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Iran is working to coordinate closely with allied militias as the ceasefire with the United States nears its end, amid growing concern that fighting could resume in the near future.

A political source in Iraq told Kan News that Tehran is actively engaging with Shiite militias in the country in preparation for a possible renewal of hostilities with the United States.

In recent days, Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani visited Iraq, in what was described as an effort to preserve Iran’s influence in the neighboring country amid tensions with Washington. Qaani, who survived the war and had not been seen publicly since its outbreak, arrived in Baghdad for a visit that was characterized as an attempt by the Iranian regime to help secure the appointment of a prime minister aligned with Tehran.

However, according to the Iraqi political source who spoke with Kan News correspondent Roi Kais, Qaani’s trip also had a military dimension, aimed at coordinating and “aligning positions” with leaders of pro-Iranian militias.

During the course of the war, these Iran-backed militias carried out attacks on American targets in Iraq and across the region. The Iraqi source said that officers from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards closely supervised their operations throughout the conflict.

Qaani’s visit appears intended to ensure that these forces are prepared for another round of fighting if Pakistan’s mediation efforts fail. At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have also signaled that they are ready to resume hostilities if the ceasefire collapses.

{Matzav.com}

FBI Director Kash Patel sued the Atlantic and staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick in federal court, alleging that the magazine ran a “sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece” against him on Friday with the intention of marring his reputation.

In the complaint, filed in federal district court in D.C. on Monday, Patel says he is seeking $250 million in damages plus any proceeds from the article.

The Atlantic’s article contained extensive reporting – attributed to anonymous people – alleging Patel engaged in “excessive drinking” and “unexplained absences” while leading the FBI. The FBI declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The complaint alleges that several incidents detailed in the article are defamatory. These incidents include that Patel was often intoxicated with White House and Trump administration staff, that meetings had to be rescheduled following nights on which he drank, and that staff had to use “breaching equipment” to access rooms when Patel had reportedly been unreachable.

“We stand by our reporting on Kash Patel, and we will vigorously defend The Atlantic and our journalists against this meritless lawsuit,” Anna Bross, a spokeswoman for the Atlantic, said in a statement to The Washington Post.

The Post has not independently verified the Atlantic’s reporting.

Under defamation law, Patel – as a public official – would probably have to demonstrate that the Atlantic acted with “actual malice,” a legal standard established in the landmark 1964 Supreme Court decision in New York Times v. Sullivan.

To reach that standard, Patel would have to prove not only that the Atlantic’s claims were false but also that they knew they were false and published with reckless disregard for the truth. “They are so demonstrably and obviously false, or easily refuted,” the complaint said of the allegations, “that it was at best reckless to publish them.”

On Friday, Jesse R. Binnall, an attorney for Patel, posted on social media a letter sent earlier that day to Fitzpatrick and David Baumgarten, the Atlantic’s general counsel. “Should you publish these false allegations, Director Patel will take swift legal action to uphold his reputation,” Binnall wrote in the letter. In his accompanying post on X, Binnall said the Atlantic was “on notice” that its reporting was false and defamatory. “They published anyway,” he wrote. “See you in court.”

“Defamatory speech is not free speech, and it is an honor to represent Kash Patel in this lawsuit seeking accountability for The Atlantic article’s malicious falsehoods,” Binnall said in a statement to The Post on Monday.

Patel, formerly a staunch critic of the FBI, has led the bureau since February 2025.

Since taking the job, Patel has overseen a purge of dozens of career agents, many of whom were involved in investigations of President Donald Trump and his allies, and has shifted bureau resources from intelligence gathering and complex investigations of white-collar fraud toward assisting in Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts and policing violent crime.

Those efforts have at times been overshadowed by public scrutiny of Patel’s personal life. His frequent use of an agency Gulfstream jet for various trips, including to visit his girlfriend, a country music singer, and to see the 2026 Milan Olympics, has drawn public criticism.

During his Olympics trip, a video circulated showing Patel drinking beer with members of the U.S. men’s hockey team during a locker room celebration of their gold medal win.

Federal regulations require the FBI director to use government aircraft for all travel. Patel and his spokespeople have maintained that he uses the jet for personal trips far less than his predecessors. He flew to Milan for official meetings with law enforcement partners in Italy, they said, before he attended the hockey game.

Patel’s boss, Trump, has sued several news outlets following unfavorable coverage.

Trump, who has for years called the media “the enemy of the American people” has sued several news organizations for defamation over critical reporting about him, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the BBC. Some, including ABC and CBS, have settled with Trump out of court.

Trump has long railed against the Atlantic, deriding the publication as a “failing Radical Left Magazine” and its editor, Jeffrey Goldberg, as a “con man.” Last year, Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal group chat where Defense Department officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, detailed military plans for strikes in Yemen.

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Scott Nover, Jeremy Roebuck 

Apple has announced a major leadership change, with CEO Tim Cook set to step down and John Ternus taking over the role, marking a significant transition for the company after more than a decade under Cook’s leadership.

The transition has been in progress behind the scenes for some time, but is now entering a public phase. It is expected to be finalized later this year.

As part of the shift, Cook will move into the position of executive chairman of Apple’s board, while Ternus, who currently serves as senior vice president of hardware engineering, will assume the role of chief executive officer. Following Ternus’s move, Johny Srouji will expand his responsibilities, and Tom Marieb will also take on a more direct role within the company.

The leadership change is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026, when Ternus officially replaces Cook as CEO. In the interim, Srouji and Marieb are stepping into their expanded roles immediately to support the transition.

Apple confirmed the leadership change in an official Newsroom announcement, stating that the board unanimously approved the move following a long-term succession planning process.

Cook will remain in his position as CEO through the summer, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover. In his new role as executive chairman, Cook is expected to focus on select company matters, including engagement with policymakers around the world—a role that reflects his experience in global relations over the past decade.

In a statement included in the announcement, Cook reflected on his tenure and expressed confidence in his successor.

“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world,” said Cook. “John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman.”

Ternus also issued a statement, expressing gratitude and outlining his vision for the company’s future.

“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” said Ternus. “Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”

Cook has led Apple since 2011, when he succeeded Steve Jobs, who passed away later that year.

During Cook’s leadership, Apple’s market value has grown dramatically, rising from under $350 billion to approximately $4 trillion.

He has overseen every iPhone release since the iPhone 4S, along with the introduction of major products and services including the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Pay, Apple Vision Pro, and the company’s transition from Intel processors to its own Apple silicon in Mac computers.

Cook also expanded Apple’s services division, driving significant growth in the App Store and launching platforms such as Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple TV, further reshaping the company’s business model.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli officials are bracing for the possibility that negotiations between the United States and Iran could break down, with preparations underway for a potential return to military confrontation as the ceasefire approaches its end.

The political-security cabinet convened Monday for an urgent session, along with additional smaller consultations, amid growing concern in Jerusalem that talks may fail. While Washington is pushing toward an agreement, Israeli officials believe Iran’s conduct is making meaningful progress increasingly difficult.

A senior Israeli official, speaking to Channel 12 News, described the deep uncertainty surrounding Tehran’s intentions. “We do not have clear and solid information regarding Iran’s responses, but we find it hard to believe that the current regime, with the extremist elements in the Revolutionary Guards, will agree to a complete surrender of enriched uranium and the dismantling of its nuclear project,” the official said.

In recent days, Israel has shared detailed intelligence with U.S. officials indicating that Iran is using the ceasefire period to rebuild its military capabilities. According to Israeli assessments, Tehran is taking advantage of the pause in fighting to reposition and restore critical components. “Every day without an agreement is good in terms of pressure and economic strangulation on Iran, but bad in terms of Iran rebuilding and redeploying its military assets. That is the equation,” the senior official explained.

Israeli officials believe Iran is deliberately pursuing a strategy of delay, confusion, and deception, in part due to internal disagreements over the terms of a deal. As a result, several possible scenarios are being considered, including an extension of negotiations, incremental progress, or a return to limited hostilities.

At the same time, another Israeli source told Kan News that Israel is prepared to resume fighting against Iran “with American approval.”

So far, no agreement has been reached between Washington and Tehran on the nuclear issue. “We are all waiting for Trump, but at this stage the sides are not close to any agreements,” the senior official said.

In contrast, Al Jazeera reported that President Donald Trump indicated a deal with Iran could be signed as early as Monday in Pakistan.

Amid reports that talks could resume in Pakistan, Israeli officials told Channel 13 News that the provisions currently under discussion—and especially those not being addressed—are a major cause for concern. In Jerusalem, officials are particularly troubled that the missile issue is not part of the negotiations, a gap that could allow Iran to continue producing large numbers of ballistic missiles without restriction. The issue of enriched uranium also remains unresolved.

Earlier, Trump said in an interview with the New York Post that he would be willing to meet directly with senior Iranian officials if a breakthrough is achieved in the negotiations. His comments come at a peak moment of tension, just one day before the ceasefire is set to expire, and as Israeli officials assess that the U.S. president is still aiming to secure a deal despite increasingly forceful rhetoric. At the same time, Trump made clear that he would not hesitate to take military action if the talks collapse.

President Donald Trump said he is pressing Pope Leo XIV with pointed questions over the pontiff’s continued opposition to the war with Iran, escalating a growing public disagreement between the two leaders.

In an early morning interview with The New York Post, Trump said he is seeking clarity from the pope regarding his stance on Iran’s actions and nuclear ambitions. “Why does the pope think it is fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon and to kill 42,000 unarmed protesters?” Trump said.

The president voiced frustration with the criticism coming from the American-born pontiff as a two-week ceasefire in the conflict nears its expiration on Wednesday.

“This is one of the most important wars. I said to the pope you can’t allow them to have a nuclear weapon because they will use it and millions of people will be dead, including Italians and Catholics around the world,” Trump said.

“And you can’t allow a country to kill 42,000 unarmed protesters, many of which were young people who they hanged from a crane in a public square.”

The Vatican press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has argued that his strategy is aimed at securing long-term peace by weakening Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear program, while expressing irritation at repeated rebukes from the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV has called for an end to what he described as the “madness of war” and has criticized leaders who initiate armed conflict, referring to them as “arrogant.”

During a Palm Sunday mass on March 29, the pope said, “God ‘does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.’”

Trump has responded by dismissing the pope’s position as misguided, calling him naive and “terrible for foreign policy.”

The dispute has also intersected with comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who publicly invoked Christianity while expressing support for the U.S. military campaign.

As tensions between Trump and the pope intensified, the president also drew attention earlier this month by sharing an image on Truth Social that appeared to depict him as Yoshkah performing a miracle.

The image was later removed, with Trump explaining that he believed it portrayed him as a doctor.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump’s initiative to declassify government records on unidentified flying objects could bring to light information that even U.S. defense and intelligence agencies are unable to explain, according to Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb.

Trump announced in February that federal agencies would begin identifying and releasing documents related to UFOs—also referred to as unidentified aerial phenomena—pointing to strong public interest and a push for greater transparency.

More recent remarks from the president suggest that the first batch of files could be released “very, very soon,” with officials preparing materials that may include radar readings, satellite images, and military footage.

Loeb, speaking during an appearance on Newsmax TV’s “Wake Up America,” said conversations with lawmakers, along with his own research, indicate that the government is dealing with sightings it cannot fully explain.

“We spoke for about 90 minutes, and it definitely looks like there are objects that either the intelligence agencies or the Pentagon cannot figure out,” Loeb said. “And that’s what makes life interesting.”

The forthcoming release is expected to appear on a government platform—widely believed to be Aliens.gov—as part of a broader effort to consolidate information about UFO encounters and possible extraterrestrial evidence.

Loeb cautioned, however, that not all material will be made available to the public due to national security concerns involving sensitive detection systems and defense capabilities.

“I expect only parts that relate to national security to be redacted or not released at all,” he said. “But it’s really something that all of us should have a look at.”

He stressed that any conclusions drawn from the data must be rooted in scientific analysis rather than speculation.

“It’s all about the data,” Loeb said. “It’s not a matter of belief or conviction or opinion. It’s all about looking at the data and seeing what it means.”

Loeb, who leads Harvard’s Galileo Project, said his team intends to independently examine any released information using advanced observation methods and artificial intelligence.

“We don’t just wait for the government to tell us what is out there in the sky, because we can build telescopes and observe it,” he said.

His research group uses triangulation and machine learning to calculate distances, speeds, and flight paths of unidentified objects, seeking to determine whether any surpass known human technological capabilities.

“We are still searching for something that is not human made,” Loeb said. “Anything human made is boring as far as I’m concerned.”

While speculation has long surrounded government secrecy on UFO sightings, Loeb suggested that the more likely explanation for limited disclosure is uncertainty rather than concealment of extraterrestrial life.

“The most reasonable scenario that I can imagine is there are things that the government cannot figure out,” he said, noting that officials may be reluctant to reveal gaps in knowledge or expose classified technologies.

At a minimum, Loeb argued that increased transparency could enhance national security by improving the ability to detect and analyze unidentified objects, pointing to past incidents such as the Chinese spy balloon that initially went unnoticed.

Still, the potential significance extends beyond defense considerations.

“If we find that we are not alone, that would be the biggest revelation ever made,” Loeb said. “And I think it will bring us to a better place.”

During his current visit to Chicago, Hagaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Slabodka in Bnei Brak, created a memorable moment when he signed a baseball for local educator Reb Daniel Harris—the latest addition to an unconventional collection.

Rav Hirsch has been visiting Chicago to garner support for the Olam HaTorah in Eretz Yisroel. Amid the many gatherings and meetings, the brief interaction with Harris stood out, blending warmth, personality, and a touch of creativity.

The baseball that the gadol hador signed joins a growing collection that Harris has been assembling for years—baseballs bearing the signatures of various rabbonim. What began as a simple idea has evolved into a project, with Harris seeking out opportunities to have leading figures in the Torah world sign baseballs.

Those close to the rosh yeshiva noted that the gesture was entirely in character. Rav Hirsch is known for going out of his way to be mesameiach another Yid, even in the midst of a demanding schedule. Signing the baseball, while unconventional, was seen as a simple act of chesed, an opportunity to bring simcha to another person.

Harris’s collection includes signatures from various rabbinic figures, with one notable example being a baseball signed by Rav Aharon Lichtenstein bearing the inscription: “Aharon Lichtenstein, who strives for stardom in another league.”

Other Harris baseballs have been signed by Rav Gedaliah Schwartz and Rav Berel Wein.

President Donald Trump said Monday that a potential agreement now under discussion with Iran would significantly outperform the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), sharply criticizing the earlier deal while outlining expectations for the new negotiations.

“The DEAL that we are making with Iran will be FAR BETTER than the JCPOA,” Trump wrote, describing the 2015 agreement as “one of the Worst Deals ever made” and asserting that it created “a guaranteed Road to a Nuclear Weapon.”

He emphasized that any arrangement currently being pursued would firmly block Iran from acquiring nuclear arms. Trump said the deal currently being worked on “will not, and cannot” allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

In the same message, Trump revisited financial criticisms of the JCPOA, pointing to $1.7 billion in cash transferred to Iran and claiming that the Islamic Republic received hundreds of billions of dollars under the agreement.

He argued that had he not withdrawn from the deal, “Nuclear Weapons would have been used on Israel, and all over the Middle East, including our cherished U.S. Military Bases.”

Trump added that a deal negotiated under his leadership would “guarantee Peace, Security, and Safety, not only for Israel and the Middle East, but for Europe, America, and everywhere else.”

The statement followed comments earlier in the day in which Trump said he still expects planned negotiations with Iran in Pakistan to move ahead, despite public signals from Tehran raising doubts about participation.

“We’re supposed to have the talks,” Trump told the New York Post, expressing confidence that the process remains intact and adding that he assumes “nobody’s playing games.”

He confirmed that Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner have already traveled to Islamabad in preparation for the discussions.

Trump also indicated he would consider direct engagement with top Iranian officials if talks advance, saying, “I have no problem meeting them.”

Reiterating the administration’s central demand, Trump said Iran must fully abandon its nuclear ambitions, declaring there “will be no nuclear weapon.” He added that Iran stands to benefit economically if it complies.

At the same time, Trump declined to elaborate on what actions the United States might take if negotiations collapse or Iran refuses to meet the conditions, saying only that the outcome “wouldn’t be pretty.”

A New York Post report cited earlier Monday indicated that Pakistani officials believe Iran may still join a second round of negotiations, despite earlier claims that it would not participate.

According to the report, Iran’s public position is being interpreted as a negotiating tactic aimed at gaining more favorable terms, while Pakistan is viewed by both sides as a trusted intermediary should talks proceed.

Uncertainty over Iran’s involvement persists as U.S. officials continue organizing for another round of diplomacy ahead of the approaching ceasefire deadline.

Channel 12 reported Sunday that recent discussions have centered on several possible components of a deal, including a 15-year suspension of uranium enrichment, converting existing uranium stockpiles into fuel, and establishing strict oversight of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The reported framework also includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the conflict, withdrawing U.S. forces, and easing economic sanctions.

{Matzav.com}

Argentine President Javier Milei paid a rare visit Monday to Chevron Yeshiva in the Givat Mordechai neighborhood of Yerushalayim, where he was greeted with enthusiasm by the yeshiva’s leadership and hundreds of talmidim. At the same time, the visit drew sharp criticism due to its timing during regular seder.

Milei entered the ezras noshim overlooking the beis medrash and waved to the talmidim gathered below, who stood in his honor as a sign of appreciation for his support of Torah learners and the State of Israel.

The rosh yeshiva, Rav Yosef Chevroni, opened the event by addressing the president. “Mr. President, I will speak in Hebrew. I am sure the translator will do a good job, but the language of the heart, I am certain you understand in any case.”

He continued by praising Milei and emphasizing the significance of the institution. “Honored President, without a doubt you have received certificates and titles from important countries, from institutions, from bodies and from distinguished organizations. But I do not think, and I do not know, whether until today you have received a title from an institution that is a link in a chain of generations, from a yeshiva that has existed among the Jewish people for 3,786 years.” He added a well-known teaching of Chazal: “From the days of our forefathers, a yeshiva has never ceased from Israel; from the days of Avraham Avinu, a yeshiva has never ceased from Israel.”

Milei also spoke briefly, introducing a close associate to the crowd. “I want to present my partner, my good friend, whom I share today with Israel. He is my personal rabbi, and today the ambassador of Argentina to Israel, Axel Wahnish.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu denounced the actions of an IDF soldier who was photographed striking a statue of Yoshkah with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon, pledging that the individual would face serious disciplinary consequences.

The widely circulated image shows the soldier smashing a fallen depiction of Yoshkah on the cross in the Christian village of Debel, amid Israel’s military operations against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

According to Fadi Falfel, a priest in Debel, the cross had stood as part of a small shrine located in a family garden at the outskirts of the village.

“One of the Israeli soldiers broke the cross and did this horrible thing, this desecration of our holy symbols,” he said.

Netanyahu said the conduct was in direct conflict with Jewish values and vowed that action would be taken against the soldier responsible.

“I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms,” he posted on X.

“Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender,” he continued.

“We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.”

Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, also addressed the matter, stating that “Swift, severe, & public consequences are needed.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar likewise criticized the soldier’s behavior, describing it as disgraceful and shameful.

“We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt,” Saar said on X.

The IDF said it “views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that ⁠the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.

“The IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place,” the Israeli military said.

Debel has effectively remained under Israeli control since last month’s incursion into southern Lebanon, which followed Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel in support of Iran.

Earlier in the week, Israel and Lebanon reached a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

“We have every kind of crisis,” Father Falfel said.

“We thought the ceasefire would bring us some relief but we’re still ⁠surrounded, unable to travel to and from the town. There are some houses on the edge of town that we’re barred from accessing.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said he will not speed up efforts to end the ongoing war with Iran, now in its 52nd day, sharply criticizing both Democrats and Republicans who are urging him to wrap up the conflict.

In a phone interview with The New York Post, Trump argued that calls for a swift agreement are undermining the United States at a critical moment in negotiations.

“How bad is it that when you are in the middle of negotiations and you have got the Iranians in a perfect position, including being militarily defeated, and you have Democrats and some Republicans asking to settle it now?” Trump said.

He expressed frustration that pressure is coming from within his own country while talks are still ongoing. “As a negotiator — and I am a great negotiator — how bad is it when you have people from your own country trying to reach a deal?” he fumed.

Trump said such efforts only strengthen Tehran’s hand. “They are helping the other side. The other side has nothing, they have no cards, but they are using this to delay. When [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer was in, he was in Afghanistan for so long.”

He emphasized that he intends to proceed on his own timeline. “I have only been in this for five weeks. I will not be rushed,” he said.

At the outset of the conflict, Trump had predicted it would conclude quickly. He said last week that Iran had privately signaled agreement to key U.S. demands, including ending its pursuit of nuclear weapons and giving up roughly 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium, even as public statements from Tehran remained less accommodating.

Following a first round of talks in Islamabad that failed to produce results, the administration moved to blockade Iranian ports. A second round of negotiations is expected to begin as soon as Monday.

Early in the conflict, Trump had estimated the war would last “four weeks or so.”

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which the White House maintains is unconstitutional, the president is required to obtain congressional authorization for military engagements that extend beyond 60 days.

Some Republican lawmakers have begun urging Trump to bring the operation to a close, especially after recent developments that included U.S. Marines seizing an Iranian tanker that attempted to breach the blockade.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said last week that the “clock is ticking” and that “I hope that we are arriving at an exit strategy here to bring this to a close to preserve our security interests and bring down the cost of gasoline.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) also signaled interest in the administration’s next moves, saying, “I think our members are going to be very interested in what next steps are,” and noting that a forthcoming supplemental funding request “will be an important inflection point if and when the administration submits their request.”

Democrats in Congress have largely opposed Trump’s military campaign, known as Operation Epic Fury.

The War Powers Resolution allows for an additional 30-day period to wind down hostilities after the initial 60-day limit, though enforcement of the law has historically been inconsistent.

In past conflicts, federal courts have declined to intervene to halt military operations, including during legal challenges brought against then-President Barack Obama over U.S. involvement in the Libyan Civil War.

Courts have generally ruled that questions about the duration of military engagements fall within the political sphere, leaving Congress with tools such as funding decisions to check presidential authority.

President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed his energy secretary’s recent forecast that gasoline prices may stay above $3 per gallon until next year, insisting instead that Americans could see lower prices much sooner if the conflict with Iran comes to an end.

Speaking to The Hill, Trump directly challenged Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s assessment, saying, “No, I think he’s wrong on that. Totally wrong.”

Pressed on when drivers might expect prices to ease, Trump tied any relief to developments in the war, stating, “as soon as this [the war with Iran] ends.”

Wright had taken a more measured position during an appearance on CNN the previous day, pointing to uncertainty caused by instability in the Strait of Hormuz. “I don’t know. That could happen later this year. That might not happen until next year,” Wright said, though he added that prices may have already peaked and could begin to fall. “Certainly, with a resolution of this conflict, you will see prices go down.”

The contrasting statements underscore differing expectations within the administration, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated last week that prices could drop into the $3 range as early as this summer, according to The Hill.

Oil markets have reacted sharply in recent days due to Iranian actions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy transport. U.S. gas prices have climbed past $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, data from AAA shows.

Crude prices also jumped after U.S. forces seized an Iranian vessel near the strait on Sunday. Brent crude, a global benchmark, reached roughly $94 per barrel on Monday, while West Texas Intermediate hovered around $88.

Washington has increased economic pressure on Tehran by enforcing a blockade targeting Iranian ports, which Trump said is taking a significant toll. “The blockade is very powerful, very strong. They lose $500 million a day with the blockade up,” Trump said. “We control it. They don’t control it.”

Vice President JD Vance is slated to head a U.S. delegation to Islamabad for discussions with Pakistani and Iranian representatives. Still, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that no final decision has been made regarding its participation in the talks.

President Donald Trump said Monday that if the current ceasefire with Iran falls apart, the situation could quickly escalate into renewed military action, warning that “lots of bombs start going off.”

Speaking in a phone interview with PBS News, Trump indicated that the United States is ready to intensify its response if Iran does not reach an agreement on its nuclear program, highlighting the urgency as the truce deadline approaches.

“Then lots of bombs start going off,” Trump said when asked what would happen if the ceasefire ends Tuesday, pointing to the possibility of a return to direct confrontation after weeks of heightened tensions.

The president reiterated that his administration’s primary objective remains preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

“No nuclear weapons. Very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

American officials are preparing for another round of negotiations in Islamabad, with Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior adviser Jared Kushner expected to lead the discussions.

While Trump noted during the interview that Iran is “supposed to be there,” he also questioned whether Iranian representatives will ultimately attend. “If they’re not there, that’s fine too,” he said.

The administration has continued to balance diplomatic efforts with warnings of serious repercussions should Iran refuse to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

In a post on Truth Social the previous day, Trump cautioned that Tehran could face significant military consequences if it declines what he described as a “very fair and reasonable deal.”

Recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz have heightened tensions, as the area remains a vital corridor for global shipping.

U.S. officials have accused Iran of breaching the ceasefire by targeting vessels, drawing a firm reaction from Washington.

Trump has pointed to Iran’s actions as evidence that it cannot be relied upon and must be dealt with decisively.

At the same time, he suggested that resolving the conflict could bring economic relief, particularly in energy markets, countering concerns about rising fuel costs.

He told PBS that gas prices could “come roaring down” if Iran agrees to a deal and tensions subside.

Trump also defended Jared Kushner’s involvement in the negotiations, brushing aside criticism and describing him as a capable negotiator focused on ensuring Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.

With the ceasefire nearing its end and global markets closely monitoring developments, the coming days are expected to be critical.

Trump made clear that while a diplomatic resolution is preferable, the United States stands ready to take further action if needed.

A public dispute broke out between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski following an incident involving an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon, triggering a broader exchange over military conduct and antisemitism.

The disagreement began when Sa’ar addressed the incident in which a Christian religious symbol was damaged by an Israeli soldier, condemning the act in strong terms as “grave and disgraceful.” He praised the IDF for promptly denouncing the behavior and initiating an investigation into what occurred.

“This shameful action is completely contrary to our values,” Sa’ar wrote, underscoring Israel’s respect for all faiths and their sacred symbols. He also expressed regret over the incident and apologized to members of the Christian community who were offended.

Sikorski responded in Polish, acknowledging Sa’ar’s swift apology while adding that “there was something to apologize for.” He called for disciplinary measures against the soldier and suggested that the episode should prompt a reassessment of military training practices. Sikorski went further, alleging that Israeli soldiers themselves have admitted to war crimes, including harm to Palestinian Arab civilians and even Israeli hostages.

Sa’ar pushed back sharply, dismissing the accusations as “unfounded” and “defamatory.” He said Sikorski’s comments demonstrated “ignorance and a deep lack of understanding.”

Expanding on the issue, Sa’ar noted that all wars involve unintended incidents, including friendly fire, and that civilian casualties can occur—especially in situations where terrorists operate among civilian populations. He stressed that the IDF conducts its operations with a level of precision and intelligence that surpasses other Western militaries and consistently works to limit harm to noncombatants.

“The IDF is a professional and ethical army,” Sa’ar stated, adding that for 78 years it has faced continuous attempts to eliminate the State of Israel by hostile states and terrorist organizations.

He also maintained that Western armies study Israel’s military experience and that European civilians ultimately benefit from the outcomes of its counterterror operations.

Sa’ar further called on Sikorski to address what he described as a “disgraceful antisemitic display” that took place in Poland’s parliament the previous week, warning against what he characterized as reckless rhetoric.

The incident referenced involved Polish lawmaker Konrad Berkowicz from the far-right Confederation party, who defaced an Israeli flag at the parliamentary podium on Holocaust Remembrance Day. He replaced the Star of David with a swastika and accused Israel of being “the new Third Reich.” The Israeli Embassy in Warsaw condemned the act as an “antisemitic atrocity,” while senior Polish officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, also denounced the behavior and called for legal consequences.

Sikorski replied that he had already condemned the antisemitic act when it occurred and pointed out that the lawmaker involved had been disciplined by the Speaker of parliament. He added that if his remarks did not lead to changes in IDF training, there was little more he could do.

In his response, Sikorski also included a Haaretz article that cited claims from soldiers alleging involvement in war crimes.

Israeli defense officials are expressing growing concern that Iran may be able to quickly restore its ballistic missile capabilities if the matter is not included in any future diplomatic agreement.

An assessment by the IDF Intelligence Directorate, within the bounds of military censorship, indicates that Iran has the capacity to reestablish its missile systems within “very few years.”

Security sources caution that leaving the missile issue unresolved could set the stage for renewed hostilities with Iran sooner rather than later, particularly if upcoming negotiations fail to incorporate this critical element.

A senior Israeli official told Army Radio that “the missile issue is currently not on the negotiating table. That is troubling.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump forcefully denied Monday that Israel played any role in influencing his decision to launch military action against Iran, pushing back against accusations circulating from Tehran, political critics, and commentators across the ideological spectrum.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump insisted the move was entirely his own, rooted in long-standing convictions and recent events rather than outside pressure. “Israel never talked me into the war with Iran,” he said, emphasizing that his actions were driven by “the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.”

Trump also used the post to lash out at media coverage and polling, accusing both of widespread dishonesty. “I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged.”

He expressed confidence that the military campaign would ultimately produce favorable outcomes, drawing a comparison to recent U.S. operations elsewhere. “Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing – And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future!”

Assertions that Israel pressured Washington into entering the conflict have circulated widely since hostilities erupted earlier this year, becoming a repeated talking point among critics of the war.

That claim gained renewed attention when former Vice President Kamala Harris raised it at a Democratic Party gathering in Detroit, arguing that “Trump entered a war – and he got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu, let’s be clear about that – that the American people didn’t want. Among the many consequences of it is jacking up the price of gas.”

Similar accusations have also been voiced by figures on the political right, including Tucker Carlson and former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, who wrote in his resignation statement that the United States “started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

{Matzav.com}

As the IDF unveils its updated security zone map in southern Lebanon, Avi Maoz is voicing sharp criticism of current policy, calling the ceasefire a major strategic mistake that undermines Israel’s long-term security goals.

In an interview on Kol Chai radio’s central news program, the Noam party chairman argued that the ceasefire disrupts Israel’s sustained effort to dismantle what he described as Iran’s regional “axis of evil.” “This ceasefire restores the Gordian knot between Tehran and Hezbollah to existence,” Maoz warned, adding that military control alone is insufficient to ensure lasting sovereignty without the complete destruction of the enemy.

Maoz dismissed attempts to pursue direct dialogue with the Lebanese government, even with American backing, describing such efforts as illusory. He contended that Israel’s conflict is not with Lebanon as a state, but with Hezbollah, which he characterized as an extension of Iranian influence that must be eliminated entirely. Referring to past Israeli leadership approaches to defeating terrorism, he emphasized: “We must destroy the terrorists completely. A peace agreement with Lebanon does not work,” arguing that the government in Beirut is either unable or unwilling to enforce its authority over Hezbollah in the south.

On the national front, Maoz pointed to the upcoming 60th anniversary of the liberation of Yerushalayim and Judea and Samaria as a milestone for completing what he called a “historic mission.” He called for full Israeli sovereignty over these areas, from Chevron to Shechem. The planned reestablishment of the community of Sa-Nur, he said, represents the beginning of correcting the 2005 disengagement from northern Samaria.

For Maoz, the struggle extends beyond territory to the broader question of Israel’s identity. “The state needs to appear as a Jewish state—that is our struggle,” he said, stressing the importance of preserving Jewish character in the public sphere.

Despite his harsh criticism of Israel’s Supreme Court interventions in matters related to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Shabbos demonstrations, Maoz expressed optimism about the future. He rejected claims that the Jewish people are experiencing a “spiritual exile,” pointing instead to the unprecedented growth of Torah study since the Holocaust.

{Matzav.com}

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith said Democrats may find themselves in a difficult position heading into the 2028 presidential election, particularly if Kamala Harris is not chosen as the party’s nominee.

During a conversation with podcaster Megyn Kelly, Smith reflected on Harris’ political standing following her loss to President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Harris had entered that race after Joe Biden stepped aside from his reelection campaign in July 2024.

Smith suggested that Harris could once again emerge as a leading contender in a Democratic primary, pointing to the circumstances that led to her previous nomination.

“Essentially by default, that means Kamala Harris could be at the top of the heap. I don’t, I don’t, I, I think that would be a mistake, obviously, because I think that she’s had her chance, or bites at the apple, not just once but twice in 2020, she couldn’t even make it to Iowa. In this last election, you had 107 days, that’s true, but you also had $1.5 billion you understand, and you were to upgrade from Joe Biden and you still managed to lose that,” Smith told Kelly, a former Fox News host. “I don’t know how the Democratic Party will rally behind her being the candidate yet again, particularly after her book was calling out Josh Shapiro one minute, Gavin Newsom the other, etc., etc., but who knows.”

He went on to argue that the party’s internal dynamics could make the decision even more complicated if Harris is not ultimately selected.

“So here’s the interesting thing, the Democrats are going to be in a position if they don’t select her, which is the same one they tried to avoid when Biden was forced out: They did not want to be seen as stepping over a black woman, given how important black women are to Democrat elections,” Smith continued. “So they, there was a large segment of the Democrat, you know, political class saying, we have no choice, we’ve got to give it to her, she’s the sitting vice president, like, if we try to bypass her for a Josh Shapiro or somebody like that, we’re gonna get killed.”

Harris has already signaled she will not pursue other political offices in the near term, announcing on July 30, 2025, that she would not run for governor of California despite earlier speculation.

Smith said a competitive primary could still create a challenging scenario if Harris is defeated by another candidate, particularly one with a different demographic profile.

“You cannot bypass a black woman, female, like the, the, the VP for a Josh Shapiro, white guy,” Smith said. “Well, now we’re gonna have a primary this time around and If she gets bypassed, in other words, doesn’t win, and she loses to the guy who’s in the number two position, who is a white straight male Christian, Gavin Newsom, are they in the same position of having to look like they cast her aside?”

In addition to Harris, several Democrats are seen as possible contenders in the next presidential cycle, including Pete Buttigieg, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

After initially indicating it would not participate in a follow-up round of negotiations scheduled for Sunday, Iran is now showing a willingness to return to the table, according to Pakistani officials who spoke Monday with The New York Post. Those familiar with the discussions say Tehran’s earlier tough rhetoric appears to be a strategic move aimed at strengthening its bargaining position ahead of future talks.

“Current hard stance is posturing to extract maximum advantage when second round happens,” the person said, citing takeaways from discussions with the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Even with this apparent shift in tone, Iranian leadership has not yet reached a final decision on whether it will take part in the next round, the source noted, emphasizing that deliberations are still ongoing as of Monday afternoon local time.

“For now, no decision has been taken about whether we will have a second round,” the source said. “Whenever we have a decision, we will share details.”

The same individual described Iran’s outlook as measured rather than driven by strong expectations in either direction.

“We are neither optimistic or pessimistic; rather, realistic,” the person added.

Pakistan continues to play a central role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran, maintaining the confidence of both sides as a neutral intermediary.

“Pakistan remains the sole trustworthy mediator, which means process is on and Islamabad will be the venue whenever a final decision is taken,” the source said.

An image showing an Israeli soldier striking a statue of Yoshka in southern Lebanon has ignited strong reactions online, drawing criticism from activists, politicians, and social media users.

The Israeli military acknowledged on Monday that the photograph, which spread rapidly across social platforms and drew more than 5 million views on X, is genuine.

According to the military, a preliminary examination found that the image depicts an Israeli soldier “operating in southern Lebanon,” where Israeli forces carried out a ground incursion last month alongside airstrikes.

Officials added that a formal probe has been launched and stated that “appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.”

Reacting online, Ayman Odeh, a Palestinian member of the Knesset, responded with sarcasm, writing: “We’ll wait to hear the police spokesperson claim that ‘the soldier felt threatened by Yoshka.’”

Another Arab lawmaker, Ahmad Tibi, posted on Facebook that individuals who destroy mosques and churches in Gaza and harass Christian clergy in Yerushalayim without consequences are not deterred from damaging a statue of Yoshka and sharing it publicly.

“Perhaps these racists have also learned from Donald Trump to insult Yoshka and insult Pope Leo?” he asked.

The statue was reportedly located on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Debl, near the Israeli border.