Flip flop or deliberate? - Unpacking Trump’s strategy on Iran

The BBC's Gary O'Donoghue looks at the US president's mixed messaging over the war and the questions it raises. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Split screen. Left, Donald Trump. Right, Gary O'Donoghue. Watch: Flip flop or deliberate? - Understanding Trump’s strategy with Iran Flip flop or deliberate? - Unpacking Trump’s strategy on Iran President Donald Trump cancelled strikes on Iran after earlier threatening that the US would strike the country on Thursday night. He cited negotiations for cancelling the strikes. The BBC's Gary O'Donoghue looks at Trump's mixed messaging over Iran and the questions it raises. White House reporter Bernd Debusmann gets a preview of the temporary structure that will host a UFC fight 14 June. Changeable and challenging weather conditions are expected throughout the Fifa World Cup 2026. The billionaire testified to Congress about his relationship with the late convicted sex offender. After more than a century of sharing the main entrance, Canadians were barred from using the library's US-side door by the Trump administration in 2025. The president also revealed that the US is 'taking out' millions of barrels of oil from Iran, saying Tehran didn't know 'until right now'. Graham Platner, whose campaign was plagued by scandals, has won the Maine primary and will run as the state's Democratic candidate for the US Senate in the November midterms. The BBC’s Nada Tawfik reports on readiness concerns in the New York-New Jersey region, where eight matches will take place. The crew, who are all men, are scheduled to blast off in 2027 to test systems ahead of a planned Moon landing. The US president later insisted the reaction inside the arena was "mostly cheers", describing the atmosphere as "loud" and "enthusiastic". In a call with the US president, the BBC’s Sarah Smith asked Trump about the war in Iran and his relationship with the Israeli leader. For the first time since the start of a precarious ceasefire two months ago, Israel and Iran have traded missile strikes. President Trump denies having promised 'no new wars'. BBC Verify has found multiple examples of him saying this during the 2024 US election campaign. No one was harmed in the incident, which saw motorists treated to an early Fourth of July show. The BBC's international editor, Jeremy Bowen, said the public are "right to be worried" as the consequences of the war will be felt for generations. Despite the Iran war, inflation and debt fears, US markets keep hitting record highs, fueled largely by AI. BBC's Samira Hussain looks into whether that bubble will burst. After weeks of renovation, water has begun refilling the historic pool, which has been coated in a colour named "American flag blue". Hundreds of the Hollywood icon's personal possessions have been put up for auction in California. One person was killed and more than 60 injured in the Iranian drone strike on Wednesday. Some wore matching suits and others carried identical green bags as they landed, just days before the tournament kicks off. The individuals are believed to be "treasure hunters" and urban explorers looking for valuables in the sewer system, police say. The BBC spoke to voters in Maine on election day on who they want to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins. Strong winds, intense rain and hailstones the size of golf balls pelted the city and the surrounding area on Monday. Nada Tawfik is at Delaney Hall, where protesters have clashed with police and authorities have imposed a curfew across a half-mile area surrounding the facility. An AI video of President Trump’s name being ripped off the front of the building has been seen by millions online. According to Nasa, the meteor released the equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT when it broke up. Fans set a new world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Marilyn Monroe to celebrate what would have been the legendary actress’ centenary. Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old, won the competition this year after correctly spelling 32 words in a 90-second lighting round tiebreaker. Firefighters rescued the trapped riders after four hours with no injuries reported. A teenager from California has won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, after days of fierce competition. No injuries were reported after the 5.4-acre blaze ripped through a section of the state's Livermore Valley wine region. New York and New Jersey are looking into the association after fans have reportedly been "misled" over ticket sales and seat locations. The BBC's Ros Atkins and BBC Verify sifted through thousands of the president's posts. BBC's Shaimaa Khalil was in the room as Kenneth Iwamansa, who injected Perry with ketamine, was sentenced to 41 months in prison. At least one person is dead and nine others missing after a chemical explosion at a paper mill in the US state of Washington, authorities said. Sarah Smith visits places across the US capital where the president has hung banners, renamed a site or is rebuilding something. BBC's Carl Nasman was at the event, where he asked enthusiasts about World Cup ticket prices and what the sport means to the US. The massive structure will host a cage fight as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. The plans include permanent human habitation on the Earth's only natural satellite by 2032. The Department of Homeland security said in a statement that the detainees receive "medical, dental, and mental health services as available". Texas police say a father tried to cross a flooded road after heavy rains inundated the area, urging motorists not to do the same. Neither the driver nor the baby was hurt.