Konstantin Toropin

Donald Trump was reportedly moved from the legacy Air Force One aircraft onto a smaller Air Force C-32A at Ankara using a catering truck after U.S. intelligence warned of a possible Iranian attack against him or his aircraft. White House staff and journalists remained on the larger plane as decoys, while Trump later reboarded the newly gifted Qatari aircraft in the United Kingdom to complete his journey to Washington. The White House cited ongoing threats against the president but did not directly confirm the deception operation, and a Democratic senator called for a congressional inquiry.

Donald Trump was reportedly moved from Air Force One to a smaller military aircraft using a hydraulic catering cart during his return from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The covert transfer followed intelligence warnings of a possible Iranian assassination attempt, while White House and press personnel were reportedly unaware of the switch. White House communications director Steven Cheung defended the use of available security measures, while Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal called for a congressional inquiry, describing the operation as unprecedented and surreal.

A US Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed near Miramar Air Base in San Diego, California. The pilot ejected successfully and was taken to a local medical facility in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash was classified as a Class A mishap, indicating extensive damage or destruction of the aircraft.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego after its pilot ejected at low altitude. The pilot was transported to a medical facility with non-life-threatening injuries and was reported in stable condition. Eyewitnesses described the jet descending toward the runway before striking the ground and erupting in flames, prompting military and firefighting responses. The crash was classified as a Class A mishap, while broader data cited in the report notes the F-35 program’s substantial cost and comparatively low rate of fatal accidents.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, after its pilot ejected and was taken to a medical facility. The crash was classified as a “Class A mishap,” indicating damage exceeding $2 million, and sparked a vegetation fire that firefighters addressed at the scene. The F-35B, which costs about $109 million, is designed for short takeoffs and vertical landings.

The Pentagon has moved four soldiers killed and dozens wounded in renewed fighting with Iran out of the official Operation Epic Fury casualty tally and into a new “Overseas Operations” category, saying the operation has ended. The change leaves the overall number of wounded at 642 when both categories are combined, but raises questions about whether the human cost of the conflict is being accurately represented. The reclassified deaths followed Iranian missile and drone attacks in Jordan and Iraq, while U.S. Central Command reported further missile interceptions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the operation had concluded, whereas Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth avoided asserting that the wider Iran war was over.

Iran-backed Houthis said they attacked the Saudi-linked tankers Encelia and Layla in the Red Sea, with Saudi authorities confirming a fire aboard Encelia and maritime officials reporting no casualties. The incident threatens to expand the regional conflict and disrupt the Bab el-Mandeb shipping route, while the United States carried out a 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran amid a broader dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iranian bridges or power plants in response to attacks on shipping, while Iran vowed decisive retaliation. The war has sharply increased economic and humanitarian risks, including rising energy costs, attacks on regional infrastructure and the deaths of U.S. service members. Diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan, Turkey and Gulf states showed little sign of progress.

The U.S. Navy will generally stop releasing sailors’ service histories, including assignments, awards and other details previously considered routinely releasable, citing security threats and harassment concerns. The policy expands an order to remove public information about commanding officers and allows exceptions only for public figures or undefined extenuating circumstances. The decision followed the Navy’s refusal to provide the biography of a Blue Angels pilot after a controversial maneuver, although the biography was later supplied directly. First Amendment lawyer Floyd Abrams and transparency advocates argue the policy could impede reporting on injured service members and conceal embarrassing information. The move is part of broader Pentagon restrictions, including mandatory escorts for reporters, proposed limits on unclassified records, litigation over journalist access rules and the classification of the Pentagon press office.

Trump administration officials defended a low-altitude Blue Angels flyover in Florida that startled beachgoers and triggered a Navy safety review. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell publicly praised the maneuver, echoing past instances in which their support coincided with the lifting of safety investigations into similar low‑flying military aircraft incidents. Aviation safety experts criticized the dismissive stance toward risk, citing past fatal accidents linked to low‑altitude operations and warning that such attitudes undermine safety culture. Despite scrutiny, Navy leadership indicated no disciplinary action would follow, and upcoming Blue Angels demonstrations will proceed as planned.

Fully restoring commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could require a much larger U.S. naval presence or tens of thousands of ground troops to eliminate Iran’s dispersed missile, drone and mine threats and secure its coastline. Experts say Iran’s asymmetric capabilities, decentralized military units and ability to intimidate ships without firing make the operation highly difficult and costly. U.S. escorts and alternative routes have not prevented attacks or shipping disruptions, while rising oil and gas prices and renewed fighting are creating economic and political risks for Donald Trump and Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

The official U.S. military death toll in the war with Iran has risen to 14 following the death of a Navy pilot in a July 1 helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea. The conflict has also left 414 service members wounded, including more than 400 reported as of Monday, with most injuries identified as traumatic brain injuries. The crash was initially described as a non-hostile emergency landing, while earlier deaths resulted from attacks and an aircraft crash in the region. U.S. officials provided few details about the latest injury figures, and the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder remain uncertain.

Donald Trump announced plans for a granite helipad on the White House South Lawn, although construction had already begun. Estimated to cost up to $6 million, the helipad is expected to be privately funded by Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, after the newer VH-92A Patriot helicopters damaged the grass with downward-directed exhaust. The project is part of a broader series of White House modifications overseen by Trump.

Donald Trump says a granite helipad will be built on the White House South Lawn to accommodate the newer VH-92A Marine One helicopters, whose downward-directed exhaust has damaged the grass. Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, is expected to fund the project through a contribution to the Trust for the National Mall, with costs estimated at up to $6 million. The helipad is intended to enable wider use of the new fleet and eventual retirement of older VH-3D helicopters. The project is part of a broader series of White House renovations overseen by Trump, including changes to the Rose Garden, East Wing, Palm Room and exterior columns.

Donald Trump said a granite helipad is being built on the White House South Lawn to accommodate the newer VH-92A presidential helicopters, whose downward exhaust has damaged the grass. He said Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, would cover the project’s cost, estimated at up to $6 million, through a contribution to the Trust for the National Mall. The helipad is intended to enable greater use of the new aircraft and eventually retire older Marine One helicopters. The project is part of a broader series of White House renovations overseen by Trump, including changes to the Rose Garden, Palm Room, columns and East Wing.

James Dale sued the U.S. Department of Defense in New York federal court seeking the release of an agreement with Scouting America over changes to the organization’s policies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the February deal required members to use their biological sex at birth and threatened to end military support if the organization did not comply. Scouting America has said transgender youth remain welcome and that its existing policies were unchanged. Dale argues the conflicting accounts cannot both be accurate and says the Pentagon has failed to respond to his Freedom of Information Act request before the department’s late-August deadline. The dispute also raises questions about whether the government can use a contract to impose membership conditions that the Supreme Court previously held it could not mandate by law.

The Pentagon has restored mandatory flu vaccinations for recruits at military boot camps after an outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas produced 275 confirmed cases and sickened nearly 300 people. The policy reversal follows Secretary Pete Hegseth’s April decision to make the vaccine optional, although Pentagon officials said the timing was unrelated to the outbreak. Only about 40% of new Lackland trainees chose vaccination after the mandate was lifted. Exceptions allowing mandatory vaccination were granted to the Army, Navy, Air Force, National Security Agency and Defense Health Agency, while the Army and Navy also sought requirements for overseas-bound troops, healthcare workers and childcare workers. Flu experts said crowded, high-stress military environments are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks, and Families Fighting Flu welcomed the renewed requirements.

General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa, is expected to step down on July 2 after 18 months in the role. His departure is described as part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s broader effort to reduce senior military ranks, with nearly two dozen top leaders reportedly retiring or leaving early. The Army is also considering downgrading the Europe and Africa command from a four-star to a three-star position, while a Pentagon review examines the future of U.S. forces in Europe and presses NATO allies to assume greater responsibility for the continent’s defense.

General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa and NATO Allied Land Command, will leave his post on July 2 after about 18 months. His departure follows a broader wave of senior military leadership changes under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is seeking to reduce the number of top generals. Donahue, widely praised for overseeing the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation and remembered as the last U.S. soldier to leave the country, will be temporarily replaced by Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie. His exit coincides with discussions about downgrading the European and African Army command from four stars to three, amid a planned Pentagon review of U.S. forces in Europe and pressure on NATO allies to assume greater responsibility for European defense.

A U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean reportedly killed two people and left six survivors, adding to a campaign of more than 60 operations that has killed over 210 people. The military said the vessel was traveling along a known smuggling route but provided no evidence that it carried drugs, while the survivors’ fate remains unknown. President Donald Trump has described the campaign as an armed conflict with Latin American cartels, but critics and legal scholars question its effectiveness and legality, particularly after an earlier follow-up strike killed two survivors of an initial attack. Congress is seeking unedited footage of that operation, and the Pentagon inspector general is reviewing whether targeting procedures were followed, though not the broader legality of the strikes.

Bipartisan senators are seeking to restrict Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel funds until the Pentagon submits overdue, unredacted investigations into civilian-harm incidents. The requested reports include the February 2026 strike on a school in Minab, Iran, which preliminary findings reportedly attribute to the United States and which killed more than 165 people, many of them children. Lawmakers also want unedited video of U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats near Venezuela and investigations into deadly strikes in Yemen. The provisions are included in the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which has advanced through the Senate Armed Services Committee and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert. Emergency crews responded, the airfield was closed, inbound flights were diverted, and visitor passes were suspended, while officials had not initially reported whether anyone was injured. The base conducts extensive aircraft testing and has historical ties to Chuck Yeager’s breaking of the sound barrier.

A U.S. official told The Associated Press that the Palau-flagged oil tanker M/T Settebello ignored nearly 60 verbal warnings, eight aerial shows of force and two final warnings before U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into its engine room in the Gulf of Oman. Three Indian sailors were killed. U.S. Central Command said the crew had been given 15 minutes to leave the engine room and characterized the vessel as part of a shadow fleet transporting Iranian oil and evading sanctions. India lodged a strong protest, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Indian officials to ensure that commercial vessels comply with U.S. military orders enforcing the blockade of Iran.

Three Indian mariners were confirmed dead after the U.S. military fired on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello, accusing it of violating a blockade by transporting Iranian oil. Separately, the United States launched a second round of strikes against Iranian military and air-defense targets, while Iran retaliated against Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. The escalating conflict has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, raised oil prices and complicated negotiations. Washington demands limits on Iran’s enriched uranium and other concessions, while Tehran seeks sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and an end to allied Hezbollah’s fighting with Israel. Qatar is mediating, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s broader war aims further hinder a settlement.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed nine Navy officers from a promotion list for one-star admiral, including all three women and two Black men among those cut, without providing a reason. The decision means no women will reach that rank in the Navy this year and has prompted female officers to fear that promotions are becoming politicized and that their careers may face an informal ceiling. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell denied that race or gender influenced the decision, while analysts and Navy officers said direct intervention by the defense secretary is highly unusual. The move follows Hegseth’s earlier dismissal of Adm. Lisa Franchetti and two other female admirals, raising concerns about retention, morale and the future representation of women in senior military leadership.

President Donald Trump's contradictory decisions over U.S. troop deployments in Europe have created uncertainty for the Pentagon, disrupted military personnel and could cost taxpayers millions of dollars. A canceled rotation of about 4,000 troops to Poland incurred at least $32 million in transportation costs, while returning personnel and equipment may generate additional unbudgeted expenses. The changes have unsettled NATO allies, harmed troop and family morale, and raised readiness concerns. Further withdrawals from Germany could cost billions because of limited U.S. infrastructure, while the Army is already facing a projected $2 billion to $6 billion budget shortfall and pressure from other missions, including the Iran war, border security and a National Guard deployment in Washington.

Elias Irizarry, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor trespassing after entering the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 riot, has been appointed to a policy office at the Pentagon, according to officials and internal records. The former Citadel student received a 14-day jail sentence in 2023 and expressed shame for his role in the attack. Pentagon officials defended him as qualified and patriotic, while Senator Mark Warner questioned his suitability for national security work. The appointment follows other cases of January 6 defendants or suspects receiving roles in the Trump administration, including former FBI agent Jared Wise, whose case was dismissed after Donald Trump issued broad pardons and sentence commutations.

Poland and Lithuania acknowledge participating in early discussions about expanding their roles in NATO’s nuclear deterrence arrangements, although Poland denies plans to host US nuclear weapons. The talks follow reports that Washington may consider deploying nuclear-capable aircraft or related infrastructure in additional eastern European NATO countries. Existing US nuclear-sharing arrangements cover Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey and Britain, while France is pursuing a complementary initiative involving allied aircraft, exercises and temporary deployments. Analysts say expanded nuclear cooperation could strengthen deterrence but cannot replace conventional forces, warning that reducing troop presence while emphasizing nuclear protection could send conflicting signals to allies and Russia.

The Trump administration is pressing the Pentagon to expand military use of artificial intelligence, including tools for targeting, intelligence processing and battlefield decision-making. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth favors AI systems without what he considers ideological constraints, while President Donald Trump has prioritized maintaining America’s technological lead. Senior special operations leaders urge caution, emphasizing human judgment, safeguards and the prevention of civilian casualties, friendly fire and mistaken targeting. The Pentagon’s dispute with Anthropic over autonomous weapons and mass surveillance has resulted in the company losing a $200 million defense contract and being designated a supply-chain risk, as the department turns to Google, OpenAI and SpaceX.

The U.S. military disabled the Gambia-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly ignored warnings while attempting to reach an Iranian port, according to a U.S. official. The vessel remains adrift and has not been boarded. The action brings to six the number of ships stopped while attempting to breach the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. The blockade, imposed after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz amid its conflict with the U.S. and Israel, has disrupted oil, natural gas and fertilizer shipments. President Donald Trump is considering a proposed 60-day ceasefire extension and renewed nuclear talks, but Iran says no agreement has been finalized.

U.S. Gen. Francis L. Donovan met Cuban military officials near the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay and assessed the base’s security, personnel safety and operational readiness. The meeting came as President Donald Trump increases pressure on Cuba through sanctions, an oil blockade and military deployments in the Caribbean following the reported capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Senior Trump administration officials have also held talks with Cuban representatives, but the U.S. has reportedly been dissatisfied with the results. The Pentagon separately announced that 1,300 sailors and Marines would replace the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in the region.

The death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific has risen to at least 199. At least 22 people initially survived strikes but were later killed or died at sea, including three survivors of two separate attacks this month whose whereabouts remain unknown. Mexico’s navy confirmed receiving alerts but did not report survivors, while the U.S. Coast Guard referred questions to Mexican authorities. The strikes have drawn legal and political criticism, particularly after survivors of an earlier attack were allegedly targeted again. The Pentagon inspector general plans to assess whether the military followed its targeting procedures, but not whether the strikes themselves were legal. Only three survivors are known to have been rescued.

The Pentagon has canceled the planned deployment of about 4,000 U.S. Army troops to Poland and a separate long-range rocket and missile battalion deployment to Germany as part of President Donald Trump’s order to reduce the U.S. military presence in Europe by roughly 5,000 troops. The decision, authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, surprised Polish officials and some U.S. personnel, prompting bipartisan criticism that Washington failed to consult allies or Congress. Poland said the move was logistical and would not directly undermine its security, while NATO maintained that its deterrence plans would remain intact. Critics warned that the withdrawals could weaken alliance cohesion and trust, while the administration argued that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own defense.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to leave the Middle East and return to Virginia in mid-May after a record-setting deployment of more than 300 days. Its missions included operations in the Caribbean involving the capture of Nicolás Maduro and combat operations connected to the Iran war. The extended deployment, which surpassed the post-Vietnam-era aircraft-carrier record, has raised concerns about sailors’ time away from home, maintenance and readiness, particularly after a laundry-space fire forced repairs and disrupted sleeping arrangements. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said operational demands from U.S. commands required the carrier’s deployment to be extended.

U.S. Marines boarded the commercial vessel Blue Star III during the blockade of Iranian ports but released it after determining that it was not headed to an Iranian port. The ship had departed Pakistan for Oman, and the military did not explain why it was suspected. U.S. Central Command says the operation demonstrates thorough enforcement and claims the blockade is cutting off trade with Iran, while shipping experts question whether the volume of traffic and possible evasion methods make the blockade effective.

A suspect detained after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner apparently entered the Washington Hilton as a hotel guest, breaching the event’s outer security layer. Attendees faced restricted access, ticket checks and magnetometers, while additional Secret Service protection inside the ballroom included a separate presidential perimeter, armored plates and counter-assault teams. Officials said the multilayered plan worked, but the incident is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny of security at presidential and political events. The hotel’s extensive safeguards reflect its history as the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan.

The United States says it is searching for and clearing possible Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil-shipping route disrupted during the conflict between Washington and Tehran. Pentagon officials reportedly estimate that clearing the waterway could take six months, though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to confirm a timeline. U.S. forces may use littoral combat ships, minesweepers, divers, remotely operated vehicles and helicopters, but experts warn that restoring confidence among shipping companies and insurers could take longer than the physical operation. Iran’s ability to lay mines more easily than the United States can detect them, along with the possibility that no mines were deployed, is contributing to continued uncertainty and elevated risks for global energy markets.

The U.S. Navy is reviewing the Ford-class aircraft carrier’s design, costs and performance after years of criticism from President Donald Trump, particularly over its magnetic catapults. Navy Secretary John Phelan has not ruled out canceling two planned but uncontracted carriers, while budget documents refer only generically to an aircraft carrier. The Navy continues to defend the Ford design as battle-proven and more capable than the older Nimitz class, but the review will assess aircraft-launch and recovery data. The proposed Trump-class battleship is expected to cost more than a Ford-class carrier and could become even more expensive if nuclear propulsion is selected.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that U.S. troops will no longer generally be required to receive annual flu vaccinations, citing medical autonomy and religious freedom. Military services may request to retain the mandate within 15 days. The policy follows the contentious COVID-19 vaccine mandate, under which more than 8,400 troops were separated before Congress rescinded the requirement; 153 had reportedly been reinstated or re-accessed by March. The change comes after a particularly severe flu season and amid broader Trump administration efforts to reduce universal vaccine recommendations, despite public-health guidance encouraging annual flu vaccination for everyone aged six months and older.

The Pentagon is seeking major increases in the 2027 defense budget, including more than $74 billion for drones and related technology and over $30 billion for munitions and missile interceptors. Patriot and THAAD stocks have been heavily used during the Iran war, including against inexpensive Iranian drones. The proposal also funds Precision Strike Missiles, Mid-Range Capability systems, counter-drone weapons, 44,500 additional troops, border operations and the largest shipbuilding request since 1962. Officials said the blueprint was prepared before the conflict and does not include additional operational costs for the war.

US forces have completed their withdrawal from Qasrak air base in Syria’s Hasakah province, following the earlier departure from al-Tanf near the Jordanian border. The drawdown transfers most former US military sites to Syrian government control and follows an agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, as well as the transfer of about 5,700 alleged Islamic State militants from detention centers in northeast Syria to prisons in Iraq. US Central Command said it will continue supporting partner-led counterterrorism operations to prevent an Islamic State resurgence, despite the group’s loss of territorial control in 2019 and continuing sleeper-cell attacks.

More than 10,000 US troops are helping enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, but no vessels have been boarded. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said 13 Iran-linked ships had turned around, while other vessels have stopped, disabled transponders or returned toward Iran. Ships approaching the blockade are warned that they may face warning shots, boarding or seizure. The Navy has deployed 16 warships in the Middle East, supported by refueling, surveillance and intelligence assets, while US forces elsewhere could pursue vessels involved in Iranian oil shipments or material support for Tehran.

The USS Gerald R. Ford has spent 295 days deployed, surpassing the post-Vietnam War record for a U.S. aircraft carrier. Its mission included operations related to Venezuela and the Iran war, but a fire forced the carrier to return to the Mediterranean for repairs. The extended deployment has raised concerns about crew mental health, living conditions and equipment strain, while Navy officials expect the ship to remain deployed for roughly 11 months, potentially returning in late May.

The US Navy has implemented a blockade of Iranian ports, intercepting or directing vessels back toward Iran after they clear the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping analysts report that several Iran-linked or sanctioned ships have halted, reversed course or reduced movement, while uncertainty is being amplified by AIS interference and unclear enforcement rules. The blockade threatens Iran's oil exports, storage capacity and fuel supply, although humanitarian cargo and some neutral shipping may pass after inspection. Iran has warned that it could further restrict trade across the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Red Sea if the blockade continues.

U.S. officials say American strikes destroyed or degraded most of Iran’s air defenses, naval forces, weapons factories and nuclear industrial base, but the reported figures do not support claims that Iran’s military has been completely decimated. Iran retains some ability to launch attacks, defend itself and potentially rebuild or acquire weapons. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard retains some small attack boats, naval mines may remain in the Strait of Hormuz, and an Iranian weapon recently downed a U.S. fighter jet. Israel reports intercepting more than 90% of incoming missiles and drones.

U.S. forces rescued the two-person crew of an F-15E fighter jet after it went down deep inside Iran. The pilot was recovered within hours, while the injured weapons systems officer evaded Iranian forces, reached mountainous terrain and hid until being located nearly two days later. The operation involved dozens of aircraft, hundreds of personnel, aerial refueling, drones, fighter aircraft and CIA technology, alongside a deception campaign intended to mislead Iranian search teams. An A-10 Warthog providing support was damaged by enemy fire, but its pilot escaped safely. U.S. officials described the mission as an unusually complex and sustained search-and-rescue effort.

A U.S. service member missing after an F-15E Strike Eagle crashed in Iran was rescued, according to Donald Trump, after a large U.S. search-and-rescue operation. The aviator was injured but expected to recover; a second crew member had already been rescued. The incident occurred amid an escalating U.S.-Israel war against Iran, in which additional U.S. aircraft were lost and thousands of people have been killed across the region. Trump threatened devastating consequences unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, while an Iranian military commander threatened U.S. infrastructure in response. Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt are seeking to broker a ceasefire and diplomatic talks, while Iran has signaled it is willing to participate in negotiations. Further threats to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait raise concerns about energy supplies, shipping and global markets.

Iran claimed its forces shot down a U.S. F-15E and that another American aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf, while a U.S. service member remained missing in an ongoing search-and-rescue operation. The developments came despite Donald Trump’s recent claims that Iran had been defeated. An apparent Iranian drone also damaged Oracle’s headquarters in Dubai after the Revolutionary Guard threatened major U.S. technology companies, while earlier strikes reportedly hit Amazon Web Services facilities. The conflict has caused substantial casualties, disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and destabilized energy markets, with international efforts to reopen the waterway continuing.

Thousands of additional U.S. troops and military assets are being deployed to the Middle East as the Trump administration pursues talks with Iran while keeping open the possibility of escalating the war, including a potential ground operation. The reinforcements include the USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group, 82nd Airborne troops, and thousands of Marines. The deployments are adding pressure to already strained forces in the region, where the USS Gerald R. Ford has suffered damage and is on an exceptionally long deployment after operations linked to Venezuela and Iran.

More than a month of US-Israeli airstrikes has reduced Iran’s ballistic-missile launches but has not neutralized its military. Iran continues using missiles and increasingly difficult-to-intercept drones to strike Israel, Gulf states and US forces, while targeting oil, water and other infrastructure to raise the economic cost of the war and pressure Washington into negotiations. Analysts say Iran may be rationing its remaining weapons rather than running out, and could still possess thousands of locally produced drones and substantial missile stocks in hardened facilities. The conflict is straining US and Israeli interceptor supplies, disrupting energy markets and keeping the Strait of Hormuz under threat.

An Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia wounded at least 10 U.S. service members, including two seriously, and damaged refueling aircraft. The attack followed Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear-related facilities, after which Tehran threatened retaliation and launched missiles toward Israel. Iran also agreed to facilitate humanitarian and agricultural shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, though tensions over reopening the strategic waterway remain unresolved. The United States is pursuing a diplomatic solution while deploying additional troops and threatening strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure if maritime traffic is not restored. The conflict has caused heavy casualties and infrastructure damage across Iran, Israel, Lebanon and Gulf states, intensified pressure on energy and financial markets, and raised warnings of a broader humanitarian crisis.

An Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia wounded at least 10 U.S. service members, including two seriously, and damaged several U.S. refueling aircraft. The attack came after President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Iran had been decisively neutralized. U.S. Central Command said more than 300 service members had been wounded during the monthlong conflict, with 10 seriously wounded and 30 still unable to return to duty. The base had previously been targeted, including an attack that fatally wounded Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington.

The U.S. is preparing to deploy at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, adding to thousands of Marines and sailors already being sent to the region. The deployment comes as the Trump administration says it is negotiating with Iran to end the war, though Iranian officials deny that direct talks are occurring. A Senate Armed Services Committee briefing is expected to address the possible deployment, while Iran has continued to signal resistance and a willingness to fight.

A U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq while supporting military operations against Iran. U.S. Central Command said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire and that a second aircraft landed safely; rescue efforts were underway, with casualties not immediately confirmed. The incident is the fourth publicly acknowledged U.S. aircraft crash linked to the operations, which have also resulted in seven American military deaths and about 140 injuries.

Legal experts say the U.S. submarine’s torpedo attack on the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in international waters near Sri Lanka was likely lawful because the vessel was a legitimate military target, even though it was not actively firing. They distinguish the legality of the strike from the broader U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran, which one expert described as violating the UN Charter. The main unresolved issue is whether the United States took all feasible measures to rescue the roughly 32 survivors after 87 people died. The U.S. says it alerted Sri Lankan authorities, whose navy later found oil patches, life rafts and people in the water, but experts say more information is needed before judging whether the post-attack response complied with international humanitarian law.

The Pentagon has designated Anthropic and its products a supply chain risk effective immediately, potentially forcing federal contractors to stop using the company’s Claude chatbot. The move followed Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s criticism of CEO Dario Amodei after Anthropic refused to remove safeguards against mass surveillance of Americans and fully autonomous weapons. Anthropic has threatened legal action, while Lockheed Martin said it would seek other large-language-model providers. Critics, including Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Republican technology policy expert Neil Chilson, and former defense and intelligence officials, said the designation misuses a tool intended to counter foreign adversaries and could damage U.S. technological and military capabilities. Although Anthropic risks losing defense partnerships, Claude has seen a surge in consumer downloads, while OpenAI’s agreement to replace Anthropic in classified environments has drawn criticism from CEO Sam Altman.

A drone strike on a command center in Kuwait killed six U.S. Army Reserve logistics soldiers amid the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran and Iran’s retaliatory attacks. The article profiles four identified victims—Declan Coady, Nicole Amor, Cody Khork and Noah Tietjens—through tributes from their families, friends and communities, emphasizing their dedication to military service, family life and personal interests. Two additional soldiers had not been publicly identified, while President Donald Trump warned that more casualties could follow.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. forces could not prevent every Iranian missile or drone attack but had established the strongest feasible defenses before launching offensive operations. His warning followed the deaths of six U.S. soldiers in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait and came as more American aircraft and troops moved into the region. Hegseth said the conflict could last up to eight weeks or longer, while President Donald Trump suggested four to five weeks but said he was prepared to continue the campaign. Iran has threatened broader attacks on the region’s military and economic infrastructure.

An Iranian drone strike killed six U.S. soldiers at an operations center in Port Shuaiba, a civilian industrial port in Kuwait more than 10 miles from Camp Arifjan. Satellite imagery and a U.S. official indicate the facility was a destroyed shipping-container-style building near oil infrastructure and shipping piers. Relatives said soldiers had been moved there because commanders feared an attack on the main base, while Pentagon officials described the site as fortified and covered by extensive regional air defenses. The incident is under investigation and has intensified questions about the safety and placement of U.S. military personnel amid escalating attacks involving Iran, Israel and countries across the Middle East.

President Donald Trump reportedly authorized Operation Epic Fury against Iran with the words, “Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck.” General Dan Caine said the operation began in Tehran with B-2 stealth bombers and extensive cyberattacks intended to disrupt Iranian communications and sensor networks. The campaign reportedly killed Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and caused hundreds of deaths in Iran, alongside casualties in Israel and Lebanon.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran have a clear objective and will not become an endless conflict, while denying that regime change is the formal goal. He cited Iran’s missile and drone capabilities as the main justification for the strikes and said its nuclear program had already been destroyed. The briefing took place as Iranian forces and allied groups attacked Israel, Arab states and U.S. targets, with four American troops reported killed. A U.S. ally, Kuwait, mistakenly shot down three American fighter jets, though all six pilots survived. No clear exit strategy was offered, and the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei raised further questions about Iran’s political future and regional stability. Trump said the assault could last four to five weeks, while reported casualties reached at least 555 in Iran, 11 in Israel and 31 in Lebanon.

A U.S. military high-energy laser system mistakenly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone near Fort Hancock, Texas, prompting the FAA to close additional airspace. The incident was the second recent laser deployment in the region and drew criticism from congressional Democrats, who accused the Trump administration of incompetence and failing to implement bipartisan measures for interagency drone coordination. Senator Tammy Duckworth called for an independent investigation as officials cited border-security concerns and the potential threat from cartel-operated drones.

A U.S. military high-energy laser shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone near Fort Hancock, Texas, after authorities apparently mistook it for a threat. The incident prompted the FAA to close local airspace and became the second recent Texas episode involving anti-drone systems and interagency coordination problems. Democratic lawmakers condemned the Trump administration for bypassing bipartisan training and communication measures, while the FAA, Pentagon and CBP said the action was authorized to counter a seemingly threatening drone in military airspace. Senator Tammy Duckworth called for an independent investigation. The episode comes amid growing concern over cartel drone activity, airport near misses and expanded federal funding and authority for counter-drone operations.

The United States is assembling its largest Middle East force since the 2003 Iraq invasion, deploying two aircraft carrier strike groups, at least 16 ships, more than 100 fighter jets, support aircraft and additional forces to bases across the region. The buildup comes as Donald Trump threatens military action if negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program fail. Experts say the force could support strikes on Iranian air defenses or nuclear facilities while also defending against retaliation, but warn that Iran may respond more aggressively than it did after previous US and Israeli attacks, potentially triggering a wider regional war. The absence of a major ground force limits the scale of any operation, but the deployment appears designed both to enable attacks and deter or withstand Iranian counterstrikes.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover received the Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address for his actions as lead pilot during the raid that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Slover was seriously wounded by four gunshots while maneuvering his Chinook helicopter to protect troops and eliminate enemy machine-gun positions. Seven U.S. service members were wounded in the operation, and ten others are expected to receive medals at a private White House ceremony. Trump also upgraded retired Navy pilot E. Royce Williams's Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor for shooting down Soviet jets during the Korean War.

U.S. forces boarded the Bertha in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean, marking the Trump administration’s tenth sanctioned-oil-tanker interdiction and third in the Indian Ocean. The vessel was placed under U.S. control, though officials had not confirmed a formal seizure, leaving its disposition to the Homeland Security and State departments. The tanker had previously been sanctioned over links to Iran, allegedly operated under a false Curaçao flag, and was carrying about 1.9 million barrels of crude reportedly bound for China. The operation is part of broader U.S. efforts to pressure Venezuela and control its oil trade following Nicolás Maduro’s capture.

Donald Trump proposed sending a hospital ship to Greenland, claiming the territory has widespread sickness and inadequate medical care. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejected the premise, emphasizing Greenland’s free public healthcare system. Although remote communities face access challenges, Greenland uses telemedicine and transfers complex cases to Denmark, while life expectancy has improved. The comparison also highlights serious healthcare access problems in rural parts of the United States.

Donald Trump claimed Greenland is suffering from widespread illness and that a U.S. hospital ship was already heading there, but available evidence does not support either assertion. Greenland has a free public healthcare system centered on Queen Ingrid Hospital and regional health centers, although remote communities face staffing shortages, limited local services and broader problems including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort were still undergoing maintenance in Alabama and would require additional preparation before deployment. Greenlandic officials defended the territory’s healthcare system, while comparisons with rural Louisiana highlighted that the United States also faces serious healthcare-access gaps.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to meet Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei as the Pentagon presses ahead with military AI adoption. Anthropic is the only one of four contracted AI companies not yet supplying its technology to the Pentagon’s new internal network, reflecting its objections to unrestricted uses such as autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. Hegseth has promoted AI systems without what he calls ideological constraints, while Anthropic has emphasized safety and safeguards, putting the company at odds with the Trump administration and risking reduced influence in defense policy. Google, xAI and OpenAI have already secured Pentagon roles, and experts say military AI is now established but presents substantially greater risks when used in battlefield or lethal-force contexts.

The U.S. Air Force says future Air Force One aircraft will use a red, white, gold and dark-blue paint scheme associated with Donald Trump, replacing the traditional Kennedy-era colors. Boeing is modifying two 747-8i aircraft to replace the aging presidential fleet, while a third jet will receive the same design. Trump’s earlier white-and-navy proposal was reversed by Joe Biden in 2023 after concerns that darker colors could increase costs and delay delivery. The report also notes controversy over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s acceptance of a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar and the estimated cost of adapting it for presidential use.

Donald Trump said that regime change in Iran would be the best possible outcome as the US considers further military action and deploys the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the Middle East. Washington is seeking more than limits on Iran’s nuclear program, including constraints on ballistic missiles and support for proxy groups. Indirect talks have repeatedly faltered, though Trump said a deal could avert military action. Gulf states warn that an attack could trigger a wider regional conflict, while protests and mourning ceremonies inside Iran are increasing pressure on the government. The deployment would add more than 5,000 troops and extend the Ford’s already lengthy deployment, raising concerns about maintenance, readiness, and strain on service members.

The USS Gerald R. Ford has reportedly been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships already in the region. The deployment comes as President Donald Trump considers possible military action against Iran and presses Tehran over its nuclear program. The move would create an unusually long deployment for the Ford’s crew and appears to conflict with the administration’s stated emphasis on the Western Hemisphere. The White House had not commented.