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US President Donald Trump (L) greets Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as he arrives to address troops at the Al-Udeid air base southwest of Doha on May 15, 2025.

Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images

It’s a strange thought that launching attacks on other countries could lead to peace, but that seems to be the logic behind the abrupt escalation in conflict in the Middle East beginning Saturday. And now there’s talk of a ceasefire soon.

Here’s a quick recap.  

On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump authorized air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, pushing America into Israel’s war with Tehran.

On Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.”

On Monday, Iran launched a retaliatory strike against America, targeting a U.S. military base in Qatar.

And on Monday evening stateside, Trump announced a ceasefire.

Trump said on Truth Social that Israel and Iran had agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” that will, in effect mark “an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR” — which began when Israel attacked Iran on June 12.

There are signs this isn’t the usual empty rhetoric. Iran gave the U.S. “early notice” of its attack on the military base in Qatar, according to Trump. It was a “retaliation that was expected,” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said.

Qatar also received advanced warning from Iran, according to The New York Times, which cited three Iranian officials familiar with the matter. Iran’s national security council said its missile strike “posed no threat whatsoever to our friendly and brotherly nation, Qatar, or its honorable people.”

This, essentially, is “the peace through strength strategy,” Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told CNBC.

In other words, there’s a small chance tensions in the Middle East might cool down following a carefully calibrated and symbolic exchange of strikes that projects strength from all parties, while also providing Iran an off-ramp to de-escalate tension.

Judging by the U.S. stock and oil markets — which rose and fell, respectively — investors are indeed hopeful the strategy of missile-led peace would work.

What you need to know today

Trump announces an Israel-Iran ceasefire
U.S. President Donald Trump 
announced on Truth Social that Israel and Iran had agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” that will begin around midnight Tuesday stateside. However, neither Iran nor Israel has publicly confirmed they have accepted Trump’s ceasefire timeline. Read CNBC’s live coverage of the latest developments on the Israel-Iran war here.

Iran strikes U.S. military base in Qatar
Iran on Monday launched what its armed forces called a “powerful and destructive missile strike on the United States’ Al-Udeid military base in Qatar.” The Al-Udeid Air Base is the largest American military installation in the Middle East, with around 10,000 service members. Qatar’s Defense Ministry said its air defense had intercepted the missile attack on Al-Udeid, and that there were no reported deaths or injuries.

Prices of oil post a huge drop
Oil prices fell sharply Monday after Iran’s strike on Qatar had no reported casualties. U.S. crude oil fell 7.22%, to close at $68.51 per barrel, while global benchmark Brent shed 7.18% to $71.48 during U.S. trading. Trump on Monday demanded that “everyone” keep oil prices down or they would play “into the hands of the enemy.” Trump didn’t specify who he was referring to, but he seemed to be addressing U.S. oil producers.

Markets in U.S. rise on de-escalation hopes
U.S. stocks rose Monday as investors seemed hopeful of de-escalation in the Israel-Iran war. The S&P 500 climbed 0.96%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.89% and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.94%. Tesla shares popped 8.2% after the company launched its robotaxis in Austin, Texas, on Sunday— but regulators are looking into reports of robotaxis driving erratically. Europe’s Stoxx 600 index fell 0.28%.

[PRO] Wall Street’s thoughts on robotaxis
Wall Street closely watched Tesla’s robotaxi launch in Texas over the weekend. Analyst outlooks on the event vary widely. While Wedbush’s Dan Ives, who rode in the robotaxis over the weekend, said it “exceeded our expectations,” Guggenheim’s Ronald Jewsikow called the event “baby steps.” Here’s what analysts think about what the robotaxis mean for Tesla’s stock.

And finally…

An Airbus A350-941 commercial jet, operated by Emirates Airline, at the Paris Air Show in Paris, France, on Monday, June 16, 2025.

Matthieu Rondel | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Airlines divert, cancel more Middle East flights after Iran attacks U.S. military base

Airlines diverted more Middle East flights on Monday after Iran’s armed forces said the country launched a missile strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar, as the region’s military conflict continued to disrupt airlines’ operations.

Dubai-based Emirates said that some of its aircraft rerouted on Monday and told customers that delays or longer flights were possible as it would take “flight paths well distanced from conflict areas,” while operating its schedule as planned.

Air India said it had halted all flights in and out of the region and to and from the east coast of North America and Europe “until further notice.”

Earlier, major international airlines including Air France, Iberia, Finnair and others announced they would pause or further postpone a resumption of service to some destinations in the Middle East.

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GM warns ‘irrational discounts’ on EVs are ending

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GM warns 'irrational discounts' on EVs are ending

GM sold over 21,000 electric vehicles in the US last month, its best yet. Despite the surge in August sales, GM warned that with the “irrational discounts” on EVs set to end soon, the market is due for a shake-up.

GM sells record EVs in August as irrational discounts end

August was GM’s best month ever for EV sales. The company sold over 21,000 electric models under the Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac brands last month.

The higher demand comes as buyers rush to secure the $7,500 federal tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of September.

Driven by the hot-selling Chevy Equinox EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Sierra EV, GM remains the second-best seller of EVs behind Tesla.

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GM expects to see strong demand again this month, but without the credit, it expects changes next quarter. GM said, “There’s no doubt we’ll see lower EV sales next quarter.” The company anticipates it will take several months for the market to correct, adding that “We will almost certainly see a smaller EV market for a while.”

Chevy-Equinox-EV-discounts
Chevy Equinox EV LT (Source: GM)

Like several automakers in the US, GM will adjust production accordingly, promising not to overproduce. Despite slower sales, it remains confident that its EV market share will continue to grow.

Since affordable EVs and luxury models have been the strongest segments, GM believes it’s in a better position than most. It already has “America’s most affordable 315+ range EV,” the Chevy Equinox EV. The electric Equinox is one of the few EVs with a starting price under $35,000 in the US.

GM-irrational-discounts-EVs
Cadillac Optiq EV (Source: Cadillac)

Soon, the new Chevy Bolt EV will debut, which is expected to be even more affordable, starting at around $30,000.

With a full line-up of electric SUVs, Cadillac is the leading luxury EV brand, but that doesn’t include Tesla. And then there’s the Chevy and GMC electric pickup with segment-leading range, features, and more.

2026-GMC-Sierra-EV affordable
2026 GMC Sierra EV (Source: GM)

GM said as it adjusts to the “new EV market realities,” its ICE vehicles will provide flexibility while driving profits. We will learn more on October 1 when GM reports full third-quarter sales results.

Although I wouldn’t call it “irrational,” GM is offering generous discounts on EVs with the deadline approaching. The Chevy Equinox EV is listed for lease starting at just $249 per month with a new $1,250 conquest bonus. Chevy is also offering the $7,500 credit on top of 0% APR financing until the end of September.

Thinking about trying one of GM’s EVs for yourself? You can use the links below to find Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC models in your area.

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H1 2025: China installs more solar than rest of the world combined

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H1 2025: China installs more solar than rest of the world combined

Global solar installations are breaking records again in 2025. In H1 2025, the world added 380 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity – a staggering 64% jump compared to the same period in 2024, when 232 GW came online. China was responsible for installing a massive 256 GW of that solar capacity.

For context, it took until September last year to pass the 350 GW mark. This year, the milestone was achieved in June. That pace cements solar as the fastest-growing source of new electricity generation worldwide. In 2024, global solar output rose by 28% (+469 terawatt-hours) from 2023, more growth than any other energy source.

Nicolas Fulghum, senior energy analyst at independent energy think tank Ember, said, “These latest numbers on solar deployment in 2025 defy gravity, with annual solar installations continuing their sharp rise. In a world of volatile energy markets, solar offers domestically produced power that can be rolled out at record speed to meet growing demand, independent of global fossil fuel supply chains.”

China’s solar dominance

China is leading this surge by a wide margin. In the first half of 2025, the country installed more than twice as much solar capacity as the rest of the world combined, accounting for 67% of global additions. That’s up from 54% in the same period last year. Developers rushed to complete projects before new wind and solar compensation rules took effect in June, fueling the spike. While that may lead to a slowdown in the second half of the year, new clean power procurement requirements for industry and bullish forecasts from China’s solar PV association (CPIA) suggest that 2025 will still surpass 2024’s record high.

The rest of the world

Other countries are adding solar at a healthy clip, too. Together, they installed an estimated 124 GW in the first half of 2025, a 15% year-over-year increase. India came in second with 24 GW, up 49% from last year’s 16 GW. The US ranked third with 21 GW, a 4% gain year-over-year despite recent moves by the Trump administration to suppress clean power deployment. Germany and Brazil saw slight dips, while the rest of the world added 65 GW, a 22% rise over 2024.

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Africa’s solar market is also stirring. The continent imported 60% more solar panels from China over the past year, though a lack of reliable installation data makes it a challenge to track the true pace of deployment.

With installations surging across major markets and China driving the charge, 2025 is on track to be another record-breaking year for solar power.

Read more: China-made panels drive Africa’s 15 GW solar import milestone


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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These beloved sports cars were just killed off, but EV successors are coming soon

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These beloved sports cars were just killed off, but EV successors are coming soon

Porsche just axed two of its most iconic models. The gas-powered 718 Cayman and Boxster sports cars have been discontinued, with their new EV successors set to debut next year. However, Porsche isn’t the only brand killing off a popular nameplate.

Sports cars are due for EV successors in 2026

As it prepares for the all-electric replacements, Porsche has stopped taking new orders for the 718 Cayman and Boxster. For now, you can still order the vehicles from stock.

We’ve known for years that an electric replacement was on the way for the 718 lineup. Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed in 2022 that the electric 718 successor would follow the Taycan and Macan EVs.

Although the new Cayman and Boxster EVs were expected to launch by the end of this year, it was pushed back due to software and battery sourcing delays.

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Porsche initially planned to build the EV versions alongside the current ICE models at its Zuffenhausen plant, but that will no longer be the case. Despite rumors that Porsche was planning to extend 718 production, “high-ranking Porsche sources” told Autocar that’s not the plan.

sports-cars-EV-successors
Porsche 718 Boxster (Source: Porsche)

The luxury sports car maker has dialed back its EV plans recently, with ICE Macan and Cayenne models now due to be sold alongside the electric versions.

Meanwhile, Porsche isn’t the only sports car maker killing off models with new EV successors on the way. Audi confirmed with Autoblog that the A7 and S7 will be discontinued after the 2025 model year.

sports-cars-EV-successors
2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron (Source: Audi)

In a statement, Audi said, “There are no 2026 Model Year A7 or S7 being offered as production shifts to the new A6 TFSI coming later this year.” However, the RS7 will live on as a 2026MY. The ICE A7 will be rebranded as the A6 TFSI, while the EV version will retain the A6 E-tron name, featuring a similar sportback design to the outgoing model.

Porsche and Audi have leaned into a more flexible “multi-energy” strategy, blaming slowing EV sales and a changing market.

Just last week, Porsche announced it no longer plans to build EV batteries in-house. Instead, it will focus on research and development.

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