Iran won't attack the US but will continue nuclear development, senior Iranian official says
President Donald Trump projected a correspondingly conciliatory tone in the wake of the Iranian strike, posting on Truth Social a message of gratitude for Iran's advance warning and declaring that 'they've gotten it all out of their 'system.''
Trump — who has promised to end multiple raging wars in his second term, as he openly angles for the Nobel Peace Prize — has claimed that the U.S. attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities were a smashing success, saying the strikes 'obliterated' the facilities and railing against reports that the attacks only set the program back by several months.
Iran has remained tight-lipped about the true impact of the strikes, prompting concern that the attacks have driven its nuclear program further underground. Already, the country has moved to halt cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, further shrouding its program from the globe.
'The damage is serious,' Takht-Ravanchi said of the American attack, without elaborating further.
Iran, which claimed that it moved its uranium stockpiles in advance of the U.S. attacks, has also been unwavering in its determination not to relinquish its enrichment program, despite American demands that it do so in order to reach a nuclear deal.
'Our policy has not changed on enrichment,' Takht-Ravanchi reiterated to NBC. 'Iran has every right to do enrichment within its territory. The only thing that we have to observe is not to go for militarization.'
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CNN
35 minutes ago
- CNN
Trump expects Hamas response to ceasefire in hours as new details emerge on proposal
President Donald Trump has ramped up expectations around a possible 60-day ceasefire in the war in Gaza after he said Thursday that a response from Hamas was expected within the next day. Asked by a reporter whether Hamas has agreed to the latest ceasefire and hostage deal, Trump replied 'We'll see what happens, we're going to know over the next 24 hours.' Qatar put forward an updated proposal to Israel and Hamas earlier this week, and Israel accepted it on Tuesday. Hamas says it will announce its decision after consultations with other Palestinian factions, without specifying how long this might take. Trump has pushed hard for a ceasefire, saying on Tuesday that Israel had 'agreed to the necessary conditions' to finalize a deal for a 60-day cessation of hostilities. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned Hamas to accept the proposal as well. 'I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,' he said, thanking Qatar and Egypt for their role in advancing the proposal. The latest proposal does not differ markedly from previous plans put forward by negotiators, maintaining the same number of hostages released and the same length of the earlier temporary ceasefire. But the proposal offers two key concessions to Hamas demands, spacing out the release of hostages over the entire timeline and offering stronger guarantees - in this case, directly from Trump - that the ceasefire will continue beyond 60 days even if a comprehensive agreement to end the war has not yet been reached. The plan calls for the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased hostages spread out over the full timeline, according to a source familiar with the negotiations who shared details of the plan. On the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas would release eight living hostages. In exchange, Israel would release an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, and withdraw its forces from pre-agreed locations in northern Gaza. Israel would then withdraw from parts of southern Gaza on the seventh day, following the release of a number of deceased hostages. Israel and Hamas would also immediately enter into negotiations for a permanent ceasefire once the initial truce goes into effect. A total of 50 hostages remain in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The last two living hostages would be released on the fiftieth day of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, five deceased hostages would be released on the seventh and thirtieth days, while the final eight would be released on the final day. Under the deal, hostages will be released without ceremonies or fanfare at Israel's request – unlike during the last truce, when Hamas staged public propaganda events around hostage transfers that sparked outrage in Israel. Humanitarian aid will immediately begin to flow into Gaza at the start of the ceasefire, including from the United Nations and from other aid organizations, similar to the previous ceasefire which began on January 19. On Thursday, Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander met with Trump in Washington and said he told the president that he worries continued fighting in Gaza endangers the remaining hostages. A statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum after the meeting quoted Alexander as telling Trump, 'I fear continued fighting endangers the hostages and hope you can achieve another historic breakthrough — a comprehensive deal to free them all, all 50 hostages. You are the person who can make it happen.'
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Stock Index Futures Tread Water With All Eyes on Key U.S. Jobs Report
September S&P 500 E-Mini futures (ESU25) are up +0.03%, and September Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures (NQU25) are up +0.08% this morning as investors sit on their hands ahead of the all-important U.S. payrolls report that will offer fresh insight into the labor market and the path of interest rates. Investors are also keeping an eye out for any updates on trade deals. Reuters reported that U.S. and India trade negotiators were working on Wednesday to secure a tariff-reducing deal ahead of the July 9th deadline, though disagreements over U.S. dairy and agriculture remained unsettled. Also, European Union trade chief Maros Sefcovic is set to meet with his counterparts today in Washington as the bloc scrambles to reach a deal before the July 9th deadline. Is UnitedHealth Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for July 2025? Michael Saylor Says 'You'll Wish You'd Bought More' Bitcoin as MicroStrategy Doubles Down Is MicroStrategy Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for July 2025? Stop Missing Market Moves: Get the FREE Barchart Brief – your midday dose of stock movers, trending sectors, and actionable trade ideas, delivered right to your inbox. Sign Up Now! U.S. President Donald Trump's massive tax and spending bill remains in focus as well. The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday advanced President Trump's tax bill, a procedural step that paves the way for potential passage of the legislation in a vote expected later in the day. Once the bill clears the House again, it will head to Trump's desk, where he has long awaited the opportunity to sign it into law. The U.S. stock markets will close early at 1 p.m. Eastern Time today and remain closed on Friday for the Independence Day holiday. In yesterday's trading session, Wall Street's major indices closed mixed. Tesla (TSLA) advanced over +4% after the electric vehicle company reported better-than-feared Q2 deliveries. Also, chip stocks gained ground, with NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NXPI) and ON Semiconductor (ON) rising more than +4%. In addition, Nike (NKE) climbed over +4% and was the top percentage gainer on the Dow after President Trump said the U.S. reached a trade deal with Vietnam. On the bearish side, Centene (CNC) plummeted more than -40% and was the top percentage loser on the S&P 500 after the health insurer withdrew its full-year profit guidance. The ADP National Employment report released on Wednesday showed that U.S. private nonfarm payrolls unexpectedly fell -33K in June, weaker than expectations of +99K and the first decline in 2-1/4 years. 'The ADP report increased the odds of a downside surprise in Thursday's nonfarm payroll release,' said Jeff Roach at LPL Research. 'Investor jitters could be a catalyst for a drop in yields [today] if the jobs report is weaker than expected. I expect a weaker-than-consensus report, increasing the odds the Fed cuts three times this year.' Traders increased bets on at least two rate cuts this year following the weak ADP data, with the first expected in September. Meanwhile, U.S. rate futures have priced in a 74.7% chance of no rate change and a 25.3% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the conclusion of the Fed's July meeting. Today, all eyes are focused on the U.S. monthly payroll report, which is set to be released in a couple of hours. Economists, on average, forecast that June Nonfarm Payrolls will come in at 111K, compared to the May figure of 139K. A survey conducted by 22V Research revealed that investors are paying closer attention to the key jobs report than usual this time and are anticipating a weaker print. Among the respondents, 44% expect the data to be 'mixed/negligible,' 41% anticipate a 'risk-off' reaction, and only 15% expect a 'risk-on' response. Investors will also focus on U.S. Average Hourly Earnings data. Economists expect June figures to be +0.3% m/m and +3.9% y/y, compared to the previous numbers of +0.4% m/m and +3.9% y/y. The U.S. Unemployment Rate will be reported today. Economists forecast that this figure will creep up a tick to 4.3% in June from 4.2% in the prior month. The U.S. ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI and S&P Global Services PMI will be closely monitored today. Economists expect the June ISM services index to be 50.8 and the S&P Global services PMI to be 53.1, compared to the previous values of 49.9 and 53.7, respectively. U.S. Factory Orders data will come in today. Economists foresee the May figure jumping +8.1% m/m, compared to -3.7% m/m in April. U.S. Trade Balance data will be released today. Economists anticipate the trade deficit will widen to -$69.90B in May from -$61.60B in April. U.S. Initial Jobless Claims data will be released today as well. Economists expect this figure to be 240K, compared to last week's number of 236K. In addition, market participants will be looking toward a speech from Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic. In the bond market, the yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note is at 4.256%, down -0.79%. The Euro Stoxx 50 Index is down -0.05% this morning as investors continue to monitor trade developments and cautiously await the key U.S. jobs report. The benchmark index initially moved higher, buoyed by the U.S.-Vietnam trade deal and news that the U.S. lifted export restrictions to China for chip design software makers and ethane producers. However, trade optimism was tempered by caution ahead of the release of the all-important monthly U.S. jobs report. A survey released on Thursday showed that the Eurozone's dominant services sector returned to growth in June after a brief contraction in May, though the pace remained modest as demand stayed weak despite improving business confidence. Meanwhile, European Union trade chief Maros Sefcovic is set to meet with his counterparts today in Washington as the bloc scrambles to reach a deal before the July 9th deadline. In corporate news, Redcare Pharmacy NV ( rose over +3% after the German online drug retailer reported solid preliminary Q2 revenue and confirmed its full-year guidance. Eurozone's Composite PMI and Eurozone's Services PMI data were released today. Eurozone's June Composite PMI stood at 50.6, stronger than expectations of 50.2. Eurozone's June Services PMI arrived at 50.5, stronger than expectations of 50.0. Asian stock markets today closed in the green. China's Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP) closed up +0.18%, and Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Index (NIK) closed up +0.06%. China's Shanghai Composite Index closed slightly higher today as investors digested the latest developments in U.S.-China trade relations and kept an eye on trade negotiations between the U.S. and other nations. Healthcare stocks led the gains on Thursday after Beijing increased policy support for the nation's innovative drug sector. Semiconductor stocks were little changed following reports that the U.S. lifted some curbs on exports of chip-design software to China. The U.S. also gave the green light to resume ethane exports to China on Wednesday, signaling that the U.S.-China trade truce was on track. At the same time, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday that it is evaluating the trade deal between the U.S. and Vietnam and will defend its own rights and interests if necessary. Meanwhile, a private sector survey released on Thursday showed that China's services activity grew at the slowest pace in nine months in June, as demand softened and new export orders fell amid a fragile trade truce with the U.S. Still, surveyed companies stayed optimistic about the economic outlook, with the index for future output expectations holding steady from the prior month. In other news, a major Chinese Communist Party publication called for stricter measures against competition that triggers price wars and compresses profits across multiple industries, criticizing large corporations and local governments for engaging in unfair practices. In corporate news, Alibaba slid nearly -3% in Hong Kong after the e-commerce giant announced a 50 billion yuan ($6.98 billion) subsidy program aimed at supporting merchants and customers. Investor focus is now squarely on the July Politburo meeting and the upcoming half-year earnings season. The Chinese June Caixin Services PMI arrived at 50.6, weaker than expectations of 51.0. Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Index closed slightly higher today as investor sentiment was subdued amid uncertainty over a trade deal with the U.S. Automobile and chip stocks gained ground on Thursday. The benchmark index spent most of the session in negative territory before pushing higher at the close. A private sector survey released on Thursday showed that Japan's service sector activity grew at a slightly quicker pace in June, with business confidence rising to a four-month high. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently intensified pressure on Japan, describing negotiations as 'really hard' and threatening to hike tariffs on Japanese imports to '30%, 35% or whatever the number is that we determine.' Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated on Wednesday that he remains committed to defending Japan's national interests, while chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa was reportedly arranging his eighth visit to the U.S. as soon as this weekend. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki said that the country will continue to pursue a win-win trade deal with the U.S. Meanwhile, Bank of Japan policy board member Hajime Takata said on Thursday that the central bank should be prepared to resume policy tightening if trade talks with the U.S. progress, reaffirming that the bank is still aiming to raise interest rates. 'I believe that the bank is currently only pausing its policy interest rate hike cycle and should continue to make a gear shift after a certain period of 'wait-and-see,'' Takata said. In other news, data from Japan's finance ministry showed that foreign investors purchased a net 651.3 billion yen ($4.53 billion) worth of Japanese equities in the week to June 28th, driven by easing Middle East tensions and growing optimism over a rally in technology stocks. The Nikkei Volatility Index, which takes into account the implied volatility of Nikkei 225 options, closed up +1.65% to 25.83. The Japanese June au Jibun Bank Services PMI came in at 51.7, stronger than expectations of 51.5. Pre-Market U.S. Stock Movers Datadog (DDOG) surged over +10% in pre-market trading after S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that the stock would be added to the S&P 500 index next week. Synopsys (SNPS) and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) climbed over +6% in pre-market trading after the U.S. lifted export restrictions on chip design software to China. Tripadvisor (TRIP) gained more than +6% in pre-market trading after the Wall Street Journal reported that activist investor Starboard Value had built a more than 9% stake in the online travel company. Meta Platforms (META) rose about +0.5% in pre-market trading after Needham upgraded the stock to Hold from Underperform. FedEx (FDX) advanced over +1% in pre-market trading after BNP Paribas Exane upgraded the stock to Outperform from Underperform with a price target of $270. You can see more pre-market stock movers here Today's U.S. Earnings Spotlight: Thursday - July 3rd N/A. On the date of publication, Oleksandr Pylypenko did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
New York Post
40 minutes ago
- New York Post
Zelensky says he's ‘grateful for all the support' after Trump call — following heavy Russian bombardment
WASHINGTON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for US military support Friday after speaking on the phone with President Trump following one of the heaviest Russian drone attacks on Kyiv. Zelensky, who was thrown out of the White House in February for allegedly being ungrateful during a meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, lost access to new shipments of some American-made defensive weapons Tuesday, with the Pentagon saying its stocks were running too low. 'I had a very important and fruitful conversation with [Trump],' Zelensky posted on X, expressly offering his thanks for about $185 billion in US taxpayer resources to fend off Russia's more than three-year-old invasion. Advertisement 5 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for US support Friday after speaking with Presiden Trump. AFP via Getty Images 5 The call occurred after a heavy Russian drone and rocket attack on Kyiv. Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images 'We — in Ukraine — are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us protect lives, safeguard our freedom and independence. We have achieved a lot together with America and we support all efforts to stop the killings and restore just, lasting, and dignified peace.' Advertisement Zelensky went on: 'A noble agreement for peace is needed. Today we discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and the broader frontline developments. President Trump is very well informed, and I thank him for his attention to Ukraine. The 47-year-old went on that the discussion included 'opportunities in air defense and [we] agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies' and 'had a detailed conversation about defense industry capabilities and joint production.' 5 Trump's administration halted some air defense shipments this week citing low US stockpiles. AFP via Getty Images Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and expressed pessimism about the prospects of peace afterward. Advertisement 'I didn't make any progress with him today at all,' Trump told reporters ahead of a pre-July 4 event in Iowa. Hours later, the Russian military hit Kyiv with a heavy bombardment. Ukraine's Air Force said the overnight attack included 539 drones and 11 missiles – injuring 23 people and killing one, Reuters reported — with the limited ground carnage a testament to the nation's Western-provided air defense systems. The Pentagon's just-announced curtailment of weapons will deny Ukraine further shipments of Patriot missiles that can shoot down incoming rockets as well as AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles and short-range Stinger missiles that can take down drones. Advertisement 5 Trump threw Zelensky out of the West Wing in February for allegedly showing disrespect and ingratitude. AFP via Getty Images Trump has attempted to force both Zelensky and Putin to the negotiating table with personal attacks and threats to cut aid or heaping on new sanctions, respectively, but has been unable to reach an end to the fighting. Last month Trump likened the leaders to children fighting and said 'sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart.' With Post wires
