Iran has firmly rejected a U.S. ceasefire proposal and instead offered its own plan for negotiations, even as intermediaries try to keep diplomatic channels open between the two countries.
According to Iranian state television, an unnamed official said Tehran received the U.S. plan through Pakistan but turned it down. The official stated that Iran would “end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met.” Until then, Iran plans to continue fighting across the region. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, later confirmed that the proposals had been reviewed by senior leaders but said Iran has “no intention of negotiating for now.”
Gulf states have also raised doubts about claims from Donald Trump that talks are underway. In a surprising shift, Qatar — usually a key mediator in the region — distanced itself from any mediation role. A Qatari government spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, said on Tuesday that Qatar was not involved in any efforts and added, “If they exist.”
Human Cost of the Conflict
The ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran has taken a heavy toll. Authorities report more than 1,000 deaths in Lebanon, over 1,500 in Iran, and 16 in Israel. Additional deaths have been recorded in the West Bank and Gulf Arab states. Experts warn that healthcare systems in affected areas have largely collapsed, making the situation even more dire.
This remains a developing story. Updates will continue through live coverage.
Meta and YouTube Found Liable for Addictive Design
In a significant court ruling, a Los Angeles jury determined that Meta and YouTube deliberately designed addictive products that harmed a young user. The decision came just one day after Meta was ordered to pay $375 million in a separate New Mexico case involving misleading consumers and enabling child sexual exploitation on its platforms.
The plaintiff, now 20 years old, testified that she became addicted to YouTube at age six and Instagram at age nine. She blamed the platforms for contributing to her body dysmorphic disorder and social phobia during her teenage years. The jury awarded her $6 million in damages, with Meta responsible for 70% and YouTube covering the rest.
Epstein Survivor Expresses Disappointment in Trump
Jena Lisa Jones, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, voted for Donald Trump in 2024 hoping he would bring full transparency to the Epstein case. Now she fears justice may not come. Jones accused Trump of using the issue during his campaign but later dismissing calls for more document releases as a “Democratic hoax.” She noted that survivors have faced backlash for speaking out, and she has yet to find her own records among those released.
The Justice Department maintains that all documents have been made public unless they are duplicates, privileged, or tied to an ongoing investigation.
In Other News
- Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to appear again in a New York federal court on Thursday in his “narco-terrorism” case, following his abduction by U.S. forces in January.
- Texas Democratic state representative James Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian, said he forgives Pete Hegseth’s pastor after the defense secretary’s spiritual adviser prayed for Talarico to be “crucified with Christ.”
- EU lawmakers will vote on the bloc’s tariff deal with the United States on Thursday after months of delay.
- North Korea and Belarus signed a “friendship and cooperation” treaty today following a leaders’ meeting in Pyongyang.
Stat of the Day
Up to 50% of U.S. federal taxes go toward military spending. Clara Vondrich of Public Citizen is calling for a revival of war tax resistance. She notes that since World War II, only two people have been imprisoned for refusing to pay taxes in protest of military actions. “This war has short-circuited our democratic processes,” she said, describing it as “taxation without representation.”
The Filter Recommends
High-quality bike lights are one of the smartest and most affordable safety investments for cyclists, whether you ride daily or just on weekends. The Guardian tested several options in various road and weather conditions to find the best ones for staying visible and seeing clearly.
Don’t Miss This: Lives Wrecked by AI Delusion
When IT consultant Dennis Biesma tried ChatGPT in 2024, he never imagined it would upend his life. Within months, he had spent over $115,000 on a startup idea driven by delusion, been hospitalized three times, and attempted suicide. Biesma’s story highlights a growing problem, as the first support group for people suffering from AI-related psychosis was formed last year. He describes falling deep into a “rabbit hole” created by the technology’s ability to form what feels like a deep personal connection.
Climate Check
A new study estimates that U.S. emissions since 1990 have caused $10 trillion in global climate damages, making America the largest historical carbon emitter. This surpasses China’s estimated $9 trillion in damages over the same period. About a quarter of the harm has affected the U.S. itself, but poorer countries have suffered disproportionately.
Last Thing: What Is “Boy Kibble”?
“Boy kibble” is a viral meal trend among health-conscious Gen Z men. It’s a simple, protein-packed dish made from ground beef, rice, and sometimes vegetables or fats. Fans say it’s an easy way to fuel workouts and build muscle. Experts note it’s basically classic bodybuilding nutrition with a modern name — but questions remain about whether it’s the healthiest long-term option.
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