President Trump said he paused planned strikes on Iran after "perimeters of a deal" were reportedly agreed, while the State Department warned Americans in the Middle East to be ready to leave. Major wildfires damaged hundreds of structures near Spokane and forced large evacuations in France and Greece, where firefighting helicopters also collided. A mass shooting in Twin Falls, Idaho, left three dead; the shooter later died by suicide. Spain plans a 500-meter barrier in Ceuta after a mass migrant crossing that left dozens dead, and other global developments included a deadly mall collapse in Japan and the death of climber Nirmal Purja.
Trump Pauses Strikes On Iran; Wildfires, Twin Falls Shooting And Other Crises Dominate Weekend
Wildfire smoke is seen in the distance beyond trees (Tyler Vanwert via Reuters)
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would pause planned strikes on Iran, saying the "perimeters of a deal" had been agreed to and that the arrangement could end Tehran's "nuclear threat" and allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. The announcement came as the State Department warned Americans across the Middle East to consider leaving the region or be prepared to depart on short notice amid heightened security concerns.
Trump Statement
"We have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to," Trump posted on Truth Social. He added the U.S. remained "locked and loaded and ready to go" but that he agreed to cancel strikes "subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL," and said Israel "joins me in this commitment."
Wildfires Rage In U.S. And Europe
A major wildfire northwest of downtown Spokane, Washington, had burned roughly 5,390 acres and damaged more than 600 structures as officials continued to assess the destruction. The incident, known as the Spokane Area Fires, is being managed as three separate blazes: the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire and the Autumn Lane Fire. Authorities were still determining how many of the damaged structures were homes, businesses or schools.
In southwestern France, firefighters contained a massive blaze that allowed about 198,000 people to return home after what may have been the country's largest peacetime evacuation. But new fires elsewhere in France and in Greece forced further evacuations. In Greece, two firefighting helicopters collided west of Athens while battling blazes, prompting a search-and-rescue operation for the crews in the Psatha area.
Wildfire smoke in Spokane, Wash., on Saturday. (Tyler Vanwert via Reuters)
Mass Shooting In Twin Falls, Idaho
A shooting at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, left three people dead and seven others injured. Witnesses said an armed bystander may have distracted the shooter; an off-duty state trooper on the scene also returned fire. Police identified the shooter as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who later fatally shot himself. Two victims remained in critical condition, and investigators said the shooter’s family was cooperating with authorities.
Ceuta Migrant Crisis
Spain announced plans to install a 500-meter containment barrier along the sea border of the North African enclave of Ceuta following a mass crossing in which authorities reported between 50,000 and 60,000 migrants breached the frontier. The Spanish government said the death toll from the crossings had risen to 67, citing migrants who drowned and those killed in a stampede; Ceuta officials told other outlets the toll could be as high as 86. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized some EU responses as "driven by prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest."
U.S. Politics And Other Domestic News
On "Meet the Press," Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said he would not give the Trump administration a "blank check" for a proposed "anti-weaponization" fund and said Jan. 6 rioters should not benefit from it. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) endorsed Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed, calling him "someone I need in the Senate," while criticizing America's campaign finance system. Trump also criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for agreeing to drop a vandalism case and said he would revive the proposed anti-weaponization fund if Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination is blocked. Separately, Rep. Max Miller faced calls to step down after abuse allegations from his ex-wife.
Spanish soldiers block access to the beach for people crossing from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Friday. (Antonio Sempere / AP)
Sports, Culture And Notable Deaths
The inaugural game of the Women's Professional Baseball League drew fans to Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, where the Los Angeles Queens rallied to beat the New York Heights 10–8. Ninety-nine-year-old Maybelle Blair—who once played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League—threw the ceremonial first pitch.
Actor Vincent Pastore, known for his role on HBO's The Sopranos, died at 80. High-altitude climber Nirmal Purja, who set the record for the fastest ascent of the world's 14 highest peaks, died in an avalanche during an expedition in Pakistan. Japanese authorities ended a multi-day search-and-rescue at a collapsed shopping mall after an earthquake, confirming 34 deaths. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes continued despite diplomatic moves, killing at least 13 Palestinians. Hungary is preparing for a possible full shutdown of a nuclear plant as Danube River water levels hit record lows.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
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