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Marco Rubio revokes green cards of 2 relatives of slain Iranian commander, turns them over to ICE for deportation

Marco Rubio revokes green cards of 2 relatives of slain Iranian commander, turns them over to ICE for deportation

The United States has canceled the green cards of two relatives of slain Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran.Qassem Soleimani led Iran’s Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike in 2020. It was an event that continued to shape relations between the two countries.

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US evacuates sailors from Bahrain base after Fifth Fleet headquarters ‘destroyed’ in Iranian attacks?

U.S. Secretary of State marco rubio Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, identified as Soleimani’s niece, and her daughter have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and face deportation. The move comes as the Trump administration has increased pressure on Iran amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Announcing the decision, Rubio accused Afshar of supporting the Iranian government. “While in the United States, he promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against U.S. troops and military facilities in the Middle East, praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced the U.S. as ‘the Great Satan,’ and voiced his steadfast support for the designated terrorist organization the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps,” the statement said.Expressing such views, he said that Afshar was living comfortably in America. “Afshar Soleimani promoted this propaganda for Iran’s terrorist regime while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles, as evidenced by frequent posting on his recently deleted Instagram account,” it continued.In a post on Twitter, Rubio said, “Until recently, Hamideh Suleimani Afshar and her daughter were green card holders living graciously in the United States. This week, I terminated the legal status of both Afshar and her daughter and they are now in the custody of ICE, pending removal from the United States.”He added, “The Trump administration will not allow our country to become home to foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.”According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), both women entered the US separately in 2015, Afshar on a tourist visa and her daughter on a student visa. Afshar later applied for naturalization in 2025 and disclosed multiple trips to Iran.Acting Assistant Homeland Security Director Lauren Biss said, “His trips to Iran demonstrate that his asylum claims were fraudulent.” He further said, “Obtaining a green card to reside in the United States is a privilege. If we have reason to believe that the green card holder is a threat to the United States, the green card will be revoked.”This action has taken place at a time when tension between America and Iran is increasing. US President Donald Trump recently warned Tehran against reaching a ceasefire agreement and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies. The route carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil, and sanctions have already sent fuel prices soaring.“Remember when I gave Iran 10 days to make a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said in one post. The MAGA leader added: “Time is running out – 48 hours before all hell will reign over them. Glory be to God!”

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‘I was forced to do it’: Illegal immigrant accused of slitting wife’s throat a month after marriage in Dallas

'I was forced to do it': Illegal immigrant accused of slitting wife's throat a month after marriage in Dallas

A 24-year-old man accused of killing his wife just weeks after their wedding has been taken into custody in Texas and US immigration officials have urged that he not be released.Francisco Mendez-Marin is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico and was arrested by the Carrollton Police Department on March 18 and charged with felony murder. He is accused of slitting the throat of his 20-year-old wife, Carla Rangel, during a domestic dispute in Dallas.According to officials, the couple had been married for less than a month at the time of the incident. When police arrived at the scene, Mendez-Marin had blood on his clothes and a bloodied pocket knife.Body camera footage cited in the arrest affidavit shows him telling officers in Spanish, “I didn’t do anything bad” and “I was obligated to do this.”Following the arrest, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it filed a detainer case with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), requesting local authorities not to release the suspect from custody. Mendez-Marin is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail in the custody of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.Acting Assistant Secretary of DHS Lauren Biss released a statement on the matter. He said, “This evil animal murdered his own wife by brutally slitting her throat with a pocket knife just a month after their marriage.” “This illegal alien should never have been allowed into our country to commit this heinous murder.”He added: “ICE urged authorities in Dallas not to release this ruthless killer on the streets. Thankfully, Dallas politicians cooperate with ICE, so together we can ensure this killer never runs free in American communities.”

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Trump’s Xi moment? Military cleansing has begun in America

Trump's Xi moment? Military cleansing has begun in America

“Hide your strength and bide your time” – China’s transformative Prime Minister Deng Xiaoping once advised. He was talking about keeping external factors at bay, while focusing on internal development, urging patience, strategic restraint and quiet accumulation of national strength. and in Xi JinpingThe accumulation of power and control over institutions in China has never happened before. Interestingly, Xi seems to have found a partner, as thousands of miles away in Beijing’s biggest rival, the United States, an act of his and that of the US President bears an uncanny resemblance. donald trump -Military purification. Widespread churn in the top ranks of the US military under Trump has raised questions about whether the administration is making structural changes, or something closer to a purge. Since returning to office, Trump’s administration has overseen the ouster or removal of at least 13 senior military leaders, a development that comes as the US remains engaged in a broader conflict in the Middle East. The scale and pace of the changes have raised concerns about institutional continuity and the impact on operational decision making. The developments draw striking parallels with Xi Jinping, under whom China has seen repeated purges within the military and political establishment aimed at consolidating control. Although the contexts are different, both situations involve leadership reshaping of key institutions amid broader strategic shifts. The recent removal of Army chiefs General Randy George and General David Hodney has reportedly upset a section of the military establishment, leading to uneasiness in defense circles over the direction of reforms.

A comprehensive list of exits

Among the most notable departures is top Army officer General Randy George, who was asked to retire before completing his four-year term. A defense official told Axios the move comes despite his extensive operational experience, including roles in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.Two US officials cited by the outlet said personality differences contributed to his exit.Gen. David Hodney, who leads the Army’s Transformation and Training Command, and Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., head of the Army’s Chaplain Corps, were also removed from their posts, according to defense officials.This shock has spread to all the branches. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey steps down amid alleged tension with Defense Secretary pete hegsethWhile Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse was removed after leading the Defense Intelligence Agency during a politically sensitive period involving intelligence assessments on Iran.Senior naval leadership has also seen the churn. The Pentagon said Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield was removed due to “a lack of confidence in her ability to lead”, while Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to serve as chief of naval operations, and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Schlief were among those whose exits were previously announced.

Leadership reset or consolidation of control?

The administration made the changes as part of an effort to “streamline” military leadership. However, critics and some former officials see the move as potentially sidelining experienced officials. Trump had previously announced plans to replace Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr., a four-star fighter pilot and only the second Black officer to hold the position. Hegseth had previously argued that people involved with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives should be removed, saying that anyone involved in “DEI” would have to leave.Other high-profile exits include General Timothy Hogg, who led the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber ​​Command, and Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan, who was removed citing “lack of leadership, operational failures and inability to advance strategic objectives.” Departures have also been extended for Vice Admiral Nancy LaCour, head of the Navy Reserve, and Rear Admiral Jamie Sands, head of Naval Special Warfare Command.

Strategic timing amid ongoing conflicts

The change in leadership comes at a time when the US is engaged in an active war with Iran in the Middle East. Axios said expertise at the top level of command remains important as the administration considers its military options.Some changes are linked to internal disagreements or political sensitivities. For example, intelligence assessments related to the attack on Iran became controversial after they were reportedly leaked, leading to additional scrutiny on leadership roles.

China model – and key differences

The developments appear similar to those in China, where Xi Jinping has carried out repeated purges within the People’s Liberation Army to establish control and enforce discipline.Although there is no official indication that the US is following a similar model, the scale of recent expulsions has prompted debate over whether the current approach risks politicizing military leadership, a concern that comes up from time to time in US civil-military relations.For now, the Trump administration says the changes are aimed at improving efficiency and alignment with its strategic priorities. However, with several senior roles in flux, questions remain how the emerging leadership structure could shape US military policy in the coming months.(with inputs from agencies)

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3,126 petitions to employ H‑1B workers: Outcry over Oracle firing thousands while hiring foreign workers

3,126 petitions to employ H‑1B workers: Outcry over Oracle firing thousands while hiring foreign workers

When thousands of Oracle employees woke up earlier this week to an email telling them they had lost their jobs, many were unaware that the technology company was filing large numbers of applications to hire foreign workers. According to federal data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Oracle submitted approximately 3,126 petitions to employ H‑1B workers in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, of which 436 petitions were filed in 2026 alone.The H‑1B visa program allows employers to hire foreign nationals in specialty occupations such as technology and defense. Companies must petition the US government to demonstrate that they cannot find local candidates with equivalent skills.

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Oracle under attack from Iran, Mojtaba’s forces destroy Dubai data center after explosive attack on Amazon

The details of the visa filing sparked controversy. On Blind, a forum for verified professionals, one user described Oracle’s H‑1B petitions as “a slap in the face.” The post said: “If that doesn’t make you angry, maybe you need to read some heartfelt posts on LinkedIn from Oracle employees who are US citizens and have been fired after working at Oracle for years.” Another commenter said: “Look at all the big tech companies, they do massive layoffs and then hire at low wages.”Oracle’s mass layoffs were communicated in an email to employees on Tuesday: “After careful consideration of Oracle’s current business needs, we have decided to eliminate your role as part of a broader organizational change. As a result, today is your last day of work.” Affected workers were informed that they would be eligible to receive a severance package “subject to the terms and conditions of the severance plan.”The controversy over H‑1B filings comes against a backdrop of similar actions by other big technology companies. Amazon, which announced in January that it would cut 16,000 corporate jobs, filed about 2,675 H‑1B petitions during the same two-year period.MAGA veterans and ‘America First’ supporters say American workers are harmed by companies hiring large numbers of H‑1B workers. The wave of layoffs saw more than 52,000 jobs cut in the first three months of 2026, a significant increase compared to the same period last year, as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes employment patterns.

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Iran: Is Donald Trump’s triumphalist tone on Iran holding up to a reality check?

क्या ईरान पर डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प का विजयी स्वर वास्तविकता की जाँच का सामना कर रहा है?“We have defeated and completely destroyed Iran,” Trump declared in his first live address to Americans on the war on Wednesday. “They have been destroyed militarily and economically and in every way,” he said. Trump also said that Iran’s “radar has been 100% destroyed” and claimed, “As a military force we are invincible.”But those sweeping claims were quickly challenged by events on the ground.

Two plane incidents crippled the triumphant tone

An American fighter plane was shot down in Iran on Friday in the first such incident since the war began. One crew member was rescued, while another went missing, prompting a US search and rescue operation.In a separate incident, Iranian state media claimed that a US A-10 attack plane crashed in the Persian Gulf after being hit by Iranian security forces. News agency AP quoted a US official speaking on condition of anonymity as saying it was not clear whether the plane had crashed or was shot down.The developments come just days after Trump said Iran has “no anti-aircraft equipment,” making the incidents particularly damaging to his effort to project total military dominance.Trump did not appear publicly on Friday as battlefield setbacks cast doubt on his earlier triumphant characterization of the war.

Trump decides to launch ‘America alone’ into conflict

Trump’s trademark political style – built on certainty, individual authority and unilateral action – is clashing with the unpredictability of war.Trump’s decision to enter war with Israel, without consulting Congress or key allies, has left Washington increasingly isolated.Julian Zelizer, a Princeton University historian, summarized the dilemma in comments to the AP, saying, “You can be the most outspoken, aggressive president in the world but you can’t control what happens abroad.”As the war enters its sixth week, these tensions are becoming even more apparent.

As Trump struggles to garner support, allies are pulling back.

Some of America’s traditional allies are now openly distancing themselves from Washington’s decision to go to war.French President Emmanuel Macron said this week that the US “can hardly complain after this about not being supported in an operation they decided to carry out alone.”“This is not our operation,” Macron said.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also refused to get involved in the conflict despite sharp criticism from Trump. Britain and France are instead focusing efforts on helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the fighting ends.Trump’s former national security adviser John Bolton, now a critic, said the administration made a “serious mistake” by not building an international coalition before the war.“If you don’t build your coalition before the war, it’s much harder to build it while it’s in it,” Bolton said.Still, Bolton warned European leaders against opposing Trump simply because they are frustrated by his lack of consultation, calling that approach “juvenile and irascible.”

Strait of Hormuz pressure deepens economic decline

Trump is also struggling to contain the broader economic consequences of the conflict.Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, blocking global oil and gas flows, disrupting energy shipments and sending gasoline prices sharply higher in the United States.The war is destabilizing economies around the world as Iran targets Gulf energy infrastructure and tightens its grip on oil and natural gas transit through the strait.Trump has reportedly asked world leaders for help in reopening the vital waterway, but those offers have been rejected. Some allies want the fighting to end before the issue is dealt with, while others are openly critical of the war Trump has chosen to start.

Mediation efforts continue as Iran signals conditional openness

Despite the fighting, diplomatic channels have not been completely closed.Mediators from Pakistan, Türkiye and Egypt are still trying to bring Washington and Tehran back to the table. Two regional officials quoted by AP said an agreement to stop the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz was being explored, potentially paving the way for talks in Pakistan.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran “has never refused to go to Islamabad”, but stressed that Iran “wants a decisive and permanent end to the illegal war imposed on us.”He also reiterated that position in a separate social media post.The broader regional picture of the latest developments in the war shows how far the conflict has spread.The United Arab Emirates said its air defenses intercepted 23 ballistic missiles and 56 drones from Iran on Saturday. Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, reported eight drone attacks in 24 hours, bringing the total to 188 missiles and 453 drones hit since the war began.Debris from the captured drone damaged the exteriors of two buildings in Dubai, including that of Oracle, an American tech firm. There is no report of anyone being injured.Iran has also indicated to increase maritime pressure. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf made an indirect threat regarding another major global shipping chokepoint, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Any disruption there would force ships to reroute around southern Africa, making driving costs even higher.

Trump’s pervasive loner style also faces limits domestically

The Iran war reflects a broader pattern in Trump’s presidency: acting first, often alone, and believing that political force can overcome institutional resistance.Trump also said this week that congressional approval was “not necessary” for the White House ballroom project despite the judge’s ruling. He signed an executive order to create a national list of verified eligible voters and restrict mail-in voting, and even made an unprecedented appearance at the Supreme Court as his administration defended an executive order restricting birthright citizenship.But the strategy is also hitting domestic hurdles. The Supreme Court struck down his sweeping tariff program, Democrats immediately challenged his voting order, and judges appeared skeptical of his effort to curb birthright citizenship.Trump mocked the limitations of his office in a revelation during an Easter luncheon at the White House.“I’m a king who can’t get a ballroom approved,” he said, drawing laughter from Cabinet members and religious leaders. “I’m doing a lot. But I could do a lot more if I were king.”

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‘I’m not suicidal’: US congressman says he knows UFO secrets that could keep Americans ‘up at night’ and ‘keep the country untouched’ world News

'I'm not suicidal': US congressman says UFO secrets he knows could 'keep Americans up at night' and 'keep the country away'
During a recent Newsmax appearance, Representative Tim Burchett said classified UFO mysteries could ‘keep Americans up at night’ and ‘shock the country’/ Image: YouTube Newsmax

A sitting member of Congress has claimed that classified briefings on unidentified aerial phenomena contain so much destabilizing information that, if released, it would fundamentally shake public confidence. The comments, made in a television interview, add to a growing chorus of political voices demanding greater transparency about what the US government knows, and raise new questions about why this information is withheld.

What Tim Burchett Said, and Didn’t Say

Tim Burchett, a Republican congressman and member of the House Task Force on Declassification of Federal Secrets, said this week that he has been briefed in detail by federal agencies on matters related to UFOs and extraterrestrial activity.talking to newsmaxBurchett did not disclose specifics, but described the content of those briefings in clear terms. He said he had been “briefed by every Alphabet agency that is out there,” adding that if the material were made public, “you would be up at night, worrying, thinking about this thing.”He further stated that the recent briefing he received “would have sent the earth into chaos, I think if they had heard what I heard, this country would have been completely liberated,” and that such a release would have caused the public to demand immediate answers.Despite repeatedly asking for “full disclosure”, Burchett made clear that he would not share what he knew. In the same interview, he suggested there could be consequences for those who speak out, saying, “For the record, I’m not suicidal.”

Privacy claims, and risk signals

Burchett also noted what he described as a pattern of unexplained incidents involving individuals involved in sensitive research. Although he acknowledged that he had no definitive explanation, he said that “there are no coincidences in this city”, pointing to reports of scientists and officials who “disappeared or died mysteriously.”“These people mysteriously disappeared or died and the only thing that ties them together is the fact that they worked on things that are related to outer space,” he said, adding, “Overall, I think there’s a connection there. And I don’t think we’ll ever know.”

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‘I’m not suicidal’: Burchett can’t find words to describe alien revelation, discusses UFO files

The comments fail to present evidence, but they reflect a broader narrative, becoming increasingly common in parts of the American political discussion, that information about UFOs is being actively suppressed.Also read: Eight nuclear and space scientists behind America’s best-kept secrets have disappeared or died

Pressure for disclosure, and very little has been released so far

Burchett said he personally urged donald trump He called for government records to be made public, “release it all.” Earlier this year, Trump indicated that he would direct federal agencies to begin the process of identifying and releasing files related to “alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs).”In a statement posted on social media, Trump wrote: “Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will direct the Secretary of War and other relevant departments and agencies to begin the process of identifying and releasing government files relating to alien and extraterrestrial life… and any and all information relating to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important matters.”Despite that promise, no wide release has occurred.The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has said the documents will be made public “soon”, while the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency registered the domains “alien.gov” and “aliens.gov” in March. As of now, no sites are active. Asked about the domain, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told USA TODAY: “Stay tuned!”

Other voices, and conflicting views

Burchett is not alone in raising questions about extraterrestrial life, although views within the American leadership vary widely.For example, during a recent appearance on The Benny Show, JD Vance said he is “obsessed” with UFOs, although he admitted that he “hasn’t spent enough time on it to understand it.” He says, “We’re working on it” and that he will “get to the bottom of the UFO files,” noting that he still has “three more years as Vice President.” He also offered his own explanation, saying, “I don’t think they’re aliens. I think they’re monsters.”Also read: JD Vance denounces UFOs as ‘monsters’ and vows to reveal government secrets on unexplained phenomenaBarack Obama has described considering this question directly while in office, recalling that the first thing he asked after becoming president was whether “there’s a laboratory somewhere where we’re keeping alien samples and spacecraft,” and that officials “did a little research and the answer was no.”He later said in a podcast with Brian Tyler Cohen: “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them, and they’re not being kept in Area 51.” That comment was criticized by Donald Trump, who said Obama “gave away classified information” and “made a big mistake.”Obama later clarified that while the scale of the universe makes the existence of life elsewhere plausible, “the likelihood of aliens visiting us is slim,” adding that he had seen no evidence during his presidency that extraterrestrials had made contact with Earth.

Between speculation and evidence

There has been renewed attention to UFOs amid changing terminology and policy over the years. What were once broadly referred to as UFOs are now often labeled Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), reflecting an effort within government and scientific circles to treat such sightings as a matter of systematic investigation rather than speculation.Congress has held hearings in recent years, commissioned reports and pressured intelligence agencies to disclose more information. Some military footage of unexplained aerial encounters has been made public, but these releases have not yielded definitive answers.

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Trump considering firing FBI Director Kash Patel, according to White House officials: Report

Trump considering firing FBI Director Kash Patel, according to White House officials: Report

The Trump administration is discussing the possible departure of several senior officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel. According to a report by The Atlantic, people familiar with White House planning have told the magazine that discussions are underway about whether some top officials could step down.Names mentioned in these discussions include FBI Director Kash Patel, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The Atlantic’s sources said these talks are taking place inside the GOP administration, but no final decision has been made by US President Donald Trump. The timing of any possible departure is also unclear.The report does not say whether any of these officers have actually been fired or whether any formal resignations have been submitted. It only says that their names are being discussed by senior people in the White House.The discussion comes at a time when the Trump administration has already seen several high-profile changes. Recently, Attorney General Pam Bondi was removed from her post by Trump, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was also replaced. This was a major change from what was already in the MAGA base. The Atlantic report did not identify the individuals who spoke to the magazine, but it said they were familiar with the planning at the White House. He described the situation as ongoing, meaning the President and his advisers are still considering options. Trump himself has not publicly confirmed these discussions.Officials like Kash Patel take on roles that typically require close cooperation with both the White House and other parts of the federal government. The position of FBI Director is particularly important because it involves oversight of the nation’s premier domestic law enforcement agency. Patel was appointed to that post in 2025.Patel is an Indian-American and his appointment to such a high-level position has been criticized by some conservative Republicans and “America First” supporters. Several white supremacist figures have also voiced their opposition to having an Indian-American serve as FBI director instead of a white American.Kash Patel’s tenure as FBI Director has been surrounded by many controversies. He was criticized for using the FBI plane for travel, including trips to events involving his girlfriend, singer Alexis Wilkins. Reports also stated that FBI agents were assigned as his security, which is unusual as partners of senior officials do not typically receive long-term security. In the Charlie Kirk murder case, Patel was questioned for announcing that a suspect was in custody before it was confirmed. Additionally, three former FBI agents also filed a lawsuit saying they were wrongfully fired when he was director. More recently, a pro-Iran hacking group reportedly targeted Patel’s personal emails, releasing old personal photos and documents.

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Russia attacks Ukraine with drone: 5 killed, 19 injured in Nikopol market attack

Russia attacks Ukraine with drone: 5 killed, 19 injured in Nikopol market attack
Image source: X/Kyiv Independent

At least five people killed and 19 others injured in Russian drone strike market in the Ukrainian border city of Nikopol on Saturday morning, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office said.Earlier, regional governor Oleksandr Ganja said in a Telegram post that three women and two men were killed. He said that a 14 year old girl is also included among the 19 injured and her condition is critical.“This is another war crime committed by the Russian Federation,” the prosecutor’s office said in a post on Telegram.

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‘Hormuz shipping will resume only when…’: Russia warns Trump after Iran military downs US fighter plane

Nikopol, which lies close to Russian-occupied territory across the Dnipro River, has been regularly targeted by attacks.Russia has been carrying out regular attacks on Ukraine since its 2022 invasion, mostly at night, but in recent weeks, it has increased attacks during the day.Meanwhile, Russia’s night-time attacks on Ukraine injured 14 people, while air strikes in Russia killed one person and injured four others.

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Trump: Donald Trump considering major Cabinet changes as reaction to Iran war deepens: Report

ईरान युद्ध की प्रतिक्रिया गहराने के कारण डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प कैबिनेट में बड़े बदलाव पर विचार कर रहे हैं: रिपोर्ट

File photo: US President Donald Trump (Photo credit: AP)

US President Donald Trump is considering a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle after firing Attorney General Pam Bondi this week amid growing concern inside the White House over the political fallout from a war with Iran.According to news agency Reuters, internal White House discussions have turned to whether more senior officials should be replaced as Trump grows frustrated with rising fuel prices, falling approval ratings and growing Republican anxiety ahead of the November midterm elections.The potential change follows Bondi’s ouster this week and the departure of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month. Although no final decision has been taken, several senior officials are said to be under investigation.According to Reuters, the five-week-old war has created a politically difficult situation for the administration, with gas prices rising and Trump’s position slipping. The report said some aides felt Trump’s televised address to the nation on Wednesday, which a senior White House official described as an effort to show control and confidence, “failed,” increasing pressure for changes in messaging or personnel.A White House official told Reuters, “A change to show action is not a bad thing, right?”

Gabbard and Lutnick are among the names being monitored

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are among those potentially at risk.According to Reuters, Trump has recently expressed displeasure with Gabbard, and a source with direct knowledge said he had asked aides for ideas on a possible replacement for his intelligence chief. Gabbard, who has long criticized US military intervention abroad, reportedly upset the White House last June when she released a video attacking “political elite war supporters” ahead of Trump’s first military action against Iran.Lutnik is also facing renewed pressure. Some of Trump’s high-profile allies are privately pushing for his removal. New files released earlier this year show that Lutnick had lunch with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Epstein’s private Caribbean island in 2012, the report said. Lutnick has denied any serious affair, saying he “barely had anything to do” with Epstein and that the lunch occurred only because he was on a boat near the island.According to news outlet Politico, Trump has become frustrated with Lutnick and is considering changes involving him. “He’s very angry and he’s going to fire people,” an administration official said.

Labor Secretary also under threat of dismissal

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is also being discussed as part of potential Cabinet changes.According to Politico, Trump’s review focuses on officials whom he believes have “performed poorly or who have attracted too much negative attention”. The report said no final decision has been made on Chávez-DeRemer or Lutnick, and added that Trump had considered firing his aides before withdrawing.Removing Lutnick could signal economic accountability to Trump, with one administration official suggesting it would help the president “say, ‘I’m turning the economy around.'”Chávez-DeRemar is also under additional pressure due to the inspector general investigation into the Labor Department. The investigation included allegations that she drank alcohol on the job, had an affair with a security officer and that staffers may have used official programs to help facilitate private travel. Chávez-Deremer has denied wrongdoing and the White House has previously defended him.

The White House publicly stands behind key officials

Despite the speculation, the White House has publicly defended several of the officials named in media reports.White House spokesman Davis Ingle said Trump retained “full confidence” in Gabbard and Lutnick. In an email statement quoted by Reuters, Ingle said, “The President has assembled the most talented and influential Cabinet ever, and they have collectively achieved historic victories on behalf of the American people, from Director Gabbard’s role in ending the Maduro narco-terror regime to Secretary Lutnick’s role in securing major trade and investment deals.A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence also pointed to the White House Ex Post, which quoted Communications Director Steve Cheung as saying that Trump has “complete confidence” in Gabbard.White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said that Chavez-DeRemer and Lutnick “are both doing a great job standing up for American workers, and they have the full support of President Trump.”Speaking to POLITICO on Lutnick’s behalf, a separate White House official said, “Everyone is thrilled with the job Howard has done — on trade deals, pharmaceuticals, Japan, tariffs, all of that… He’s also taken a tough stance on Canada from day one, which POTUS appreciates.”

Speech on Iran seen as a misstep inside the West Wing

Trump’s speech Wednesday night was aimed at reassuring voters, after his aides had for weeks urged him to directly address the nation on the U.S. role in Iran.But the speech failed to provide the political reset that some in the White House had hoped for. Trump offered no clear path out of the war that began on February 28 and instead left the impression that the conflict could continue indefinitely. Instead of directly addressing economic concerns, he said the pain would be temporary and blamed Tehran.“The speech did not achieve what it was supposed to,” a White House official told Reuters. He said that although Trump’s core supporters are still supporting him on the war, they are also feeling economic pressure.The same official said: “Voters tolerate the ideological message, but they feel the fuel prices immediately.”

Voting and midterms increase urgency

The political background appears to be driving the internal debate.Only 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s overall job performance in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, the lowest rating of his current term. It also said that 60% of respondents disapproved of the US-Israeli decision to start a war with Iran.Any broad Cabinet reset would be aimed at helping Republicans maintain their hold on Washington in November. Some of Trump’s supporters believe now is the best time to make changes, especially with concerns that Senate confirmation next year could be more difficult if Democrats make gains in the midterms.A person close to the White House told POLITICO that Trump is also considering the difficulty of confirming future executive appointees if Democrats improve their standing after the election.A senior White House source said that Trump now wants to make some major changes before the midterms.

Trump may choose limited changes, not dramatic changes

Trump may ultimately decide against sweeping changes.Several people close to the president said he is wary of recreating the sense of chaos that occurred during his first term, when frequent staffing changes often made headlines. A White House official described the potential approach as “targeted churn” rather than a “big, dramatic reset.”Still, some aides believe doing nothing now could be just as risky as taking any high-profile move.A White House official expressed the mood bluntly, telling Reuters: “Based on what I’ve heard, don’t assume Bondi is the last.”Meanwhile, discussions have already taken place as to who might fill the void left by Bondi.Trump met with Environmental Protection Agency head Lee Zeldin on Tuesday to discuss last year’s California wildfires and the possibility of Zeldin stepping into Bondi’s former role, Politico reported, citing a person close to the White House familiar with the conversations.However, Trump has currently nominated Todd Blanche as acting attorney general, with an administration official describing Blanche as “the main horse.”

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US-Israeli strike hits Iran’s only functioning nuclear facility in Bushehr

US-Israeli strike hits Iran's only functioning nuclear facility in Bushehr

A projectile struck Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant on Saturday, killing a security staffer and damaging a nearby building, the latest attack on the country’s only functioning nuclear facility.The projectile hit the perimeter of the plant, causing damage to structures close to the site, Reuters said, citing Tasnim news agency. Key facilities were not affected and power generation continued without disruption, the report said.The incident is the fourth time the Bushehr site has been targeted since the conflict began, with several projectiles reported landing in the surrounding area earlier this month.The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that it had been informed about the strike by Iran with a projectile close to the plant complex. In a post on Twitter, the agency said a member of the site’s physical security staff was killed by a projectile fragment, while a building suffered damage from the shockwave and debris.“No increase in radiation levels was observed,” the IAEA said.Iranian officials reiterated that the attack did not affect the plant’s core infrastructure, stressing that operations remain unaffected despite repeated incidents in the area around the Bushehr facility.

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