First Thing: US-Iran peace talks abruptly cancelled amid renewed Israeli strikes in Lebanon

Key Points:

• Talks between the US and Iran to implement a recent peace deal were abruptly cancelled, with Tehran reportedly delaying its delegation due to Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon; the US remains eager to resume technical discussions soon.
• Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israeli forces near Nabatieh in Lebanon, prompting Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 18 people; Iran insists Israeli attacks on Lebanon must cease as part of any peace agreement.
• JD Vance defended former President Trump’s stance on Israel, stating Trump is currently the only world leader sympathetic to Israel and warning Israeli critics against alienating their strongest ally.
• The Barack Obama presidential center opened in Chicago with bipartisan support and musical celebrations, featuring Barack and Michelle Obama’s indirect critiques of Trump’s governance and emphasis on democratic values and peaceful power transitions.
• Other notable news includes the death of Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith, California’s billionaire tax advancing to the November ballot, a UK political leadership challenge brewing, and the CDC allocating $107 million for Ebola response efforts in Africa.