Despite predictions of a strong loss for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, US Vice President JD Vance attended a major rally in support of him ahead of the weekend election. Orbán himself predicted, “We will achieve a victory that will surprise everyone.” Vance also connected President Donald Trump via phone to the crowd, where Trump stated: “He does a job, remember this, he didn’t allow people to storm your country and invade your country like other people have, and ruin their countries frankly. He’s kept your country good, he’s kept Hungarian people in your country. And he’s done a fantastic job.”
Hungary Election Results
Orbán ultimately lost the election, ending his tenure. This outcome follows similar political shifts elsewhere, including Mark Carney’s victory in Canada’s 2025 election and the Liberal Party’s defeat in Australia, both influenced by themes aligned with Trump policies.
Broader Global Challenges
NATO faces significant risks, a development that benefits Russian President Vladimir Putin. In Asia, tensions rise with South Korea and Japan over trade disputes. President Trump has criticized Pope Leo, calling him “WEAK on crime and terrible for Foreign Policy.” The Pope responded firmly: “I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the gospel.”
Failed Iran Negotiations
Vance, accompanied by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, traveled to Islamabad for talks with Iran. Vance’s prior disagreement with Trump’s decision to engage in conflict with Iran offered potential leverage. However, the Iranians rejected the proposal within one day, unlike the two years former President Barack Obama took to secure a nuclear deal.
Before the conflict initiated by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran’s regime controlled its enriched nuclear fuel, the Strait of Hormuz remained open, and no attacks occurred on Gulf states despite their US alignment. Following US and Israeli strikes that targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities last June, a ceasefire holds, but Iran retains its uranium stockpile, has closed the Strait of Hormuz, and launched attacks on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and others.
Trump Announces Blockade
Trump declared a blockade, stating, “The Iranians don’t seem to realise they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways.” In a subsequent Fox News appearance, he added, “I expect Iran will come back and give us everything we want. And I tell my people: I want everything. I don’t want 90 per cent, not 95 per cent – I want them to give us everything.” Trump has not withdrawn his earlier warning of bombing that could end “a whole civilisation.”
Sanctions, similar to those on Russia over Ukraine, have proven slow to achieve results. No global coalition supports the effort, and energy prices remain elevated or higher ahead of November midterm elections. Ongoing conflicts, including Israel’s operations in Lebanon, add uncertainty, with no clear resolution as the US approaches its 250th anniversary on July 4.
