Operation Epic Fury

Trump declared the US-Iran ceasefire over, with both sides continuing military strikes. The US attacked over 80 Iranian targets after Iran struck commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while a blockade of Iranian ports led to ongoing clashes.

The fallout from Operation Epic Fury is affecting Trump's private discussions with NATO allies. Democrats have distanced themselves from Senate candidate Graham Platner following rape allegations, and Team USA was defeated by Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16. Additional headlines include a court incident involving an accused assassin, a nuclear test by Beijing, and political shifts with federal lawyers defecting to Democrats.

President Trump is attending the NATO summit in Turkey amid tensions with European allies over U.S. operations against Iran, particularly regarding military base access and political criticism. Trump has expressed disappointment in allies' lack of support and is expected to push for increased defense spending during the summit.

President Donald Trump arrives at the Turkey-held NATO summit with frustration toward European allies for their lack of support during U.S.-led operations against Iran. The summit will address defense spending and NATO strategy, but Trump's criticism of allies like Spain, which called the U.S. strikes 'illegal, absurd and cruel,' will overshadow discussions. Trump emphasizes his attendance due to his relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Experts warn that Iran's continued construction at the IAEA-uninspected Pickaxe Mountain facility in the Zagros Mountains raises concerns about compliance with the Trump-era MOU. Satellite imagery from June 2026 shows ongoing activity at the site, which analysts suggest could become a nuclear enrichment plant if negotiations fail. The IAEA has not responded to queries about seeking access to the facility.

The Pentagon is reconsidering its long-standing strategy of relying on large, permanent U.S. military bases in the Gulf after Iranian missile and drone attacks during Operation Epic Fury exposed vulnerabilities. Defense officials are evaluating dispersing capabilities and rotating forces to reduce risk, while maintaining rapid response and regional security roles.

The Pentagon is reevaluating its long-standing strategy of relying on large, permanent U.S. military bases in the Gulf after Iranian missile and drone attacks exposed vulnerabilities. Defense officials are considering dispersing capabilities and using alternate command centers to reduce risks, though this could slow crisis response times. Key bases like Naval Support Activity Bahrain and Al Udeid Air Base were targeted during Operation Epic Fury, highlighting the strategic shift.

Ali Khameni's body is likely in cold storage as Iran prepares a historic funeral for the Supreme Leader killed in Operation Epic Fury. Khamenei was killed by a bunker-penetration strike, and others killed with him were recovered weeks later and identified by DNA.

Tehran is preparing for the July 9 funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, delayed four months, with authorities using cold storage for his remains and mobilizing the Basij militia for security. The funeral aims to showcase strength under the slogan 'We Must Avenge,' with large public viewings and processions planned.

Influential evangelical leaders are divided over the Trump administration's memorandum of understanding with Iran, with some praising Trump's military actions against Iran and his support for Israel. Critics argue the deal risks Israel's security by providing Iran relief before its threat is neutralized, while supporters claim Trump's actions have weakened Tehran and earned trust.

Influential evangelical leaders are divided over the Trump administration's memorandum of understanding with Iran amid Middle East conflicts. President Trump threatened to re-escalate military strikes against Iran after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, while supporters argue his military actions have weakened Tehran and earned trust. Critics warn that granting Iran relief risks betraying Israel, a key concern for Trump's evangelical base.

Israel is experiencing a cooling relationship with the United States, marked by reduced diplomatic interactions and warnings from U.S. Vice President JD Vance that Israel has few global allies. The article highlights Israeli officials' initial optimism about a strong alliance under President Donald Trump, which has not materialized, and notes Vance's stark message urging Israel to avoid straining its remaining powerful ally.

The White House requested $87.6 billion from Congress to cover costs related to the U.S. war against Iran, economic aid for farmers, and the Ebola response. The request faces political challenges as lawmakers from both parties have criticized the war and expressed uncertainty about funding.

The White House requested $87.6 billion from Congress to fund the war against Iran, replenish munitions, support farmers, address the Ebola outbreak, and cover D.C. renovations. Lawmakers expressed mixed reactions, with Republicans emphasizing military readiness and Democrats criticizing the war funding as unauthorized and excessive.

The White House requested $87.6 billion from Congress to cover costs related to the U.S. war against Iran, support for American farmers, an Ebola response in Africa, and infrastructure projects in Washington, D.C. The request faces political challenges as lawmakers debate military action, and includes provisions to appeal to regional interests, such as funding for a modernized Penn Station in New York City.

The White House requested $87.6 billion from Congress to cover Iran war costs, support for U.S. farmers, and the Ebola response. The funding includes $67 billion for the Defense Department, $11.1 billion for farmers, $1.4 billion for Ebola, and $500 million for D.C. restoration projects. Lawmakers face political challenges in approving the request due to opposition to further military action.

The White House requested $87.6 billion from Congress to cover Pentagon expenses related to the U.S. war against Iran, aid for American farmers, Ebola response in Africa, and Washington, D.C. restoration projects. The request faces political challenges as lawmakers debate military funding and unrelated priorities.

The White House requested $87.6 billion from Congress to cover costs related to the U.S. war against Iran, including $67 billion for the Department of Defense, $11.1 billion for American farmers, $1.4 billion for the Ebola crisis in Central Africa, and $500 million for Washington, D.C. restoration projects. The request faces political challenges as lawmakers from both parties oppose further military action, though it includes provisions to attract support from various regions, such as funding for a modernized Penn Station in New York City.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated Italy allowed 500 U.S. military aircraft to use its bases for strikes on Iran, prompting political backlash in Italy. Italian officials disputed Rutte's claims, asserting only treaty-compliant flights were permitted, while opposition figures accused the government of misleading parliament.

NATO chief Mark Rutte meets with President Donald Trump to address defense spending demands and tensions over Iran, ahead of a NATO summit in Turkey. Trump criticizes allies for not meeting spending targets and failing to support U.S. actions in the Middle East, while Rutte seeks to balance U.S. expectations with allies' fiscal constraints.

NATO Secretary Mark Rutte praised President Donald Trump's Iran strategy, calling it necessary to degrade Iran's nuclear capability and ensure NATO allies' safety. Rutte acknowledged Trump's frustration with perceived lack of NATO support but highlighted allies' contributions to U.S. military operations in the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain to discuss an Iran deal. The Gulf allies were attacked by Iran during the US and Israeli war and were not warned about 'Operation Epic Fury.' They are now being asked to invest in Iran’s reconstruction.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to brief House Republicans on military funding goals and a party-line bill during a classified meeting. Lawmakers will also question him about the Trump administration's agreement with Iran to end the war, while Trump advocates for a $350 billion Pentagon reconciliation package and increased missile production. The House Appropriations Committee will markup its 2027 defense funding bill.

Operation Epic Fury revealed a strategic oversight in US military actions against Iran. While US strikes damaged Iranian military assets, Iran's economic resilience, particularly through Kharg Island's role in 90% of its oil exports, allowed it to endure. The US focused on missiles and proxies rather than targeting the economic system sustaining Iran.

Vice President JD Vance defended President Donald Trump's Iran deal against Republican critics, arguing that economic benefits under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) are conditional on Iran's sustained compliance. Critics, including Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, argue the agreement fails to address key U.S. objectives like dismantling Iran's nuclear program and ending regional proxy support.

President Donald Trump stated at the G7 that Iran's possession of ballistic missiles is not a problem, contradicting earlier administration claims that Iran's missile capabilities shielded its nuclear ambitions. Trump argued that if Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have missiles, it is 'okay' for Iran to have them in 'relative proportion.' This contrasts with prior statements from senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized destroying Iran's missiles as a key objective in Operation Epic Fury.

President Trump downplayed Iran's ballistic missile capabilities as a threat, contrasting with prior administration claims that they shielded Iran's nuclear ambitions and were a central rationale for military strikes. Trump argued it is 'okay' for Iran to have missiles in proportion to Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, stating missiles 'aren't the problem' and won't 'blow up the planet.'

Japan plans to deploy autonomous interceptor drones by 2027 to counter threats like Shahed-136 drones, citing U.S. missile stockpile strains and regional security concerns. The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency is fast-tracking acquisitions, while Terra Drone, a Japanese firm, has tested similar systems in Ukraine with positive feedback.

Bipartisan opposition to the U.S.-Iran deal is growing in Congress, with both Democrats and Republicans expressing concerns about its terms. President Trump criticized his critics, calling them 'fools,' while senators like Bill Cassidy and John Cornyn highlighted unresolved issues such as Iran's nuclear ambitions and financial costs to Americans. Some Democrats argue the 2015 Obama-era JCPOA offered better terms than the current agreement.

Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker criticized the Iran peace deal signed by President Donald Trump, arguing it undermines military victories and risks funding for Iranian terrorist activities. Other Republicans, including Sen. Bill Cassidy and Sen. Rick Scott, expressed concerns about the agreement's terms, including a $300 billion reconstruction fund and potential easing of nuclear restrictions.

Sen. Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, stating it undermines the victories of Operation Epic Fury and conflicts with the President's goals.

US forces used Elon Musk’s Grok AI to deploy 2,000 munitions in 96 hours during the US-Israel war on Iran. The Department of Defense’s digital and AI chief, Cameron Stanley, confirmed Grok’s role in targeting through Maven Smart Systems (MSS). The AI, developed by xAI, supports national security missions like intelligence and readiness.

A Trump administration official revealed the US used Elon Musk’s Grok AI to deploy 2,000 munitions in 96 hours during the US-Israel war on Iran. The AI was part of the Maven Smart Systems, supporting targeting and intelligence operations, as detailed in a Department of Defense declaration.

A Foreign Policy article argues that the United States' war against Iran represents a greater strategic defeat than the Vietnam War, asserting it damaged core US interests and weakened global standing. Paul Musgrave, a Georgetown University in Qatar political science professor, labeled the conflict a 'war of choice' initiated by Donald Trump and a political-military disaster with lasting repercussions.

The US and Iran have agreed on a framework for peace talks mediated by Pakistan, with a 60-day period to finalize a comprehensive agreement. However, challenges remain, including deferred nuclear talks and Israel's refusal to participate, which could undermine the process. The US is seen as having lost the conflict, with Operation Epic Fury failing to achieve its objectives.

Congress has not officially declared war since 1942, yet presidents have launched military operations without its approval, including Nixon's 1970 secret bombing of Cambodia and recent actions in the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. Current War Powers resolutions in Congress seek to limit such operations, but require Senate votes and face potential presidential veto.

Kharg Island, handling 90% of Iran’s oil exports, is a strategic target under the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. U.S. military options include an air assault by forces like the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and 82nd Airborne Division, following prior strikes on Iranian military sites. President Trump has mentioned potential seizure of the island as a leverage point.

The article questions whether Iran's new 'loitering' missiles achieved a direct hit on an F-35 stealth fighter jet during Operation Epic Fury. It references the potential involvement of Iran's advanced missile technology in a military operation.

Iran's secret new 'loitering' missiles are suspected of scoring a direct hit on an F-35 stealth fighter jet during Operation Epic Fury. The incident raises questions about the capabilities of the newly developed weaponry.

President Donald Trump ordered U.S. forces to launch strikes on Iran in response to the downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. The two pilots aboard the helicopter were unharmed and rescued, while the U.S. described the action as a 'proportional response' to Iranian aggression, despite claiming a ceasefire remains in place.