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Trump Says Holding Off on New Iran Strikes After Gulf Appeal

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Good morning. Trump pauses new Iran strikes. Kalshi and Polymarket keep skirting India’s betting ban. And Pope Leo is stepping into the AI debate with a new encyclical. Listen to the day’s top stories.

Donald Trump said he halted a planned strike on Iran at the request of Persian Gulf allies, adding that “serious negotiations” are underway. Trump also ordered the Pentagon to be ready for a “large-scale assault” if no “acceptable deal” is reached. The US issued a waiver allowing sales of Russian crude already loaded onto tankers. Iran also launched a Bitcoin-backed insurance service for ships transiting the strait, semi-official Fars reported.