Trump Sets July 4 Deadline for EU to Cut Tariffs on US Goods; Iran Sends Ceasefire Response to US via Pakistan

President Donald Trump has set a July 4 deadline for the European Union to ratify changes to the US trade deal by reducing tariffs to zero on most American imports or face “much higher” tariffs. The move follows a court ruling striking down Trump’s 10 percent global tariffs.

Iran sent its response to the latest US ceasefire proposal to Pakistani mediators on Sunday, according to Iranian state media and a Pakistani government official who confirmed receiving the document and forwarding it to the US. The response focuses on permanently ending the war in the region, including in Lebanon, and ensuring the security of shipping. It does not address Iran’s nuclear program.

The US proposal had addressed ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and rolling back Iran’s nuclear program. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the US was seeking the free flow of traffic through the Straits of Hormuz and an end to the Iranian nuclear program.

Mike Waltz told ABC News that the negotiations had gone longer and slower than anyone would like but that diplomacy is ongoing.

The two sides continued to exchange fire in the Persian Gulf on Saturday, more than a month after a temporary ceasefire deal was announced. A commercial vessel was attacked early this morning off the coast of Qatar, according to UKMTO. Kuwait’s military said it responded to a morning drone attack.

The UAE reported drones entering its airspace and blamed Iran. Bahrain’s ministry of foreign affairs released a statement warning against further Iranian incidents. No casualties were reported in any of the incidents.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy warned that any attack on Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels would be met with a heavy assault on one of the US bases in the region and enemy ships. Iran has more than 440 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity.