Welcome to our live coverage of US politics.
Taiwan has staged a pre-dawn defence of the strategically vital Penghu Islands, firing tanks and artillery at a simulated Chinese landing.
The exercises are part of the nation’s biggest annual war games, which are playing out amid a tense geopolitical backdrop.
It comes as the US balances multiple potential flashpoints across the globe.
In the Middle East, things are still at an extremely tense and expensive stalemate. The narrative shifted again today as Iran shared a rare clip of its new Supreme Leader, Motjaba Khamenei, 56, in apparent fit condition and consulting with officials.
It’s the first time in almost six months the mysterious leader has been seen in public.
According to US and Israeli sources, Mr Khamenei suffered serious injuries to his face and leg during an airstrike on his father’s compound in February.
The clip has done little to quell rumours about the leader’s ailing health.
It comes as President Trump signalled he’s ready to change tactics to win the Iran war.
The embattled president, who said the conflict over would be over in a matter of weeks – but is now in its sixth month, said the US was “low keying it” with Tehran.
Mr Trump said he is prioritising economic sanctions over launching a fresh wave of air strikes.
“It will work out. It always works out. It’s like a chess game,” he told Axios.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the US-led 15-point peace plan to disarm Hamas after President Trump announced a breakthrough last week, in which his Board of Peace announced a deal with the terror group.
Read below for updates.