US, Israel Clash Over Lebanon, Threatening Iran Negotiations

<p>Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.<br />On today's podcast:<br />1) President Trump says he thinks the US can reach an interim peace deal with Iran soon, with discussions continuing "at a rapid pace." Iran's negotiators are discussing their "final text" to send to the US, but are wary of the US due to previous breached pledges. A ceasefire in Lebanon is a key part of the potential memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, with Iran insisting on a stop to fighting as part of the deal.<br />2) The White House will reduce tariffs on agricultural equipment, such as combines and harvesters, to reduce costs for US farmers and manufacturers. The tariffs would drop to 15% from 25%, with a lower 10% duty rate possible if capital equipment contains at least 85% US steel or aluminum. The concession takes effect June 8 and would run through the end of 2027, according to a White House fact sheet.<br />3) The Trump administration's plans to scrap a $1.8 billion legal fund for victims of alleged government "weaponization" have been met with skepticism from Republican senators. The fund was created as part of a settlement resolving the president's lawsuit against the IRS over the 2019 leak of his tax information, and was intended to compensate those alleging they were victims of politically motivated investigations or legal action. Several Republican senators have demanded public assurances that the fund is dead, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune saying "that would be the ideal outcome" and that the administration should make clear the fund won't be established.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>