Axios

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that an agreement with the U.S. to extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and launch negotiations on Iran's nuclear program "has never been closer."

Why it matters: Araghchi's comments on X were the most positive yet from Tehran about the prospects for a deal in the coming days, and appeared designed to prevent the deal from collapsing amid a battle to shape the narrative around it.

Most Americans say the country's best days are behind it as the U.S. approaches its 250th birthday, even as they're personally hopeful about the future.

Why it matters: A new Pew Research Center analysis reveals national pessimism, fueled by political polarization and institutional distrust. But the findings also show the American spirit isn't completely broken.

The Trump administration released a sweeping cache of government records and videos Friday that include colorful UFO-like orbs flying across the sky in seemingly impossible ways.

Why it matters: The disclosure is part of a wave of releases aimed at shedding light on the U.S. government's examination of such sightings, which have been the subject of many conspiracy theories.