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This is the world in brief from The Economist.

Our top stories.

Apple said John Turnus, its hardware chief, will become chief executive on September 1st.

After 15 years in the role, Tim Cook will become executive chairman.

The handover comes as Apple faces mounting challenges.

It is falling behind in artificial intelligence

and grappling with an increasingly critical Trump administration,

which is scrutinizing how it curates content on its news app.

America's armed forces said it has redirected 27 vessels since it began blockading the

strait of Hormuz a week ago. Meanwhile, Pakistan's interior minister said preparations were underway to host ceasefire

talks this week. J.D. Vance, America's vice president, is expected to attend, but Iran has yet

to confirm its participation. Donald Trump warned he would probably not extend the ceasefire beyond Wednesday

without a deal. America's State Department said it will host a second round of talks between Israel

and Lebanon on Thursday, after earlier negotiations helped secure a temporary ceasefire in fighting with Hezbollah.

Separately, Israel's army said it was investigating a soldier filmed desecrating a Christian statue in Lebanon.

The incident has drawn criticism, including from Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister and America's

ambassador to Israel.

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