Multiple GOP Senate candidates in battleground states, including Ashley Hinson in Iowa and Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin, are calling for a swift end to the Iran war as diesel prices hit record highs and voters express frustration.
At least 22 US service members have died in the Iran war according to six officials, while the Pentagon's public Defense Casualty Analysis System has listed only 17 fatalities. The discrepancy raises questions about transparency in reporting casualties.
President Donald Trump will face skeptical world leaders at the UN General Assembly as the U.S.-Iran conflict continues into its seventh month without achieving his goal of halting Iran's nuclear program. The Trump administration has granted visas to Iranian leaders including the president and foreign minister to attend the meeting, despite ongoing hostilities and recent Houthi advances that have complicated the situation.
The Pentagon has informed Congress that the war in Iran has cost the United States $43.6 billion as of early September, the highest official estimate to date. The total includes $28 billion needed to replace munitions but does not account for damage to American facilities throughout the Middle East.
Vice President JD Vance met with conservative radio host Sid Rosenberg at the White House after Rosenberg publicly criticized Vance's positions on Israel support. The meeting came after Vance warned that Trump is willing to 'part ways' with Netanyahu, raising questions about the administration's Israel policy.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 32 percent, the lowest of his political career, as Republican support erodes over his handling of the Iran war. Seven House Republicans voted with Democrats to end the conflict, while GOP candidates in battleground states urge a speedy resolution ahead of midterms, with polling showing only 1 in 4 Americans support the war.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky filed eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, accusing him of violating the War Powers Resolution and launching military actions against Iran without congressional approval.
Top White House advisers including JD Vance and Marco Rubio have privately told President Trump that the Iran conflict could extend through the remainder of his presidency, contradicting his public claims that the war will end soon after the midterm elections.
Top White House advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have privately warned President Trump that the ongoing conflict with Iran could extend through the remainder of his presidency, contradicting earlier expectations of a swift resolution. The warnings come as Trump publicly threatens to 'wipe out' Iran and makes campaign promises tied to the conflict.
President Trump stated the ongoing Iran war, now in its sixth month, will not end until after November's midterm elections, with oil prices expected to remain elevated. His comments came during the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, where the conflict was largely sidelined despite its impact on the campaign.
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the 25th anniversary memorial ceremony of the September 11 attacks at the Pentagon to defend the ongoing U.S. military conflict with Iran, framing it as a continuation of the war on terror and citing Iran as the "number one sponsor of terror."
Vice President JD Vance declined to call the six-month US-Iran conflict a 'war' and could not provide a timeline for when it would end or when gas prices would return to pre-war levels, despite continued military operations and strikes.
Top military commanders privately warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that prolonged operations in Iran have strained materiel and personnel to unsustainable levels, according to a leaked classified assessment reported by The Washington Post.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the Trump administration will impose sanctions on another bank this week as part of an intensified campaign to economically isolate Iran. The move follows recent sanctions on Egyptian bank branches and comes six months into an ongoing conflict with Iran amid stalled truce negotiations.
The U.S.-Israeli war in Iran has now lasted six months, far exceeding President Trump's initial prediction of a four-to-five week conflict. Nearly 8,000 people have been killed, and there is little indication the conflict will end soon, raising concerns among Republican strategists about midterm election impacts.
A federal judge ruled Thursday that the Trump administration's Department of Defense acted unlawfully when it designated AI company Anthropic as a supply chain risk earlier in 2026, finding the government illegally retaliated against the firm for criticizing Pentagon views on AI use. The government is expected to appeal the ruling.
A federal judge ruled Thursday that the Trump administration's Department of Defense acted unlawfully when it designated AI company Anthropic as a supply chain risk earlier in 2026, finding the government illegally retaliated against the firm for criticizing Pentagon views on AI use. The government is expected to appeal the ruling.
President Donald Trump has launched a new campaign to isolate Iran's economy, threatening severe economic consequences for any country doing business with Tehran. Iran condemned the planned sanctions and warned its response to new U.S. threats would be "devastating," as the USS George Washington carrier strike group arrived in the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln.
President Donald Trump met with cryptocurrency and traditional finance executives at the White House to discuss the Clarity Act, a federal regulatory framework for the crypto market. Trump appeared optimistic about advancing the legislation, which represents a major priority for establishing US digital asset dominance.
President Trump directed the Pentagon to substantially scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, citing Seoul's refusal to join the war in Iran and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The decision comes despite warnings from military officials about the North Korean threat.
President Donald Trump stated he would declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory after claiming American forces have "total control" over the strategic waterway during the ongoing conflict with Iran. A senior White House official later characterized the remark as a joke, saying no such plan had been discussed with advisers.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the U.S. will impose economic measures on Iran that have "never been seen" as soon as next week, as President Donald Trump vows to intensify economic pressure on Tehran. Trump has asked Americans to accept higher gas prices as necessary costs of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
A federal judge on Tuesday blocked the U.S. Postal Service from implementing parts of President Trump's executive order aimed at tightening mail-in voting rules ahead of the November midterm elections. The nationwide injunction prevents USPS from carrying out directives that would have restricted mail-in ballot procedures.
President Donald Trump extended a waiver of the Jones Act for another 90 days, allowing foreign-flagged ships to transport oil, fertilizers, and other commodities between U.S. ports, but imposed new limits after pressure from shipbuilders. The extension, effective August 17, aims to keep fuel costs down as the war in Iran disrupts crude oil flows.
U.S. supplies of Patriot air defense missiles and other munitions have reached dangerously low levels after five months of war with Iran and continued support for Ukraine against Russia. Despite White House denials, officials confirm interceptor stockpiles are 'extremely low,' raising concerns about America's defense capabilities.
U.S. supplies of Patriot air defense missiles and other munitions have reached dangerously low levels after five months of war with Iran and continued support for Ukraine against Russia. Despite White House denials, officials confirm interceptor stockpiles are 'extremely low,' raising concerns about America's defense capabilities.
The U.S. Defense Department is pressing defense companies to dramatically speed up weapons production and deliveries amid concerns that the ongoing war with Iran has exhausted critical missile and munitions supplies. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg told contractors that "years-long development cycles are not acceptable," though funding to boost production remains stuck in Congress as diplomatic deadlock continues over the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump told Axios the US is "only semi-negotiating" with Iran and instead watching economic pressure take effect through inflation and financial strain, as the conflict approaches six months. The shift comes as Iran issued new demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz while Trump countered by demanding Iran pay compensation for casualties.
President Donald Trump warned of additional strikes against Iran as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with traffic at new lows. The threats follow a 'heavy wave' of U.S. strikes earlier this week, which Iran has vowed to retaliate against, and come as Kuwait reported intercepting missiles.
President Trump blamed Minnesota's government for a cyberattack targeting more than 30 water systems, contradicting federal officials who suspect Iranian involvement and prompting pushback from Gov. Tim Walz.
As the Iran conflict enters its sixth month with potential for regional expansion, President Trump held separate meetings with Saudi Arabia's defense minister and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who presented three military options for the ongoing war.
A new AP-NORC poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating on handling Iran has declined slightly from the previous month, with a majority of Americans saying the war in Iran has not been worth fighting.
A new AP-NORC poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating on handling Iran has declined slightly from the previous month, with a majority of Americans saying the war in Iran has not been worth fighting.
Recent military engagement with Iran has further reduced the United States' already diminished stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors, potentially increasing risk to American troops in future hostilities, according to analysis.
Far-right conspiracy theorist and longtime Trump ally Alex Jones has dramatically broken with the president, calling for his impeachment over his handling of the Iran conflict, which Jones described as 'absolutely out of control' while warning of preparations for a national draft.
President Donald Trump said Iranian money in the possession or control of the United States would be used to pay for damage to ships, cargo or related property. Trump did not specify the amount of money involved, the legal authority for using it, or how claims would be assessed and compensation distributed.
House Republicans joined Democrats in a 214–208 vote to direct President Trump to end unauthorized military action against Iran, while the Senate blocked a similar measure 49–47, reflecting a congressional divide over war powers.
Pentagon officials and experts have warned that the United States lacks adequate munitions to sustain prolonged military operations against Iran, with concerns that the White House may not be fully aware of the severity of the shortage as Iranian precision-guided missiles increasingly penetrate American defense systems.
The House Budget Committee advanced a $95 billion package on Thursday covering Iran war funding, farm aid, and President Trump's voter ID initiatives, passing on a party-line vote despite anticipated challenges in the full House and Senate.
President Donald Trump abruptly abandoned his threat to impose a 20% 'reimbursement fee' on commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, replacing it with what he described as investment and trade deals with Gulf nations. The reversal comes as the U.S. continues military operations including a blockade of Iranian ports.
The United States launched air strikes against Iran for a third consecutive night while Iran retaliated with cruise missile attacks on tankers in the Gulf. President Trump reversed his decision to impose a 20% fee on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz just one day after announcing the controversial measure.
President Donald Trump revealed he has left specific instructions for his advisers to conduct a massive bombing campaign against Iran if he is assassinated by the Islamic regime. Trump, who has been on Iran's hit list since ordering the 2020 killing of General Qassem Soleimani, told the New York Post he has been describing himself as Iran's 'No. 1 target.'
President Donald Trump warned via Truth Social that the US military would 'decimate and destroy all areas of Iran' if he is assassinated, as regional diplomatic efforts continue with Oman reportedly proposing a plan to manage Strait of Hormuz traffic through separately controlled routes.
The United States and Iran engaged in intensifying military exchanges across the Middle East over multiple days in early July 2026, with U.S. airstrikes against Iran and Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting U.S.-allied countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The escalation threatens to collapse an interim ceasefire deal signed just weeks earlier, with President Trump declaring the truce "over."
President Donald Trump announced the end of a ceasefire with Iran during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, while also meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syria's leader. Despite the controversial Iran declaration and threats to Spain, Trump praised the summit's 'tremendous unity.'
President Trump exhibited sharply contrasting behavior at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, publicly lambasting allied leaders over defense spending and threatening to leave the alliance, while privately reassuring them 'We want to remain with you' and later claiming to feel 'tremendous love' from western leaders.
The Trump administration has formally requested $87.6 billion in supplemental funding from Congress, with the majority designated to replenish Pentagon accounts depleted by the U.S. war with Iran. The request also includes $11.1 billion for U.S. farmers and funding for Ebola outbreak response, but faces strong opposition from lawmakers who recently voted to limit Trump's war powers.
The Trump administration has reached a breakthrough agreement with Iran to end hostilities, drawing praise from Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, but facing criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vice President JD Vance publicly rebuked Israeli critics of the deal, causing divisions among Republicans.
The U.S. Senate voted 50-48 to approve a war powers resolution instructing President Trump to halt military operations against Iran or seek congressional authorization, with four Republicans joining Democrats. This marks the first time both chambers of Congress have passed such a resolution, delivering a bipartisan rebuke to the president's war powers.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain to address Gulf Arab concerns about a preliminary agreement with Iran that aims to end hostilities. Rubio emphasized that no country, including Iran, would be allowed to charge tolls for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Pentagon has requested approximately $80 billion in additional funding from Congress, primarily to cover costs of U.S. military operations against Iran. Pentagon officials warn they could run out of operational funding this summer without congressional approval of the wartime spending package.
Vice President JD Vance conducted high-level negotiations with Iran in Switzerland following an apparent conflict, claiming progress toward peace while President Trump simultaneously issued threats that disrupted the talks. The negotiations have ended with technical discussions continuing, as both Democratic and Republican lawmakers express skepticism about any provisional deal.
The Trump administration and Iran have remotely signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending their conflict and opening the Strait of Hormuz, with the agreement now in effect. President Trump signed the deal, which was completed ahead of schedule.
Senior US officials briefed journalists on a memorandum of understanding with Iran ahead of a scheduled Friday signing ceremony, but President Trump suggested the deal could still fall through, warning the US could return to military confrontation with Iran.
The U.S. Senate blocked the latest Democratic-led effort to force President Trump to halt military operations in Iran and seek congressional authorization, with only four Republican senators crossing party lines to support the measure. This marks the ninth such attempt by Democrats since U.S. and Israeli air attacks on Iran began in February 2026.
A rare bipartisan consensus is forming in Congress that any final nuclear agreement President Trump strikes with Iran must receive a vote in Congress, with both Republicans and Democrats insisting on legislative oversight.
President Donald Trump stated on social media that a deal to end fighting between the United States and Iran would be signed on Sunday, June 14, 2026, but Iranian officials cast doubt on the timing and ruled out signing on that date. The conflicting statements highlight ongoing uncertainty about the framework agreement despite optimism from U.S. and Pakistani leaders.
President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that the U.S. would attack Iran imminently, threatening to hit power plants and bridges after accusing Tehran of stalling in peace negotiations. Trump indicated strikes could begin the same day, following what he described as previous attacks on Tuesday.
An American Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz with President Trump accusing Iran of shooting it down. The two pilots were rescued and are reportedly safe, but Trump has vowed the U.S. will respond to the incident.
The House voted to direct President Trump to end hostilities with Iran, marking a rare bipartisan rebuke with four Republicans breaking ranks. The measure, which has now passed both chambers of Congress, faces likely veto and remains largely symbolic.
President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is weakening in negotiations to end a nearly three-month-old conflict, while dismissing accusations that he is trying to rush a deal before November's midterm elections. Trump moved a planned Cabinet meeting from Camp David to the White House, citing weather concerns, as talks with Tehran intensify.
President Trump engaged in a heated shouting match with Senator Bill Cassidy and other Republicans during a closed-door lunch meeting over his Iran war framework deal, as Congress voted on measures to restrict his war powers. The confrontation came amid growing GOP discontent over a deal that critics say fails to achieve the administration's stated goals.
The House postponed votes on a Senate resolution that would compel President Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran, delaying planned votes into June as Republicans struggled to find the votes to dismiss the legislation.
Republican lawmakers who initially deferred to President Trump on the Iran conflict are now facing constraints in their ability to impose war powers limitations, having missed crucial legislative milestones to establish parameters and exit criteria for the ongoing military engagement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before Congress that the ongoing U.S.-Iran war has cost approximately $29 billion so far, while requesting at least $1.5 trillion in additional military funding to maintain U.S. military capabilities.
President Trump rejected Iran's latest response to US peace proposals, calling the terms 'totally unacceptable' and stating the ceasefire is on 'life support.' Iran had reportedly sought permanent end to hostilities while leaving contentious issues like sanctions for later negotiations.
The U.S. military carried out strikes on Iranian military facilities on Thursday in response to what it described as unprovoked attacks by Iran involving missiles, drones, and small boats against U.S. warships and forces. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the strikes as defensive actions while indicating the U.S. expects a response from Iran regarding a cease-fire proposal.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared from the White House briefing room that U.S. military operations in Iran known as 'Operation Epic Fury' have concluded, while announcing a transition to 'Project Freedom' and emphasizing the need to address Iranian nuclear material.
NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows Democrats gaining a 2026 midterm edge as voters blame Trump for rising gas prices and express concern over the war in Iran. Republican redistricting wins may help the GOP, but low approval ratings and economic anxiety remain major midterm risks.
As the 60-day War Powers Resolution deadline arrived, the Trump administration argued that the April ceasefire means hostilities have 'terminated,' claiming no congressional authorization is needed despite ongoing blockade of Iranian ports.
President Donald Trump said he is not satisfied with Iran's latest proposal for talks to end ongoing hostilities, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer disputed Trump's characterization that the conflict is over. A CNN investigation revealed that a majority of U.S. military sites in the Middle East have been damaged by Iran.
President Trump notified Congress on Friday that he does not require congressional authorization for military operations in Iran, asserting that hostilities have ended due to a ceasefire he ordered on April 7, 2026. The notification came as the 60-day War Powers Act deadline was reached.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced Congressional questioning over the Iran war budget and costs, with the Pentagon claiming $25 billion in expenses while lawmakers disputed the figure could be as high as $1 trillion. The hearing marked Hegseth's first public Congressional appearance since the war began.
President Trump said the US is considering reducing troop numbers in Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Trump's handling of Iran negotiations, calling the US approach 'humiliating.' The move adds to growing tensions between the US and NATO allies.
President Trump told Axios, that he would not lift the naval blockade on Iranian ports until Tehran agreed to a comprehensive deal ending its nuclear program, formally rejecting Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while deferring nuclear talks. "The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig", Trump said, adding that CENTCOM had also prepared a plan for a new wave of strikes if Iran remained intransigent.
The US-Iran war reached its 60th day, triggering the War Powers Act deadline requiring Trump to obtain congressional authorization or cease hostilities, with at least three Republican senators, Collins, Tillis and Curtis, signaling they would not vote to extend the war. Senate Republicans blocked Democrats' fifth war powers resolution on April 28, though cracks are widening within the GOP as the conflict shows no sign of ending.
President Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming Iran had informed his administration it was in a "State of Collapse" and wanted the Strait of Hormuz opened "as soon as possible" while figuring out its leadership situation. Iran's Foreign Minister immediately contradicted the message, blaming stalled negotiations on Washington's "destructive habits," while the White House confirmed no decisions had been made on Iran's latest proposal.
NATO is considering ending its practice of holding annual summits to avoid a potentially tense encounter with US President Donald Trump in his final year, according to six sources. The move reflects deep tensions within the alliance over Trump's policies.
Speaking on Fox News' "The Sunday Briefing" on April 26, 2026, President Trump said Iran could reach out directly to negotiate an end to the two-month war, adding it must never have a nuclear weapon as a condition for any talks.
The White House announced that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will travel to Pakistan on Saturday for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in Islamabad, in an effort to restart negotiations to end the US-Iran conflict.
Iran announced it has made no decision on attending a second round of negotiations with the US in Islamabad, citing Washington's 'excessive demands' and the ship seizure. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly preparing to lead the US delegation despite uncertainty over Iranian participation.
Pope Leo XIV delivered unusually forceful remarks in Cameroon blasting leaders who spend billions on wars, in comments widely seen as directed at US President Trump following their recent public dispute. The Pope urged Cameroon to tackle corruption and called for peace during his four-nation Africa tour.
Prediction markets on Polymarket show 63-86% probability of US forces entering Iran by April 30, 2026, following contradictory signals from President Trump as his stated deadline for resolving the Iran conflict approaches.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested the niece and grandniece of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian military commander killed in a 2020 US drone strike. The State Department revoked their green cards, accusing them of being 'outspoken supporters' of Iran.
President Trump issued an expletive-laden ultimatum on social media giving Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on power plants and bridges. The threat came as the war entered its sixth week with no clear diplomatic resolution.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the US may need to reassess its relationship with NATO after the Iran war, criticizing the alliance's alleged lack of support during the Middle East conflict. Trump separately told the Telegraph he is 'strongly considering' pulling the US out of NATO over allies' refusal to support military action against Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ongoing war with Iran is the 'last best chance' to avoid a nuclear Islamic regime in interviews with Al Jazeera and others, while President Donald Trump issued nuclear threats against Iran and the administration indicated US objectives could be achieved within weeks.
US President Donald Trump told the Financial Times he wants to 'take the oil' in Iran and could seize Kharg Island 'easily,' raising the prospect of US forces capturing Iran's main oil export hub. The comments came as 2,500 US Marines arrived in the region and oil prices surged above $115 per barrel.
President Trump stated the US does not 'have to be there for NATO,' criticizing allies for not supporting the Iran war and suggesting the US may reconsider its involvement in the alliance. Multiple outlets reported his comments questioning NATO's mutual defense provisions.
