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Beale-linked KC-135 crash in Iraq leaves six dead
26 minutes ago•Source: Sacramento Bee
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6.83 min•59 minutes ago
Cuba and U.S. Engage in Talks to Bridge Bilateral Differences Amid Energy Crisis
Cuba formally acknowledged recent talks with the United States aimed at resolving bilateral differences through dialogue, the first official admission of such discussions as Havana grapples with a severe energy crisis and outages; U.S. officials reportedly met with Raúl Castro’s grandson, but specifics and a U.S. comment were not provided.
3.78 min•59 minutes ago
Drone attack on Sudan market raises civilian toll amid widening air war
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Iran conflict looms over global food prices through fertilizer disruption
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Lawmakers call for firing Hegseth after Pentagon links US to Iranian school attack
Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Sen. Elizabeth Warren urge the firing of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the wake of reports that a US-aligned strike may have killed hundreds of Iranian schoolgirls, citing a Pentagon finding that the US was a highly likely culprit and arguing that Hegseth’s stance against civilian-harm safeguards and loosening of engagement rules helped shape a dangerous policy. Human rights groups condemn the attack as a possible war crime and call for independent investigation, as critics use the episode to attack the administration’s Iran strategy.
Three Ohio airmen among six killed in Iraq KC-135 refueling crash
Three Ohio airmen were among the six U.S. service members killed when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed during a combat mission in western Iraq, with Gov. DeWine confirming the Ohio casualties and noting they were from the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker.
US-Israel Strikes Bite Into Iran's Defenses as Regional Escalation Surges
ISW-CTP’s morning updates say US-Israeli strikes hit Iran’s air-defense and ballistic-missile infrastructure, including Khuzestan LEC HQ, IRGC and Artesh units, with Western assessments estimating roughly 60–80% degradation of air defenses and up to 80% of offensive missile capability. CENTCOM reports six US servicemembers died in a non-hostile incident in western Iraq. Iran has retaliated with five missile waves against Israel and Gulf states, including attacks near Haifa and damage to the Dubai Financial Center, alongside thousands of drones; Hezbollah and Iraqi militias claim attacks as part of the Axis of Resistance. The evening update will cover additional developments.
China’s Massive Fishing-Fleet Formations Signal Military Readiness, Not Fishing
Thousands of Chinese fishing boats gathered in tight, geometric formations in the East China Sea for days, a display experts say was not about fishing but a coordinated mobilization and maritime-militia exercise with potential implications for Taiwan and regional security; while some see it as a test of Beijing’s ability to marshal civilian fleets for possible military operations, the exact intent remains debated.
Israel targets Tehran Basij bases amid reports of Iranian civilian support
Israel says it is tracking and striking Basij checkpoints and other IRGC security sites in Tehran to degrade the regime’s internal security apparatus, with Prime Minister Netanyahu saying Israel has delivered “crushing blows” to the IRGC and Basij. The reports cite social-media videos from Iranians showing Basij targets, while analysts note satellite imagery indicating multiple Basij bases hit; Iran claims casualties from drone strikes and warns residents amid a crackdown on protests that activists say has killed thousands. The development, occurring alongside a major rally and Iranian officials’ rhetoric, could widen space for anti-regime demonstrations if strikes continue.
Germany’s Merz shifts away from Trump on Iran war amid economic fears
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has cooled his earlier alignment with Trump over regime change in Iran, warning that the war is raising Germany’s energy costs and risking migration and broader economic and security damage; he now questions the exit strategy and says Berlin should pursue ending the conflict through talks with the G7 and Israel, amid coalition pressure and EU concern over Ukraine and Russia.
Israel readies sweeping ground invasion of southern Lebanon
Israeli officials say the IDF plans a large-scale ground operation into southern Lebanon to seize territory south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah’s positions, potentially the biggest invasion there since 2006, risking a prolonged occupation as Lebanon evacuates civilians; the U.S. backs the operation while urging caution to protect Lebanese infrastructure and pursue direct talks to end hostilities.
Putin cashes in on Iran turmoil as shadow oil routes flourish
The Iran war is creating a windfall for Vladimir Putin as Russian crude moves through shadow shipping networks, aided by a U.S. sanctions waiver that lets Indian refiners buy Moscow’s oil. Tankers like the Sarah have shifted routes to India and may onward‑load for China, highlighting how Moscow benefits from Middle East turmoil. The surge could be temporary, exposed to further sanctions and price swings.
Navy Fires SM-3 Interceptors to Down Iranian Missiles Over Turkey
U.S. Navy destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean have fired SM-3 interceptors three times in two weeks to shoot down Iranian ballistic missiles in Turkish airspace, including Friday when USS Oscar Austin launched at least one SM-3; NATO defenses intercepted the strike and debris fell in Gaziantep. The engagements are part of broad Epic Fury air-defense operations, with SM-3 variants costing from about $10–$28 million and officials warning that more interceptors are needed amid regional threats.
Trump suggests Putin may be aiding Iran a little as war drags on
President Trump told Fox News that Vladimir Putin may be helping Iran 'a bit' as the conflict with the US and Israel persists, amid reports Russia has shared targeting coordinates with Tehran. Moscow denies providing intelligence to Iran, while Washington continues to back Ukraine and has temporarily lifted some Russian oil sanctions.