With hours to go, Trump warns Iran: Open Hormuz or face ‘all hell’
Newsy
U.S. hunts for downed pilot as Trump’s 48-hour Hormuz ultimatum nears, with war escalating and mediators racing to broker a ceasefire.
The American military searched for a second day for a pilot shot down over a remote area in Iran, while U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday again threatened Tehran over his Monday deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz: “Time is running out."
The U.S. warplane, identified by Iran as a F-15E Strike Eagle, was one of two attacked on Friday. Iran has promised a reward for whoever turns in the “enemy pilot.” Iran's joint military command on Saturday said that it also struck two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters on Friday, but The Associated Press couldn't independently verify that.
The war, now in its sixth week, began with joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Feb. 28 and has killed thousands, shaken global markets, cut off key shipping routes and spiked fuel prices. It shows no signs of slowing as Iran responds with attacks across the region.
“We will continue to crush them,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday. Israel's military confirmed that it struck a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr that Netanyahu said helps to fund the war, along with air defense systems and ballistic missile production sites.
Trump said in a national address on Wednesday that the U.S. has “beaten and completely decimated Iran.” But on Saturday, an apparent Iranian drone damaged the headquarters of U.S. technology company Oracle in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
An inspection of Camp East Montana, the largest immigration detention center in the U.S., found 49 violations of national detention standards meant to protect the safety and care of people in custody.
President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi and named Todd Blanche acting AG. Bondi faced bipartisan scrutiny, including over handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.
U.S. gas prices hit $4.08, the highest in four years, and analysts warn a new record — and $5 a gallon — can’t be ruled out.
Democrats sue to block Trump’s mail voting order, claiming it’s unconstitutional and a partisan power grab ahead of fall elections.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has rescinded a rule that DHS expenditures over $100,000 be personally approved, ending a criticized policy implemented by his predecessor Kristi Noem.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday that seeks to reinforce the integrity of U.S. elections by putting new restrictions on voting by mail.
Gas prices are continuing to jump: The new national average for a gallon crossed $4 on Tuesday. They could stay high until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, experts say.