Go to latestPinned post – 12.38AMMain developmentsWelcome to Need to Know this Wednesday, June 17. Here are some of the main developments from overnight.Leaders of the G7 are gathering in France to discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine and the tentative deal to end the United States’ war with Iran.US President Donald Trump has criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying strikes on Lebanon nearly derailed peace negotiations with Iran, and suggesting Syria would do a better job of fighting Hezbollah.Trump said the US could end a waiver on sanctions over Russian oil, as Moscow ships record volumes despite regular Ukrainian attacks on oil infrastructure. 14 mins ago – 12.58AMFBI stopped attack on UFC event at White House, Patel saysBloombergFBI director Kash Patel said that the agency and law enforcement arrested “multiple individuals” planning an attack on the UFC America 250 Event at the White House on Sunday evening (Monday AEST).“Thanks to the rapid action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel wrote in a post on X.A fighter warms up in the White House ahead of the UFC bout held to mark Donald Trump’s birthday. A family member of one of the suspects contacted law enforcement, triggering the investigation, according to people familiar with the matter.Federal law enforcement infiltrated Signal chats in which almost two dozen users allegedly discussed pre-operational activity targeting the event, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing an investigation.The plan called for explosive-laden drones to strike nearby buildings, triggering a mass evacuation and funnelling crowds toward a pre-staged sniper team, the officials said. A second wave was then allegedly set to storm the White House gate.Trump hosted the Ultimate Fighting Championship showcase on the White House South Lawn as he celebrated his 80th birthday and to mark the country’s 250th anniversary.23 mins ago – 12.49AMTrump signals swift return of sanctions on Russian oil as G7 refocuses on UkraineAPThe United States could soon reimpose sanctions on Russian oil shipments after President Donald Trump and fellow leaders at the Group of Seven summit of major industrialised democracies moved to put the war in Ukraine back on top of their agenda, more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.Donald Trump arrives at the G7 meeting in France. APThe Iran conflict has in recent weeks overshadowed Ukraine, but following his announcement of an agreement to end the conflict in the Gulf, Trump said he now wants to focus on Ukraine.Trump said Iran will soon be “back in the rearview mirror.”Asked if he would reinstitute sanctions on Russia that were eased to help lower oil prices, Trump said the restrictions can go back in place as more oil moves through the Strait of Hormuz.“Soon we’ll be able to do that because the oil is now flowing,” Trump told reporters. “We’re in a position to do that soon.”The US in March temporarily eased some sanctions on some Russian oil shipments as crude prices sharply increased. The waiver has been extended as the war in the Gulf stretched on.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined the G7 leaders for talks on the war in his country that wrapped quickly, as leaders gathered for just 75 minutes.Zelensky said Ukraine is serious about peace while Russia toys with world leaders. “The entire ‘Seven’ supports Ukraine unanimously today,” Zelensky said.The Russian side, meanwhile, is failing to show any serious activity toward peace, Zelensky said, calling Russia’s actions “a game.”31 mins ago – 12.41AMIran deal ‘loud and clear’ that Tehran won’t have a nuclear weapon, says TrumpReutersUnited States President Donald Trump has maintained that an interim accord with Iran makes clear that Tehran would never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and he also suggested Syria could be better positioned to disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah.Speaking ahead of talks with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh ​Tamim bin ‌Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump defended the 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran that has yet to be made public.“The only thing that really matters to me is Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, and it says it loud and clear,” he told reporters, warning that “all hell will rain down” on Iran if it sought to acquire one.US and Iranian officials are due in Switzerland on Friday to begin detailed negotiations, opening a 60-day window for complex technical talks. These are expected to cover issues such as the future of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and the lifting of sanctions.European allies have voiced concern that an inexperienced US negotiating team could struggle to secure a robust agreement, potentially leading to a prolonged standoff.One key factor in whether the interim accord holds will be the situation in Lebanon, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‌has said his troops would remain in the south as long as needed to tackle Hezbollah. Tehran has demanded an Israeli withdrawal.Trump appeared critical of Israel’s strategy in Lebanon and also suggested that neighbouring Syria – which under President Ahmed al-Sharaa is struggling to stabilise the country after years of civil war – could be best placed to intervene.“I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah because to be honest, I think they do a better job of doing it,” he said.Fetching latest articles