InsiderWire Staff

Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters predicts the GOP will defy historical precedent and defend its slim congressional majorities in the 2026 midterms, despite facing traditional headwinds as the party in power and President Trump's underwater approval ratings.&quot;I think we're on track. I still think that we have a chance to defy history and win the midterms,&quot; Gruters told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview this week. The Florida state senator and certified public accountant took over the RNC last summer after Trump personally selected him to steer the national party committee.Republicans face a challenging political environment heading into November. Persistent inflation and rising gas prices tied to what polling shows is an unpopular war with Iran have created headwinds for the party currently controlling both chambers of Congress. The GOP holds razor-thin majorities in both the House and Senate.&quot;I know it's all doom and gloom out there, but we have the best messenger in President Trump that's ever existed in the party,&quot; Gruters said. The RNC chair acknowledged the party faces a &quot;low-propensity problem&quot; with MAGA voters who don't consistently turn out when Trump's name isn't on the ballot.Gruters said Trump plans to be &quot;barnstorming the country&quot; later this year to energize the base. &quot;I think what he's doing is rallying people. I think he could deliver these low propensity voters over and over again,&quot; he predicted.The RNC chair touted the party's financial advantage over Democrats, citing &quot;superior resources&quot; as a key factor. The Republican National Committee currently holds a massive fundraising and cash-on-hand advantage over the rival Democratic National Committee.&quot;If we focus on what's important to us, and that's the making sure we have the resources, making sure we have good candidates, following the president and his messaging, I think we will be successful,&quot; Gruters said.Republicans swept to power in 2024 on voter concerns over inflation, winning back the White House and Senate while maintaining their House majority. But Democrats point to their victories in November's 2025 elections and overperformances in recent special elections as evidence of shifting momentum.The 2026 midterms will test whether Trump can translate his influence into sustained electoral success for Republican candidates down the ballot, particularly in an environment shaped by ongoing foreign conflicts and economic pressures.

Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters predicts the GOP will defy historical precedent and defend its slim congressional majorities in the 2026 midterms, despite facing traditional headwinds as the party in power and President Trump's underwater approval ratings.

"I think we're on track. I still think that we have a chance to defy history and win the midterms," Gruters told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview this week. The Florida state senator and certified public accountant took over the RNC last summer after Trump personally selected him to steer the national party committee.

Republicans face a challenging political environment heading into November. Persistent inflation and rising gas prices tied to what polling shows is an unpopular war with Iran have created headwinds for the party currently controlling both chambers of Congress. The GOP holds razor-thin majorities in both the House and Senate.

"I know it's all doom and gloom out there, but we have the best messenger in President Trump that's ever existed in the party," Gruters said. The RNC chair acknowledged the party faces a "low-propensity problem" with MAGA voters who don't consistently turn out when Trump's name isn't on the ballot.

Gruters said Trump plans to be "barnstorming the country" later this year to energize the base. "I think what he's doing is rallying people. I think he could deliver these low propensity voters over and over again," he predicted.

The RNC chair touted the party's financial advantage over Democrats, citing "superior resources" as a key factor. The Republican National Committee currently holds a massive fundraising and cash-on-hand advantage over the rival Democratic National Committee.

"If we focus on what's important to us, and that's the making sure we have the resources, making sure we have good candidates, following the president and his messaging, I think we will be successful," Gruters said.

Republicans swept to power in 2024 on voter concerns over inflation, winning back the White House and Senate while maintaining their House majority. But Democrats point to their victories in November's 2025 elections and overperformances in recent special elections as evidence of shifting momentum.

The 2026 midterms will test whether Trump can translate his influence into sustained electoral success for Republican candidates down the ballot, particularly in an environment shaped by ongoing foreign conflicts and economic pressures.

RNC Chair Joe Gruters predicts Republicans will defy historical trends and keep congressional majorities in 2026 midterms despite Trump's underwater approval ra

RNC Chair Gruters: Trump Will 'Deliver' GOP Midterm Win Despite History

RNC Chair Joe Gruters predicts Republicans will defy historical trends and keep congressional majorities in 2026 midterms despite Trump's underwater approval ratings.

Israeli settlers torched Palestinian vehicles and agricultural facilities Friday during coordinated attacks on villages south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, while Israeli forces conducted simultaneous raids and arrests across multiple areas.Settlers attacked homes in the southern section of Qusra, burning two Palestinian vehicles and targeting poultry and livestock farming structures, according to local sources who spoke with Anadolu news agency. The attackers also set fire to a construction vehicle in the area between Jalud and Qusra, sparking clashes with Palestinian residents who confronted them.Israeli forces raided the village of Salim east of Nablus, arresting Ibrahim Abu al-Rish after storming the area with military vehicles and firing live ammunition. Witnesses said his vehicle was also damaged during the operation. Additional raids hit an agricultural facility in the Qamas area of Beita, south of Nablus, where troops fired live rounds and stun grenades while Palestinians threw stones in response.The operations extended beyond Nablus. In Bethlehem, Israeli forces closed entrances to the Al-Manshiya and Marah Rabah areas using iron gates, blocking key access routes to the southern countryside. Forces also raided Al-Arroub refugee camp north of Hebron, deploying stun grenades and tear gas during clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians.These incidents reflect a broader pattern of escalating violence across the West Bank, as Insider Wire <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/palestinians-skip-elections-as-settler-violence-pa-dysfunction-fuel-apathy">previously reported</a> on how settler violence has contributed to Palestinian political dysfunction. The attacks come amid what Palestinian sources describe as a surge in assaults by Israeli forces and settlers targeting West Bank villages, including attacks on shepherds and land seizures.The violence carries significant implications for U.S. Middle East policy, as American taxpayers provide Israel with $3.8 billion annually in military aid. The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on some violent settlers but has avoided broader accountability measures that could affect U.S.-Israel relations.According to official Palestinian data, at least 1,153 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023, with thousands more injured and approximately 22,000 arrested. The escalating violence threatens to undermine any remaining prospects for diplomatic solutions while potentially drawing the U.S. deeper into regional conflicts.Watch for potential U.S. responses to the latest incidents and whether the incoming administration will maintain or alter current policies toward settler violence in the occupied territories.

Israeli settlers torched Palestinian vehicles and agricultural facilities Friday during coordinated attacks on villages south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, while Israeli forces conducted simultaneous raids and arrests across multiple areas.

Settlers attacked homes in the southern section of Qusra, burning two Palestinian vehicles and targeting poultry and livestock farming structures, according to local sources who spoke with Anadolu news agency. The attackers also set fire to a construction vehicle in the area between Jalud and Qusra, sparking clashes with Palestinian residents who confronted them.

Israeli forces raided the village of Salim east of Nablus, arresting Ibrahim Abu al-Rish after storming the area with military vehicles and firing live ammunition. Witnesses said his vehicle was also damaged during the operation. Additional raids hit an agricultural facility in the Qamas area of Beita, south of Nablus, where troops fired live rounds and stun grenades while Palestinians threw stones in response.

The operations extended beyond Nablus. In Bethlehem, Israeli forces closed entrances to the Al-Manshiya and Marah Rabah areas using iron gates, blocking key access routes to the southern countryside. Forces also raided Al-Arroub refugee camp north of Hebron, deploying stun grenades and tear gas during clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians.

These incidents reflect a broader pattern of escalating violence across the West Bank, as Insider Wire previously reported on how settler violence has contributed to Palestinian political dysfunction. The attacks come amid what Palestinian sources describe as a surge in assaults by Israeli forces and settlers targeting West Bank villages, including attacks on shepherds and land seizures.

The violence carries significant implications for U.S. Middle East policy, as American taxpayers provide Israel with $3.8 billion annually in military aid. The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on some violent settlers but has avoided broader accountability measures that could affect U.S.-Israel relations.

According to official Palestinian data, at least 1,153 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023, with thousands more injured and approximately 22,000 arrested. The escalating violence threatens to undermine any remaining prospects for diplomatic solutions while potentially drawing the U.S. deeper into regional conflicts.

Watch for potential U.S. responses to the latest incidents and whether the incoming administration will maintain or alter current policies toward settler violence in the occupied territories.

Israeli settlers burned Palestinian vehicles and livestock farms Friday in attacks near Nablus as forces arrested Ibrahim Abu al-Rish in village raids.

Settlers Torch Palestinian Vehicles, Farms in West Bank Raids Near Nablus

The Treasury Department sanctioned China's Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery on Friday, targeting the country's second-largest independent refinery for oil purchases that generated &quot;hundreds of millions of dollars&quot; for Iran's military. The move comes as <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/white-house-claims-iran-wants-talks-tehran-denies-meeting-plans">potential new talks</a> on ending the US-Israeli war with Iran loom.Treasury called Hengli &quot;one of Tehran's most valued customers&quot; in the announcement. The department also sanctioned roughly 40 shipping companies and vessels allegedly operating as part of Iran's shadow fleet to evade international restrictions.China's embassy in Washington pushed back hard against the sanctions. &quot;We call on the US to stop politicising trade and sci-tech issues and using them as a weapon and a tool and stop abusing various kinds of sanction to hit Chinese companies,&quot; an embassy spokesperson said.The sanctions target China's &quot;teapot&quot; refineries — small, privately owned facilities mostly located in Shandong province and nicknamed for their teapot-like shape. These independent refineries have become crucial to China's energy security by importing and stockpiling discounted Iranian and Russian oil while keeping state-owned enterprises insulated from politically risky trades.The timing matters for American energy security and military readiness. China purchased more than 80 percent of Iran's shipped oil last year, according to analytics firm Kpler, while the US has <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/us-burns-1100-cruise-missiles-in-iran-war-taiwan-defense-arsenal-depleted">burned through massive weapons stockpiles</a> in the Iran conflict. China gets more than half of its total oil from the Middle East, making these Iranian purchases a significant revenue stream for Tehran's war machine.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged Friday to keep targeting Iran's oil network. &quot;Any person or vessel facilitating these flows — through covert trade and finance — risks exposure to US sanctions,&quot; he warned.The Trump administration has systematically gone after China's independent refineries since taking office. Last year, Treasury sanctioned Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical and Shandong Shengxing Chemical. The US Navy has blockaded Iranian ports since April 13, part of President Trump's strategy to choke Iran's oil and gas export revenues.The war has already created financial pressure for teapot refineries beyond sanctions risk. Brussels-based think tank Bruegel reported last month that these facilities face &quot;high replacement prices in a market already strained by global tensions&quot; due to the US-Israel war on Iran.The sanctions escalation puts more pressure on Beijing to choose between supporting Iran's economy and maintaining access to US financial systems. Watch for China's response and whether other teapot refineries cut Iranian purchases to avoid Treasury's crosshairs.

The Treasury Department sanctioned China's Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery on Friday, targeting the country's second-largest independent refinery for oil purchases that generated "hundreds of millions of dollars" for Iran's military. The move comes as potential new talks on ending the US-Israeli war with Iran loom.

Treasury called Hengli "one of Tehran's most valued customers" in the announcement. The department also sanctioned roughly 40 shipping companies and vessels allegedly operating as part of Iran's shadow fleet to evade international restrictions.

China's embassy in Washington pushed back hard against the sanctions. "We call on the US to stop politicising trade and sci-tech issues and using them as a weapon and a tool and stop abusing various kinds of sanction to hit Chinese companies," an embassy spokesperson said.

The sanctions target China's "teapot" refineries — small, privately owned facilities mostly located in Shandong province and nicknamed for their teapot-like shape. These independent refineries have become crucial to China's energy security by importing and stockpiling discounted Iranian and Russian oil while keeping state-owned enterprises insulated from politically risky trades.

The timing matters for American energy security and military readiness. China purchased more than 80 percent of Iran's shipped oil last year, according to analytics firm Kpler, while the US has burned through massive weapons stockpiles in the Iran conflict. China gets more than half of its total oil from the Middle East, making these Iranian purchases a significant revenue stream for Tehran's war machine.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged Friday to keep targeting Iran's oil network. "Any person or vessel facilitating these flows — through covert trade and finance — risks exposure to US sanctions," he warned.

The Trump administration has systematically gone after China's independent refineries since taking office. Last year, Treasury sanctioned Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical and Shandong Shengxing Chemical. The US Navy has blockaded Iranian ports since April 13, part of President Trump's strategy to choke Iran's oil and gas export revenues.

The war has already created financial pressure for teapot refineries beyond sanctions risk. Brussels-based think tank Bruegel reported last month that these facilities face "high replacement prices in a market already strained by global tensions" due to the US-Israel war on Iran.

The sanctions escalation puts more pressure on Beijing to choose between supporting Iran's economy and maintaining access to US financial systems. Watch for China's response and whether other teapot refineries cut Iranian purchases to avoid Treasury's crosshairs.

Treasury targets Hengli Petrochemical refinery, claiming it generated hundreds of millions for Iran's military through crude oil purchases from Tehran.

US Sanctions China's Second-Largest Teapot Refinery for Iran Oil Deals

Palestinians across the West Bank will hold their first local elections in nearly five years Saturday, but widespread voter apathy and administrative dysfunction signal deep frustration with both Israeli occupation and Palestinian Authority rule.The Palestine Elections Commission reports 5,131 candidates competing across 90 municipal councils and 93 village councils, with nearly one-third of eligible voters aged 18-30. But many Palestinian officials and residents doubt the elections will change anything meaningful on the ground.In the northern West Bank town of Qusra, outgoing mayor Odeh faces relentless settler attacks that killed two residents last month. Surrounded by illegal Israeli settlements, the 6,000-resident town struggles with damaged water infrastructure and blocked agricultural access. &quot;The resources are limited, the demands are many, there's the settlers, the army – the problems don't stop,&quot; Odeh said. &quot;You can't do anything for them. I'm exhausted.&quot;Israel's military has kept Qusra's main gate locked for two years, while PA civil servants receive salaries of just 2,000 shekels ($670) – a fraction of what they're owed – as Israel continues withholding Palestinian tax revenues. These conditions leave local officials powerless to address basic services.The PA announced these April 25 elections just three months ago, the first since 2019. National elections haven't occurred since 2006, keeping the Fatah-ruled PA in power more than 17 years beyond its original mandate. This democratic deficit compounds Palestinian frustration with their leadership's inability to challenge Israeli policies.Major PA strongholds reveal the elections' limitations. Ramallah, where the PA headquarters sits, won't hold competitive voting Saturday. Neither will Nablus, another major West Bank city. Instead, both use &quot;acclamation&quot; – installing single candidate lists without formal votes. Across the territory, 42 municipal councils and 155 village councils will fill positions this way, representing a majority of local authorities.This process historically applied to small villages where extended families agreed on candidates. Now it covers major cities where Fatah mobilization has discouraged challengers, <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/israeli-forces-arrest-palestinians-across-west-bank-in-overnight-raids">amid ongoing Israeli security operations</a> that further complicate Palestinian political organizing.&quot;There is definitely a sense of futility in certain places,&quot; said Zayne Abudaka, cofounder of the Institute for Social and Economic Progress, which surveys Palestinian opinion. &quot;And I think that makes it easier for places to just not have an election.&quot;The voter apathy reflects deeper structural problems. Palestinians face daily restrictions from Israeli military rule while receiving limited services from an underfunded PA that lacks sovereignty. Local mayors like Odeh find themselves managing crises – settler violence, infrastructure damage, economic constraints – without tools to address root causes.For American policymakers, these dynamics highlight how decades of diplomatic stalemate have eroded Palestinian faith in democratic processes. The absence of competitive elections in major cities, combined with widespread voter disengagement, suggests the PA's legitimacy crisis could deepen regardless of Saturday's results.Saturday's vote will test whether Palestinians still see local democracy as meaningful under occupation, or whether growing numbers will follow Odeh's path toward political disengagement.

Palestinians across the West Bank will hold their first local elections in nearly five years Saturday, but widespread voter apathy and administrative dysfunction signal deep frustration with both Israeli occupation and Palestinian Authority rule.

The Palestine Elections Commission reports 5,131 candidates competing across 90 municipal councils and 93 village councils, with nearly one-third of eligible voters aged 18-30. But many Palestinian officials and residents doubt the elections will change anything meaningful on the ground.

In the northern West Bank town of Qusra, outgoing mayor Odeh faces relentless settler attacks that killed two residents last month. Surrounded by illegal Israeli settlements, the 6,000-resident town struggles with damaged water infrastructure and blocked agricultural access. "The resources are limited, the demands are many, there's the settlers, the army – the problems don't stop," Odeh said. "You can't do anything for them. I'm exhausted."

Israel's military has kept Qusra's main gate locked for two years, while PA civil servants receive salaries of just 2,000 shekels ($670) – a fraction of what they're owed – as Israel continues withholding Palestinian tax revenues. These conditions leave local officials powerless to address basic services.

The PA announced these April 25 elections just three months ago, the first since 2019. National elections haven't occurred since 2006, keeping the Fatah-ruled PA in power more than 17 years beyond its original mandate. This democratic deficit compounds Palestinian frustration with their leadership's inability to challenge Israeli policies.

Major PA strongholds reveal the elections' limitations. Ramallah, where the PA headquarters sits, won't hold competitive voting Saturday. Neither will Nablus, another major West Bank city. Instead, both use "acclamation" – installing single candidate lists without formal votes. Across the territory, 42 municipal councils and 155 village councils will fill positions this way, representing a majority of local authorities.

This process historically applied to small villages where extended families agreed on candidates. Now it covers major cities where Fatah mobilization has discouraged challengers, amid ongoing Israeli security operations that further complicate Palestinian political organizing.

"There is definitely a sense of futility in certain places," said Zayne Abudaka, cofounder of the Institute for Social and Economic Progress, which surveys Palestinian opinion. "And I think that makes it easier for places to just not have an election."

The voter apathy reflects deeper structural problems. Palestinians face daily restrictions from Israeli military rule while receiving limited services from an underfunded PA that lacks sovereignty. Local mayors like Odeh find themselves managing crises – settler violence, infrastructure damage, economic constraints – without tools to address root causes.

For American policymakers, these dynamics highlight how decades of diplomatic stalemate have eroded Palestinian faith in democratic processes. The absence of competitive elections in major cities, combined with widespread voter disengagement, suggests the PA's legitimacy crisis could deepen regardless of Saturday's results.

Saturday's vote will test whether Palestinians still see local democracy as meaningful under occupation, or whether growing numbers will follow Odeh's path toward political disengagement.

West Bank municipal elections Saturday see widespread voter apathy as Palestinians cite settler attacks, Israeli occupation, and PA failures as reasons to skip 

Palestinians Skip Elections as Settler Violence, PA Dysfunction Fuel Apathy

West Bank municipal elections Saturday see widespread voter apathy as Palestinians cite settler attacks, Israeli occupation, and PA failures as reasons to skip polls.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from within his own Labour Party as rivals see an opening to challenge his leadership amid plummeting approval ratings and multiple political crises.Labour MPs have grown increasingly restless with Starmer's performance since taking power, with his approval ratings hitting historic lows for a new prime minister. The combination of economic challenges, policy missteps, and internal party tensions has created what Bloomberg describes as a perfect storm scenario that could provide the opportunity his critics have been waiting for.The timing matters for American interests. Britain remains Washington's closest intelligence partner and a key NATO ally, with British bases hosting U.S. nuclear assets and British forces supporting American operations worldwide. Political instability in London complicates coordination on everything from Ukraine aid to China containment to Middle East policy.Starmer's vulnerability stems from several converging factors. His government has struggled with economic messaging while facing pressure to increase defense spending to meet NATO's 2% GDP target. Internal Labour divisions over foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Ukraine, have exposed rifts within the party that his leadership has failed to bridge.The mechanics of a Labour leadership challenge require significant MP support, but party insiders suggest the numbers could materialize if Starmer's position deteriorates further. Unlike Conservative Party rules that protected previous prime ministers with high thresholds, Labour's system allows for challenges with relatively modest backing if momentum builds.For American policymakers, a leadership change in Britain would mean recalibrating relationships just as global crises demand close coordination. Starmer has positioned himself as a reliable U.S. partner, but his potential successors within Labour might take different approaches to transatlantic relations or defense commitments.The next few weeks will test whether Starmer can weather the storm or whether Labour MPs will move to replace him. British political observers note that party loyalty often crumbles quickly once MPs sense a leader has become an electoral liability.Watch for key parliamentary votes and public polling numbers that could trigger the cascade effect his rivals need to mount a serious challenge to his leadership.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from within his own Labour Party as rivals see an opening to challenge his leadership amid plummeting approval ratings and multiple political crises.

Labour MPs have grown increasingly restless with Starmer's performance since taking power, with his approval ratings hitting historic lows for a new prime minister. The combination of economic challenges, policy missteps, and internal party tensions has created what Bloomberg describes as a perfect storm scenario that could provide the opportunity his critics have been waiting for.

The timing matters for American interests. Britain remains Washington's closest intelligence partner and a key NATO ally, with British bases hosting U.S. nuclear assets and British forces supporting American operations worldwide. Political instability in London complicates coordination on everything from Ukraine aid to China containment to Middle East policy.

Starmer's vulnerability stems from several converging factors. His government has struggled with economic messaging while facing pressure to increase defense spending to meet NATO's 2% GDP target. Internal Labour divisions over foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Ukraine, have exposed rifts within the party that his leadership has failed to bridge.

The mechanics of a Labour leadership challenge require significant MP support, but party insiders suggest the numbers could materialize if Starmer's position deteriorates further. Unlike Conservative Party rules that protected previous prime ministers with high thresholds, Labour's system allows for challenges with relatively modest backing if momentum builds.

For American policymakers, a leadership change in Britain would mean recalibrating relationships just as global crises demand close coordination. Starmer has positioned himself as a reliable U.S. partner, but his potential successors within Labour might take different approaches to transatlantic relations or defense commitments.

The next few weeks will test whether Starmer can weather the storm or whether Labour MPs will move to replace him. British political observers note that party loyalty often crumbles quickly once MPs sense a leader has become an electoral liability.

Watch for key parliamentary votes and public polling numbers that could trigger the cascade effect his rivals need to mount a serious challenge to his leadership.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces potential challenge from Labour Party rivals as multiple crises converge in coming weeks.

Labour MPs Eye Starmer Ouster as Crisis Window Opens

Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker warned European allies Friday to keep their criticism of President Trump's Iran military operations to themselves, even if they believe the strategy will backfire.&quot;You might think that this is a huge folly and going to have terrible consequences, but you don't have to say it,&quot; Volker said during Friday's episode of Politico's podcast. The diplomat's comments come as Trump's administration navigates complex military and diplomatic tensions with Tehran.Volker's advice reflects growing concern within foreign policy circles about maintaining alliance unity while the U.S. pursues aggressive action against Iran. European leaders have historically taken more diplomatic approaches to Middle East conflicts, putting them at odds with American military strategies.The warning carries particular weight given Volker's extensive NATO experience and understanding of transatlantic relations. His message suggests the Trump administration expects European allies to publicly support or remain silent about U.S. Iran policy, regardless of private reservations.Trump's Iran strategy has already strained military resources, with the U.S. <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/us-burned-through-half-its-tomahawk-arsenal-in-iran-war">burning through half its Tomahawk arsenal</a> in recent operations. The administration continues pursuing diplomatic channels, with Trump recently stating he wants to <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/trump-i-want-to-take-my-time-on-iran-negotiations">&quot;take his time&quot; on Iran negotiations</a>.Volker's comments underscore the delicate balance America's NATO partners must strike between maintaining alliance solidarity and pursuing their own foreign policy interests in the volatile Middle East region.The former ambassador's plea for European restraint signals Trump administration concerns about public criticism undermining U.S. negotiating positions with Iran as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military pressure.

Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker warned European allies Friday to keep their criticism of President Trump's Iran military operations to themselves, even if they believe the strategy will backfire.

"You might think that this is a huge folly and going to have terrible consequences, but you don't have to say it," Volker said during Friday's episode of Politico's podcast. The diplomat's comments come as Trump's administration navigates complex military and diplomatic tensions with Tehran.

Volker's advice reflects growing concern within foreign policy circles about maintaining alliance unity while the U.S. pursues aggressive action against Iran. European leaders have historically taken more diplomatic approaches to Middle East conflicts, putting them at odds with American military strategies.

The warning carries particular weight given Volker's extensive NATO experience and understanding of transatlantic relations. His message suggests the Trump administration expects European allies to publicly support or remain silent about U.S. Iran policy, regardless of private reservations.

Trump's Iran strategy has already strained military resources, with the U.S. burning through half its Tomahawk arsenal in recent operations. The administration continues pursuing diplomatic channels, with Trump recently stating he wants to "take his time" on Iran negotiations.

Volker's comments underscore the delicate balance America's NATO partners must strike between maintaining alliance solidarity and pursuing their own foreign policy interests in the volatile Middle East region.

The former ambassador's plea for European restraint signals Trump administration concerns about public criticism undermining U.S. negotiating positions with Iran as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military pressure.

Former U.S. NATO Ambassador Kurt Volker warned European nations Friday against publicly criticizing President Trump's military actions against Iran.

Ex-NATO Ambassador Volker: Europe Should Stay Quiet on Trump Iran Operations

Israeli forces arrested multiple Palestinians during overnight raids across the occupied West Bank, including three in the northern city of Nablus, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.The military operations extended to the village of Salem, where soldiers detained a young man after firing shots and damaging his vehicle. Additional arrests occurred in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah, while Israeli forces entered the town of Tuqu near Bethlehem and blocked access to surrounding areas.Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to two vehicles in the village of Qusra following reported attacks on Palestinian homes, marking another escalation in settler violence that has surged across the territory.The raids represent the latest in a pattern of military operations that have intensified across the West Bank, raising questions about the long-term stability of the region and its impact on American diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The United States provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually in military aid, much of which funds equipment used in such operations.For American policymakers, the continued unrest in the West Bank complicates broader regional strategy at a time when the Trump administration is focused on containing Iranian influence and maintaining stability among key allies. The operations also strain relations with Arab partners who view expanding Israeli control over Palestinian territories as a threat to regional peace.The military incursions into multiple West Bank cities suggest a coordinated campaign rather than isolated security responses. Israeli forces have conducted similar sweeps in recent months, citing security concerns while Palestinian officials characterize the arrests as collective punishment.Watch for potential diplomatic fallout as these operations continue, particularly regarding how they might affect ongoing Middle East peace initiatives and America's strategic position in the region.

Israeli forces arrested multiple Palestinians during overnight raids across the occupied West Bank, including three in the northern city of Nablus, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

The military operations extended to the village of Salem, where soldiers detained a young man after firing shots and damaging his vehicle. Additional arrests occurred in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah, while Israeli forces entered the town of Tuqu near Bethlehem and blocked access to surrounding areas.

Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to two vehicles in the village of Qusra following reported attacks on Palestinian homes, marking another escalation in settler violence that has surged across the territory.

The raids represent the latest in a pattern of military operations that have intensified across the West Bank, raising questions about the long-term stability of the region and its impact on American diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The United States provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually in military aid, much of which funds equipment used in such operations.

For American policymakers, the continued unrest in the West Bank complicates broader regional strategy at a time when the Trump administration is focused on containing Iranian influence and maintaining stability among key allies. The operations also strain relations with Arab partners who view expanding Israeli control over Palestinian territories as a threat to regional peace.

The military incursions into multiple West Bank cities suggest a coordinated campaign rather than isolated security responses. Israeli forces have conducted similar sweeps in recent months, citing security concerns while Palestinian officials characterize the arrests as collective punishment.

Watch for potential diplomatic fallout as these operations continue, particularly regarding how they might affect ongoing Middle East peace initiatives and America's strategic position in the region.

Israeli military conducted raids in Nablus, Salem, al-Mughayyir and Tuqu, arresting multiple Palestinians while settlers reportedly torched vehicles in Qusra.

Israeli Forces Arrest Palestinians Across West Bank in Overnight Raids

FBI Director Kash Patel announced an 11-count federal grand jury indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center, alleging the civil rights organization secretly funneled more than $3 million in donations to extremist groups including the Ku Klux Klan and organizers of the 2017 Charlottesville rally.Patel joined Acting Attorney General Blanche earlier this week to detail the charges, which accuse the SPLC of funding &quot;violent extremist groups like the Ku Klux Klan&quot; and &quot;hate groups like the ones who organized the 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia&quot; while publicly claiming to dismantle such organizations. &quot;They secretly funneled more than $3 million dollars in donations to benefit people in these groups and even spur their criminal conduct,&quot; Patel said during his weekly FBI update.The SPLC case highlights a broader pattern of FBI enforcement actions detailed in Patel's weekly briefing. In Kentucky, FBI Louisville arrested a man who made online threats to assault and murder President Trump and law enforcement personnel, recovering multiple firearms and tactical gear from his vehicle.Operation Sweet Silence in Columbus, Georgia produced major results against cartel-linked drug trafficking. The FBI Atlanta-led operation secured 30 convictions, seized more than $270 million worth of drugs, and confiscated 119 firearms while dismantling the Zohannon Street Gang and its associates.MS-13 enforcement continued in Houston, where eight gang members received decades-long prison sentences for murders carried out under direction from leadership in El Salvador. FBI Dallas and the bureau's Hostage Rescue Team simultaneously responded to a barricade situation, breaching a residence early Wednesday to rescue a hostage and arrest an armed suspect holding his ex-girlfriend.The FBI prevented a planned mass shooting targeting Houston's Jewish community following coordination between FBI Charlotte and FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Forces after receiving a public tip. As Insider Wire <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/fbi-arrests-nc-teen-juvenile-in-plot-to-kill-jews-at-houston-synagogue">previously reported</a>, federal authorities have disrupted multiple plots against Jewish communities in recent months.Child exploitation enforcement produced seven arrests in Ohio through Operation Spring Break, with FBI Toledo executing 16 search warrants alongside more than a dozen local agencies. The operation targeted distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.In an unusual international case, FBI Salt Lake City worked with Justice Department partners to locate and return a ten-year-old boy taken to Cuba by his father &quot;for the purpose of undergoing gender reassignment surgery,&quot; according to the bureau's statement.Patel emphasized that the SPLC indictment demonstrates &quot;no organization is above the law,&quot; signaling the FBI's willingness to investigate established civil rights organizations when evidence warrants. The case represents one of the most significant fraud allegations against a major nonprofit in recent years, potentially reshaping how Americans view organizations claiming to combat extremism while allegedly funding the very groups they oppose.The FBI's weekly enforcement summary reflects intensified operations across multiple threat categories under Patel's leadership, from gang violence and terrorism prevention to child exploitation and international parental kidnapping cases.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced an 11-count federal grand jury indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center, alleging the civil rights organization secretly funneled more than $3 million in donations to extremist groups including the Ku Klux Klan and organizers of the 2017 Charlottesville rally.

Patel joined Acting Attorney General Blanche earlier this week to detail the charges, which accuse the SPLC of funding "violent extremist groups like the Ku Klux Klan" and "hate groups like the ones who organized the 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia" while publicly claiming to dismantle such organizations. "They secretly funneled more than $3 million dollars in donations to benefit people in these groups and even spur their criminal conduct," Patel said during his weekly FBI update.

The SPLC case highlights a broader pattern of FBI enforcement actions detailed in Patel's weekly briefing. In Kentucky, FBI Louisville arrested a man who made online threats to assault and murder President Trump and law enforcement personnel, recovering multiple firearms and tactical gear from his vehicle.

Operation Sweet Silence in Columbus, Georgia produced major results against cartel-linked drug trafficking. The FBI Atlanta-led operation secured 30 convictions, seized more than $270 million worth of drugs, and confiscated 119 firearms while dismantling the Zohannon Street Gang and its associates.

MS-13 enforcement continued in Houston, where eight gang members received decades-long prison sentences for murders carried out under direction from leadership in El Salvador. FBI Dallas and the bureau's Hostage Rescue Team simultaneously responded to a barricade situation, breaching a residence early Wednesday to rescue a hostage and arrest an armed suspect holding his ex-girlfriend.

The FBI prevented a planned mass shooting targeting Houston's Jewish community following coordination between FBI Charlotte and FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Forces after receiving a public tip. As Insider Wire previously reported, federal authorities have disrupted multiple plots against Jewish communities in recent months.

Child exploitation enforcement produced seven arrests in Ohio through Operation Spring Break, with FBI Toledo executing 16 search warrants alongside more than a dozen local agencies. The operation targeted distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.

In an unusual international case, FBI Salt Lake City worked with Justice Department partners to locate and return a ten-year-old boy taken to Cuba by his father "for the purpose of undergoing gender reassignment surgery," according to the bureau's statement.

Patel emphasized that the SPLC indictment demonstrates "no organization is above the law," signaling the FBI's willingness to investigate established civil rights organizations when evidence warrants. The case represents one of the most significant fraud allegations against a major nonprofit in recent years, potentially reshaping how Americans view organizations claiming to combat extremism while allegedly funding the very groups they oppose.

The FBI's weekly enforcement summary reflects intensified operations across multiple threat categories under Patel's leadership, from gang violence and terrorism prevention to child exploitation and international parental kidnapping cases.

FBI Director Kash Patel announces 11-count indictment against Southern Poverty Law Center for allegedly funneling $3 million to extremist groups including KKK.

FBI Indicts Southern Poverty Law Center for $3M Fraud — Funded KKK Groups

The White House claims Iran wants direct negotiations with American officials, but Tehran's foreign ministry flatly denied any planned meetings Friday. The diplomatic contradiction emerged as Trump administration envoys prepare for another round of Pakistan-mediated peace talks.White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said President Trump demonstrated &quot;flexibility&quot; by extending the Iran ceasefire and claimed Tehran shows interest in direct discussions. Trump <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/trump-sends-witkoff-kushner-back-to-pakistan-for-iran-peace-talks">dispatched Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff</a> to travel to Islamabad for the negotiations.Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei shot down the White House characterization. &quot;No meeting is planned&quot; with the United States, Baghaei stated. He said Iran would communicate its position exclusively through Pakistani intermediaries rather than face-to-face talks with American officials.The diplomatic disconnect highlights the fragile nature of current peace efforts between Washington and Tehran. While both sides engage through Pakistan's mediation, they can't even agree on the basic framework of their communication.Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed his presence in Islamabad for discussions with Pakistani officials. Pakistan has positioned itself as the key broker between the two adversaries, hosting multiple rounds of indirect negotiations in recent weeks.The mixed signals reflect the delicate balance Trump faces in Iran policy. His administration has maintained military pressure while keeping diplomatic channels open through third-party mediators. The approach allows both sides to explore agreements without appearing to capitulate directly to their opponent.For American taxpayers, the stakes remain high after the U.S. <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/us-burns-1100-cruise-missiles-in-iran-war-taiwan-defense-arsenal-depleted">burned through 1,100 cruise missiles</a> during recent Iran conflict. Any sustainable diplomatic solution could prevent further depletion of America's military arsenal and reduce risks to U.S. forces in the region.The Trump team's use of Pakistan as an intermediary provides political cover for both Washington and Tehran. Neither side appears ready for the domestic political costs of direct engagement, but both seem willing to test possibilities through Islamabad's good offices.Watch whether Kushner and Witkoff can bridge the gap between White House optimism and Iranian denials during their Pakistan visit.

The White House claims Iran wants direct negotiations with American officials, but Tehran's foreign ministry flatly denied any planned meetings Friday. The diplomatic contradiction emerged as Trump administration envoys prepare for another round of Pakistan-mediated peace talks.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said President Trump demonstrated "flexibility" by extending the Iran ceasefire and claimed Tehran shows interest in direct discussions. Trump dispatched Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to travel to Islamabad for the negotiations.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei shot down the White House characterization. "No meeting is planned" with the United States, Baghaei stated. He said Iran would communicate its position exclusively through Pakistani intermediaries rather than face-to-face talks with American officials.

The diplomatic disconnect highlights the fragile nature of current peace efforts between Washington and Tehran. While both sides engage through Pakistan's mediation, they can't even agree on the basic framework of their communication.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed his presence in Islamabad for discussions with Pakistani officials. Pakistan has positioned itself as the key broker between the two adversaries, hosting multiple rounds of indirect negotiations in recent weeks.

The mixed signals reflect the delicate balance Trump faces in Iran policy. His administration has maintained military pressure while keeping diplomatic channels open through third-party mediators. The approach allows both sides to explore agreements without appearing to capitulate directly to their opponent.

For American taxpayers, the stakes remain high after the U.S. burned through 1,100 cruise missiles during recent Iran conflict. Any sustainable diplomatic solution could prevent further depletion of America's military arsenal and reduce risks to U.S. forces in the region.

The Trump team's use of Pakistan as an intermediary provides political cover for both Washington and Tehran. Neither side appears ready for the domestic political costs of direct engagement, but both seem willing to test possibilities through Islamabad's good offices.

Watch whether Kushner and Witkoff can bridge the gap between White House optimism and Iranian denials during their Pakistan visit.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt says Iran wants direct talks with US officials Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Pakistan. Iran's foreign ministry de

White House Claims Iran Wants Talks — Tehran Denies Meeting Plans

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt says Iran wants direct talks with US officials Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Pakistan. Iran's foreign ministry denies.

Four Australian women and nine of their children and grandchildren have left the al-Roj detention camp in northeast Syria, making a dangerous overland journey to Damascus in their second attempt to return to Australia this year.The group departed the camp controlled by Kurdish forces and is traveling by road across Syria to reach the capital Damascus, now under Syrian government control. The Albanese government confirmed it is not providing assistance to the group, maintaining its hands-off approach to Australian citizens detained in Syrian camps.This marks the second repatriation attempt by these families. In February, the same group was turned back when they tried to leave the camp, highlighting the complex security and diplomatic challenges facing Australians trapped in Syria's detention system.The al-Roj camp houses families of suspected Islamic State fighters and has become a diplomatic headache for Western governments. Australia has been reluctant to repatriate its citizens from Syrian camps, citing national security concerns and the difficulty of conducting operations in the war-torn country.Unlike some Western allies who have conducted repatriation missions, Australia has largely left its citizens to find their own way home from Syria. The policy puts these families in the precarious position of having to navigate Syria's dangerous terrain and complex political landscape without government support.The road journey from northeast Syria to Damascus crosses territory that has seen years of conflict. The families must traverse areas controlled by different factions, including Syrian government forces, before reaching the capital where they hope to access consular services.For American taxpayers and policymakers, Australia's approach offers a contrast to U.S. repatriation efforts. The hands-off policy raises questions about government responsibility to citizens abroad, even those who may have made poor choices that led to their detention.The success of this self-directed repatriation attempt could influence how other Western nations handle similar cases. If the Australian families successfully reach Damascus and eventually return home, it may demonstrate an alternative to costly and risky government-led rescue operations.The families now face an uncertain journey through Syrian government-controlled territory, with their fate dependent on Damascus's cooperation and Australia's willingness to process their return once they reach official diplomatic channels.

Four Australian women and nine of their children and grandchildren have left the al-Roj detention camp in northeast Syria, making a dangerous overland journey to Damascus in their second attempt to return to Australia this year.

The group departed the camp controlled by Kurdish forces and is traveling by road across Syria to reach the capital Damascus, now under Syrian government control. The Albanese government confirmed it is not providing assistance to the group, maintaining its hands-off approach to Australian citizens detained in Syrian camps.

This marks the second repatriation attempt by these families. In February, the same group was turned back when they tried to leave the camp, highlighting the complex security and diplomatic challenges facing Australians trapped in Syria's detention system.

The al-Roj camp houses families of suspected Islamic State fighters and has become a diplomatic headache for Western governments. Australia has been reluctant to repatriate its citizens from Syrian camps, citing national security concerns and the difficulty of conducting operations in the war-torn country.

Unlike some Western allies who have conducted repatriation missions, Australia has largely left its citizens to find their own way home from Syria. The policy puts these families in the precarious position of having to navigate Syria's dangerous terrain and complex political landscape without government support.

The road journey from northeast Syria to Damascus crosses territory that has seen years of conflict. The families must traverse areas controlled by different factions, including Syrian government forces, before reaching the capital where they hope to access consular services.

For American taxpayers and policymakers, Australia's approach offers a contrast to U.S. repatriation efforts. The hands-off policy raises questions about government responsibility to citizens abroad, even those who may have made poor choices that led to their detention.

The success of this self-directed repatriation attempt could influence how other Western nations handle similar cases. If the Australian families successfully reach Damascus and eventually return home, it may demonstrate an alternative to costly and risky government-led rescue operations.

The families now face an uncertain journey through Syrian government-controlled territory, with their fate dependent on Damascus's cooperation and Australia's willingness to process their return once they reach official diplomatic channels.

Four Australian women and nine children departed al-Roj camp in northeast Syria, traveling by road to Damascus seeking return to Australia.