Paramount has paused its $81 billion merger with Warner Bros. due to antitrust challenges from twelve states and the Writers Guild of America. A federal court's temporary restraining order halted the deal's closure. The agreement includes a “ticking fee,” requiring payments of approximately $650 million quarterly to Warner shareholders starting in October until the transaction is finalized.

Separately, warplanes from Bahrain and Kuwait reportedly struck Iran in a rare Gulf retaliation, targeting military sites. The U.A.E. allegedly provided intelligence and air cover for these strikes. This action occurred as Iran has been retaliating against Bahrain and Kuwait, both hosting U.S. military bases. Kuwait’s ambassador denied his country's involvement, and the Bahraini government did not comment.

Additionally, Alphabet’s Google faced a $1 billion fine for breaching digital competition rules. Former President Trump announced plans to direct an investigation into tariffs under a trade law, potentially imposing duties on countries discriminating against U.S. companies. This follows Trump's previous use of the same law to implement levies over forced-labor concerns.