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Russian Drone Strike Sets Turkish Cargo Ship Ablaze In Black Sea, Killing One

An international cargo vessel traversing the Black Sea erupted in flames when it was struck by a Russian drone attack early Monday morning, killing one crew member.

The Turkish-owned bulk carrier VICTRESS, which sails under a Panamanian flag, suffered severe damage, the Ukrainian Navy and the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) confirmed in the aftermath.

Ukrainian naval image of Turkish vessel up in flames.

A maritime rescue operation ensued fairly quickly, with most of the crew evacuated safely to a life raft; however, a 58-year old crew member perished.

“Sadly, a member of the crew died. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. The remaining eight sailors were evacuated on a life raft,” the USPA said.

Such Black Sea deadly drone incidents against foreign vessels off Ukraine are on the uptick. For example just a couple days ago regional sources reported:

Ukrainian officials reported that Russian drones targeted two civilian merchant vessels in the Black Sea, one flying Panama’s flag and the other St. Kitts and Nevis’. A sailor aboard the Panama-flagged ship was killed, two were injured—one critically—while three crew on the St. Kitts and Nevis vessel sustained minor injuries. Both ships resumed their voyages after receiving assistance, but the incident underscores the vulnerability of civilian shipping in contested waters.

 Black Sea transit continues to be a dangerous prospect, also with naval mines long being a feature of the 4+ year long war.

Because of this, international reports have frequently noted at various moments of the last couple years, "War insurance costs for ships sailing to the Black Sea have spiked again, with insurers reviewing policies daily as the conflict in Ukraine spills into sea lanes."

But the attacks have gone the other way too, with Ukraine's Navy at various times having intercepted or attacked vessels deemed part of Russia's sanctions-evading 'dark fleet'.

⚡️ Russian drones struck civilian vessels bound for Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea

According to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba, a drone attack set a Panama-flagged cargo ship on fire. A 58-year-old Egyptian cook was killed, while eight crew members, including… pic.twitter.com/6Y0fy6M8rj

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) June 22, 2026

After some of these recent attacks on Russia-importing or exporting vessels, President Putin vowed to step up punishing aerial attacks on Ukraine. The two sides are still locked in a devastating tit-for-tat aerial war.

Tyler Durden Mon, 06/22/2026 - 06:55

Homeowners preparing to sell may want to rethink their paint choices before listing, according to new research from listings giant Zillow.

Golf fans at the third round of the US Open in Shinnecock Hills on Saturday were angered by a helicopter banner wizzing around the skies promoting abortion pills by mail while families were enjoying the tournament.

Is The AI Spending Boom Creating A Depreciation Time Bomb?

Via City AM,

• Big Tech's AI spending has exploded, with Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta collectively investing hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure.

• Rapid technological change may shorten the economic life of AI servers and GPUs, increasing depreciation and replacement costs.

• The long-term profitability of AI will depend not only on demand growth but also on whether companies can justify the enormous ongoing capital requirements.

The eye-watering capital expenditure plans of Big Tech has been one of the year’s biggest stories. 

Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft have all splurged to secure a podium spot in the race to build out the infrastructure that will run the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

Total capex by these four firms is expected to reach $750bn (£560bn) this year, around half the annual spending of the entire UK government. It is much higher than this high-tech quartet has budgeted for before. And it is expected to be even higher next year.

Shareholders are on board with the plan, up to a point.

Since 2023, the average share price across the four firms has doubled. But that hasn’t kept pace with the average quarterly capex budgets, which have roughly quadrupled over the same period.

These trillion-dollar businesses can’t be too far away from hitting a ceiling on growing their computing power. 

Firstly, because of physical constraints – things like the supply of chips and the availability of power and water infrastructure – with the latter beginning to come under genuine constraint in some parts of the developed world.

Secondly, because of the sheer build cost, given that most AI projects are far from hitting profitability, and there isn’t enough cash flow elsewhere to fill the hole.

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has raised $85bn on its own in debt over the past year. It plans to raise another $80bn in equity over the coming months – an unprecedented fundraise and not something it can keep doing forever.

Getting older faster

Most of the focus has been on data centre build-out. But there is also another major factor, and one in danger of being overlooked: maintenance.

The cost of keeping AI running once the infrastructure is in place will be vital. 

Data centre servers tend to last in the region of three to six years before they have to be replaced.  Given the speed of innovation and intensity of compute needed for AI, you can expect that to skew towards the lower end of the range for the hyperscalers. 

The kit inside AI data centres accounts for as much as two-thirds of the build cost. Add replacement costs onto the capex projections over the next few years, and things start to look scarily expensive.

Annual depreciation of property and equipment across the four firms has almost doubled over the past two years to $116bn.  You can expect that to accelerate, given how much equipment has been added to their balance sheets over the past 18 months.

Last year, Amazon cut the expected useful life of its data centre assets from six years to five, a move which it said was “due to the increased pace of technology development, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence and machine learning.” 

So far, Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet have yet to follow suit, sticking with six years, but it seems like only a matter of time before they capitulate and cut this back, pushing up depreciation costs even further.

Something has got to give – sooner or later. Or am I missing something?

Tyler Durden Mon, 06/22/2026 - 06:30

The old watchdog establishment is squawking about President Trump's IGs — not because we're less independent, but because we're more effective.

The provost of Seattle University snatched a Palestinian flag from a graduating Muslim student just as she was about to unfold it at her commencement ceremony. 

Maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity in the US.

On Tuesday, New York City’s Democratic voters will decide whether Zohran Mamdani controls the future of their party.

Senior negotiators from the US and Iran on Monday wrapped up a lengthy round of initial talks aimed at solidifying a permanent end to the war between the countries.

Thomas "Tommy" Dono has been credited with pulling off a spectacular $1.7 million burglary of the Chanel boutique in Manhattan, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

UK Government Plans To Force Social Media Giants To Boost BBC Content To 'Fight Disinformation'

Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity News,

The UK government, under the apparently outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is advancing proposals that would require platforms like Facebook, YouTube and others to make BBC and other public service broadcaster content more prominent in users' feeds.

Officials frame the move as essential to combat 'disinformation,' citing Ofcom data that social media serves as the main news source for 51% of adults and 75% of 16- to 24-year-olds.

Yes, they want to turn social media into a literal Ministry of Truth.

Under plans to further restrict private media firms, news from public service broadcasters would be given priority to fight "disinformation".

The proposals will set Sir Keir Starmer on a collision course with tech giants already frustrated by his under-16s social media ban … pic.twitter.com/uOw4Tb9Ybq

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) June 20, 2026

The plans form part of wider efforts to further restrict private media firms and follow directly on the heels of the controversial under-16s social media ban that has already strained relations with tech companies.

Public reaction has been swift and scathing. Journalist Allison Pearson did not hold back on the BBC's own record:

During Covid, @BBCNews was the main purveyor of "misinformation".'
Pure propaganda which led to children being denied school for months and a mass epidemic of mental health problems that has injured a generation many of whom have still not come out of their bedrooms.
So, no. https://t.co/FdWZy5nj6s

— Allison Pearson (@AllisonPearson) June 21, 2026

Author and commentator Bernie drew a pointed historical parallel:

"In 1933, Goebbels argued that Germans needed protection from false information and dangerous ideas. In 2026, Starmer says that British people need protection from 'disinformation' and that social media platforms should prioritise BBC and state approved broadcaster content. The comparison is NOT that Britain is Nazi Germany. That is a lazy argument. The comparison is that Starmer's government is pushing for more control over what citizens read, watch and think and that they claim it's for our own good. You are not free if the State decided what news you are allowed to view. This is not the work of a government supporting democracy but one that Doesn't trust its citizens to keep them in power."

I do not make historical comparisons lightly.

Your government, in line with UN priorities. is moving to crush all information not sanctioned by them.

In 1933, Goebbels argued that Germans needed protection from false information and dangerous ideas.

In 2026, Starmer says… pic.twitter.com/W51yStWzXM

— Bernie (@Artemisfornow) June 20, 2026

Reform UK supporter Chris Rose highlighted the core irony:

Labour plan to force social media platforms to prioritise content from the BBC in our news feeds to fight disinformation.

Ironically, social media has helped to combat a lot of disinformation from the BBC. https://t.co/tXKG70saVJ

— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) June 20, 2026

This UK initiative does not stand alone. Similar moves are advancing in lockstep across the continent as governments seek greater leverage over information flows.

Germany has pursued measures to force social media platforms to boost state-aligned content and sideline dissenting material under the banner of 'public value.'

The EU's Democracy Shield framework has drawn sharp criticism as a vehicle for mass censorship that effectively ends open discourse under the guise of protecting democracy.

In France, President Macron has pushed aggressive censorship proposals widely described as a Ministry of Truth power grab.

The pattern is unmistakable: governments leveraging regulatory power to privilege official or state-funded sources while algorithmically demoting alternatives.

The BBC prioritization scheme fits into a rapid succession of UK measures that collectively tighten state influence over digital space and public narrative.

The under-16s social media ban has been exposed as a monumental pretext for total digital surveillance infrastructure.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov warned that the policy represents the digital iceberg that could sink the free internet.

Separate reporting revealed the UK government maintains a dedicated 'thought police' unit aimed at controlling the mass migration narrative.

Further proposals would empower authorities to block 'false information' during crisis events, creating an official Ministry of Truth mechanism.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has separately called for a government social media disinformation unit, adding another layer of official narrative enforcement.

Advocates insist elevating BBC content will help users encounter more 'reliable' information. The claim collapses under even cursory examination of the broadcaster's recent track record.

The BBC has repeatedly been accused of sinking to new lows on accuracy and impartiality.

Its former news director stated that trans bias and progressive orthodoxy drove her departure.

Additional controversies include a high-profile fake news editing scandal that prompted a $10 billion lawsuit from President Trump.

Further examples involve portrayals of Islamic child slavery in Afghanistan as somehow necessary, biased handling of Islamist issues in Britain, and presenter conduct that drew sharp rebukes from figures like John Cleese.

Public sentiment on X reflects deep skepticism that the state broadcaster represents a credible bulwark against disinformation.

Wanting media that can be censored by the state to be broadcast on the internet that will be ID locked by the state.

So this is how democracy dies. With a bunch of terrible parents going "it's about time". https://t.co/rvsGBa27zh

— Christina Tasty (@ChristinaTasty) June 21, 2026

I hope people can wake up and see what this is really about: controlling access to information. The internet democratized access to news and information, and people in power do not want that! https://t.co/xXTeQ96NTT

— Taylor Lorenz (@TaylorLorenz) June 19, 2026

Citizens will be told the same thing, will believe the same thing …

Starmer will demand BBC truth is given priority. So we are fed a consistent narrative.

Anything else is disinformation. Which isn't authoritarian at all pic.twitter.com/7P9ujzGI8w

— Bernie (@Artemisfornow) June 20, 2026

Another Starmer poisoned legacy in his censorious war with Big Tech: undermine any claims for BBC impartiality. Surely if state declares BBC & public service broadcasters are one & only truth (in face of a slew of contrary evidence), won't this undermine trust even further? https://t.co/zSKupBpgwK

— Claire Fox (@Fox_Claire) June 20, 2026

For now, there is a simple solution.

Keir Starmer's government is preparing plans to force social media and video platforms to give preferential treatment to content from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

Let's all block them.

Problem solved.

— Benjamin (@UKFREEDOMUNITE) June 21, 2026

The government wants to fill our timelines with state funded propaganda.

Block the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

They can't fill your feed if you've blocked them.

Simple problems require simple solutions. https://t.co/na6g61rm2e pic.twitter.com/U98ACQvhtY

— Ben Graham (@BenGrahamUK) June 20, 2026

Of course, the government could, via it's regulator Ofcom, simply mandate that these sources cannot be blocked and must be injected into people's feeds. They could also employ a more subtle manipulation of the algorithm to ensure it happens, regardless of any blocking.

Mandating algorithmic favoritism for any single outlet, especially one with the BBC's baggage, will not restore trust. Alternative platforms continue to grow, and Community Notes-style transparency tools already expose manipulation faster than official gatekeepers can suppress it.

Governments that distrust citizens to navigate information without state curation reveal more about their own insecurities than about any genuine disinformation crisis.

The free exchange of ideas, even uncomfortable ones, remains the only proven defense against real propaganda.

These latest European and British maneuvers represent the opposite impulse: centralized narrative control dressed up as public protection.

Citizens on both sides of the Atlantic have seen this playbook before and are increasingly unwilling to play along.

Your support is crucial in helping us defeat mass censorship. Please consider donating via Locals or check out our unique merch. Follow us on X @ModernityNews.

 

Tyler Durden Mon, 06/22/2026 - 05:00

Iran's Araghchi Says Talks Delivered "Major Progress" To End Lebanon War, Will Continue For Rest Of Week Summary

• Round 1 ends: The US and Iran made “encouraging progress” in talks on a peace deal and will continue technical-level discussions this week, mediators
• Iran defiant, sees itself in strong position: Ghalibaf rejects US threats and links talks to a Lebanon ceasefire.
• Trump raises stakes via some typical Truth Social lashing out: Warns on Hormuz, Lebanon, and keeps military options on the table.
• Nuclear progress?: Some reports say not addressed, others suggest framework already being worked on.

//--> //--> //--> Israel withdraws from Lebanon by July 31, 2026?
Yes 12% · No 88%
View full market & trade on Polymarket

*  *  *

US and Iran Make “Encouraging Progress” In Talks On Peace Deal, Will Continue Technical-Level Discussions This Week

Contrary to earlier reports from Iran media that US and Iran talks had concluded hours earlier, Bloomberg reported that the US and Iran made “encouraging progress” in talks on a peace deal and will continue technical-level discussions this week, mediators said, even as President Donald Trump again threatened strikes if Hezbollah keeps attacking Israel.

“Encouraging progress has been made including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks,” mediators Qatar and Pakistan said in a joint statement. The parties agreed on a roadmap toward reaching a final deal within 60 days.

The sides also established a communication line to avoid incidents and miscalculation, with the aim of ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the mediators said. They also agreed to create a “de-confliction cell” involving the parties and Lebanon to help ensure adherence to the cessation of military operations there.

After rising in early trading following reports that Iran (almost but not really) had walked out on talks, crude oil turned lower and US stock-index futures pared losses after the statement.

Pakistani and Qatari mediation delivered major progress to end the Lebanon war, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X: "Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran. 1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell" the post said.

Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran.

1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell https://t.co/q0okD2qwSO

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2026

Things got off to a confusing start Sunday when Iranian media reported that Iran halted talks over Trump’s latest threat. As the meetings got underway, Trump said in a social media post that he would strike Iran again if it doesn’t “immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble.”

He also warned Iran that the US might start collecting tolls if there’s no deal. Speaking Sunday to Fox News, Trump said he told Iranian leaders directly that if they close Hormuz, “You won’t even make it back” to Iran, using an expletive.

Some Fireworks

Al Jazeera is reporting that talks have 'concluded' - but is this in actuality a premature conclusion given all the tension and heated issues of disagreement which came to the forefront?

• GHALIBAF: THEY'D BE BETTER OFF BEING CAREFUL W/ THEIR REMARKS
• IRAN'S GHALIBAF: WE DON'T ATTACH ANY SIGNIFICANCE TO US THREATS
• IRAN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER GHALIBAF COMMENTS ON X
• IRAN WILL END TALKS W/ US IF ISRAEL WON'T LEAVE LEBANON: TASNIM
• IRAN SAYS TRUMP'S THREAT IS A 'BLATANT VIOLATION' OF MOU

Below is a machine translation of what Iran's lead negotiator just issued on X as the day in Switzerland came to an end (also, another translation)...

"Do they not realize that if their threats actually worked, they wouldn't find themselves in today's position of desperation? We don't take American threats seriously.

They should be careful about what they say. Our armed forces stand ready to answer them in other ways. They can keep talking—it's we who take action."

This is immediately on the heels of Trump playing 'bad cop' to Vance's good cop, who has expressed some cautious optimism on Sunday from Switzerland. Bloomberg is reporting that the nuclear file was not dealt with in today's engagement.

The fact that the Swiss event happened at all can be called advancement on some level at least...

This is historic!

Not because US and Iranian diplomats haven't met face to face before. Or that they haven't been on camera before (they were regularly during the JCPOA talks)

But never at the Vice President level!

You can see both Aragchi and JD Vance in this clip. pic.twitter.com/jeNBPeQmgr

— Trita Parsi (@tparsi) June 21, 2026

Rumors of Iranians already calling it quits are false, reports Axios:

A diplomat attending the talks in Switzerland claims the Iranian delegation hasn't left and talks between the U.S. and Iran are still ongoing https://t.co/oQ1UkXwqYv

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) June 21, 2026

 

Trump Reminds Iran Of 'Harder' Military Options On Table

With Vance and Witkoff in Switzerland, President Trump is still issuing some US redlines via Truth Social, and via apparent 'official leaks' - and quite quickly - through the press.

Trump is warning the Iranians on the sticking points of Hormuz closure and the Lebanon crisis. He has newly threatened on Sunday to hit Iran again if it can't constrain its proxies, namely Hezbollah, in Lebanon. In parallel, Tehran is demanding that Washington reign in Israel. A fresh Sunday Truth Social... brief but firm:

And more on some fresh reported warnings and pressure coming from Trump:

"You close it and you won't have a country." President Trump said he told Iranian officials about the Strait of Hormuz. "You won't even make it back to your fu*king country."

"We may take over the Strait, if we have to," Trump said. "If they don't make a deal, we'll collect… pic.twitter.com/cErvdjCJmK

— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) June 21, 2026

As the American delegation continues the high-stakes negotiations in Switzerland aimed at de-escalating, the White House is projecting cautious optimism while simultaneously reminding Tehran that military options remain firmly on the table.

Speaking as talks entered a critical phase, Vice President JD Vance said Sunday from Switzerland Washington has "made great progress over the last few hours" and expects "additional progress in the coming hours," describing the negotiations as an opportunity to "turn over a new leaf" in US-Iran relations. Vance emphasized that the administration's preference is not to return to the cycle of confrontation, adding that the US is willing to fundamentally transform ties with Iran if Tehran permanently abandons its nuclear ambitions.

"The question is how much more we can achieve in the Middle East," Vance said, while expressing confidence regarding the Lebanon front and signaling satisfaction with ongoing efforts to contain broader regional escalation.

"Better Watch His Mouth": Trump to Iran President via Media

Yet Trump has just delivered a stark reminder of the consequences should negotiations fail. According to Fox News, Trump warned Iranian officials that closing the Strait of Hormuz would be an existential mistake, reportedly telling Tehran that it "won't have a country" if it attempts to choke off global energy flows, in the segment above. Trump also issued a personal warning to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, saying he "better watch his mouth," while reports indicated the president used unusually blunt language during discussions with Iranian intermediaries over the strategic waterway.

President Trump spoke with the Iranians overnight warning them not to close the Strait.

"You close it and you won't have a country," Trump said he told Iranian officials. "You won't even make it back to your fu*king country."

— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) June 21, 2026

Perhaps most notably, Trump reiterated that he retains a "60-day option" and can "do whatever" he deems necessary after that period expires, a statement widely interpreted as preserving the possibility of renewed military action. The president also reportedly threatened additional strikes against Iran should Tehran's regional proxies in Lebanon resume attacks or undermine the emerging diplomatic framework.

The result is a familiar carrot-and-stick approach as talks are unfolding under the shadow of explicit US military threats and a rapidly approaching deadline that could determine whether the region moves toward détente or another round of escalation. But Iran has also made known that it is ready of a long war, but will Trump be willing to risk enduring the political and economic fallout?

Qatari, Pakistani Top Leaders Present, Optimistic Initial Statements

Qatar's Foreign Ministry has formally confirmed the launch of the talks between the United States and Iran with the mediation of Qatar and Pakistan in Switzerland, with the Iranian delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

US Vice President JD Vance is leading the American side along with envoy Steve Witkoff. Also gathered at the Buergenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, near Stansstad, are Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Qatar has expressed "its aspiration that these meetings will lead to the conclusion of a comprehensive and permanent agreement addressing all aspects covered in the Memorandum of Understanding." Iran has reiterated it wants a comprehensive settlement and final end to the war. But it also demands a final Lebanon-Israel peace settlement be linked in. Already there could be an inkling of progress on the nuclear front:

• PAKISTAN:US, IRAN AGREED ON REDUCTION OF ENRICHED URANIUM LEVEL
• PAKISTAN:IRAN'S ENRICHED URANIUM TO BE REDUCED FROM 60% TO 0.7%
• IRAN PRESIDENT SAYS QATAR TO RELEASE $6B AS TALKS START: IRNA

Screengrab via Government of Pakistan footage

The last time Vance sat physically across from Iran's lead negotiator Ghalibaf was a full ten weeks ago, in mid-April. Interactions appear to initially be only through intermediaries, which will build up to face-to-face meetings, as happened in prior failed rounds. 

What to Expect in 1st Round Format

Qatar's foreign ministry has previewed the following planned format to the opening of the talks as follows:

• The ministry statement says “specialized technical and expert groups have been formed to negotiate the terms of the final agreement, which will cover all aspects of the Memorandum of Understanding” between the US and Iran.
• “Additionally, follow-up groups have been established to oversee the implementation of the Memorandum, monitor progress achieved, and work toward the conclusion of the final agreement,” it added.
• “This reflects the commitment of all parties to moving forward in the negotiation process in good faith, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive and sustainable agreement.”

Of course, in terms of "implementation" of just the MoU itself, things are not quite there yet, as sporadic fighting and Israeli aerial attacks continue in Lebanon, which could serve to derail the Switzerland process at any moment.

After roughly 45 min, the bilateral meeting between FM @araghchi and his Swiss counterpart @ignaziocassis came to a close at Bürgenstock Hotel. Quadrilateral talks between Iran, the US, Pakistan, and Qatar are expected to commence shortly at another venue on the same premises. pic.twitter.com/hOmovguWFs

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) June 21, 2026

Additionally, Iran has declared it has 'closed' the Strait of Hormuz just this weekend, but which the US military has been denying is a reality. VP Vance in media appearances has also been downplaying it.

The Lebanon situation seems the bigger, more pressing threat to the peace process - at least from Tehran's point of view. Dozens of people in Lebanon have been killed while at least six Israeli soldiers have been slain, with 20 wounded over past days of Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks.

Trump Between a Rock & A Hard Place Where Escalation is Concerned

As a reminder, President Trump doesn't want to oversee an economic catastrophe driven by a worldwide energy crisis. It seems he's ready to anything to not let it happen under his watch:

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he was motivated to finalize the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran to prevent “economic catastrophe” if the war was not resolved soon.

“So rather than possibly going into a depression, rather than having your favorite president be Herbert Hoover, he was always the one I didn’t want to be,” Trump said of the 31st president whose policies are often blamed for starting the Great Depression.

“I didn’t want to see economic catastrophe. If you kept this going, that could have happened. But all I know is, every time we talked about the possibility of peace, the stock market shot up like a rocket ship,” Trump said during a press conference Wednesday on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France.

And so judging by this and other of recent Trump admissions, Iran clearly enters Switzerland in very strong negotiation position. Its current rhetoric regarding the Strait of Hormuz also reveals this.

JD Vance met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir in Switzerland.pic.twitter.com/5bteI1Vtyu

— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 21, 2026

Tehran has accused the US of a "clear breach of its commitments" and announced Saturday that "the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to the passage of vessels," according to state broadcaster IRIB.

More Details on Format

For more on the details of the format, CNN has reported some further information in the following:

• When and where do the talks start? US and Iranian negotiators will begin their meeting at around 1 p.m local time (7 a.m. ET) at the Swiss mountain resort of Bürgenstock, an Iranian source told CNN.
• Who will be there? Both the United States and Iran have sent high-level officials to Switzerland. Vice President JD Vance is heading up the US side, while Iran’s lead negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, will lead Tehran’s delegation, Iranian media outlet Saberin News reported Saturday.
• What format will they take? Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, who is part of the Iranian team, earlier told state media “the Iran-US talks will be held in a quadrilateral format, with the presence of Pakistani and Qatari delegations.”
• What will be discussed? Lebanon is likely set to top the agenda after clashes between Israel and Hezbollah threatened the nascent agreement between the US and Iran. Vance says he hoped he would make advancements on negotiations surrounding the handling of Iran’s nuclear materials.

Long Road Ahead

To put things in perspective about the long road ahead, analyst and reporter James Bayes - who is on the ground for the talks in Switzerland, has offered the following: "This is a very different deal from the Iran nuclear deal that was done by [former US] President Barack Obama … things have changed completely. But I think it’s worth looking at that deal for one reason, which is the timeline – how long these things take."

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne. Pool via AP

"Because when they did an interim deal then, in November 2013 until the final deal in 2015, it took 597 days," the correspondent added. "So, even though the circumstances have changed – it’s a very different deal and they’ve got the knowledge of that deal as well which is helpful – it’s a lot to do in just 60 days."

Tyler Durden Mon, 06/22/2026 - 05:00

Sir Keir Starmer choked up as he announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister Monday – less than 2 years after the Labour Party stormed to a landslide general election win. Starmer, 63, set out a timetable to stand down after coming under mounting pressure following last month’s local elections, where the governing Labour Party...

Paul Kueker, 51, fatally plunged 150 feet from the Chase Bridge shortly before 10 p.m. on Saturday as Goose performed the second of their two-night stint in Madison Square Garden.

Israelis Are Livid Over Trump Ending War, Overwhelmingly Believe Iran Won: Poll

After roping President Trump into breaking a core campaign promise, watching the United States expend resources and risk American lives to attack Iran, and then watching Trump take steps to end the war via MOU - Israelis are livid because the US didn't commit to full-on decimation to celebrate America's 250th, and say Iran came out ahead. 

According to a survey conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in partnership with the Agam Institute, 92.1% of Israelis believe Iran came out ahead in the conflict and the US-brokered deal that followed.

Even among voters loyal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conservative bloc, 93.1% said Iran won. 82.9% of respondents said the six-week military campaign against Iran left Israel's long-term security weaker, not stronger. Another 86% hold a negative view of both the way the fighting ended and the way Washington negotiated the subsequent deal without meaningful Israeli input. Nearly 88% of Israelis believe their country either fell short of its war aims entirely or achieved only partial success, despite the stated objectives being nothing less than dismantling Iran's nuclear program, neutering its missile arsenal, and toppling the regime in Tehran. Those were the goals. None of them, by the public's own assessment, were fully met.

Netanyahu has tried to project confidence in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding anyway. At a press conference Monday, he insisted Iran will never possess nuclear weapons "as long as I am prime minister of Israel." As we noted on Tuesday, hardline Israeli politicians are livid over the Iran deal, and want Netanyahu out so they can do 'real regime change.'

(Abir Sultan/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

"With an agreement or without an agreement, Iran will not have nuclear weapons - not today and not tomorrow," he said, calling the mission his "life's mission." He has also maintained that the nuclear threat from Iran was an "immediate danger" that Israel removed "together with our American friends."

Either way, Israelis aren't buying it. 72.5% of respondents reject Netanyahu's claim that Israel secured major gains and eliminated an existential threat. Only 26.5% rate his handling of the war as "good" or "excellent," while 56.4% call it "failed" or "poor." His personal approval as prime minister has collapsed from 40.5% in early March to 29.4% in June, a fifteen-point swing in roughly three months.

And of course, there's Trump... with 69.1% of respondents rated his handling of the war and the resulting deal as "failed" or "poor," against just 10.8% who called it "good" or "excellent." Quite the change in sentiment from his 2024 election win...

A billboard showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is projected a day after the U.S. election in Tel Aviv, Israel, Nov. 6, 2024. (Oded Balilty/AP)

Despite the widespread belief that the Iran campaign backfired, 48.2% of Israelis say their country should renew major military action against Hezbollah, including strikes in Beirut, even if that means clashing with Trump, who has made clear he wants the fighting in Lebanon to stop. Only 20.9% oppose that course, with the remaining 30.9% undecided. Israelis appear simultaneously convinced the last war was mishandled and eager for the next one. 

Just 12.2% of respondents believe Israel achieved most of the stated goals against Hamas and Hezbollah following the October 7, 2023 attacks while 61.3% say Israel achieved none of them, and 26.5% say only some were met.

Across the Atlantic, the reception looks entirely different. A Quantus national poll of 1,000 likely US voters found 43% strongly approve and another 13% somewhat approve of the preliminary US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding. Combined disapproval sits at just 13%.

The Trump administration has been trying to respond to criticism of the deal, while Israeli cabinet members are talking mad shit about Trump - to the point where VP JD Vance came very close to asking if they've even said 'pwease' or 'thank you.' 

Vance defended the MOU during Thursday's White House briefing, pushing back on what he said was misleading media coverage. “The simple fact is that the only way the Iranians get any of those resources - not a single penny, by the way, from the United States of America under any circumstances - but the only way that they would ever get any benefit of the bargain is if they comply fully, and change their behavior," Vance said of Iran, adding that Tehran's military and nuclear program "is still destroyed" if Iran refuses to change course. He also said that compliance would bring "a transformative relationship with the Middle East."

🚨 WOW! JD Vance is DIRECTLY calling out Israeli cabinet members for their personal attacks on President Trump

"Donald J. Trump is the ONLY head of state in the ENTIRE WORLD who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time, and he happens to be the head of state… pic.twitter.com/0H9yGH8ubL

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 18, 2026

The Hebrew University-Agam Institute survey was conducted June 17–20, using a weighted sample of 3,644 Israelis aged 17 and over, designed to reflect the broader population, and has a maximum sampling error of just 2.2% at a 99% confidence level. 

Maybe they'll just keep attacking Lebanon to scuttle the peace deal? 

🇮🇱🇱🇧 Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir:

"We cannot stop destroying houses in southern Lebanon. We cannot stop, period.

We cannot allow the population of southern Lebanon to return. ... We must continue to control the territory even if Trump disagrees."

PSYCHO.

Writer: Samuel… https://t.co/uilzuQcgTV

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 17, 2026 Tyler Durden Mon, 06/22/2026 - 04:15

Embattled Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has resigned – almost four months after the FBI raided his home and office as part of a fraud and corruption probe.  Carvalho, who held the role for just over four years, tendered his resignation Sunday and said it would be effective immediately,  the Los Angeles...

Dad jokes are uniquely distinguished by their structure, content and comedic devices, according to a study published on PsyArXiv, an open-access preprint repository for psychology research.

Massive 2,000-Year-Old Luxurious Roman Bathhouse Uncovered In The Netherlands

Authored by Maria Mocerino via Interesting Engineering,

The largest Roman bathhouse complex ever discovered in the Netherlands has surfaced, shedding new light on the wealth and importance of the ancient Roman city of Ulpia Noviomagus.

Roman bathhouse complex.Nijmegen

Researchers from the archaeological firms RAAP and BAAC were conducting routine investigations in Nijmegen's Waalfront district, a site slated for new residential development. The excavation, which began in September of last year and will conclude in July, uncovered a public bathhouse, residential blocks, luxury townhouses, streets, and a tower dating back nearly 2,000 years.

"For years, the traces of the Roman past at this location were invisible, hidden deep underground. Now that we are realizing a new living environment here, the past has become visible," said Joost Mulder, BPD's Regional Director for the North-East & Central region, in a press release.

The bathhouse complex, or thermae, covered at least 4,900 square meters, making it the second-largest excavated Roman public bath complex in the Netherlands. Despite centuries of stone removal and reuse following the Roman period, parts of the structure remain exceptionally well-preserved.

Roman history unearthed

The size of the complex reflects the importance of Ulpia Noviomagus - the Roman city that once stood here - which is believed to have received its official status from Emperor Trajan around 100 AD. The discoveries suggest that this area of the city remained active well into the third century AD.

The bathhouse was richly decorated. Its interior walls were clad in marble. The floors were laid with black-and-white limestone tiles. Other rooms featured colorful, painted plaster. Decorative limestone and sandstone moldings adorned the building's facades, while columns made from the same materials enhanced its splendor.

Archaeologists also uncovered extensive drainage systems, flooring, and a hypocaust - a sophisticated Roman underfloor heating system supported by brick pillars. This technology circulated hot air beneath a raised floor, as per Archaeology News. Two stone foundations survive to a height of nearly two meters, making them some of the best-preserved examples of Roman masonry in Nijmegen.

Tens of thousands of artifacts recovered from the site point to the affluent lifestyle that residents enjoyed during the second and third centuries AD.

Among the discoveries are bronze statue fragments, signet rings, a necklace with a gold clasp, coins, and hundreds of bone hairpins used in elaborate Roman hairstyles. Notably, two of the hairpins featured remarkable carvings of cats - one seated and one standing.

However, a bronze bust depicting Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, stood out the most to archaeologists. They believe the object originally formed part of a pitcher or a piece of furniture before later being adapted for use on a weighing scale.

Archaeologists also recovered numerous coins from the reign of Emperor Postumus, who ruled between 260 and 269 AD, providing rare evidence of continued occupation during a relatively poorly documented period.

Integrating the past into the future

Developers and city officials plan to integrate the site's Roman heritage into the future neighborhood, added Archaeology News.

"The link to the past will remain visible in the future as well. For instance, a number of residential buildings will feature a covered walking area with rows of columns. A colonnade just like in Roman times. And developers plan to call the green square in the heart of the area, inspired by the floor plan of the bathhouse complex, Thermenplein. A direct reference to the Roman meeting place that was here some 2,000 years ago," concludes the press release.

Roman bone hairpins found in Nijmegen. Credit: Municipality of Nijmegen / BAAC / RAAP Tyler Durden Mon, 06/22/2026 - 03:30

Dear Abby gives advice to a reader who regrets marrying her husband.

“The people that will succeed in the future of media will be those that understand how to connect AI with creators, with commerce and premium media. And premium media is evolving just based on where people are spending their time.”