The Middle East conflict accelerated Wednesday as Iran and the US traded fresh strikes in the Persian Gulf, with analysts warning nuclear risks are now higher than before the initial Trump administration attacks [Bloomberg]. The ceasefire remains fragile amid ongoing negotiations.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched coordinated drone strikes against Russian targets, including a St. Petersburg oil terminal timed ahead of a Putin visit and a warship in the Black Sea, escalating the pace of cross-border operations [NPR, CBS News].

On the trade front, the USTR announced tariffs on 60 countries over alleged forced labor violations, signaling a broader protectionist stance [UPI].

Domestic developments

The Senate moved to advance a long-delayed reconciliation bill after months of gridlock [CBS News]. Separately, privacy advocates are pushing back against a Senate FISA proposal that includes a controversial three-year CBDC ban [The Hill].

California's election night delivered mixed signals: an ex-UK political aide and Biden cabinet secretary lead the governor's race as votes are counted, while Karen Bass advanced to the LA mayoral runoff [BBC, NBC News]. Republican Gallagher secured a vacant House seat, boosting the GOP majority [The Hill].

In Iowa, Paralympic gold medalist Josh Turek won the Senate primary with establishment backing [Politico].

The Supreme Court cleared the way for Alabama Republicans to use their congressional map for midterms, despite earlier objections [The Hill].

Briefly: An FBI hostage rescue in a California office building ended fatally. CBS News addressed the "unfortunate" firing of Scott Pelley [PBS, NBC News]. Health officials warn of measles resurgence in the Americas ahead of the World Cup [UPI].