Happy Friday! Looks like it’s going to be a hectic weekend in DC:
In today’s issue:
- The latest on the Israeli-Iran tensions
- Trump convenes the National Security Council
- Concerns about World Orthodontics amidst the potential for war
- Weather predictions for the Trump Parade
- The Pope set to address an audience in Chicago on Saturday
This morning’s news
Escalating fears of war after Israel’s attacks on Iran:
Israel has carried out a significant and unprecedented attack on Iran, intensifying the long-standing tensions between the two nations. This assault included targeting nuclear and military sites in Tehran.
Now, the global community is on edge, contemplating the possibility of war in that area.
Why did Israel take such a drastic step? Well, Israel perceives Iran’s burgeoning nuclear program as a direct threat to its own security. Although the U.S. has been in negotiations to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions, progress has stalled.
What about Iran’s response? Iran has retaliated with over 100 drone strikes aimed at Israel, yet many have been intercepted effectively.
💡 A pressing question: As Iran escalates its retaliation, will the U.S. step in to support Israel?
🗨🗨️ Don’t miss our live blog today– it’s especially useful on busy days like this.
🔎 Details on the attacks:
📸Maps and images of the attacks
Footage from the attack: The Israeli spy agency has shared what appears to be footage of covert operations and drone strikes inside Iran. 📹 Check out the video
➤ U.S. reaction:
President Trump held a National Security Council meeting this morning.
Washington has cautioned Iran against targeting American bases or citizens in its retaliation, as the U.S. aims to avoid becoming embroiled in this conflict.
Trump mentioned to NBC News this morning that there might be another chance for a nuclear deal with Iran, indicating that Iranian officials seem to want to talk.
Reports suggest that the lead Iranian negotiator was killed in the attacks, complicating any diplomatic efforts moving forward. Plus, it’s worth noting that Trump had previously scrapped the Obama-era nuclear agreement with Iran.
Trump remarked that the individuals his team was in discussions with are “dead,” adding, somewhat ironically, that they “didn’t die of the flu or Covid.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented: Rubio stated that the U.S. is not part of Israel’s actions against Iran and emphasized the priority of safeguarding American troops in the region.
Was Trump aware of Israel’s plans? Yes, Trump confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that his team was aware of Israel’s intentions to strike Iran.
Trump also cautioned Iran: He hinted at possible “more brutal attacks” unless Iranian officials come to the negotiating table, urging them to act “before there’s nothing left.”
Republican lawmakers show their support for Israel’s actions: Senator Lindsay Graham stated, “Game On. Pray for Israel” in a post. Other GOP members echoed similar views.
➤ International perspective:
The UN Security Council is convening today following Iran’s request for an emergency meeting.
Additionally, the UN watchdog recently declared that Iran is in violation of nuclear non-proliferation agreements, to which Iran responded by calling the resolution politically motivated and announced plans for a new uranium enrichment facility.
➤ For further reading:
Atlantic Ocean: Israel’s bold and dangerous strikes: Although necessary, these preemptive actions carry significant moral and practical risks.
Axios: Overview of Israel’s prolonged offensive against Iran.
Foreign Policy: Israel’s attack seeks to dismantle more than just Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Wall Street Journal: U.S. diplomatic efforts served as a guise for Israel’s surprise assault.
New York Times: Netanyahu’s strike challenges the core of the Iranian regime and shapes his political legacy.
Trump’s appeal rejected by the court:
A federal appeals court declined Trump’s request to rehear his case regarding the verdict involving E. Jean Carroll, with the Supreme Court now being his only remaining option.
Background: In 2023, a New York jury held Trump liable for sexually assaulting Carroll in the mid-1990s and thereafter attempting to silence her during his presidency.
Read more: “The Court of Appeals dismisses Trump’s appeal against E. Jean Carroll’s verdict.”
This weekend’s happenings:
A busy weekend ahead:
🪂 President Trump will oversee a grand military parade in Washington tomorrow to commemorate the Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday. Starting at 6:30pm, the event will feature tanks, combat vehicles, helicopter flyovers, parachute drops, and fireworks. 🔎 Details on the parade
🪧 In opposition: Various groups are organizing demonstrations across the country to counter the celebrations for Trump. 🔎 Protests planned
⛪ If you’d like to divert your attention: Tens of thousands are expected at Chicago’s Rate Field on Saturday to celebrate the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, who is a Chicago native and fan of the White Sox. The Pope will give a virtual address starting at 3:30pm. 🔎 Event information
➤ Forecast for the Trump Parade:
Expect rain and thunderstorms in Washington on Saturday.
Upcoming events:
The House and Senate are in recess. President Trump is in Washington. (All Times are EST)
1pm: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will speak with reporters.
Saturday at 3:30pm: Pope Leo XIV will provide virtual remarks at the Pope gathering in Chicago.
Saturday at 6:30pm: The military parade will take place. 🪖 Full schedule
Sunday: Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) will appear on “Meet the Press” on NBC.
Monday at 4pm: The Senate will reconvene. 📆See Today’s Agenda
🐝 Internet highlights:
🧁🍓 national celebration: Today is National Cupcake Lovers’ Day and Saturday is National Strawberry Shortcake Day across the country!
👋 And to wrap up…
Let’s end on a light note—check out this bird that I think resembles Kendrick Lamar‘s spirit animal. Take a look.
