Morning Briefing: July 6, 2025

ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Sunday, including a rising death toll in Texas in flash floods that killed at least 51 people; President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announcing that Ukraine and the US reached an agreement to "significantly" enhance efforts on drones; and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appearing publicly for the first time since the end of a war with Israel to participate in Ashura ceremonies in Tehran.

TOP STORIES

• Death toll in Texas flash floods rises to 51

The number of people killed in flash floods in the US state of Texas rose to 51 late Saturday, according to media reports.

In hardest-hit Kerr County, officials reported 43 deaths, including 28 adults and 15 children. Travis County confirmed four deaths, Kendall and Tom Green counties each reported one, and Burnet County officials announced two deaths, said NBC News.

In Kerr County, 27 children are still missing after floodwaters tore through Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls.

• Zelenskyy says Ukraine, US agree to 'significantly' enhance efforts on drones

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Saturday that Ukraine and the US reached an agreement to "significantly" enhance efforts on drones.

Stressing that Ukraine's Defense Ministry and "one of the leading" US companies signed the agreement this week, Zelenskyy said in a video that “it will provide Ukraine with hundreds of thousands of drones as early as this year, on special terms, and even significantly more drones the following year.”

"This includes interceptor drones, which are clearly our priority."

• Iranian supreme leader makes 1st public appearance since war with Israel

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared publicly for the first time since the end of a war with Israel to participate in Ashura ceremonies in Tehran.

Khamenei was absent from ceremonies during the start of the Muslim New Year, Muharram, held at his residence on Palestine Street for the last three nights, but he appeared for the solemn ceremonies to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.

Footage on X by the official account of the supreme leader showed attendees at Imam Khomeini's Hosseinieh mansion welcoming Khamenei as he entered a hall.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Chinese Premier Li Qiang met Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to discuss a variety of issues, including relations and economic cooperation, Chinese media reported.
• The Palestinian group Hamas said that there is “national consensus” on its response to a recent Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal.
• Israel said Hamas made “unacceptable” changes to a Qatari proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
• Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv, demanding the return of hostages from the Gaza Strip as part of a "comprehensive deal” with Hamas.
• Tech billionaire Elon Musk announced that the "America Party" was formed, one day after he set up a poll on X asking the public if they wanted a new political party.
• The UK formally resumed diplomatic relations with Syria, eight months after Bashar al-Assad's regime collapsed, signaling a significant shift in British foreign policy.
• Authorities in Kosovo evacuated the parliament building due to a bomb hoax during a session to elect a new speaker.
• Russia accused Swedish authorities of failing to prevent repeated drone attacks on its trade mission in Stockholm, following another incident.
• Two-time Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet of Kenya became the first woman to run the 5000 meters in less than 14 minutes, breaking the world record in a time of 13 minutes, 58.06 seconds, at the Prefontaine Classic.
• Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal match, securing a spot in the semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that the continued Israeli occupation of five hills in the south of the country and ongoing attacks make it difficult for the state to fully assert its authority and implement decisions, including the monopoly of arms.