First Thing: US indicts former Cuban president Raúl Castro as it seeks to oust regime

• U.S. and Iranian officials concluded a round of diplomatic talks in Doha, Qatar, with a primary focus on ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. • The discussions aimed to reduce tensions in a critical global energy corridor to prevent disruptions to international trade and oil markets.

• U.S. and Iranian negotiators held separate meetings on Wednesday in Qatar, facilitated by mediators from Qatar and Pakistan. • Qatari officials reported that "positive progress" was made during these discussions, though the specific terms of the talks were not disclosed.

• NPR correspondents Joanna Kakissis and Greg Myre analyze the ongoing conflicts involving Russia's attacks on Kyiv and the broader tensions between the U.S. and Iran. • The discussion focuses on whether these wars demonstrate the inherent limits of modern military might and the inability of global powers to achieve decisive victories.

• US and Iranian representatives concluded a round of talks in Doha without reaching a breakthrough, as the critical issue of Iran's nuclear programme was omitted from the agenda. • The next set of discussions is scheduled to occur after July 9, following the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

• The United States and Iran concluded a round of indirect talks in Doha on June 21, 2026, focusing primarily on security issues regarding the Strait. • Despite the discussions, officials reported no significant progress toward a lasting peace agreement, with talks circling back to issues previously thought to be resolved.

• Donald Trump defended a financial report revealing his personal income surged to $2.2 billion in 2025, while his sons and Howard Lutnick profited from a U.S.-backed mining deal in Kazakhstan. • Human rights groups are demanding an end to sanctions on Venezuela after a massive earthquake left over 2,000 people dead, prompting a Texas lawmaker to condemn ICE for attempting to deport families back to the disaster zone.

• A United Nations AI panel, co-chaired by Yoshua Bengio, held a briefing to discuss a preliminary report intended to serve as an evidence base for future AI governance. • Bengio emphasized that current decisions regarding artificial intelligence will have enduring impacts on individuals, businesses, institutions, and the stability of democracy.

• The Israel Embassy in India faced social media backlash after posting a recruitment notice for a six-month unpaid Political Intern. • The role requires the selected candidate to monitor political developments, analyze legislation, and track geopolitical trends to support the embassy's Political Department.

• Pakistan's democratic system continues to struggle under the influence of military rule and judicial intervention, a pattern persisting since its independence in 1947. • The current political climate is highlighted by the prolonged incarceration of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, signaling a deepening crisis for civilian leadership.

• A cargo ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz while following an alternative shipping route that Iran claims was suggested by the United States. • The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) mocked the incident, describing the grounding as "worse than sinking" and a humiliation for the U.S.

• Palestinians and Israelis are marking 1,000 days of conflict following the October 2023 attacks that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. • Israel's military retaliation has resulted in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths, leaving Gaza in a state of devastation.

• Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 28 political prisoners on July 1, 2026, citing "humanitarian" grounds for the decision. • The move is viewed as a strategic effort by the Belarusian government to improve diplomatic relations with Western countries.