As Iran delivers a new response to a U.S. truce proposal and President Trump prepares to visit China, NPR's A Martinez asks retired Gen. Joseph Votel about the implications for war in the Middle East.
President Trump flew partway home from a NATO summit on an older Air Force One jet instead of the new Qatari-gifted plane, citing "old time's sake." The swap occurred as the U.S. and Iran traded strikes, raising security questions about the new jet, which reportedly lacks some missile detection systems.
At a NATO summit in Turkey, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, a significant win for Kyiv. Trump also struck a positive tone with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, expressing optimism for a peace deal. The summit saw European allies increasing defense spending, though Trump initially expressed dissatisfaction with some partners.
The U.S. launched new airstrikes against Iran, which responded by targeting U.S.-allied Mideast countries, threatening an interim ceasefire deal. The exchange of fire, including strikes near Iran's nuclear plant and on bridges, killed at least 14 in Iran and wounded one in Kuwait, raising fears of renewed war and global economic impact.
The US launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, hitting approximately 90 targets. Iran responded by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. These actions threaten an interim deal aimed at ending the Persian Gulf war, with President Trump warning of escalation.
President Trump declared the Iran ceasefire "over," expressing uncertainty about a deal and suggesting the U.S. should "finish the job." This mixed messaging follows recent military strikes, raising questions about future actions amid escalating tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts by Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt.
President Trump unexpectedly switched from a new, retrofitted Air Force One gifted by Qatar to an older model for his flight home from a NATO summit. The move raised security concerns about the new jet, which reportedly lacks advanced missile defense systems, especially as U.S.-Iran tensions escalated.
