The Weekly Report: June 14-21 2026
United States
Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are pushing back against President Trump’s push to increase the Department of Defense’s budget to a record 1.5 trillion dollars. This pushback comes as the Trump administration has resisted calls from lawmakers to disclose the cost of the U.S. war with Iran. For example, one senator, Mark Kelly of Arizona, said he opposed the bill because the Trump administration has failed to answer certain questions about the Iran war, such as “whether the mission makes sense, makes us safer, and what it’s going to cost.”
Asia
Following the agreed-upon Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Iran, many nations, including India, are thrilled by the development, as it has seen the war severely disrupt its energy supply. Only the other day, a New Delhi based think tank released a report stating that India only had nine to 10 days' worth of Oil supply left. As long as the agreement between the United States and Iran remains in effect, India will likely begin to see fresh oil deliveries very soon.
Europe
Official talks which were set to begin in Switzerland between the U.S. and Iran on Friday were postponed, according to officials in Switzerland. Officials did not say when the talks would take place, which created doubt about the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran. Vice President JD Vance cancelled his trip to Switzerland on Thursday night.
Americas
A 19-year-old man was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Thursday in connection with a shooting outside of the U.S. Consulate in Toronto. Zara Jabbi, the man accused of the shooting, was charged with firearm possession, car theft, and attacking of the consulate, according to police. The shooting outside of the consulate took place at the beginning of March.
Africa
The main airport in the West African country of Niger was attacked on Thursday for the second time this year. Gunshots began around five or six AM and lasted for around 30 minutes, according to local residents. Nigerien forces quickly got the situation under control and shut down the area around the airport. The minister of defense said 11 members of the military were killed alongside two civilians and 22 attackers, while another 20 were arrested.
Middle East
Diplomats were hard at work on Friday as they tried to ensure the integrity of the deal between the U.S. and Iran. Iranian officials pulled out of official talks that were scheduled for Friday due to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Only hours later, however, Israel said a ceasefire agreement had been struck between Israel and Hezbollah. Time will tell whether or not the ceasefire in Lebanon will hold.
