Japan PM Ishiba announces resignation

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced Sunday that he will resign and will not contest his ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s upcoming special leadership election. He cited the recent US tariff deal and the need to maintain party unity as reasons for his decision.

Ishiba, who took office last October, faced political setbacks including losses in recent Lower and Upper House elections and ongoing party scandals. He told LDP Secretary-General Moriyama Hiroshi to begin procedures for selecting a new party president.