Feed aggregator

President Donald Trump has agreed to pause planned military strikes on Iran for two weeks in a last-minute decision made less than 90 minutes before his 8 p.m. deadline, saying the move could open the door to a wider peace agreement in the Middle East.

In a Truth Social statement, Trump said the decision followed conversations with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who urged him to delay what he described as a major military assault on Iran.

The pause in operations, he said, depends on Iran taking immediate steps to reopen a key global shipping route. “subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

Trump framed the decision as part of a broader de-escalation effort, stating: “This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East,” Trump said. “We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate.”

He added that negotiations had already made significant progress, saying: “Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated. On behalf of the United States of America, as President, and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

The United States had been pressing Iran to restore passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway responsible for roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil flow, warning of severe consequences if it remained closed.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump issued a stark warning about the potential outcome if no agreement were reached. “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“… We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World.”

Pakistan, which has played a central role in mediating between Washington and Tehran during the conflict, made a last-minute push for an extension, proposing that Iran reopen the strait temporarily during the two-week period as a goodwill gesture.

“Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future,” Sharif said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

The diplomatic push followed a series of U.S. strikes targeting Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical hub for the country’s oil exports.

According to reports, approximately 50 strikes were carried out against bunkers, radar installations, and ammunition depots on the island, while avoiding direct hits on major energy infrastructure such as oil tanker terminals.

The escalating situation has rattled global markets, with investors concerned that further strikes on Iranian infrastructure—including bridges and power plants—could intensify the conflict.

Trump had previously outlined the scale of potential military action, warning: “We have a plan because of the power of our military where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night,” Trump said Monday, “where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again.”

He added that the operation “will happen over a period of four hours.”

The CIA relied on a highly classified system known as “Ghost Murmur” to locate and help rescue a second American airman who was shot down in southern Iran, according to a report by The New York Post citing sources familiar with the operation.

The tool, described as a cutting-edge intelligence capability, uses long-range quantum magnetometry to detect the electromagnetic signature of a human heartbeat, then combines that data with artificial intelligence to distinguish it from surrounding interference, sources said.

This marked the first known operational deployment of the technology in the field by the agency, and it was indirectly referenced during a White House briefing by President Donald Trump and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

“It’s like hearing a voice in a stadium, except the stadium is a thousand square miles of desert,” a source familiar with the program told The Post. “In the right conditions, if your heart is beating, we will find you.”

According to sources with knowledge of Lockheed Martin systems, the technology was developed by the company’s Skunk Works division, though the firm declined to comment on the report.

The system has reportedly been tested aboard Black Hawk helicopters and may eventually be integrated into F-35 fighter aircraft, according to one of the sources.

The downed crew member, publicly identified only as “Dude 44 Bravo,” had taken cover in a mountain crevice after his F-15 was shot down, surviving for two days in harsh terrain while Iranian forces searched the area.

The remote and sparsely populated environment made conditions especially suitable for the first real-world use of Ghost Murmur, one source explained.

“The name is deliberate. ‘Murmur’ is a clinical term for a heart rhythm. ‘Ghost’ refers to finding someone who, for all practical purposes, has disappeared,” the source said.

The technology performed optimally due to minimal electromagnetic interference, limited human presence, and temperature differences at night between the human body and the surrounding desert, which helped confirm readings.

“Normally this signal is so weak that it can only be measured in a hospital setting with sensors pressed nearly against the chest,” the source said.

“But advances in a field known as quantum magnetometry — specifically sensors built around microscopic defects in synthetic diamonds — have apparently made it possible to detect these signals at dramatically greater distances.”

The same source cautioned that the system is not all-powerful. “The capability is not omniscient. It works best in remote, low-clutter environments and requires significant processing time,” this person said.

It remains unclear how long the system took to process data during the rescue or whether it has additional offensive military applications.

Although the airman activated a Combat Survivor Evader Locator beacon, his exact position remained uncertain until Ghost Murmur helped narrow and confirm his location.

The breakthrough came when the system identified the airman’s position, working alongside the beacon to refine the search.

“He had to come out [of the crevice] to send the beacon,” the source said. “It was less important the signal they sent and more important that he had to come out to send [it].”

During a briefing, Ratcliffe described the moment the agency confirmed the airman’s survival. “achieved our primary objective by finding and providing confirmation that one of America’s best and bravest was alive and concealed in a mountain crevice — still invisible to the enemy, but not to the CIA.”

“That confirmation was relayed by Secretary [of War Pete] Hegseth to the president, and the operation quickly moved to the execution phase,” he said.

Trump told reporters the CIA had identified the missing airman from a considerable distance. “It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, finding this pilot, and the CIA was unbelievable,” Trump said. “The CIA was very responsible for finding this little speck.”

He also praised Ratcliffe’s role in the operation, saying: “did a phenomenal job that night — he did something that I don’t know if you want to talk about it. If you want, you can. I’m not sure he’s supposed to.”

Trump joked about the secrecy surrounding the system, adding that the technology “might be classified, in which case I’d have to put him in jail if he talks about it and I don’t want to put him in jail. He doesn’t deserve that.”

Sources indicated that the classified nature of Ghost Murmur explains why officials have been reluctant to detail how the airman was located.

“I don’t think people even know this technology is possible from this distance,” one source said.

Airstrikes struck Tehran on Tuesday as Iran urged civilians—especially young people—to form human chains around power plants, just hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a dramatic escalation.

With the 8 p.m. Washington deadline approaching, tensions surged on both sides. Trump signaled that this cutoff may be final after extending previous deadlines, warning that failure to comply would lead to sweeping attacks on Iran’s infrastructure. Tehran responded with defiant rhetoric, including a claim by its president that 14 million citizens had volunteered to fight.

Although Iran lacks the advanced capabilities of U.S. and Israeli forces, its control over the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets, increasing pressure on Washington to resolve the standoff.

Diplomatic sources said negotiations were still underway, but Iran had rejected the latest U.S. proposal, leaving uncertainty over whether a deal could be reached in time. International leaders and legal experts cautioned that the scale of strikes being discussed could violate the laws of war.

At the same time, waves of strikes hit targets across Iran, including residential neighborhoods in Tehran, leaving dozens dead. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and Saudi Arabia, forcing the temporary closure of a key regional bridge.

Reiterating the deadline, Trump warned that “the entire country can be taken out in one night.”

“Every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night,” he said Monday, adding that power plants would be “burning, exploding and never to be used again.”

In response, Iranian officials called on the public to physically protect key infrastructure. They urged “all young people, athletes, artists, students and university students and their professors” to form human chains around power facilities.

“Power plants that are our national assets and capital,” Alireza Rahimi, identified by Iranian state television as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, said in a video statement.

While similar demonstrations have occurred in the past around nuclear facilities, it remained unclear how many would participate this time. Reports indicated that at least one major power plant in Tehran had already been closed off for security reasons ahead of the planned gatherings.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed widespread public mobilization, writing: “I too have been, am, and will remain ready to give my life for Iran.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued further warnings, saying it would “deprive the U.S. and its allies of the region’s oil and gas for years” and expand its attacks across the Gulf if the U.S. follows through.

A senior Guard official also encouraged parents to send their children to staff checkpoints, which have been frequent targets of airstrikes.

Inside Tehran, the atmosphere was described as tense and fearful. One resident, speaking anonymously, said the country faces worsening conditions, including the possibility of widespread power outages. “I feel we are stuck between the blades of a pair of scissors,” he said.

International leaders continued to call for restraint. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned that attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure “are barred by the rules of war, international law.”

“They would without doubt trigger a new phase of escalation, of reprisals, that would drag the region and the world economy into a vicious circle,” he added.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also cautioned that targeting civilian infrastructure would violate international law, according to his office.

Despite those warnings, Trump dismissed concerns, saying he is “not at all” worried about potential accusations of war crimes.

Airstrikes continued across Iran, including in densely populated areas. Israel said it struck a petrochemical facility in Shiraz for a second consecutive day and issued a Farsi-language warning advising civilians to avoid trains, suggesting possible further strikes on transportation infrastructure.

Additional attacks were reported at Khorramabad International Airport and in Alborz province, where state media said 18 people were killed. Other strikes in Shahriar and Pardis left at least 15 more dead.

Iran also launched missiles toward Saudi Arabia early Tuesday, with debris reportedly falling near energy facilities after interception. The attack led Saudi authorities to temporarily shut down the King Fahd Causeway, the only land connection between Bahrain—home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet—and the Arabian Peninsula.

Missile alerts were also reported in Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Eilat.

Since the war began, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, though official figures have not been updated in recent days.

In Lebanon, fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has killed more than 1,400 people and displaced over one million, while 11 Israeli soldiers have died there. Additional casualties have been reported across the region, including in Gulf Arab states, the West Bank, Israel, and among U.S. forces.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the conflict on February 28 has had far-reaching economic consequences, with disruptions to global oil supply driving up prices worldwide.

Brent crude rose above $108 per barrel on Tuesday, representing an increase of roughly 50 percent since the outbreak of hostilities.

While Iran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal on Monday, insisting on a permanent end to the war, diplomatic efforts continued. Officials said indirect talks between Washington and Tehran were ongoing, with mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey “are racing against time” to reach a deal.

According to one official, Iran has tied reopening the strait to sanctions relief, and the United States has indicated willingness to ease some restrictions, particularly on Iran’s oil sector, in an effort to stabilize global markets.

Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution urging the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, preventing the measure from passing despite majority support, AFP reported.

The proposal had already been significantly scaled back from its original version, which Gulf nations had pushed to include authorization for the use of force to secure the crucial shipping route.

The revised draft, introduced by Bahrain with backing from the United States, received 11 votes in favor, two opposed, and two abstentions.

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed disappointment following the outcome, saying the Gulf states “regret” the rejection of the measure.

Iran has effectively blocked the strategic waterway since the United States and Israel launched military operations on February 28, disrupting a passage through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply typically flows and sending shockwaves through global markets.

The vote came just hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the strait, during which he warned that failure to comply could result in catastrophic consequences, including that “a whole civilization will die” in Iran.

Following the vote, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz emphasized that Washington retains the ability to act independently, stating: “Today’s result does not restrict the United States to continue to act in its own self defense and in the collective defense of our allies and partners.”

Speaking on behalf of Gulf oil-producing nations, Al Zayani warned that the failed resolution carries broader implications, saying it “sends the wrong signal to the world.”

He elaborated: “This signal that the threat to international waterways can pass without any decisive action by the international organization responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security,” he said.

Bahrain had begun discussions two weeks earlier on a stronger resolution that would have explicitly authorized countries to use force to reopen the strait.

However, resistance from several permanent members of the Security Council with veto power—including France, Russia, and China—led to repeated delays and a weakened final version of the text.

The revised resolution “strongly encourages states…to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation, including through the escort of merchant and commercial vessels,” rather than explicitly authorizing force.

It also “demands” that Iran “immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

In addition, the proposal called for an end to strikes targeting civilian water, oil, and gas infrastructure.

President Donald Trump pushed back Tuesday against claims by Tucker Carlson that he is moving toward a nuclear confrontation with Iran, rejecting the assertion in a phone conversation with The New York Post and sharply criticizing the commentator.

“Tucker’s a low IQ person that has absolutely no idea what’s going on,” the president said. “He calls me all the time; I don’t respond to his calls. I don’t deal with him. I like dealing with smart people, not fools.”

Carlson had alleged in a post Monday night on X that Trump’s earlier Truth Social message—warning that the United States could strike Iran’s power plants and bridges—was “the first step toward nuclear war.”

“Christians need to understand where Trump is taking us,” Carlson wrote.

In the original Sunday post, Trump issued a blunt warning directed at Iran, writing: “open the … Strait, you crazy …. , or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”

Carlson condemned the tone of the message, calling it inappropriate for a religious holiday. “vile on every level.”

In his podcast, Carlson further criticized the president, saying: “How dare you speak that way on Easter morning to the country?” Carlson said in his podcast. “Who do you think you are? You’re tweeting out [a profanity] on Easter morning.”

He went on to draw extreme comparisons, suggesting the president’s actions could lead to global catastrophe. “Is it just a conventional escalation ladder in a badly thought out war … [or] could it be something bigger? Is it possible what you’re watching is a very stealthy yet incredibly effective attack on what, from a Christian perspective, is the true faith: …. he said.

Carlson also questioned Trump’s motives in broader terms. “Is it possible that the president sees this in bigger terms? Sees this as the fulfillment of something? An elevation of some higher office beyond president of the United States?”

He pointed to Trump’s inauguration as part of his argument, saying: “… Maybe he didn’t put his hand on the Bible because he affirmatively rejects what’s inside that book, and what’s inside that book are limits on human behavior,” he said. “Because if there’s one theme that spans all 66 books in the Christian Bible, it’s that you are not God and you cannot assume his powers.”

Escalating his claims, Carlson urged administration and military personnel to refuse any potential nuclear order. “Those people who are in direct contact with the President need to say, ‘no, I’ll resign. I’ll do whatever I can do legally to stop this, because this is insane, and if you give the order, I’m not carrying it out. Figure out the codes on the football yourself,’” Carlson said.

The claims gained additional traction online when an account associated with former Vice President Kamala Harris amplified the narrative, asserting that Vice President JD Vance had hinted at the possibility of nuclear action.

The post referenced remarks Vance delivered in Hungary, where he said: “we’ve got tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use that the president of the United States can decide to use them — and he will decide to use them if the Iranians don’t change their course of conduct.”

The White House quickly rejected that interpretation, responding on its Rapid Response account: “Literally nothing @VP said here ‘implies’ this, you absolute buffoons.”

Trump has continued to maintain that he is prepared to act militarily if Iran refuses to comply with his demands, particularly regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

In a separate Truth Social post, he warned: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

He added: “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?”

“We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

Military analysts note that the United States has multiple options available, ranging from expanded air campaigns targeting Iranian infrastructure to potential operations involving key strategic sites such as Kharg Island, which handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude oil exports.

American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted from a street in Baghdad last week, has been released, according to an Iraqi official familiar with the situation.

The official, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public comment, said Kittleson was freed in the afternoon. While her current location was not disclosed, the official confirmed she had been held somewhere in Baghdad prior to her release.

Earlier in the day, the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah issued a statement saying it had decided to release Kittleson, who had been kidnapped on March 31.

The group said the move was made “in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister”, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, without elaborating further. It added: “This initiative will not be repeated in the future.”

The militia also imposed a condition, stating that Kittleson must “leave the country immediately” after being freed.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Until issuing the statement, Kataib Hezbollah had not publicly acknowledged involvement in the abduction, although both U.S. and Iraqi officials had previously indicated the group was likely responsible.

According to two militia officials who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press, the release was part of an arrangement that would see several Kataib Hezbollah members previously detained by Iraqi authorities set free.

Kittleson, 49, is a freelance reporter who has spent years working across the Middle East, including in Iraq and Syria, and had previously been based in Rome. Like many independent journalists, she operated without the security resources typically available to staff reporters at major news organizations.

She had recently returned to Iraq before her kidnapping. U.S. officials said they had warned her multiple times about potential threats, but she chose to remain in the country.

Iraqi authorities reported that the abduction involved two vehicles. One of the cars was involved in a crash while being pursued near the town of al-Haswa in Babil province, southwest of Baghdad. Kittleson was then moved into a second vehicle that escaped.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said efforts to secure her release had encountered setbacks.

One security official said a representative of the Popular Mobilization Forces—a coalition of Iran-aligned militias formally linked to the Iraqi military—had been assigned to negotiate with the kidnappers, but faced difficulties establishing communication with Kataib Hezbollah’s leadership.

Kataib Hezbollah has been linked in the past to the abduction of foreign nationals.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a graduate student at Princeton University with Israeli and Russian citizenship, went missing in Baghdad in 2023. After being freed and transferred to U.S. authorities in September 2025, she said she had been held by Kataib Hezbollah, though the group never formally claimed responsibility.

Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq have also carried out repeated attacks on U.S. installations in the country since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation said it is working to allow hundreds more people into the Kosel plaza, beyond the limits set by a temporary High Court ruling, pending approval from security authorities.

In a submission to the Supreme Court, the foundation stated that additional protective measures are available and have not yet been fully implemented, which could make it possible to safely accommodate a larger number of people at the site.

Officials also warned that current entry limits are leading to crowding and long lines outside the plaza, creating potential safety concerns.

The foundation stressed that any increase in access would be coordinated with the Home Front Command and Israel Police, and carried out in line with security protocols, while maintaining a balance between safeguarding lives and preserving access for tefillah.

President Donald Trump warned that devastating consequences could unfold within hours if Iran fails to agree to his terms for ending the war, declaring that an entire civilization could be wiped out.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” adding, “I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

He also suggested that recent developments could lead to a dramatic shift, writing: “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

In remarks delivered the previous day, Trump reaffirmed that the deadline for reaching an agreement with Iran remains set for Tuesday and issued additional warnings directed at Tehran.

“The entire country [of Iran] can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night” Trump said.

His comments followed Iran’s rejection of a proposed temporary ceasefire. Tehran conditioned any end to the conflict on several demands, including halting regional hostilities, establishing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and lifting all sanctions.

Trump indicated that negotiations were still ongoing but insufficient, stating: “Tuesday is the deadline. The Iranians have made an offer, a significant offer, a significant step. It’s not enough, but a very significant step. They are negotiating now and they have made a very significant step.”

After the speech, Iranian officials dismissed Trump’s statements as unrealistic. Iran’s Armed Forces Central Headquarters said: “The rude, insolent, and baseless threats of the delusional US President will not make up for the humiliation and disgrace of the United States in the West Asia region.”

The IDF said it is continuing to expand its strikes against Iran’s military infrastructure, further degrading the regime’s operational capabilities.

According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, Israeli Air Force aircraft, acting on intelligence provided by IDF Intelligence, carried out attacks over the past several days on major production facilities linked to Iran’s military.

On Monday, the Air Force struck a primary facility in Shiraz used for manufacturing sonar and underwater detection systems. The site is affiliated with Iran’s Ministry of Defense.

The IDF stated that the facility played a central role in the planning, research, development, and production of sonar technologies designed to identify submarines, naval vessels, divers, and underwater missile systems.

“The strike significantly impairs the Iranian terror regime’s maritime detection and defense capabilities and its ability to produce and maintain submarines and naval electronic systems,” the statement said.

In a separate round of operations, Israeli forces also targeted a key installation in Karaj used in the production of naval cruise missiles and air defense systems, according to the IDF.

Rapper Ye has been denied entry into the United Kingdom ahead of a planned performance at the Wireless Festival, prompting organizers to cancel the major London event following widespread backlash over his antisemitic remarks.

Festival officials confirmed the decision and the cancellation of the three-day event. According to the BBC, citing the Home Office, Ye was refused entry because his presence was deemed not “conducive to the public good.”

He had been scheduled to headline before an estimated 150,000 attendees from July 10–12 at Finsbury Park in London. Prior to the decision, a senior government official had already stated he should “absolutely not” be allowed to perform.

In response to the controversy, Ye indicated a willingness to meet with representatives of the UK Jewish community, saying he would prove change through his actions. The pressure campaign against his appearance intensified amid criticism from sponsors and political leaders, particularly in light of his previous antisemitic comments and expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler.

The controversy follows a series of incidents over the past year, including the release of a track titled “Heil Hitler” and the promotion of merchandise featuring a swastika. In January, Ye issued a public apology, attributing his behavior to a bipolar episode.

Several major corporate sponsors—including Pepsi, Rockstar Energy, and Diageo—pulled their support, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the planned performance as “deeply concerning.”

Jewish community leader Phil Rosenberg said that any potential meeting would depend on sincere remorse from the artist. Meanwhile, event organizers had initially defended the booking, calling for “forgiveness and hope.” That position drew criticism from UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who dismissed it as “absurd” and reiterated that Ye should not be permitted to perform.

President Donald Trump reiterated that the United States is prepared to launch a major attack on Iran if a deal is not reached by his Tuesday 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time deadline, according to comments relayed by Fox News host Bret Baier following a direct conversation with the president.

Baier said he had just spoken with Trump, who declined to assign probabilities to a diplomatic outcome but emphasized that the deadline would be enforced. “I just got off the phone with the president…he called and I said, ‘Listen, if you were to put odds on it, what were the odds that this is going to end up being a negotiated deal?’ He said he wasn’t going to put odds on it, but he said 8:00 p.m. is happening. That’s what he said. He said, ‘If we get to that point, there is going to be an attack like they have not seen,’” Baier said.

According to Baier, Trump added that a breakthrough remains possible if talks advance quickly. “If negotiations move forward today and there is something concrete, that could change. But, at this hour, he didn’t want to put odds on it, but he said it is moving forward with the plans that we have.”

Earlier, Trump issued a stark warning on Truth Social, suggesting catastrophic consequences if Iran refuses his terms. “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” Trump wrote. “I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

He also indicated that regime change could alter the outcome, writing: “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

On Monday, Trump reaffirmed that the deadline for reaching an agreement remains unchanged and warned of severe consequences if it is not met. “The entire country [of Iran] can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night” Trump said.

His remarks followed Iran’s rejection of a proposed temporary ceasefire. Tehran demanded an end to the war contingent on several conditions, including a halt to regional conflicts, guarantees for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and the lifting of all sanctions.

Iranian officials later dismissed Trump’s warnings, asserting that the United States had suffered setbacks in the conflict and criticizing the president in harsh terms. A spokesman for Iran’s Armed Forces Central Headquarters said, “The rude, insolent, and baseless threats of the delusional US President will not make up for the humiliation and disgrace of the United States in the West Asia region.”

Rav Yehoshua Eichenstein delivered an unusually strong and uncompromising address criticizing israeli state policy, arguing that what is called democracy has become a form of ideological coercion. The remarks were delivered in a closed-door talk to a small group of students and are now being published for the first time, against the backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding the draft law and economic pressure on the Torah world.

In his remarks, Rav Eichenstein presented what he described as a clear and unapologetic position regarding the relationship between the chareidi public and the State of Israel, particularly during wartime.

Opening his address, he said: “If people think the state here is democratic, that’s a mistake.” He argued that the concept of “liberal democracy,” as promoted by the courts and media, has become a tool for ideological enforcement. “The moment you try to impose your religion on someone else, it’s no longer liberalism. Today’s progressivism is a religion in every sense, and it stands above everything—even above security needs.”

Rav Eichenstein cited court rulings that prioritize equality over operational effectiveness in the military as an example, describing them as detached from logic. “This is not one plus one equals two; this is one plus one equals ten. They are willing to sacrifice everything for their new ‘religion.’”

He also addressed the idea of “equal burden-sharing,” calling it a fundamental misunderstanding of how the world was created. “God created a world of different roles. There is a man and a woman, a carpenter and a mathematician. The idea that everyone must do the same thing is a communist concept, not a democratic one. In a true democracy, the state should allow each group to live according to its own way.”

The rosh yeshiva stressed that yeshiva students should not feel guilty in response to such claims. “I’m prepared to argue this with the greatest law professor—they have no answer. If democracy is ‘for the people,’ then why are you forcing part of the people to follow a foreign religion? You have no right to interfere in the details of my personal way of life.”

During the talk, Rav Eichenstein also explained why he believes the current structure of the military poses a threat to chareidi identity. He noted that from the time of Ben-Gurion, the army was designed to serve as a “melting pot” aimed at erasing distinct communities and creating a new identity detached from Torah.

“Today, when women are brought into every setting and progressive agendas are pushed into the units, it is almost impossible to be there without being affected. Those who propose frameworks like ‘Kodkod’ or ‘Chashmonaim’ are trying to create a ‘split chareidi’—someone who lives in two worlds. We need to remain whole and recognize that Torah is the main hall, and everything else is just the corridor.”

The Yerushalayim community was saddened by the news of the passing of Mrs. Gittel Tziporah Weinberger a”h at the age of 70.

The nifteres was a beloved and respected figure in Dushinsky chassidus, where she lived a life of mesirus nefesh, anavah, and deep yiras Shamayim. Her husband, Reb Nota Shlomo Weinberger z”l, a prominent member of the chassidus, was niftar on 7 Shevat 5781 during the Covid pandemic.

For many years, the couple lived at 34 Rechov Shmuel Hanavi in Yerushalayim, near the center of the chassidus, where they raised their 11 children, nine sons and two daughters. One of the children is a special child who received devoted care from his parents and is now left a yasom, while continuing in a specialized educational framework.

She leaves behind a large family of children and descendants who continue in the path of Torah and yiras Shamayim. Among her children is the well-known singer Zanvil Weinberger, as well as his brothers Yossi and Michoel Weinberger, members of the Malchus Choir.

The levayah took place at the Dushinsky Bais Medrash on Rechov Shmuel Hanavi, with kevurah on Har HaMenuchos.

The family will begin sitting shivah immediately after Shevi’i Shel Pesach.

Tehei nishmasah tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

On the eve of Shevi’i Shel Pesach, a significant halachic obligation takes effect: the mitzvah of biur maasros, requiring those in Eretz Yisroel to ensure that all maasros have been properly separated and distributed, and that no produce or funds remain in their possession without having been given to their intended recipients.

According to halachah, this is the designated time to verify that all terumos and maasros were taken correctly, and that no agricultural produce or designated tithes are still being held without fulfilling their purpose.

The source of this mitzvah is the pasuk: “When you have finished tithing all the produce of your yield in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give to the Levi, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow, and they shall eat within your gates and be satisfied.” This obligation occurs twice during each shemittah cycle—at the end of the third and sixth years—and continues to apply today in accordance with the halachos observed after the churban.

This year, 5786, corresponds to the fourth year of the shemittah cycle, meaning the time has now arrived—following the completion of the maaser ani cycle—to carry out the biur. Practically, this requires anyone who still has produce from which terumos and maasros were not properly separated, or who is holding maasros that have not yet been given to a kohein, Levi, or ani, to address the matter without delay.

{Matzav.com}

Former CIA Director David Petraeus said that Russia no longer holds a dominant position in its war against Ukraine, pointing to what he described as a noticeable shift in momentum despite Moscow’s larger resources.

“I think what’s remarkable is that Russia no longer has the upper hand,” Petraeus said in an interview published Monday by CBS.

He noted that while Russia maintains clear numerical and economic advantages, those strengths have not translated into battlefield success. “Russia heavily outnumbers Ukraine. It outguns Ukraine. It has an economy 10 or 12 times the size of Ukraine’s. And yet the Ukrainian forces right now are stopping the Russians cold on the front lines,” he added.

The war in Eastern Europe has now stretched beyond four years, with multiple diplomatic efforts failing to bring about a ceasefire or lasting resolution.

Russian forces have continued to launch repeated strikes on Kyiv as part of a broader effort to secure control over key regions, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

According to CBS, Ukraine has relied heavily on its Delta battlefield management system, which allows forces to pinpoint targets and coordinate attacks using advanced digital mapping.

Petraeus described the intensity of the ongoing assaults, saying that more than 400 drones and dozens of missiles were launched on the morning of his interview, with glide bombs striking on a nightly basis.

“But on the front lines, which is all important, the Russians have actually achieved less than the Ukrainians have in the last two weeks,” he added.

Separately, reports indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been in close contact with Iran during its conflict with the United States and Israel, with Moscow reportedly providing intelligence support to Tehran as regional tensions continue to escalate.

Israeli journalist Amit Segal said Monday that he was the first to report that a second American airman was missing after a U.S. F-15 was shot down over Iran, an early disclosure that later drew a sharp warning from President Donald Trump, who threatened legal consequences for whoever revealed the information.

Segal made the claim publicly on his Telegram channel, writing: “As you may recall, this was first published here,” referring to his initial report about the weapons systems officer who went down during Operation Epic Fury.

The report surfaced at a particularly sensitive stage in the escalating U.S.-Iran confrontation. Following the aircraft’s downing on Friday, American officials confirmed that one pilot had been recovered but did not immediately disclose that a second crew member was unaccounted for.

During a White House briefing on Monday, Trump asserted that the leak may have endangered the missing airman by alerting Iranian forces, which he said led Tehran to place a bounty on the serviceman. He vowed to identify and take action against whoever first reported that a second airman was missing.

Trump also blamed the media for publicizing the information, arguing that such details should not have been released. While he did not name specific outlets, observers later pointed to reports by Fox News and The Washington Post as among the earliest coverage of the incident.

At the briefing, Trump made clear he intended to pursue the source of the leak, saying: “The person that did the story will go to jail if he doesn’t say, and that doesn’t last long,” Trump said. “We’re going to go to the media company that released it, and we’re going to say, ‘National security. Give it up or go to jail.'”

Shortly after those remarks, Segal publicly identified himself as the journalist behind the initial report, appearing to challenge the president’s warning. However, when questioned further by the New York Post, he softened his position, saying he was “not sure” he had been the first to break the story before adding: “I will protect my sources.”

It remains unclear whether U.S. authorities would have jurisdiction to pursue legal action against an Israeli citizen or compel a foreign media outlet to disclose confidential sources.

Segal, 43, is widely regarded as one of Israel’s most prominent political journalists. He serves as a commentator for Channel 12 News and writes for Yedioth Ahronoth, while also maintaining a large following on Telegram and contributing regularly to The Wall Street Journal. Over the years, he has reported extensively on Israeli politics, including major investigations involving government corruption and cyber activities linked to Iran.

His background includes legal studies at Hebrew University and a master’s degree in public policy from University College London. His father, Chagai Segal, is a former journalist and was previously convicted as a member of the Jewish Underground..

Trump reiterated his position during the same briefing, warning: “We’re going to go to the media company that released it and we’re going to say, ‘National security, give it up or go to jail.”

President Donald Trump has put forward a proposal to dramatically boost funding for renovations at the White House, requesting more than $377 million for fiscal year 2026 and an additional $174 million for fiscal year 2027.

The $377 million request marks a sharp increase—about 866 percent higher than the approximately $39 million allocated for White House maintenance in fiscal year 2025.

An Office of Management and Budget spokesperson told Politico that the proposed funding reflects broader planning beyond routine upkeep, including modernization projects and upgraded security measures.

According to the spokesperson, the scope of the work will go beyond the main residence and cover several parts of the White House complex, including plans supported by Trump to build a new ballroom.

Of the total amount proposed for 2026, roughly $350 million is categorized as mandatory spending, which the spokesperson said includes private contributions earmarked for the ballroom construction.

The ballroom initiative has already drawn legal opposition.

On Friday, the Trump administration argued that a federal court order stopping construction creates a direct security concern for the president and the White House.

In a court filing appealing the decision, attorneys for the National Park Service warned that halting the project is “threatening grave national-security harms to the White House, the president and his family, and the president’s staff.”

“Time is of the essence!” government lawyers wrote, stressing that the project involves materials and systems intended to produce a “heavily fortified” structure. The filing noted that the design includes elements such as bomb shelters, military installations, and a medical facility.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington, D.C., issued a temporary injunction last week, stopping construction work, including efforts that had already involved demolishing parts of the East Wing.

Leon ruled that without clear approval from Congress, the preservation group challenging the project is likely to succeed. He wrote that “no statute comes close to giving the president the authority he claims to have.”

The judge delayed enforcement of his ruling for 14 days, giving the administration time to file an appeal.

The Pentagon is preparing a request for approximately $4.5 billion in its fiscal 2027 budget to rebuild depleted Tomahawk cruise missile stockpiles, highlighting growing pressure on U.S. military resources following sustained global operations.

According to a Bloomberg Government report, the planned funding request follows extensive use of the long-range, sea-launched missiles in recent conflicts, including the war with Iran, where hundreds were reportedly deployed.

The increased usage has sparked concern within defense circles about maintaining adequate readiness for future threats.

Tomahawk missiles continue to serve as a key component of U.S. strike capabilities, enabling naval forces to carry out precise attacks from great distances.

With each missile costing an estimated $2 million, restoring inventory levels represents a major financial commitment.

Defense officials say the proposal is part of a larger effort to rebuild the nation’s weapons reserves and reinforce the defense industrial base after years of limited investment and rising global tensions.

In addition to operations involving Iran, ongoing U.S. military commitments worldwide—including support for allies and deterrence against rivals such as China and Russia—have further strained available munitions.

To address the issue, the Pentagon is advocating for multiyear purchasing agreements with defense contractors to boost production capacity and avoid future shortages.

Officials warn that without consistent funding, the United States risks falling behind in an era of high-intensity warfare, where advanced weapons are used at a rapid pace.

The proposed 2027 defense budget is expected to include not only funding for missile replenishment but also increased investment in aircraft, missile defense systems, and other essential military capabilities.

The shift reflects a growing acknowledgment that modern warfare demands larger reserves of advanced weaponry.

Supporters of increased defense spending argue that such measures are overdue after years of what they describe as insufficient prioritization under previous administrations, emphasizing that rebuilding stockpiles and strengthening production capacity are critical to maintaining U.S. military superiority and deterring adversaries.

The White House has put forward a plan to significantly reduce the size and budget of the Transportation Security Administration, proposing to eliminate more than 9,400 positions and cut over $1.5 billion from the agency responsible for airport security, according to newly released budget documents.

The proposal is outlined in a Department of Homeland Security budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year, with DHS serving as the parent agency overseeing TSA operations.

Lawmakers are expected to review the proposal during congressional hearings scheduled for later this month, as they work toward finalizing a federal budget agreement ahead of the September 30 deadline. Some Republican legislators have also renewed calls to fully privatize airport security operations.

The proposed cuts are separate from the ongoing funding dispute in Congress over DHS spending for the current year, a standoff that has already led to disruptions at airports as TSA employees temporarily went without pay.

President Donald Trump on Friday suggested that smaller airports should transition to private security providers as an initial step toward broader privatization of the agency, which was established in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

According to the White House, shifting smaller airports to private screening would reduce the TSA workforce by more than 4,500 positions. An additional 4,800 jobs would be cut through internal efficiency measures, including removing staffing at exit lanes and reducing overlapping roles.

Officials estimate that these workforce reductions alone would result in savings exceeding $500 million.

The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents TSA screeners, has pushed back against privatization efforts, warning that such changes could compromise aviation security.

Overall, the proposal would shrink the TSA’s $7.8 billion budget by roughly 20 percent. The agency has already seen its workforce decline by more than 1,600 employees during recent government funding disruptions last fall and spring.

Currently, about 50,000 airport security screeners across the United States are employed by the TSA.

President Trump has been openly critical of the agency. On his first day in office in 2025, he dismissed TSA Administrator David Pekoske and has yet to name a successor.

Last year, the White House said, “TSA has consistently failed audits while implementing intrusive screening measures that violate Americans’ privacy and dignity.”

Under the previous administration, the TSA expanded its operations. In 2024, the agency screened a record 904 million passengers, marking a 5 percent increase compared to the previous year.

The IDF’s Persian-language spokesperson released an unusual public warning Tuesday morning, directly addressing civilians across Iran and urging them to avoid train travel nationwide.

In the announcement, the IDF called on the Iranian public not to use trains or travel near railway lines anywhere in the country for a limited period.

According to the statement, the advisory remains in effect until 9:00 p.m. local time in Iran. The IDF emphasized that the purpose of the warning is to protect civilian lives, stating: “Your presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life.”

The warning was issued on the same morning that President Donald Trump had previously referred to as “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day,” in which he warned that if Iran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8:00 p.m. EST Tuesday, the United States and Israel would target key infrastructure, including civilian facilities.