International

WASHINGTON — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged Monday that the possibility of reinstating a U.S. military draft remains “on the table” as the United States continues military operations against Iran, while also outlining a controversial proposal that would allow drafted individuals to indefinitely defer service by paying a $1 million fee.

Mar-a-Lago - President Donald Trump said that Iran could "end the war tomorrow" if it agreed to pay $500 billion to the United States, a statement that quickly drew both interest and criticism from across the political spectrum.

Speaking to reporters, Trump framed the proposal as part of a broader argument that the United States should be compensated for what he described as “years of American strength and protection in the Middle East” in addition to the costs of the current war.

Washington. — Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts on Thursday welcomed the nomination of Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullen to serve as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

In a statement issued shortly after the announcement, Warren said she was encouraged by what she described as a shared cultural background with the nominee.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday credited the U.S. Space Force for what he described as a “decisive success” in a recent military campaign in Iran, praising what he called the “uncommon bravery and precision” of personnel involved in the operation.

Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Trump said the Space Force’s role in coordinating satellite-based surveillance and communications “frankly put the other services to shame."

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday declared what he described as a “Mission Accomplished” in Iran following an intense period of military operations and diplomatic signaling that have marked the most significant U.S. engagement with Tehran in decades.

Dubai - Iranian missile units reportedly struck several industrial sites on the outskirts of Dubai late Saturday, including prominent chocolate manufacturing facilities. While Iran has publicly framed its recent barrage of missiles and drones as retaliation for joint United States–Israeli airstrikes against targets inside Iran, political analysts in Washington and Gulf capitals say the inclusion of non-military economic targets—such as confectionery factories—may be aimed at influencing public opinion in the United States.

PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed early Monday that an emergency extraction team evacuated Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) from his private residence in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, after escalating cartel-related violence engulfed parts of the coastal city over the weekend.

PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump on Saturday credited federal border control agencies for what he described as a sharp drop in “alien abductions,” telling reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence that the numbers are “lower than anyone’s ever seen before.”

“Thanks to the tremendous work of our border people — incredible people — alien abductions are at an all-time low,” the president said. “No one’s ever seen numbers this low.”

Washington - The White House announced Wednesday that the next generation of Air Force One will feature a fully gold-plated exterior, marking a dramatic shift from the aircraft’s iconic blue-and-white design first introduced during the Kennedy administration.

President Donald Trump approved the redesign as part of what aides describe as a “modernization and rebranding” effort for the presidential fleet. Speaking briefly to reporters before departing for Florida, Trump said the new look would “reflect America’s strength, prosperity, and unmatched greatness.”

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly defended the U.S. Navy on Thursday following a rare at-sea collision between two American warships, asserting that the service maintains its course even amid challenges and that bold leadership is essential.

The incident occurred late Wednesday near the South American coast when the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Truxtun and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply made contact during a scheduled underway replenishment, according to U.S. Southern Command officials.