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Iran sharply criticized the United States on Friday following American strikes on key sites near the Strait of Hormuz, with senior officials accusing Washington of undermining diplomacy and escalating tensions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi charged that the United States repeatedly turns to force instead of pursuing negotiations after military action targeted Iranian positions.

“Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the US opts for a reckless military adventure. Is it a crude pressure tactic? Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire?” Araghchi wrote.

“Whatever the causes, the outcome is the same: Iranians never bow to pressure and diplomacy is always the victim,” he added.

Araghchi also dismissed a reported CIA analysis regarding Iran’s missile strength, asserting that the assessment significantly underestimated Tehran’s capabilities.

“Also, the CIA is wrong. Our missile inventory and launcher capacity are not at 75% compared to Feb 28. The correct figure is 120%,” he stated.

“As for our readiness to defend our people: 1,000%,” Araghchi added.

The comments followed U.S. military strikes carried out Thursday against Iranian targets at Qeshm Port and Bandar Abbas.

A senior American official later told Fox News that an additional strike hit Iran’s Bandar Kargan naval checkpoint in Minab.

Iranian media reported that Iranian naval forces responded by launching missiles and drones at three U.S. destroyers operating near the Strait of Hormuz.

United States Central Command later said American forces successfully intercepted those attacks and responded with defensive strikes after U.S. Navy vessels passed through the strait en route to the Gulf of Oman.

According to CENTCOM, Iranian forces deployed missiles, drones, and small boats targeting the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason, though none of the American ships sustained damage.

The U.S. military said it retaliated by striking Iranian military infrastructure tied to the attacks, including missile and drone launch systems, as well as command centers and surveillance networks.

President Donald Trump characterized the U.S. strikes as a “love tap” and said the ceasefire between the sides remained in place.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said the three U.S. destroyers moved through the Strait of Hormuz “very successfully” despite being fired upon, adding that Iranian attackers and small vessels were destroyed.

Separately, a confidential CIA analysis cited by the Washington Post found that Iran still retains significant ballistic missile capabilities even after sustained U.S. and Israeli strikes.

The report indicated that Iran continues to possess about 75 percent of its mobile missile launchers and roughly 70 percent of its overall missile stockpile.

It further concluded that Iran has regained access to most of its underground storage facilities, repaired certain damaged systems, and completed assembly of additional missiles that were close to readiness before the conflict began.

Trump said Wednesday that Iran’s missile arsenal had been “mostly decimated.”

{Matzav.com}

The Pentagon has started making public a new batch of documents related to UFO sightings, allowing Americans to review the material themselves and draw conclusions about so-called “unidentified anomalous phenomena,” including reports of unexplained objects seen in the sky.

In a statement posted Friday, the Defense Department said earlier administrations had attempted to dismiss or discourage public interest in such incidents, but President Donald Trump “is focused on providing maximum transparency to the public, who can ultimately make up their own minds about the information contained in these files.” Officials added that additional disclosures will continue over time.

The initiative is being coordinated not only by the Pentagon but also by the White House, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Energy, NASA, and the FBI.

A newly launched online portal hosts the materials, featuring a stylized design with black-and-white images of aircraft and a typewriter-style presentation. The first wave includes 162 documents, ranging from State Department communications and FBI records to NASA transcripts from manned space missions.

Among the newly released material is an FBI report recounting an interview with a drone pilot who described a strange aerial sighting in September 2023. According to the document, the pilot observed a “linear object” emitting a powerful light that revealed visible bands.

“The object was visible for five to ten seconds and then the light went out and the object vanished,” according to the FBI interview.

Another file includes a photograph taken during the 1972 Apollo 17 mission, showing three objects arranged in a triangular pattern. The Pentagon noted alongside the image that “there is no consensus about the nature of the anomaly,” though a preliminary review suggested it could be a “physical object.”

President Trump, a Republican, had been hinting at the release since February. In the past, he authorized the disclosure of records tied to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., which largely reaffirmed previously known information.

Efforts to declassify UFO-related material have been underway at the Pentagon for several years. In 2022, Congress established an office dedicated to reviewing and releasing such records. A report issued in 2024 cataloged hundreds of additional UAP encounters but concluded there was no confirmed evidence of alien technology in U.S. possession.

Lawmakers had directed the Pentagon in 2022 to begin making decades’ worth of UFO records public after military personnel described encounters with unidentified aircraft.

Some Republican members of Congress have continued to push for broader disclosure, arguing that certain materials remain withheld. In March, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna called for the release of 46 UAP videos referenced by whistleblowers, and she said Friday that those recordings are expected to be included in a future batch.

Rep. Tim Burchett thanked Trump for “keeping his word” on transparency and disclosure.”

“I would like to remind people that transparency won’t all happen at once, it will take some time,” Burchett said in a statement.

Specialists have urged the public to approach the newly released materials with care, noting that footage of UAPs is often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with advanced defense systems. The Pentagon reiterated in its 2024 report that it has found no proof that the U.S. government has obtained alien technology or verified the existence of extraterrestrial life.

{Matzav.com}

American forces stepped up enforcement of a sweeping maritime blockade on Friday, stopping multiple Iranian-flagged oil tankers from reaching port and intensifying pressure on Tehran’s oil network, according to United States Central Command.

Officials said two empty tankers—the M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda—were prevented from docking at an Iranian port along the Gulf of Oman after being struck and disabled by a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the USS George H.W. Bush.

Earlier in the week, on May 6, U.S. forces similarly halted the Iranian-flagged M/T Hasna as it attempted to reach port in the same region. That vessel’s rudder was rendered inoperable when an F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Abraham Lincoln fired multiple rounds from a 20mm cannon, leaving it unable to proceed. All three ships are no longer en route to Iran.

“U.S. forces in the Middle East remain committed to full enforcement of the blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iran,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander said Friday.

“Our highly trained men and women in uniform are doing incredible work,” he added.

According to CENTCOM, the operation has already forced dozens of ships to change course, with more than 50 vessels redirected and several others disabled as part of the ongoing effort. U.S. forces are currently preventing more than 70 oil tankers from accessing Iranian ports.

In a Friday morning update on X, CENTCOM stated that the blocked vessels collectively could carry over 166 million barrels of Iranian oil, estimated to be worth more than $13 billion.

The large-scale mission is part of a broader effort to impose a full blockade on Iran’s oil exports, targeting a key source of revenue for the regime.

“Blockade remains fully in effect,” a CENTCOM graphic stated, adding that “no ships [are] allowed in or out of Iranian ports” as enforcement operations continue “across the Middle East and beyond.”

Military officials indicated that the campaign involves a substantial U.S. presence, including more than 15,000 service members, upwards of 200 aircraft, and at least 20 naval vessels.

CENTCOM reported that over 50 ships have already been diverted to ensure compliance with the restrictions, while 73 tankers remain unable to transport Iranian oil.

The operation draws on a wide range of military capabilities, including aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, guided-missile destroyers, combat aircraft, surveillance platforms, drones, and aerial refueling assets.

The intensified crackdown comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise, driven by disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, proxy activity throughout the Middle East, and threats directed at U.S. allies.

The Trump administration has repeatedly pledged to restore “maximum pressure” on Iran and choke off the regime’s primary source of revenue: oil exports.

Iran depends heavily on oil sales to sustain its government operations and fund the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which U.S. officials have tied to backing terrorist groups and regional proxy forces.

Historically, U.S. sanctions have focused on preventing Iranian crude from reaching international buyers, particularly in Asian markets.

The blockade also highlights the growing American military presence in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters, a region critical to global commerce.

About one-fifth of the world’s oil supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining stability in the area.

Critics caution that such aggressive tactics could heighten the risk of direct confrontation with Iran, while supporters argue the move signals renewed U.S. strength and deterrence after years of regional instability.

CENTCOM’s latest update makes clear that Washington intends to sustain economic pressure on Iran while reinforcing its military posture across the Middle East.

“$13+ billion not benefitting Iran’s leadership,” the CENTCOM graphic emphasized, highlighting the financial impact of the blockade on the Iranian regime.

{Matzav.com}

A major ruling from the Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday handed Republicans a significant win, invalidating a Democratic-backed congressional map and reshaping expectations ahead of the midterm elections.

In a narrow 4-3 decision, the court ruled that the voter-approved map was improperly enacted, declaring it “null and void.” The outcome shifts momentum in the broader national battle over redistricting, giving Republicans an opening in a closely contested fight for control of the House.

Virginia’s current congressional delegation stands at six Democrats and five Republicans. The now-rejected map had been expected to heavily favor Democrats, potentially expanding their advantage to 10 of the state’s 11 seats.

“On the first day Democrats tried to enact this scheme, we said it was illegal and unconstitutional,” said Mike Young, president of Virginians for Fair Maps. “Here we are months later, and it’s illegal and unconstitutional.”

Political analysts had projected that the map—crafted by Democratic lawmakers and narrowly approved in an April 21 referendum—would deliver four additional seats to the party, strengthening its chances of reclaiming the House in November.

Dave Wasserman, a senior editor and redistricting specialist at the Cook Political Report, described the ruling as “a massive setback for Democrats” who will now need to pick up a net of “more like 10 seats to win control of the House, rather than just three.”

With Republican-led redistricting efforts advancing or already completed in states including Texas, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Alabama, Wasserman now estimates the GOP “will pick up somewhere the six to seven-seat range from redistricting.”

Even so, he noted that Democrats remain favored to win back the House, though the ruling improves Republican prospects. “Republicans have a more realistic chance of holding their majority than they did prior to this ruling and the [Louisiana] Supreme Court decision,“ he said.

The legal battle in Virginia is part of a wider, back-and-forth struggle between the parties over congressional maps nationwide. The dispute has been tied to political planning efforts associated with James Blair, a former White House deputy chief of staff, aimed at strengthening President Trump’s agenda heading into the final stretch of his term.

At earlier stages, Republicans appeared to misjudge the evolving landscape, as California responded to redistricting moves in Texas by revising its own map, and Virginia seemed poised to tilt the balance toward Democrats.

“A lot of overpaid operatives in DC owe James Blair an apology right now,” a GOP consultant close to the White House told The Post regarding the Trump ally, who recently stepped back from his role to focus on election strategy.

President Donald Trump welcomed the court’s decision, posting on Truth Social: “Huge win for the Republican Party, and America, in Virginia. The Virginia Supreme Court has just struck down the Democrats’ horrible gerrymander.”

Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters also praised the outcome. “Democrats just learned that when you try to rig elections, you lose,” he said.

“Today, the Virginia Supreme Court sided with the rule of law and struck down Democrats’ unconstitutional maps. The RNC led the charge in court against this blatant power grab, where Virginia Democrats poured more than $66 million into an effort to lock in control and silence voters. We took them to court, and we won”

Democratic leaders responded by emphasizing respect for the judicial process while signaling continued opposition. Don Scott, speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates, said in a statement: “We respect the court. But we will keep fighting for a democracy where voters — not politicians — have the final say. Because in Virginia, power still belongs to the people.”

Writing for the majority, Justice D. Arthur Kelsey explained that lawmakers advanced the constitutional amendment process “in an unprecedented manner.”

Because the state’s redistricting system was established through a prior constitutional amendment approved by voters, any changes required a new amendment. That process mandated passage in two separate legislative sessions, with an election in between, before appearing on the ballot.

The legislature first approved the amendment in October, during the early voting period but ahead of Election Day on Nov. 4.

A second approval came after the new legislative session convened in January. Lawmakers later passed an additional measure in February detailing the proposed districts, contingent on voter approval of the amendment.

At the center of the dispute was whether the October vote came too late, given that early voting had already begun.

Attorney Matthew Seligman, representing the legislature, argued that the “election” should be defined narrowly as Election Day, Nov. 4, meaning the initial approval occurred in time and complied with constitutional requirements.

Opposing counsel Thomas McCarthy contended that the term “election” encompasses the entire early voting period, which spans 45 days in Virginia. Under that interpretation, the legislature acted too late to meet constitutional standards.

The court sided with McCarthy’s argument. Kelsey wrote: “While the Commonwealth is free by its lights to do the right thing for the right reason, the Rule of Law requires that it be done the right way.”

“[V]oting in the general election for the House of Delegates began on September 19, 2025, and ended on Election Day, November 4, 2025. The General Assembly voted for the first time to propose the constitutional amendment to the electorate on October 31, 2025. By that date, over 1.3 million votes had been cast in the general election, which was approximately 40% of the total vote for that election cycle,” he added.

Kelsey concluded that by treating “election” as referring only to Election Day, lawmakers effectively “ended up denying over 1.3 million Virginians their constitutional right to have a voice in the debate over whether their Constitution should be amended.”

A major fundraising mission on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah is set to depart this Motzoei Shabbos for South America, as gedolei Yisroel mobilize to secure critical funding for the olam haTorah. At the last moment, however, Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch will not be joining the delegation due to pressing personal circumstances.

The trip comes at a time when the financial strain on lomdei Torah continues to intensify, with legal pressures mounting and the weakening dollar further complicating budgets that rely heavily on overseas support.

Leading the delegation will be prominent gedolim, including Rav Yaakov Hillel, Rav Avraham Salim, Rav Chaim Peretz Berman, Rav Shimon Galei, and Rav Yosef Chevroni.

The group will first travel to Brazil for a two-day visit, followed by a stop in Argentina, marking the first time a Keren Olam HaTorah delegation will visit that country. The gedolim are expected to return to Eretz Yisroel toward the end of next week.

Until the final hours, preparations had been underway for Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch to lead the mission personally. However, due to the medical condition of the Rebbetzin shetichyeh, who is currently hospitalized, he has remained in Eretz Yisroel to be at her side. Communities in Brazil and Argentina, together with Yidden around the world, have been davening for her refuah sheleimah. Leading negidim in South America conveyed to the Rosh Yeshiva that while they had eagerly anticipated his arrival, the Rebbetzin’s health takes precedence. They expressed their commitment to intensify their efforts and raise substantial funds for the olam haTorah, l’maan kavod haTorah and in the zechus of the Rebbetzin’s complete recovery.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Finance Minister and Religious Zionist Party chairman Bezalel Smotrich strongly pushed back against MK Moshe Gafni of United Torah Judaism following Gafni’s sharp criticism of Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer over the ongoing debate surrounding the gezeiras giyus.

Smotrich did not hold back, making it clear that the religious Zionist camp does not require validation from Gafni or his circle.

“Knesset Member Gafni, religious Zionism and its Torah world really don’t need your approval. Certainly not Minister Ofir Sofer, who has proven his dedication to the people of Israel with his body when he was severely wounded on the battlefield and received a medal.”

He went on to turn the focus back on Gafni, calling on him to take a more direct and consistent position. “Instead of attacking religious Zionist heroes, it’s best you put out a clear statement: whoever doesn’t study Torah should immediately enlist. It’s that simple,” Smotrich stated.

The argument erupted Thursday, when Minister Sofer addressed the chareidi Knesset members ahead of their meeting with gedolim to discuss the proposed draft law. Sofer urged them to reconsider their current approach and adopt a more practical path forward.

“Instead of talking to rabbis who will advance a bill that doesn’t have a majority, since I will oppose it together with other coalition Knesset members, ask them to call on those who don’t study to enlist and assist in the war,” Sofer said.

Gafni reacted sharply to those comments, expressing strong objection to Sofer’s remarks and his involvement in the issue. “Ofir Sofer has no idea about the importance of Torah study and its place in protecting the existence of the Jewish people for generations. He should focus on the matters of aliyah and integration he is charged with, and not intervene in matters which he does not understand.”

{Matzav.com}

A deeply moving story of chesed surfaced during a recent Israeli radio program hosted by Menachem Toker, when a listener shared a personal encounter that revealed a lesser-known side of singer Meidad Tasa.

The caller, identified as Dovid, recounted that several years ago, as a young yungerman shopping for Shabbos on a tight budget, he found himself short on funds at the checkout. “I got to the register and realized the total was more than what I had,” he said. Standing nearby at the time was Meidad Tasa.

According to Dovid, Tasa did not know him and did not wait to be asked for help. “He called me over to the side while the cashier was scanning the items and said to me, ‘I get tips at events,’” Dovid recalled. Moments later, Tasa quietly handed him money—almost exactly the amount he was missing. “He gave me 200 shekels; I was short 190-something,” he said, still emotional. The entire act was carried out with complete tznius, without drawing any attention. “He really did it humbly, quietly, from his jacket.”

Toker was visibly moved by the account and immediately tried to reach Tasa live on air. At first, the singer’s wife answered the phone and expressed surprise upon hearing the story. “About Meidad, who is a tzaddik, I can testify to that in every sense of the word,” she said. Shortly afterward, Tasa himself joined the broadcast, explaining that he had just woken up from a nap and was on his way to pick up his children from gan.

When Toker mentioned the supermarket incident, Tasa sounded both embarrassed and taken aback. “Wow, wow, wow, I can’t believe it,” he said. He then shared a personal story that sheds light on his approach to giving.

He described how, on the day of his wedding, as he was heading to the mikveh, he realized he had only two shekels in his pocket. “I said to Hashem, I’m a chosson and I only have two shekels in my pocket?” At that moment, he encountered a poor person and chose to give him the last coins he had. “I said: Ribono Shel Olam, I’m giving him these two shekels and You will take care of me.” Since then, he said, he has felt that he is constantly being taken care of from Shamayim.

During the conversation, Tasa also repeated a phrase he often attributes to his mother, which has become a guiding principle in his life: “Minus in the bank, plus in the home.” When asked what he meant, he explained, “A person shouldn’t worry too much about the bank… The main thing is that there should be a plus in the home.”

The story left a strong impression on listeners, as Tasa emphasized that for him, the ability to help another Yid is itself a privilege. “I feel it’s a great merit that I was even able to give to him. He did a chesed with me,” he said.

{Matzav.com}