Israel’s ambassador concedes Iran’s chokehold on Strait of Hormuz was not expected before war

The recent escalation between Israel and Iran, and the surprising impact on global energy markets, has revealed a critical gap in strategic planning. Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, openly conceded that the decision to target Iran didn’t fully anticipate Iran’s response – specifically, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This seemingly unforeseen consequence … Read more

White House warned staff on Iran war prediction market bets

The White House last month cautioned staff against placing bets on prediction markets tied to the Iran war, a Trump administration official confirmed Friday. Concerns Over Insider Trading This warning followed concerns about potentially illicit trading activity on platforms like Polymarket, specifically around events related to the Iran war and the removal of Venezuelan President … Read more

Trump’s ultimatum and a fragile ceasefire leave Iranian Americans with whiplash

Zainab Haider was driving home with her two young children Tuesday, contemplating the implications of a deadline set by President Donald Trump for Iran. She worried about the safety of relatives still living in Iran. Trump ultimately agreed to a two-week ceasefire instead of carrying out a threat that “a whole civilization will die tonight.” … Read more

Trump vented at Rutte over NATO inaction on Iran during turbulent meeting – POLITICO

As the war with Iran continues, a coordinated response from NATO allies remains uncertain. According to two senior alliance diplomats, NATO countries have not yet been briefed on any meetings regarding the conflict, nor have they begun preparations to deploy military equipment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Standing Ready While U.S. Allies have pledged … Read more

NATO’s Mark Rutte faces Trump over US-Israel war on Iran

Brussels – NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte declined to detail Thursday whether President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to withdraw the U.S. From the military organization, stating only that the U.S. Leader expressed disappointment with some allies’ response to the war on Iran. Rutte’s comments followed a meeting with Trump, described as a “fresh ordeal,” after … Read more

Army survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon’s account, say unit “was unprepared” to defend itself

Survivors of the deadliest Iranian attack on U.S. Forces since the war began have disputed the Pentagon’s description of events, stating their unit in Kuwait was dangerously exposed when six service members were killed and more than 20 wounded. Members of the targeted unit offered CBS News a detailed account of the attack and its … Read more

Vance to Lead Iran Talks as Tehran Says Ceasefire Violated

The White House announced the U.S. Will hold direct talks with Iran amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, even as Israeli strikes in Lebanon threaten to derail the recently announced ceasefire. The six-week conflict has seen sporadic fighting continue throughout the region. Ceasefire Challenges and Upcoming Talks Vice President JD Vance will lead the … Read more

Trump says U.S. ready for ‘next conquest,’ warns military to remain near Iran until ‘real agreement’ is honored

President Donald Trump stated Wednesday that U.S. Military forces will remain deployed in and around Iran until Tehran fully complies with what he termed the “real agreement,” and warned that any violation would result in a military response “bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before.” Ceasefire and Ongoing Disputes Trump’s declaration … Read more

US, Israel and Iran agree to a 2-week ceasefire but attack are reported

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran, the United States and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire, an 11th-hour deal that allowed U.S. President Donald Trump to pull back from his threat to unleash a bombing campaign that would destroy Iranian civilization. Hours after the announcement, Iran and Gulf Arab countries reported new attacks Wednesday. It was … Read more

Stock market today: Live updates

U.S. Stock futures rose sharply early Wednesday after President Donald Trump announced he was suspending planned attacks on Iran for two weeks. This pause comes just ahead of an 8 p.m. ET deadline, halting a five-week conflict that had disrupted global energy supplies and rattled equity markets. Market Response Futures tied to the Dow Jones … Read more