Morning news brief

Tensions escalate as U.S. and Iran engage in retaliatory strikes, heightening the risk of broader conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the U.K. has taken a strong stance against Israeli settlements by imposing sanctions, accusing settlers of committing "ethnic cleansing," which could spark international debate on Israel's policies. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III's resignation adds to the list of high-profile departures, signaling potential shifts in cultural and institutional leadership. These events underscore the complex geopolitical and cultural dynamics reshaping global policies and international relations.