President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 1 to end most sanctions on Syria, while still maintaining restrictions on Bashar al-Assad and specific human rights violators.

• Five executive orders related to the sanctions program were terminated.
• The U.S. Treasury issued a general license to authorize transactions with the interim Syrian government.
• The order directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to explore U.N. sanctions relief and review Syria's designation as a "State of Terrorism."

As the 9 July deadline approaches, negotiations for a trade deal between India and the US are challenged by hard bargaining and key sticking points.

• Negotiators are grappling with issues such as agricultural access, auto components, and tariffs on Indian steel.
• Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian Finance Minister, expressed optimism about a “big, good, beautiful” agreement amid tough discussions.
• Concerns over US access to India’s agriculture and stringent import-quality rules could hinder progress in the talks.