U.S. Launches Strikes on Southern Iran as Peace Talks Stall
The United States carried out what it called “self‑defense” strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, saying the action was aimed at safeguarding maritime shipping. The operation likely targeted areas around Bandar Abbas, and Iranian officials warned they would retaliate. Meanwhile, Washington and Tehran both lowered expectations for a breakthrough in negotiations to end the three‑month conflict; Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. still prefers diplomacy but will “pursue another way” if talks fail, and President Donald Trump confirmed the naval blockade will remain until a deal is reached.
Bolivia Unrest Escalates Amid Expanded Protests, Security Response
Anti‑government demonstrations in Bolivia intensified over the past week, with authorities reporting 62 roadblocks across five of the country’s nine departments. Police and military units are attempting to clear key corridors linking La Paz and Oruro to restore supplies of food, fuel and medicine. Protesters, who cite economic grievances such as fuel shortages and inflation, are calling for President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation; former president Evo Morales has demanded new elections within 90 days. The unrest has stranded hundreds of vehicles and threatens continued disruptions in the coming weeks.
Active Storm Pattern Brings Flood and Thunderstorm Risk to Texas
Meteorologists expect rounds of torrential downpours and severe thunderstorms across Texas and Louisiana through mid‑week, with large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes possible. Parts of southwestern Texas are under a Level 2 severe‑storm risk, and repeated storms could trigger scattered flash flooding in cities from Fort Stockton to Houston. The briefing also warns that a tropical disturbance in the western Pacific may strengthen into a typhoon and threaten southern Japan, while Western Europe faces an exceptional late‑May heatwave that has already broken temperature records and raised public‑health concerns
