Trump halts planned Iran strikes as U.S. men open World Cup
NPR reported Trump called off new attacks on Iran while the U.S. men’s soccer team prepared for its first 2026 World Cup match.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
President Trump canceled additional U.S. attacks on Iran on June 11 after earlier warning that more strikes would follow unless Iran accepted a peace deal, NPR reported. The shift matters because Trump also suggested an agreement on nuclear issues was close, while Iran’s foreign ministry said no deal had been completed.
Trump said the two countries had reached a “conceptual” understanding and could sign a peace deal within days, according to NPR. NPR’s Aya Batrawy told Up First that Trump wants the war to end, citing its unpopularity among Americans and economic pressure tied to inflation that NPR said had climbed to its highest level in several years.
Diplomacy through Gulf contacts
Batrawy reported that a call between Trump and Qatar’s emir on June 11 may have helped lead Trump to call off further attacks because messages from Iran were exchanged during that call. NPR also reported that Arab Gulf countries are being hurt as the war continues.
The United Arab Emirates has changed its posture on Iran, NPR reported, moving away from a more hawkish approach and closer to the positions of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt in favor of ending the war. Batrawy said Israel was left as the only country objecting to a diplomatic approach.
Intelligence post and surveillance deadline
NPR also reported that Trump nominated Jay Clayton, a federal prosecutor and former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, to serve as director of national intelligence. The nomination followed Trump’s decision to name Bill Pulte, a close political ally, as acting director of national intelligence.
According to NPR, Pulte’s appointment drew backlash because he does not have national security experience. NPR reported that the controversy helped derail congressional efforts to renew FISA 702, an intelligence authority set to expire June 12 that permits the U.S. government to collect electronic communications of foreign nationals outside the United States.
NPR’s Eric McDaniel said the lapse was more symbolic than practical. He told Up First that the authority can continue to be used for many months under existing court approval, while the politics showed how Trump’s timing made Congress’ work harder.
Forest Service cuts face scrutiny
The Trump administration is also seeking to shrink the U.S. Forest Service and end wildfire and smoke research, NPR reported. The administration has identified 90 research stations for closure under a reorganization plan that would move the agency’s headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Utah and combine regional offices into state-level facilities.
U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz defended the proposal, saying previous administrations had considered similar changes since 2006, according to NPR. NPR reported that if Congress approves Trump’s proposed budget, the agency would be sharply reduced as climate change accelerates the frequency and severity of wildfires.
U.S. men start World Cup against Paraguay
In sports, NPR reported that the U.S. men’s national soccer team faces Paraguay on June 12 in its first group-stage match of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament gives the team a chance to improve on a record that, in the modern era, has peaked with a quarterfinal run in 2002.
Since that tournament, NPR reported, the U.S. men have won three total matches across World Cups. With the United States hosting in 2026, NPR said the roster may be the most talented generation of American men’s players assembled for the tournament.
This story draws on original reporting from NPR.