that the potential costs arising from the incident, including vehicle repairs, site restoration and legal penalties, could exceed the disputed rental payments within the family.
The Department of Tourism (DoT), under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), in partnership with the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO), officially launched the inaugural Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) 2026, a landmark event for Bhutan’s tourism sector. Following a welcome dinner on 10 June, the event opened on 11 June 2026 and was graced by the Honorable Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji. Over three days, BITM 2026 will bring together tourism professionals, industry leaders, and stakeholders for business-to-business meetings, destination and product showcases, networking opportunities, technical tours, and industry engagement sessions.
The Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) is a landmark initiative strategically designed to elevate Bhutan’s status and standing on the global stage, positioning the Kingdom as a premier, high-value destination. It is a calculated investment in our national prosperity, serving as a dynamic engine that converts global interest into tangible local prosperity. By bringing the world’s most influential international buyers to our doorstep, we are unlocking a new frontier of business that ensures the economic dividends of tourism are captured within our borders. The goal is to develop BITM into a top global tourism event generating good employment and economic opportunities for Bhutan, in addition to the great promotional value.
The event has attracted strong interest from the global travel trade, underscoring Bhutan’s growing appeal as a premier high-value destination. The event attracted more than 200 confirmed international buyers from around 15 key markets, including India, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore, China, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Bangladesh, Slovakia, Ukraine, Canada, Germany, Japan, Russia, and Spain. India represents a diverse range of cities and regions such as New Delhi, West Bengal, Bangalore, Kolkata, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Haryana, Assam, Gurgaon, Chennai, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Amritsar, Pune, and others. This broad international representation reflects the increasing global demand for Bhutan’s unique tourism experiences and reinforces BITM’s role as a strategic platform for strengthening international partnerships and expanding market reach.
The event has also received strong support from Bhutan’s tourism industry, with more than 50 exhibitors confirmed, including tour operators, hoteliers, airlines, and a heli service provider. Their participation highlights the sector’s commitment to showcasing Bhutan’s diverse tourism products and experiences to the international travel trade. Through dedicated business-to-business meetings, networking sessions, and product and destination showcases, exhibitors will have valuable opportunities to establish new business relationships, deepen existing partnerships, and position Bhutan more prominently within key global tourism markets.
A key highlight of the inaugural Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) 2026 was the spotlight on Bhutan’s emerging destinations, innovative tourism products, and transformative national initiatives that embody the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism. The event featured dedicated showcase spaces for flagship projects and experiences, including the visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), the historic Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, the pioneering Dinchengang Regenerative Village, and the internationally acclaimed Snowman Race. Complementing these showcases, a curated selection of Bhutanese products and experiences were presented by the Tarayana Centre, CSI, the Embassy of India, and Bhutan Textiles: A Collective Collection, developed in collaboration with the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property. In line with efforts to promote balanced tourism development, BITM also provided a platform for 11 lesser visited Dzongkhags, including all six eastern Dzongkhags as well as Zhemgang, Haa, Gasa, Tsirang, and Dagana, to present their unique attractions and tourism potential to international buyers.
As Bhutan’s first international travel mart, BITM marks a historic milestone in the nation’s tourism journey and is envisioned as an annual flagship event that will strengthen Bhutan’s engagement with the global travel trade. Funded through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and the Royal Government of Bhutan, the event is strategically designed to elevate Bhutan’s standing as a premier high-value destination while creating tangible economic opportunities for Bhutanese businesses and communities. Furthermore, BITM 2026 will accord special attention to the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), as we unveil its visionary potential to the global travel trade. By bringing GMC to the forefront for our international partners, we are inviting the world to witness the next chapter of the Bhutanese story.
“The inaugural Bhutan International Travel Mart 2026 marks a significant milestone in Bhutan’s tourism journey. More than a trade event, BITM is a strategic platform that strengthens our engagement with international markets while showcasing Bhutan’s unique approach to high-value, regenerative tourism. By bringing together global buyers, industry partners, and destinations from across the country, we are creating new opportunities for sustainable growth, fostering meaningful partnerships, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach communities throughout Bhutan. We are delighted to welcome the world to Bhutan and look forward to building enduring relationships that will shape the future of our tourism sector in Bhutan,” said Damcho Rinzin, the Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan.
“BITM 2026 represents a landmark opportunity for Bhutan’s tourism industry to connect directly with key international buyers and showcase the exceptional experiences that our country has to offer. For our tour operators, hoteliers, and tourism partners, this event provides a valuable platform to forge new business partnerships, expand market access, and highlight the innovation, quality, and authenticity that define Bhutanese hospitality. We are proud to partner with the Department of Tourism in making this historic event a success and in advancing the growth of Bhutan’s tourism industry,” said Kinley Gyeltshen, the Chairman of the Association of the Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO).
For more information on BITM, please visit www.bitm.bt
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia has been elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026-2030 term, former Prime Minister Hun Sen announced on Thursday.
According to Hun Sen, the election took place during the 11th General Assembly of the States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held at UNESCO headquarters on 17-18 June. Representatives from 185 state parties participated in the meeting.
Cambodia secured enough votes from member states to win a seat on the committee, which oversees the implementation of UNESCO’s convention on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage worldwide.
The Cambodian delegation was led by Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona, who also serves as president of the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO. The delegation included Long Kosal, Cambodia’s permanent delegate to UNESCO, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO.
Hun Sen congratulated Cambodia on the achievement, describing it as a recognition of the country’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage.
RATCHABURI — A 34-year-old monk in Ratchaburi weighing 260 kilograms has appealed for medical assistance, fearing he could become bedridden in the future if his condition continues to worsen.
Health officials, village health volunteers and local leaders recently visited a temple in Ban Pong district to assess the monk’s condition. At 260 kilograms, he becomes exhausted after walking only short distances and is already suffering from obesity-related complications, including high blood pressure and the loss of vision in one eye.
Medical staff found that the monk has high blood pressure, although his blood sugar level remains within the normal range.
The monk said he has been ordained for 14 years and has completed the second level of Buddhist studies examinations. His weight problems began when he was about 15 years old and weighed more than 100 kilograms. Since then, his weight has increased steadily by around 5 to 10 kilograms each year.
The condition has led to a range of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, glaucoma and an elevated risk of diabetes. He has also lost vision in his left eye, making it difficult to carry out normal monastic duties.
The monk said he was treated at Ban Pong Hospital about two years ago after suffering severe eye pain for more than two months. During his stay, a controlled diet helped him lose around 20 kilograms. However, after returning to the temple, his weight quickly increased again because he had little control over the food offered by devotees and regularly consumed sweet drinks and soft drinks.
He admitted he is increasingly concerned about his long-term health, particularly the possibility of becoming bedridden or requiring major surgery, which could place a burden on fellow monks caring for him.
The monk said he hopes to undergo bariatric surgery to reduce the size of his stomach and improve his health in the long term.
Busamalee Muangchim, acting director of the Kung Phayom Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, said officials have monitored the monk’s condition for years and confirmed he suffers from chronic obesity along with hypertension and high cholesterol.
She said healthcare workers have advised him to improve his diet, exercise, rest and medication adherence while continuing regular health monitoring.
Local health officials also plan to ask devotees to offer healthier food, such as brown rice and riceberry rice, while reducing sugary foods, soft drinks and high-sugar fruits to help manage his weight and lower the risk of further complications.
Officials said bariatric surgery would require a comprehensive physical and psychological assessment. However, they believe the monk is a suitable candidate because he is committed to treatment and has strong support from the temple, healthcare workers and local residents.
Plans are being made to refer him to Ban Pong Hospital for specialist care and further evaluation.
CHONBURI — 18 June 2026, Emergency responders in Pattaya were called to capture what appeared to be a cobra in a condominium car park, only to discover it was a rubber toy snake.
The Pattaya City Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre received a request for assistance after a resident reported what appeared to be a cobra in the parking area of a condominium in Central Pattaya, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district.
Firefighters and rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene, where they found what appeared to be a cobra with its hood spread and head raised in a defensive posture.
Because the area was poorly lit, officers prepared snake-catching equipment and approached with caution. However, after illuminating the area and moving closer, they noticed the snake was completely motionless.
A closer inspection confirmed that the reptile was not real but a rubber toy snake, prompting relief and laughter from both the emergency responders and the resident who reported it.
Kanthicha Sakubon, 36, said she was about to get into her car when she spotted the apparent cobra in the car park.
“I was shocked when I saw it with its hood spread,” she said. “I was worried someone might get hurt, so I asked the security guard to contact the authorities.”
She said she felt relieved after learning it was not a real snake.
Officials believe the rubber snake may have fallen from one of the condominium units, where residents sometimes use such items to scare away birds from roofs and balconies.
The toy snake was removed and destroyed to prevent further confusion.
RATCHABURI — 18 June 2026, Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration on Wednesday officially launched a programme to issue identification cards to Myanmar nationals who have fled armed conflict and are living in designated temporary shelter areas in Thailand under special permission.
At 10:00 on Wednesday at the Suan Phueng District Office Auditorium in Ratchaburi province, the launch ceremony of the Kick-Off event for issuing identification cards to aliens residing in controlled areas who have been granted special permission to stay in the Kingdom, specifically displaced persons fleeing fighting from Myanmar was presided over by Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) Narucha Kosasitwilai.
The event was attended by Ratchaburi Governor Thitilak Kampha, the Deputy Governor, executives from the DOPA, heads of government agencies, representatives from relevant organizations, district chiefs from all districts across Ratchaburi province, and Tammi Lynn Sharpe, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Thailand.
Narucha said Thailand has provided humanitarian assistance to people fleeing conflict in Myanmar along the border since 1984 based on humanitarian grounds, with the government granting them to remain temporarily in the kingdom. However, to ensure effective population management of this group, it requires accurate, clear, and up-to-date registration data and identity verification.
Therefore, the DOPA has introduced new regulations governing the registration and issuance of identification cards to aliens residing in controlled areas under special permission to stay in Thailand, 2026. This regulation aims to issue identification cards to registered Myanmar conflict refugees whose information has been verified. The identification cards will be used when contacting government agencies, requesting state services, and alongside official permits issued by the government.
Narucha praised and thanked Ratchaburi province, under the leadership of the Governor of Ratchaburi, for helping drive this policy. He also expressed his gratitude to UNHCR for providing financial support for the production of identification cards to the displaced persons fleeing fighting from Myanmar. Additionally, he thanked all network partner agencies for carrying out together in line with humanitarian principles while maintaining public order and national security, which will lead to effective and sustainable solutions in the future.
The UNHCR representative in Thailand said today’s event was significant to everyone because it concerned a matter of life, resilience, human dignity, and the future.
Regarding this as a key to accessing healthcare services, financial services, communication, employment, and life opportunities. The system not only enhances security but also promotes independence in daily life, freedom of decision-making, and the ability to plan for the future.
Narucha stressed that the primary purpose of issuing these identification cards is to enable authorities to accurately verify identities, determine who individuals are, where they reside, and under what conditions they are permitted to stay or work in Thailand. The information will beneficial for control, supervision, tracking, and law enforcement, while also enhancing national security and public order.
He clearly reaffirmed that this identification card is solely a registration and population management measure by the state to monitor and verify individuals based on humanitarian principles. It does not grant Thai citizenship, nor does it confer any rights as a Thai nationality in any way.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to attend a musical interlude before a gala dinner as part of the G7 summit, in Evian-les-Bains, France, Tuesday June 16, 2026. (Ludovic MARIN/Pool Photo via AP)
Leaders of both the U.S. and Iran have signed a memorandum of agreement on ending the war in Iran, and it “shall enter into force with immediate effect,” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Wednesday.
The agreement calls for Tehran to, at a minimum, dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and would waive but not permanently end sanctions on the country, according to U.S. officials who read the language of the memorandum on ending the war to journalists after days of secrecy.
President Donald Trump helps France’s first lady Brigitte Macron up a step as she arrives for a group photo with leaders and their spouses at the G7 summit, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Here is the latest:
Pakistan’s leader deletes post on US-Iran deal, then reposts it without a reference to Friday signing ceremony
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan had written on X that there would still be a formal signing ceremony on Friday after both sides already signed a memorandum of agreement.
Sharif briefly removed the post a short time later, however. Then, he reposted most of the same text but removed a reference to Friday’s ceremony.
That could cast doubt on whether the ceremony will happen.
Trump said he signed the agreement at the Palace of Versailles and U.S. officials had been planning for a meeting on Friday in Switzerland — but with Trump having now signed the document it wasn’t clear if that would still be necessary.
Pakistan says the deal to end the war in Iran is taking ‘immediate effect’ after both sides have signed it
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said leaders of both the U.S. and Iran had signed the agreement and endorsed him as a mediator. He said there will still be a formal signing ceremony on Friday.
He said in a post on X that the deal “shall enter into force with immediate effect and as a first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade.”
Sharif said Pakistan and co-mediator Qatar will still host an official signing ceremony on Friday in Switzerland. His post came shortly after Trump said he’d signed the agreement during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles.
US official says US and Iran presidents have signed agreement
Though officials had said Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance had digitally signed the agreement Sunday and that a ceremonial signing would be held Friday in Switzerland, a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to share details about the agreement said Trump signed the deal while at Versailles on Wednesday.
The U.S. official said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signed it Wednesday, though Iran did not immediately comment. It wasn’t immediately clear if that act started a 60-day negotiating clock to reach a final deal. It was also not clear how Trump’s signing of the deal at Versailles differed from his digital signing on Sunday.
Trump tells reporters he signed the memorandum of understanding with Iran
“It’s signed,” Trump said as he left Versailles.
“I signed it in Versailles,” Trump said. “Just signed it.”
White House says Trump signed agreement on ending war in Iran
The White House said Trump signed a memorandum of understanding on ending the war in Iran while at Versailles, though cameras weren’t present for that.
Many historic treaties have been signed at Versailles over the centuries, ending wars or territorial disputes. The most infamous was that sealed in 1919 officially ending World War I — whose harsh terms imposed on Germany are blamed by some historians for laying the groundwork for World War II.
The gilt doors of Versailles
Trump walked through the palace’s courtyard and met his hosts, posing for photographers in front of the famed golden doors.
“Versailles is not gold leaf — Versailles is the real deal,” Trump had explained to reporters earlier about why he said yes to the late dinner outside Paris after the G7.
Earlier, Macron had told reporters that “Versailles is a diplomatic tool and an instrument of influence.”
GOP senator calls Iran deal ‘worst foreign policy blunder in decades’
“Reagan is rolling over in his grave,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana in a post, referring to the former president.
“Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future,” the Republican said.
“Before the war, the strait was open, Iran was being crushed by sanctions, and 13 service members were still alive,” Cassidy said. “Now, 13 Americans are dead, families have paid billions at the pump, sanctions will be lifted, and the bombing has stopped.”
Cassidy, who lost his primary reelection bid after Trump endorsed his challenger, has been among the rare Republicans willing to criticize the president.
“This is the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” he posted.
Cruz says Trump is getting ‘bad advice’ on Iran
The Texas Republican, a leading hawk on Iran, heavily criticized the draft of the memorandum of agreement between the U.S. and Tehran shortly after it was released to journalists.
“Giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is not a good idea,” Cruz told reporters. “I think the president, unfortunately, is receiving bad advice.”
Cruz was also critical of how the agreement addresses the issue of tolls through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. draft secures toll-free passage through the vital waterway for 60 days, but it doesn’t preclude fees in the future.
“Setting up Iran to be in charge of the Strait of Hormuz in perpetuity and to charge tolls is not in America’s interest,” Cruz said. “In my view, the Ayatollah should not reap a single penny from the free transit of the seas.”
Energy experts say deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz is welcomed, given low oil reserves
The tentative deal for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and sell its oil without restrictions will help ease supply shortages in the short term, energy experts said.
“The oil market welcomes more supply from Iran or anywhere else right now,” said Jim Krane, energy research fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute. “Stocks are running low.”
But in the long term, there’s the chance that too much oil will come to market, Krane said, adding, “reopening the strait has come alongside investment in more oil production elsewhere, especially in the U.S. and Latin America.”
The global supply glut of crude oil that existed pre-war could return in 2027 if the peace deal holds, according to research firm Clearview Energy Partners. A report released by the International Energy Agency on Wednesday estimates a global shortfall of 0.9 million barrels of oil and petroleum products per day for 2026, which is more optimistic than other recent estimates, according to Clearview.
Senate Republican leader says MOU leaves more questions
Sen. John Thune said he doesn’t think the document that’s now been released is the final product.
“My understanding is, it’s a framework, it’s an MOU, and probably have more to come in terms of any final agreement,” Thune told reporters at the Capitol.
Congress has not yet been briefed on the emerging deal.
“I don’t think probably what you’re seeing right now represents what a final deal will look like,” he said. “I think that sounds like it’s still going to be negotiated.”
He said there are “a bunch of things” senators will have questions about.
Trump says he’s looking forward to having a ‘good time’ at Versailles
“We had an amazing day and now we’re going to Versailles for dinner with some of Europe’s great people,” he told reporters after Air Force One landed in Paris but before the drive to Versailles.
“I think we’re going to have a good time,” Trump said.
Trump arrives in Paris before Versailles dinner with Macron
Official says US or Iran could walk away at any time until they reach a final deal
The second official said the signed memorandum of understanding is final and has not been changed since it was signed electronically on Sunday. But the official said either side could walk away at any time until they reach a final deal, which they will attempt to do over 60 days.
The official referred to the plans to work with Iran to reach a final deal as a “gentleman’s agreement” and said they would find out in talks starting this weekend whether they can continue moving forward.
If talks with Iran do not seem to be working, then the U.S. could pull the plug on the effort to negotiate and return to “tightening the screws on them very, very aggressively,” the official said.
Oxfam’s withering view of the G7 gathering
A statement from the campaign group calls it the “summit of omissions” that was “defined as much by what was left off the agenda as by what was discussed.”
“Climate change, gender inequality and human rights were conspicuously sidelined to secure President Trump’s attendance. Silence became a strategy,” it said.
But the statement welcomed the G7 leaders’ call for a strong and coordinated response to the Ebola outbreak in Congo.
Trump says US isn’t giving Iran money but suggests frozen assets will be returned
He has repeatedly denied that the U.S. is sending money to Iran as part of a deal, but he said Iranian assets frozen during the war should be returned.
“It’s not our money, it’s their money, and we froze it,” Trump said. “At a certain point in time, I guess we’re going to have to give it back.”
Trump said he considered keeping the frozen assets for the U.S., but said it would hurt the strength of the U.S. dollar. “If we didn’t give it back, nobody would ever invest in the dollar again,” he said.
Trump jokes that if the Iran deal is a failure, he’s blaming Vance
Asked about the possibility of blaming the vice president if the deal with Iran doesn’t work out, Trump replied, “I like that idea, sure.”
“This way, if it works out, I’m going to take the credit. If it doesn’t work out, I’m blaming JD,” the president continued. Then, striking a more playful tone, he added, “You better be careful, JD.”
Vance has become a leading administration voice promoting the initial agreement to end the war in Iran, even as Trump has occasionally contradicted facets of the agreement that Vance has announced publicly.
The vice president is expected to be part of the U.S. delegation signing the agreement Friday in Switzerland. But Trump joked of Vance, “He’s gonna turn his plane around and get the hell out of here.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry suggests deal with US may be signed by Presidents Trump and Pezeshkian
Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday night suggested that Presidents Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian could sign the deal with the United States.
Such a signing ceremony would represent a major step for the two countries, which saw diplomatic relations break off in 1980 over the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in Tehran.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, quoted by Iranian state television, made the comment.
Pezeshkian became president on a promise of seeking better relations with the West. However, he’s been sidelined for months after Iran’s mass killing of protesters in January and in the war as hard-liners broadly have taken over the levers of the country’s theocracy.
US officials read memorandum of understanding with Iran to journalists after days of secrecy; Iran has not released text
Senior U.S. officials have dictated the memorandum of understanding with Iran to journalists after days of secrecy.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to read the draft, which Iran has not released, ahead of a formal signing ceremony set for Friday.
According to the officials, the draft agreement includes a new ‘minimum’ standard for downblending of highly enriched Iranian uranium. Also, it has provisions to ensure the ‘territorial integrity’ of Lebanon after Israel’s latest attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanese territory.
In return, the U.S. will move to waive, but not eliminate, some wide-ranging sanctions against Iran once the deal is signed.
The U.S. draft of the agreement also only secures toll-free passage of the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, and it doesn’t preclude fees in the future, the officials said.
If Iran violates agreement, Trump says US will ‘bomb the hell out of them’
Asked how the terms of an agreement would be enforced, Trump said the threat of further bombings would be enough.
“What else am I going to do? Am I going to say, ‘I’m going to take you to court?’” Trump said. “You know, we’re going to bomb the hell out of them if they violate the agreement.”
Trump said he doesn’t think Iran will veer from the deal and said he does not want to resume attacks. But he added that “bad things happen in war — war is a nasty place.”
Trump indicates he doesn’t plan to hold US officials accountable for bombing of Iran school
Asked whether he’d hold anyone in his administration accountable for the deadly missile strike on an elementary school in Iran that killed over 165 people, the president suggested that no, he would not.
Trump said it was an odd question given that the bombing had happened so long ago, during the opening days of the war in Iran.
He also said that all war is nasty and that, in this case, mistakes might have been made, but that “Nobody did it on purpose.”
Trump also said, though, that the Department of Defense is still investigating the bombing.
During a subsequent question, he returned to the school bombing, repeating the sentiment that war was nasty: “Bad things happen in war.”
Trump hints at diplomatic visit from Lebanon, offers sympathy amid Israeli strikes
It wasn’t immediately clear who would be visiting from Lebanon — Trump first said the president and then the prime minister would be coming to Washington “over the next week or two.”
Trump repeatedly expressed sympathy for Lebanon while criticizing Israel, calling it a source of tension with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I say, ‘You can do a little softer touch, Bibi. You don’t have to knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that’s from Hezbollah,’” Trump said.
Trump said he feels bad for Lebanon, adding that it was “a great culture.”
“It was an incredible culture, maybe the highest in the Middle East, for years and years, centuries,” Trump said. “And for the last 50, 60 years, they have been just trashed.”
Trump offers lengthy – and very meandering – opening comments
The president began the press conference by speaking for around 40 straight minutes – offering a steady, stream-of-consciousness-style monologue that covered everything from Iran and Ukraine to drug dealers hiding fentanyl in hubcaps.
Trump talked about not wanting to crash the U.S. economy during the Iran war and said he thought Russia and Ukraine might make a deal to end that war.
He boasted about securing the U.S.-Mexico border but said that Mexico “has lost control of that country” and suggested that smuggling cartels – which he said hid drugs in cars and car parts to move them over the U.S.-Mexico border – had Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum “scared.”
Trump also talked about reaching a possible nuclear accord internationally, even as he suggested that he’d avoided “a nuclear holocaust.” And he said he was looking forward to admiring the golden finishes of the Palace of Versailles when he went to dinner there later Wednesday.
Trump thanks China, Russia for staying ‘neutral’
As he wrapped up his meandering opener during his press conference, the president noted that the leaders of China and Russia – often allies with Iran – largely stayed out of the conflict.
“They could’ve made it much more difficult for us,” Trump said.
China, in particular, had weapons that could “knock down airplanes,” he said.
“I said. ‘I would really appreciate your not giving or selling any of that stuff to Iran,’” Trump continued. “And you know what? For the most part, he didn’t.”
Trump again denies $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, traces it to Vance statement
“JD made a statement. It was a perfect statement, and they reported it in a very strange way. But that’s because that’s why it’s fake news, I guess,” Trump said.
He emphasized that the U.S. is “not investing any money” even though he said Tehran will need aid to recover.
Trump says an Iran deal will be signed ‘shortly’ and that a copy has been sent to Israel
Amid conflicting messages from Trump and top administration officials about whether an initial deal to end the war in Iran had already been signed, Trump said the agreement could be signed “maybe tomorrow” or the next day, meaning Thursday or Friday.
Trump recalled his years as a developer and said, “My whole life is all about deals,” and that sometimes “Crazy things happen with deals.”
But he added, “We are going to most likely sign a deal.” He said Iran wants “to sign a deal, and they’ve been acting very appropriately.”
Exactly what the deal entails is a matter of confusion since Trump and his administration have refuted publicly reported details without providing concrete details, they say are correct.
Trump also said a copy of the deal would be released and that the U.S. sent a copy to Israel.
Trump shifts tone on US allies, praises their support for Iran agreement
After complaining for months that U.S. allies were doing too little to help the U.S. in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, Trump on Wednesday quickly shifted to praise for their support of a deal.
“The past two days have provided a chance to discuss the details of this historic agreement with many of our closest friends and allies, including the G7 nations and many presidents and prime ministers,” Trump said in remarks at the summit.
It comes after U.S. allies issued a statement welcoming the framework of a deal to extend the U.S.-Iran ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said, “They all put out statements saying they love this deal, because they want to see it over.”
Trump says negotiating an end to the Iran war buoyed the stock market
The president suggested that fears of a weakening U.S. economy were a big driver for the administration’s work to negotiate an initial deal to end the Iran war.
“Every time we talked about the possibility of peace, the stock market shot up like a rocket ship,” Trump said. “The stock market is more brilliant than anybody there is.”
Trump also said that the “one thing I didn’t want to see is, I didn’t want to see economic catastrophe.” He said that “could have happened” if the war had continued.
“The one president I did not want to be was the late, great Herbert Hoover,” Trump said, referring to the president whose policies helped exacerbate the Great Depression.
Macron defends red carpet treatment for Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron defended his decision to roll out the red carpet for Trump, including a dinner at the Palace of Versailles later Wednesday.
“Versailles is a diplomatic tool and an instrument of influence,” Macron said.
Using a soccer analogy, Macron said he approaches diplomacy like the French national team: “Whether I’m playing at home or away, my goal is to score goals. And when I host other teams, I try to give them a nice welcome.”
Macron says he has always trusted Trump
Macron said he has “always trusted President Trump” because they both have “always spoken frankly.”
That applies on U.S. tariffs issues, Macron said, after Trump threatened 100% tariff on French wines unless a European digital tax is dropped. Macron is still seeking a compromise that would avoid U.S. tariffs from taking effect.
“Partners should never impose tariffs on one another or create instability,” Macron said.
Macron says US limit on cutting-edge Anthropic AI is a ‘bad thing’
The French leader is taking aim at a Trump administration directive preventing the use of Anthropic’s latest artificial intelligence models by foreign nationals.
He said it is “a good thing” that U.S. officials recognize that cutting-edge AI models could be dangerous. “What do they fear? That these models could be used by others to attack them or attack us,” he said.
But the “very strong decision” from the Trump administration is also “a bad thing,” he said. “The reaction is in some regards strictly nationalist.”
Anthropic said it has taken its latest artificial intelligence models, known as Fable 5 and Mythos 5, offline to comply with the directive. The AI giant said it did not believe the steps taken by the government were warranted by the concern it flagged about a potential security issue.
Macron describes ‘an Evian moment’ on Ukraine
Macron said the summit, attended by Zelenskyy, helped convince Trump that Russia currently has no serious intention of negotiating peace.
It’s too early to say whether there would be a clear “before” and “after” the Evian summit, Macron said — future developments will determine its impact.
“But there was an Evian moment, certainly on Ukraine,” he said.
Macron warns of the risks of artificial intelligence
G7 leaders discussed the revolutionary technology on Wednesday, the summit’s last day.
The French leader, the summit host, called for regulation.
“No one — neither political leaders nor business leaders — can any longer ignore the impact of AI on our democracies, on our societies. That is why the possibility and the necessity of regulation have now become imperative,” he said.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, from left, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Diana Carney and her husband Prime Minister Mark Carney, arrive for a group photo at the G7 summit, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)European Council President Antonio Costa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and others gather for a group photo at the G7 summit, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — 18 June 2026, AP reported on Thursday that Vietnamese police revealed progress on a major crackdown against a network allegedly involved in stealing and trafficking cats for meat in Ho Chi Minh City last week.
They had rescued more than 400 cats. However, during the multi-day operation, some of the rescued cats later died because of poor living conditions, although at least 40 have since been reunited with their owners.
During a raid on a house, officers discovered 45 cages containing around 400 live cats and four ice-filled foam containers holding the carcasses of about 80 cats. Additionally, another 20 live cats were found at a separate location. In total, police seized more than 500 cats, both alive and dead. This is one of the country’s largest crackdowns on the cat meat trade in recent years.
Karanvir Kukreja, who leads campaigns against the dog and cat meat trade at Humane World for Animals, the international animal welfare organization, stated that this operation serves as “a disturbing reminder of the widespread cat meat trade in Vietnam”.
Meanwhile, local media reported that the investigation by Ho Chi Minh City police into widespread pet theft led to the arrest of nine suspects, who allegedly admitted trapping and collecting cats from several locations in southern Vietnam over the past three years, including Ho Chi Minh City and the provinces of Tây Ninh and An Giang. According to police reports, cat meat sells for around 70,000 Vietnamese dong (about 86 baht or 2.66 US dollars) per kilogramme.
Although the consumption of dog and cat meat remains legal in Vietnam, sellers are required to hold licences verifying the origin of the animals. Some localities, including the central city of Hoi An, have been working with international animal welfare groups to end the consumption of dog and cat meat.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has reviewed and adjusted its air force deployment at U-Tapao Airport to strengthen readiness against potential threats from Thailand’s eastern flank, while reinforcing its ability to protect national sovereignty and maritime interests.
The RTAF said the move forms part of efforts to enhance operational preparedness and ensure air power assets can respond effectively to any security situation.
The inspection focused on the readiness of air units stationed at U-Tapao and their capability to support missions safeguarding Thailand’s territorial integrity and maritime interests.
In parallel, the Air Force has conducted training involving the AIM-9 air-to-air guided missile to improve air defence capabilities and maintain combat readiness for future operations.
The RTAF stressed that protecting the nation’s airspace and sovereignty remains a core mission and that personnel must be prepared to respond to any situation at all times.
“National security missions require continuous readiness and the ability to operate 24 hours a day,” the Air Force said.
The military added that maintaining operational preparedness is essential for strengthening national security and ensuring public confidence in the country’s defence capabilities.
