Author: NBC

Tensions between Iran and Israel have simmered, if not boiled, for decades since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, which does not officially recognize Israel’s right to exist and has been a significant supporter of the Palestinian cause.Israel has long viewed Iran as an existential threat, particularly due to its backing of militant groups in the region, known as the “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.On Tuesday, Israel killed a senior commander of Hezbollah on the outskirts of the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Israel blamed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr for a rocket attack on Saturday that killed 12 children in…

Hamas’ political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed early Wednesday in the capital of Iran, the Palestinian militant group announced.Haniyeh, 62, was assassinated in Tehran after he attended the inauguration ceremony for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Hamas said. Haniyeh “died as a result of a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran,” it said in a statement on Telegram.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards had been killed in a strike on their residence and said it was investigating, Iranian state media reported.There was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities, but Haniyeh’s death was…

In today’s newsletter: Team USA’s women secured a large medal haul over the weekend. President Biden is to back Supreme Court term limits. And why Marvel fans aren’t thrilled about Robert Downey Jr.’s comeback.Here’s what to know today.Women bring home the most medals for Team USATeam USA’s women won nine of the 12 medals Americans collected in Paris over the weekend. That includes two of the three gold medals — one earned by Lee Kiefer in women’s individual foil fencing and one achieved by Torri Huske in the 100-meter butterfly. Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook won silver in the women’s 3-meter…

Biles pushes through calf pain in qualifiersSimone Biles during the women’s gymnastics qualification round at the Olympics in Paris.Jamie Squire / Getty ImagesSimone Biles battled through an apparent calf injury in Sunday’s gymnastics qualifying round to top the all-around standings, paving her way to qualify for the floor, vault and beam finals.Biles’ prospects were suddenly in peril after she appeared to suffer a rough landing during floor warmups, having her ankle wrapped by medical staffers before she returned. Her coach, Cecile Landi, said after the competition that Biles “felt a little pain in her calf” from an apparent injury that…

A series of coordinated arson attacks disrupts travel before today’s opening ceremony. Barack Obama endorses Kamala Harris for president. And Elon Musk’s daughter responds to his comments about her transgender identity. Here’s what to know today.‘Massive attack’ on French rail network disrupts travel hours before the most ambitious opening ceremony yet Crowds gather around departure and arrival boards at the Gare Montparnasse train station in Paris on July 26, 2024.Thibaud Moritz / AFP via Getty ImagesIn the 128-year history of the modern Olympiad, there’s never been an opening quite like today’s. Rather than parade inside a stadium, around 10,500 athletes will sail in…

Biden appeals to Americans to “preserve our democracy” after he drops out of the 2024 race. FBI Director Christopher Wray reveals new details about the Trump assassination attempt. And NBC News hears what really goes on inside Olympic villages. Here’s what to know today.Biden says it’s time to ‘pass the torch’ to a new generation Evan Vucci / Pool via Getty ImagesPresident Joe Biden addressed his decision to end his re-election campaign from the Oval Office, framing it as a “defense of democracy” and passing “the torch to a new generation.” “I revere this office, but I love my country more. The defense…

Conservatives’ new line of attack on Kamala Harris centers on ‘DEI’ criticisms. A U.S. military investigation finds failures leading up to a mass shooting by an Army reservist. And Israel’s prime minister will try to shore up U.S. support in his address to Congress. Here’s what to know today.‘Dumb’ and a ‘DEI’ candidate: Republicans launch attacks on Harris based on race and genderKayla Wolf / APAs leading Democrats mobilize support for Kamala Harris in the wake of President Joe Biden dropping his re-election bid, conservative attacks on Harris’ gender and race have illuminated the drastic difference in this campaign. She would…