The United States and Iran exchanged fresh missile and drone strikes on Tuesday, further complicating Washington's efforts to secure a new ceasefire agreement with Tehran. US forces fired a Hellfire missile to disable a tanker attempting to breach the American blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and later claimed to have repelled Iranian reprisal attacks while striking sites on Iran's Qeshm Island. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it attacked the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain in response, a claim denied by US Central Command.
Ceasefire Efforts Falter
The latest exchange underscores the lack of political progress in resolving the Middle East crisis, despite optimistic statements by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In his first appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran, Rubio reiterated that a deal with Tehran was within reach and claimed Iran had agreed to negotiate aspects of its nuclear program previously off the table. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the ceasefire is all-encompassing and any violation would have consequences.
Trump Confronts Netanyahu Over Beirut Bombing Threat
President Donald Trump reportedly shouted and cursed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday, after Israel threatened to resume airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs. According to Axios, Trump demanded, "What the fuck are you doing?" The exchange highlights tensions between the allies over the conduct of the war.
Blanche Scraps $1.8bn 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on Tuesday that the federal government is abandoning plans for a secretive $1.8bn fund to compensate Trump's allies. However, an agreement prohibiting the IRS from auditing Trump, his family, and related entities remains in place.
January 6 Rioter Appointed to Pentagon Counter-Terrorism Role
The Pentagon has appointed a rioter convicted for his role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection to a sensitive national security counter-terrorism position, overriding internal concerns about his past.
Six States Sue Over Windfarm Deal Cancellation
Six states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Tuesday over its decision to cancel a major offshore wind lease off New York. In March, federal officials agreed to pay nearly $1bn to French energy firm TotalEnergies to abandon plans for two windfarms.
Trump Loyalist Appointed Intelligence Chief
Donald Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence has alarmed Washington. Pulte, a staunch loyalist with little government experience, has shown eagerness to retaliate against political rivals.
AI Executive Order Signed
Trump signed an executive order creating a voluntary framework for the federal government to vet powerful new AI models before release. The order aims to tighten cybersecurity and national security protections, though its voluntary nature reflects reluctance to impose strict regulations.
Other Developments
- Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum chided US Ambassador Ron Johnson for interfering in Mexican politics amid tensions over drug trafficking.
- A Guardian analysis found dozens of Congress members and staff enjoyed lavish gifted travel to Israel funded by an Aipac affiliate since October 7, 2023.
- New Jersey's attorney general sued the operator of the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, demanding access for health officials amid allegations of inhumane conditions.
- Key Democratic leaders continued to support embattled Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after meetings in Washington.
