White House pushes back on characterization of Trump’s Iran comments on LA, San Diego

California's leaders have expressed outrage after President Donald Trump suggested Iran could "take out" major US cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. On Monday, during a rally in Nebraska, the president stated that the costs of war with Iran were a "small price to pay for keeping the world safe." California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, harshly criticized Trump, calling him "deranged and dangerous" for advocating an attack on over 10 million US residents.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that Trump's approval rating has hit a record low of 32%, with a decline among independent voters and Latinos who supported him in 2024. This comes as the US prepares for crucial midterm elections in November, which could determine control of Congress.

In related news, Iran's oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad, has resigned following allegations that an intermediary trust involved in selling Iranian oil abroad owes millions of dollars in export receipts to the state. The country is facing a severe economic crisis, with inflation reaching 85%. Meanwhile, tensions are rising between Israel and the UK over the latter's decision to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Israel has threatened to close its consulate in East Jerusalem, and the UK has vowed to expel an Israeli diplomat for every British diplomat forced out. Lastly, the Green party in England and Wales has come under fire for adopting a policy declaring Zionism as a form of racism, drawing condemnation from European Greens and international organizations.