The House approved a non-binding resolution to remove U.S. forces from the war in Iran as the conflict escalates and oil prices jump. The newsletter also covers new tariffs, a fatal police shooting in Madison, and avocado oil adulteration.
Former US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer discusses the challenges of deterring Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, Iran's influence, and the Biden administration's decision-making process. He also touches on the US-Saudi nuclear deal and prospects for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure, including bridges or power plants in or near Tehran, for any attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating US strikes on Iran and the strait's closure impacting global oil trade.
Houthi rebels threaten to blockade Yemen's Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, jeopardizing Saudi oil exports and escalating regional tensions with the US and Iran. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces Congress over US military funding for Iran operations and rising casualties, as the FDA continues its Cyclospora investigation linked to Mexican lettuce.
Iran targeted US radar and air defense installations in Kuwait and Bahrain, warning of further attacks after US strikes on Iran. This follows Iran's Revolutionary Guards attacking oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi rebels blockading Saudi ports, escalating regional tensions.
Germany's international aid agency, GIZ, is accused of embezzling tens of millions of euros in Yemen between 2015 and 2025. The report suggests some funds may have reached Houthi rebels, while GIZ leadership allegedly downplayed the "commercial irregularities" and sacked employees.
Israel and Iran agreed to halt attacks after exchanging missiles, with conditions for potential resumption, following a US call for ceasefire as Middle East tensions escalated.
