InsiderWire Staff

President Trump retreated from his threat to destroy Iranian &quot;civilization&quot; Tuesday evening, but the brief global relief quickly evaporated as his hastily arranged ceasefire hit immediate problems. The whiplash sequence has left allies and adversaries questioning whether the administration has any coherent Iran strategy.Trump's pullback from his most inflammatory rhetoric came after 48 hours of escalating threats that spooked financial markets and drew bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill. The president had warned Tehran he would target sites of cultural and historical importance — a threat that violated international law and drew sharp rebukes from European allies.But the <a href="https://insiderwire.com/en/news/trump-announces-iran-ceasefire-as-vance-warns-of-fragile-truce?language_id=1">fragile ceasefire</a> announced Tuesday began showing cracks within hours. Iranian-backed militias continued attacks in Iraq, the Strait of Hormuz remained partially blocked, and Tehran issued new demands that went beyond the original framework.The rapid deterioration has handed Democrats fresh ammunition to argue Trump lacks the diplomatic experience to manage complex international crises. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans for a war powers vote to constrain Trump's military options, while House Democrats prepared similar legislation.Republican hawks who initially praised Trump's tough stance now worry he's telegraphing weakness to adversaries worldwide. &quot;You can't threaten total war one day and accept a paper ceasefire the next,&quot; said one senior GOP aide who requested anonymity. &quot;It makes us look confused and unpredictable in all the wrong ways.&quot;The Iran episode has also <a href="https://insiderwire.com/en/news/trumps-iran-ceasefire-splits-maga-base-as-loyalists-clash-with-hawks?language_id=1">split Trump's base</a>, with some supporters praising his restraint while others accuse him of backing down. The president's own social media posts have sent mixed signals, alternately claiming victory and issuing new warnings.Intelligence officials privately express concern that the administration's Iran approach lacks strategic coherence. The rapid shifts between maximum pressure and diplomatic outreach have left Tehran uncertain about American intentions while failing to advance clear policy objectives.The ceasefire's collapse would mark a significant early foreign policy setback for Trump, who campaigned on his deal-making abilities and promised to end Middle East conflicts through strength. Markets remain jittery about renewed escalation, with oil futures volatile despite the temporary truce.Trump faces a narrow window to salvage something from the Iran crisis before it becomes a defining failure. His next moves will signal whether the administration can develop a sustainable Middle East strategy or will lurch from crisis to crisis.

President Trump retreated from his threat to destroy Iranian "civilization" Tuesday evening, but the brief global relief quickly evaporated as his hastily arranged ceasefire hit immediate problems. The whiplash sequence has left allies and adversaries questioning whether the administration has any coherent Iran strategy.

Trump's pullback from his most inflammatory rhetoric came after 48 hours of escalating threats that spooked financial markets and drew bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill. The president had warned Tehran he would target sites of cultural and historical importance — a threat that violated international law and drew sharp rebukes from European allies.

But the fragile ceasefire announced Tuesday began showing cracks within hours. Iranian-backed militias continued attacks in Iraq, the Strait of Hormuz remained partially blocked, and Tehran issued new demands that went beyond the original framework.

The rapid deterioration has handed Democrats fresh ammunition to argue Trump lacks the diplomatic experience to manage complex international crises. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans for a war powers vote to constrain Trump's military options, while House Democrats prepared similar legislation.

Republican hawks who initially praised Trump's tough stance now worry he's telegraphing weakness to adversaries worldwide. "You can't threaten total war one day and accept a paper ceasefire the next," said one senior GOP aide who requested anonymity. "It makes us look confused and unpredictable in all the wrong ways."

The Iran episode has also split Trump's base, with some supporters praising his restraint while others accuse him of backing down. The president's own social media posts have sent mixed signals, alternately claiming victory and issuing new warnings.

Intelligence officials privately express concern that the administration's Iran approach lacks strategic coherence. The rapid shifts between maximum pressure and diplomatic outreach have left Tehran uncertain about American intentions while failing to advance clear policy objectives.

The ceasefire's collapse would mark a significant early foreign policy setback for Trump, who campaigned on his deal-making abilities and promised to end Middle East conflicts through strength. Markets remain jittery about renewed escalation, with oil futures volatile despite the temporary truce.

Trump faces a narrow window to salvage something from the Iran crisis before it becomes a defining failure. His next moves will signal whether the administration can develop a sustainable Middle East strategy or will lurch from crisis to crisis.

Trump backed down from threats against Iranian civilization as his tentative ceasefire hits immediate turbulence, raising questions about his Iran strategy.

Trump's Iran retreat exposes strategic confusion as ceasefire collapses

Iran slammed shut the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, just hours after reopening the critical shipping lane, accusing Israel of violating a fragile two-week ceasefire by launching major strikes on Lebanon.The abrupt closure came after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine announced the waterway had reopened under Tuesday night's ceasefire agreement. Iran allowed only a handful of ships through — including two oil tankers — before shutting down the passage that handles 20% of global oil transit.&quot;The Iran-U.S. Ceasefire terms are clear and explicit: the U.S. must choose — ceasefire or continued war via Israel. It cannot have both,&quot; Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media. &quot;The world sees massacres in Lebanon. The ball is in the U.S. court, and the world is watching whether it will act on its commitments.&quot;The ceasefire deal, brokered by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, came just hours before Trump's deadline to respond to his threat to &quot;annihilate a whole civilization&quot; if Iran didn't make peace. Reopening the strait was a major condition for beginning formal peace talks between Washington and Tehran.Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps escalated tensions Wednesday, warning Israel and the United States that continued attacks on Lebanon would trigger a &quot;regretful response.&quot; The IRGC's Fars News agency reported the strait closure as Israeli strikes pounded Beirut.Sharif, who helped broker the deal, posted his own warning on social media: &quot;Violations of ceasefire have been reported at few places across the conflict zone, which undermine the spirit of the peace process.&quot; The Pakistani leader urged &quot;all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire for two weeks, as agreed upon.&quot;The rapid unraveling exposes the fragility of the <a href="https://insiderwire.com/en/news/trump-announces-iran-ceasefire-as-vance-warns-of-fragile-truce?language_id=1">U.S.-Iran ceasefire</a> that briefly calmed global markets and oil prices. Iran's move to weaponize the strait — through which $1.2 trillion in trade passes annually — demonstrates Tehran's willingness to escalate economic warfare over what it sees as American duplicity.The crisis puts the Trump administration in an impossible bind. Restraining Israel risks fracturing a key alliance, while allowing continued strikes could collapse the ceasefire entirely and trigger the broader Middle East war Trump sought to avoid.All eyes now turn to whether Washington will pressure Israel to halt Lebanon operations or risk watching the <a href="https://insiderwire.com/en/news/iran-closes-strait-of-hormuz-as-two-week-us-ceasefire-crumbles?language_id=1">two-week truce crumble</a> within its first 24 hours.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Iran slammed shut the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, just hours after reopening the critical shipping lane, accusing Israel of violating a fragile two-week ceasefire by launching major strikes on Lebanon.

The abrupt closure came after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine announced the waterway had reopened under Tuesday night's ceasefire agreement. Iran allowed only a handful of ships through — including two oil tankers — before shutting down the passage that handles 20% of global oil transit.

"The Iran-U.S. Ceasefire terms are clear and explicit: the U.S. must choose — ceasefire or continued war via Israel. It cannot have both," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media. "The world sees massacres in Lebanon. The ball is in the U.S. court, and the world is watching whether it will act on its commitments."

The ceasefire deal, brokered by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, came just hours before Trump's deadline to respond to his threat to "annihilate a whole civilization" if Iran didn't make peace. Reopening the strait was a major condition for beginning formal peace talks between Washington and Tehran.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps escalated tensions Wednesday, warning Israel and the United States that continued attacks on Lebanon would trigger a "regretful response." The IRGC's Fars News agency reported the strait closure as Israeli strikes pounded Beirut.

Sharif, who helped broker the deal, posted his own warning on social media: "Violations of ceasefire have been reported at few places across the conflict zone, which undermine the spirit of the peace process." The Pakistani leader urged "all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire for two weeks, as agreed upon."

The rapid unraveling exposes the fragility of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire that briefly calmed global markets and oil prices. Iran's move to weaponize the strait — through which $1.2 trillion in trade passes annually — demonstrates Tehran's willingness to escalate economic warfare over what it sees as American duplicity.

The crisis puts the Trump administration in an impossible bind. Restraining Israel risks fracturing a key alliance, while allowing continued strikes could collapse the ceasefire entirely and trigger the broader Middle East war Trump sought to avoid.

All eyes now turn to whether Washington will pressure Israel to halt Lebanon operations or risk watching the two-week truce crumble within its first 24 hours.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz Wednesday after allowing just two oil tankers through, accusing Israel of violating the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal.

Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz hours after reopening, blames Israeli Lebanon strikes

The FBI arrested a former Fort Bragg contractor Tuesday for allegedly leaking classified Delta Force tactics to an investigative journalist over three years, then telling her mother she could face prison for exposing the sensitive operations.Courtney Williams, 40, an Army veteran with top-secret clearance assigned to a Special Military Unit at Fort Bragg, transmitted national defense information including classified tactics, techniques and procedures used in covert missions, federal prosecutors charge. Williams held Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance and had direct access to highly sensitive operational details from elite military units.Between 2022 and 2025, Williams communicated extensively with a journalist through phone calls lasting hundreds of minutes and roughly 180 text messages, investigators allege. She also sent documents and materials that were later published in an article and book that identified her as the source.Court filings don't name the journalist, but dates and details match reporting by Seth Harp about the Army's Delta Force. An excerpt from Harp's book &quot;The Fort Bragg Cartel&quot; appeared in Politico Magazine last August titled &quot;My Life Became a Living Hell: One Woman's Career in Delta Force, the Army's Most Elite Unit,&quot; featuring Williams' allegations of sexual harassment during her service.FBI Director Kash Patel used the arrest to send a warning to potential leakers. &quot;Let this serve as a message to any would-be leakers: we're working these cases, and we're making arrests,&quot; Patel wrote on X Wednesday. &quot;This FBI will not tolerate those who seek to betray our country and put Americans in harm's way.&quot;Harp defended Williams in a statement to WRAL-TV, calling her a &quot;brave whistleblower and truth-teller.&quot; He pointed to what he sees as selective prosecution, noting that &quot;former Delta Force operators disclose 'national defense information' on podcasts and YouTube shows every day, but the government is going after Courtney.&quot;Williams faces charges under 18 U.S.C. § 793(d), which criminalizes the unauthorized transmission of national defense information. The statute carries potential prison time and has been used in other high-profile leak cases involving classified military operations.The case highlights ongoing tensions between national security protections and whistleblower disclosures, particularly involving <a href="https://insiderwire.com/en/news/green-berets-traverse-90-miles-undetected-in-drone-evasion-exercise?language_id=1">elite military units</a> whose operations remain highly classified. Williams' arrest signals the FBI's renewed focus on prosecuting unauthorized disclosures under the Trump administration, setting up a potential test case for how courts balance security concerns against claims of public interest reporting.

The FBI arrested a former Fort Bragg contractor Tuesday for allegedly leaking classified Delta Force tactics to an investigative journalist over three years, then telling her mother she could face prison for exposing the sensitive operations.

Courtney Williams, 40, an Army veteran with top-secret clearance assigned to a Special Military Unit at Fort Bragg, transmitted national defense information including classified tactics, techniques and procedures used in covert missions, federal prosecutors charge. Williams held Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance and had direct access to highly sensitive operational details from elite military units.

Between 2022 and 2025, Williams communicated extensively with a journalist through phone calls lasting hundreds of minutes and roughly 180 text messages, investigators allege. She also sent documents and materials that were later published in an article and book that identified her as the source.

Court filings don't name the journalist, but dates and details match reporting by Seth Harp about the Army's Delta Force. An excerpt from Harp's book "The Fort Bragg Cartel" appeared in Politico Magazine last August titled "My Life Became a Living Hell: One Woman's Career in Delta Force, the Army's Most Elite Unit," featuring Williams' allegations of sexual harassment during her service.

FBI Director Kash Patel used the arrest to send a warning to potential leakers. "Let this serve as a message to any would-be leakers: we're working these cases, and we're making arrests," Patel wrote on X Wednesday. "This FBI will not tolerate those who seek to betray our country and put Americans in harm's way."

Harp defended Williams in a statement to WRAL-TV, calling her a "brave whistleblower and truth-teller." He pointed to what he sees as selective prosecution, noting that "former Delta Force operators disclose 'national defense information' on podcasts and YouTube shows every day, but the government is going after Courtney."

Williams faces charges under 18 U.S.C. § 793(d), which criminalizes the unauthorized transmission of national defense information. The statute carries potential prison time and has been used in other high-profile leak cases involving classified military operations.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between national security protections and whistleblower disclosures, particularly involving elite military units whose operations remain highly classified. Williams' arrest signals the FBI's renewed focus on prosecuting unauthorized disclosures under the Trump administration, setting up a potential test case for how courts balance security concerns against claims of public interest reporting.

Courtney Williams, 40, faces federal charges for transmitting top-secret military information to investigative reporter Seth Harp over three years.

Delta Force Contractor Arrested for Leaking Classified Tactics to Journalist

China's Foreign Ministry declared Wednesday it will &quot;continue playing a constructive role&quot; in Middle East peace after President Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced their ceasefire — despite Beijing's recent peace proposal being completely ignored by all parties involved.Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning claimed China &quot;has worked actively to help bring about an end to the conflict,&quot; pointing to Foreign Minister Wang Yi's 26 phone calls with counterparts from various countries since fighting began. When pressed for specifics on China's actual contributions to the ceasefire beyond phone calls, Mao offered no concrete details.Beijing's self-congratulation comes after its much-touted &quot;five-point initiative,&quot; developed with Pakistan, failed to gain traction with any involved parties. The proposal contained no concrete recommendations beyond advising Iran and America to &quot;immediately cease hostilities&quot; and begin &quot;peace talks&quot; — generic advice that offered no practical pathway forward.Pakistan, China's close ally and the actual mediator between Tehran and Washington, thanked Beijing Tuesday night following the ceasefire announcement. Islamabad is preparing to host peace talks Friday aimed at extending the temporary ceasefire into a permanent end to hostilities.&quot;As a responsible major country, China will continue playing a constructive role and making positive contribution to restoring peace and tranquility in the Gulf and Middle East region,&quot; Mao said, according to Chinese government translation. The statement reflects Beijing's broader strategy of positioning itself as a global peacemaker, even when its diplomatic efforts yield minimal results.State-controlled China Daily amplified the message Wednesday, claiming &quot;China's approach has been to emphasize the cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue.&quot; The propaganda outlet highlighted Wang Yi's phone diplomacy and noted that China's Middle East special envoy traveled to the region for &quot;intensive mediation efforts.&quot;The Chinese victory lap comes as Trump's Operation Epic Fury fundamentally altered the regional balance of power. The joint U.S.-Israeli operation, launched February 28, eliminated Iran's &quot;supreme leader&quot; Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and crippled Tehran's military capabilities — achievements that owed nothing to Chinese diplomacy.Beijing's claims highlight a familiar pattern: China seeks credit for diplomatic breakthroughs achieved primarily through other nations' efforts while contributing little beyond symbolic gestures. The real test of China's Middle East influence will come Friday when Pakistan hosts substantive peace talks to cement the ceasefire.This is a developing story and will be updated.

China's Foreign Ministry declared Wednesday it will "continue playing a constructive role" in Middle East peace after President Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced their ceasefire — despite Beijing's recent peace proposal being completely ignored by all parties involved.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning claimed China "has worked actively to help bring about an end to the conflict," pointing to Foreign Minister Wang Yi's 26 phone calls with counterparts from various countries since fighting began. When pressed for specifics on China's actual contributions to the ceasefire beyond phone calls, Mao offered no concrete details.

Beijing's self-congratulation comes after its much-touted "five-point initiative," developed with Pakistan, failed to gain traction with any involved parties. The proposal contained no concrete recommendations beyond advising Iran and America to "immediately cease hostilities" and begin "peace talks" — generic advice that offered no practical pathway forward.

Pakistan, China's close ally and the actual mediator between Tehran and Washington, thanked Beijing Tuesday night following the ceasefire announcement. Islamabad is preparing to host peace talks Friday aimed at extending the temporary ceasefire into a permanent end to hostilities.

"As a responsible major country, China will continue playing a constructive role and making positive contribution to restoring peace and tranquility in the Gulf and Middle East region," Mao said, according to Chinese government translation. The statement reflects Beijing's broader strategy of positioning itself as a global peacemaker, even when its diplomatic efforts yield minimal results.

State-controlled China Daily amplified the message Wednesday, claiming "China's approach has been to emphasize the cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue." The propaganda outlet highlighted Wang Yi's phone diplomacy and noted that China's Middle East special envoy traveled to the region for "intensive mediation efforts."

The Chinese victory lap comes as Trump's Operation Epic Fury fundamentally altered the regional balance of power. The joint U.S.-Israeli operation, launched February 28, eliminated Iran's "supreme leader" Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and crippled Tehran's military capabilities — achievements that owed nothing to Chinese diplomacy.

Beijing's claims highlight a familiar pattern: China seeks credit for diplomatic breakthroughs achieved primarily through other nations' efforts while contributing little beyond symbolic gestures. The real test of China's Middle East influence will come Friday when Pakistan hosts substantive peace talks to cement the ceasefire.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Beijing's Foreign Ministry says it played a 'constructive role' in Trump-Iran ceasefire despite its five-point peace plan receiving no acknowledgment from eithe

China Claims Credit for Iran Ceasefire After Peace Plan Went Ignored

Beijing's Foreign Ministry says it played a 'constructive role' in Trump-Iran ceasefire despite its five-point peace plan receiving no acknowledgment from either side.

Iran has delivered a 10-point negotiation proposal that directly contradicts key U.S. positions on nuclear policy and regional control, despite President Trump's earlier claims that Tehran had offered a &quot;workable basis&quot; for talks.The Iranian plan reasserts the country's sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway through which roughly 20% of global oil supplies pass daily. More provocatively, it maintains Iran's right to continue uranium enrichment — the exact capability that has driven decades of international sanctions and diplomatic crises.Trump had suggested just weeks ago that Iranian officials presented terms that could form the foundation for serious negotiations. The actual text reveals a different reality. Iran's demands read more like opening maximalist positions than genuine compromise offers.The proposal comes as both countries face mounting pressure to de-escalate tensions that have brought the region to the brink multiple times over the past year. Iranian officials have watched oil revenues crater under U.S. sanctions while Trump faces criticism for his administration's inconsistent Middle East messaging.Washington's core demands remain unchanged: complete cessation of uranium enrichment beyond civilian power needs, international inspections of all nuclear facilities, and an end to what the U.S. calls destabilizing behavior across the Persian Gulf. Iran's 10-point response essentially rejects each pillar.The Strait of Hormuz language proves particularly thorny. Iran claims historical and legal authority over the waterway, while the U.S. Navy conducts regular &quot;freedom of navigation&quot; operations to challenge that position. Any deal that acknowledges Iranian control would mark a massive geopolitical shift.European allies who helped broker previous nuclear agreements now find themselves caught between incompatible positions. French and German diplomats have spent months trying to craft middle-ground language that both sides could accept.The timing suggests Iran may be testing Trump's resolve ahead of the 2024 election cycle. Tehran's leadership has long calculated that American presidents become more flexible on foreign policy when domestic political pressures mount.The next move belongs to the White House, which must decide whether to engage with Iran's maximalist opening bid or dismiss it entirely and return to the sanctions-and-pressure campaign that has defined the relationship for years.

Iran has delivered a 10-point negotiation proposal that directly contradicts key U.S. positions on nuclear policy and regional control, despite President Trump's earlier claims that Tehran had offered a "workable basis" for talks.

The Iranian plan reasserts the country's sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway through which roughly 20% of global oil supplies pass daily. More provocatively, it maintains Iran's right to continue uranium enrichment — the exact capability that has driven decades of international sanctions and diplomatic crises.

Trump had suggested just weeks ago that Iranian officials presented terms that could form the foundation for serious negotiations. The actual text reveals a different reality. Iran's demands read more like opening maximalist positions than genuine compromise offers.

The proposal comes as both countries face mounting pressure to de-escalate tensions that have brought the region to the brink multiple times over the past year. Iranian officials have watched oil revenues crater under U.S. sanctions while Trump faces criticism for his administration's inconsistent Middle East messaging.

Washington's core demands remain unchanged: complete cessation of uranium enrichment beyond civilian power needs, international inspections of all nuclear facilities, and an end to what the U.S. calls destabilizing behavior across the Persian Gulf. Iran's 10-point response essentially rejects each pillar.

The Strait of Hormuz language proves particularly thorny. Iran claims historical and legal authority over the waterway, while the U.S. Navy conducts regular "freedom of navigation" operations to challenge that position. Any deal that acknowledges Iranian control would mark a massive geopolitical shift.

European allies who helped broker previous nuclear agreements now find themselves caught between incompatible positions. French and German diplomats have spent months trying to craft middle-ground language that both sides could accept.

The timing suggests Iran may be testing Trump's resolve ahead of the 2024 election cycle. Tehran's leadership has long calculated that American presidents become more flexible on foreign policy when domestic political pressures mount.

The next move belongs to the White House, which must decide whether to engage with Iran's maximalist opening bid or dismiss it entirely and return to the sanctions-and-pressure campaign that has defined the relationship for years.

Iran's new negotiation proposal maintains nuclear enrichment rights and Strait of Hormuz control, contradicting President Trump's previous claims about workable

Iran's 10-Point Plan Clashes With Trump's Nuclear Demands

Iran's new negotiation proposal maintains nuclear enrichment rights and Strait of Hormuz control, contradicting President Trump's previous claims about workable basis.

Pam Bondi will skip her scheduled April 14 deposition before the House Oversight Committee about the Justice Department's Jeffrey Epstein investigation, using her departure from the Attorney General's office as legal cover.The Justice Department told the committee Wednesday that Bondi can't testify because she no longer holds the office referenced in the subpoena. Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis argued the March subpoena targeted Bondi &quot;in her capacity as Attorney General&quot; — a role she vacated when fired earlier this month.&quot;The Department remains committed to working cooperatively with the Committee and continues to believe that additional compulsory process is unnecessary,&quot; Davis wrote to Oversight Chairman James Comer, requesting the subpoena be withdrawn.Democrats aren't buying it. Rep. Robert Garcia, the panel's ranking member, threatened contempt charges and accused Bondi of dodging accountability. &quot;Now that Pam Bondi has been fired, she's trying to get out of her legal obligation to testify about the Epstein files and the White House cover-up,&quot; Garcia said. &quot;Our bipartisan subpoena is to Pam Bondi, whether she is the Attorney General or not.&quot;The subpoena passed with unusual bipartisan support — five Republicans joined all Democrats on March 4 to compel Bondi's testimony about how Justice handled the Epstein file releases during her tenure. That rare GOP defection signals deep congressional frustration with the department's Epstein probe transparency.Epstein survivors Maria and Annie Farmer blasted the delay, demanding Congress &quot;use every lever possible to ensure justice is served.&quot; The sisters, who testified publicly about Epstein's abuse, said further delays &quot;weaken our confidence in the government's willingness to hold accountable those who enabled and perpetrated Epstein's heinous crimes.&quot;As Attorney General, Bondi oversaw Justice's review and release of files related to the federal investigation into Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The committee wants answers about potential White House interference and whether the department withheld damaging information.The committee now faces a choice: pursue contempt proceedings against a former cabinet official or negotiate new terms for Bondi's testimony as a private citizen. Either path promises more political theater around an investigation that's already generated rare bipartisan anger at Justice Department stonewalling.

Pam Bondi will skip her scheduled April 14 deposition before the House Oversight Committee about the Justice Department's Jeffrey Epstein investigation, using her departure from the Attorney General's office as legal cover.

The Justice Department told the committee Wednesday that Bondi can't testify because she no longer holds the office referenced in the subpoena. Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis argued the March subpoena targeted Bondi "in her capacity as Attorney General" — a role she vacated when fired earlier this month.

"The Department remains committed to working cooperatively with the Committee and continues to believe that additional compulsory process is unnecessary," Davis wrote to Oversight Chairman James Comer, requesting the subpoena be withdrawn.

Democrats aren't buying it. Rep. Robert Garcia, the panel's ranking member, threatened contempt charges and accused Bondi of dodging accountability. "Now that Pam Bondi has been fired, she's trying to get out of her legal obligation to testify about the Epstein files and the White House cover-up," Garcia said. "Our bipartisan subpoena is to Pam Bondi, whether she is the Attorney General or not."

The subpoena passed with unusual bipartisan support — five Republicans joined all Democrats on March 4 to compel Bondi's testimony about how Justice handled the Epstein file releases during her tenure. That rare GOP defection signals deep congressional frustration with the department's Epstein probe transparency.

Epstein survivors Maria and Annie Farmer blasted the delay, demanding Congress "use every lever possible to ensure justice is served." The sisters, who testified publicly about Epstein's abuse, said further delays "weaken our confidence in the government's willingness to hold accountable those who enabled and perpetrated Epstein's heinous crimes."

As Attorney General, Bondi oversaw Justice's review and release of files related to the federal investigation into Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The committee wants answers about potential White House interference and whether the department withheld damaging information.

The committee now faces a choice: pursue contempt proceedings against a former cabinet official or negotiate new terms for Bondi's testimony as a private citizen. Either path promises more political theater around an investigation that's already generated rare bipartisan anger at Justice Department stonewalling.

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi won't testify April 14 about Justice Department's Epstein probe handling, sparking contempt threat from House Democrats.

Pam Bondi skips House Epstein deposition, citing end of AG term

Iran has joined its adversaries in violating a two-week ceasefire agreement, according to Holly Dagres, a Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who spoke with Bloomberg's Kailey Leinz.Dagres, who authors &quot;The Iranist&quot; on Substack, said both Tehran and opposing forces are breaching the fragile truce while Iran simultaneously weaponizes control over the Strait of Hormuz during negotiations. The strategic waterway handles roughly 20% of global oil traffic, giving Iran outsized leverage in any diplomatic discussions.&quot;Iran is also violating&quot; the ceasefire terms, Dagres told Bloomberg, though she did not specify which actions constitute the breaches. The assessment suggests the temporary halt in hostilities has devolved into mutual accusations and continued low-level conflicts despite international efforts to maintain calm.The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as Tehran's primary bargaining chip, Dagres explained. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the narrow passage during previous regional crises, most recently during escalating tensions with Israel and amid ongoing proxy conflicts across the Middle East. Any disruption to shipping through the strait typically sends oil prices spiking and rattles global markets.The ceasefire violations come as diplomatic efforts to establish a more durable peace arrangement have stalled. International mediators had hoped the two-week pause would create space for broader negotiations, but early violations by multiple parties signal the underlying tensions remain unresolved.Dagres' comments reflect growing skepticism among regional experts about the sustainability of temporary truces without addressing core grievances. Iran's strategy of leveraging the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates how geography continues to shape Middle Eastern power dynamics, even during supposed diplomatic breakthroughs.The Washington Institute fellow's assessment carries weight given her specialized focus on Iranian affairs and regular communication with regional sources. Her Substack newsletter tracks Iranian domestic politics and foreign policy moves closely.Watch whether Iran escalates its Strait of Hormuz threats as ceasefire violations mount and whether international mediators can salvage the collapsing truce before it expires.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Iran has joined its adversaries in violating a two-week ceasefire agreement, according to Holly Dagres, a Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who spoke with Bloomberg's Kailey Leinz.

Dagres, who authors "The Iranist" on Substack, said both Tehran and opposing forces are breaching the fragile truce while Iran simultaneously weaponizes control over the Strait of Hormuz during negotiations. The strategic waterway handles roughly 20% of global oil traffic, giving Iran outsized leverage in any diplomatic discussions.

"Iran is also violating" the ceasefire terms, Dagres told Bloomberg, though she did not specify which actions constitute the breaches. The assessment suggests the temporary halt in hostilities has devolved into mutual accusations and continued low-level conflicts despite international efforts to maintain calm.

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as Tehran's primary bargaining chip, Dagres explained. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the narrow passage during previous regional crises, most recently during escalating tensions with Israel and amid ongoing proxy conflicts across the Middle East. Any disruption to shipping through the strait typically sends oil prices spiking and rattles global markets.

The ceasefire violations come as diplomatic efforts to establish a more durable peace arrangement have stalled. International mediators had hoped the two-week pause would create space for broader negotiations, but early violations by multiple parties signal the underlying tensions remain unresolved.

Dagres' comments reflect growing skepticism among regional experts about the sustainability of temporary truces without addressing core grievances. Iran's strategy of leveraging the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates how geography continues to shape Middle Eastern power dynamics, even during supposed diplomatic breakthroughs.

The Washington Institute fellow's assessment carries weight given her specialized focus on Iranian affairs and regular communication with regional sources. Her Substack newsletter tracks Iranian domestic politics and foreign policy moves closely.

Watch whether Iran escalates its Strait of Hormuz threats as ceasefire violations mount and whether international mediators can salvage the collapsing truce before it expires.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Holly Dagres of Washington Institute says Iran breaches ceasefire while using Strait of Hormuz as negotiating leverage in ongoing Middle East tensions.

Iran Violates Two-Week Ceasefire Alongside Adversaries, Expert Says

A federal appeals court rejected Anthropic's emergency request to block the Pentagon's designation of the AI company as a supply chain risk, dealing a blow to the firm's legal strategy in a case that could reshape government oversight of artificial intelligence contractors.The three-judge panel issued its order Wednesday evening, ruling that Anthropic failed to meet the stringent legal requirements for an emergency stay. The decision allows the Pentagon's controversial labeling to remain in effect while the underlying case proceeds through the courts.The ruling marks a setback for Anthropic, which has argued that the Pentagon's designation threatens its ability to secure government contracts and damages its reputation in the rapidly expanding AI sector. The company had sought immediate relief through the emergency stay, claiming irreparable harm from the supply chain risk label.Federal courts rarely grant emergency stays, requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate they will likely succeed on the merits of their case and face imminent, irreversible damage. The appeals court's rejection suggests Anthropic's legal arguments may face an uphill battle as the case moves forward.The Pentagon's supply chain risk designation carries serious implications for AI companies seeking federal contracts. The label effectively signals to government agencies that working with the designated firm could pose security or reliability concerns, potentially freezing out affected companies from lucrative federal deals.This case arrives as the federal government grapples with how to regulate AI companies while maintaining access to cutting-edge technology for national security purposes. The Pentagon has increasingly scrutinized AI firms' supply chains, particularly those with foreign connections or data practices that could pose security risks.Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI executives, has positioned itself as a leader in AI safety research. The company's Claude AI system competes directly with ChatGPT and other major language models, making federal contracts a potentially valuable revenue stream.The appeals court's decision comes as <a href="https://insiderwire.com/en/news/pentagon-labels-ai-firm-anthropic-supply-chain-risk-despite-court-block?language_id=1">tensions escalate</a> between AI companies and federal regulators over security protocols and oversight measures. Several major tech firms have challenged similar designations, arguing they rely on outdated security frameworks that don't account for modern AI development practices.Industry observers will now watch whether Anthropic appeals to the Supreme Court or focuses on winning the underlying case. The company's next legal moves could set precedents for how AI firms challenge federal security designations and what evidence courts require to overturn Pentagon risk assessments.

A federal appeals court rejected Anthropic's emergency request to block the Pentagon's designation of the AI company as a supply chain risk, dealing a blow to the firm's legal strategy in a case that could reshape government oversight of artificial intelligence contractors.

The three-judge panel issued its order Wednesday evening, ruling that Anthropic failed to meet the stringent legal requirements for an emergency stay. The decision allows the Pentagon's controversial labeling to remain in effect while the underlying case proceeds through the courts.

The ruling marks a setback for Anthropic, which has argued that the Pentagon's designation threatens its ability to secure government contracts and damages its reputation in the rapidly expanding AI sector. The company had sought immediate relief through the emergency stay, claiming irreparable harm from the supply chain risk label.

Federal courts rarely grant emergency stays, requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate they will likely succeed on the merits of their case and face imminent, irreversible damage. The appeals court's rejection suggests Anthropic's legal arguments may face an uphill battle as the case moves forward.

The Pentagon's supply chain risk designation carries serious implications for AI companies seeking federal contracts. The label effectively signals to government agencies that working with the designated firm could pose security or reliability concerns, potentially freezing out affected companies from lucrative federal deals.

This case arrives as the federal government grapples with how to regulate AI companies while maintaining access to cutting-edge technology for national security purposes. The Pentagon has increasingly scrutinized AI firms' supply chains, particularly those with foreign connections or data practices that could pose security risks.

Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI executives, has positioned itself as a leader in AI safety research. The company's Claude AI system competes directly with ChatGPT and other major language models, making federal contracts a potentially valuable revenue stream.

The appeals court's decision comes as tensions escalate between AI companies and federal regulators over security protocols and oversight measures. Several major tech firms have challenged similar designations, arguing they rely on outdated security frameworks that don't account for modern AI development practices.

Industry observers will now watch whether Anthropic appeals to the Supreme Court or focuses on winning the underlying case. The company's next legal moves could set precedents for how AI firms challenge federal security designations and what evidence courts require to overturn Pentagon risk assessments.

Three-judge federal appeals court panel denies AI company Anthropic's bid to halt Pentagon's supply chain risk designation, citing failure to meet emergency sta

Federal Court Rejects Anthropic's Emergency Appeal on Pentagon Risk Label

Three-judge federal appeals court panel denies AI company Anthropic's bid to halt Pentagon's supply chain risk designation, citing failure to meet emergency stay requirements.

Green Berets from the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group completed a weeklong infiltration exercise in February, traversing more than 90 miles of simulated enemy territory without detection by drones or ground personnel. Exercise Deep Strike at Germany's Joint Multinational Readiness Center tested eight-person teams against the kind of advanced surveillance that has transformed modern battlefields.The teams moved only at night, carried no weapons, and relied solely on mission-specific gear to avoid radar detection and civilian contact. Their objective: infiltrate deep into hostile territory and launch a strike drone at a high-value target before helicopter extraction.&quot;This is no simple walk in the woods,&quot; a team sergeant said in the service release. The harsh winter conditions in Bavaria added another layer of complexity to operations designed around stealth and endurance.The exercise reflects hard lessons from Ukraine, where thermal-equipped drones have made traditional concealment techniques obsolete. Both sides in that conflict have weaponized commercially available drones, forcing infantry to rethink basic movement and camouflage. The Marines recently began testing full-body thermal overgarments to counter heat-seeking sensors.&quot;This exercise is designed to prepare our forces for the realities of modern warfare,&quot; said a planner with 10th Special Forces Group. &quot;It closely replicates real-world battlefield conditions, including the complex electronic warfare environment. It's about pushing our teams to the limit and testing their ability to adapt to changing circumstances.&quot;The training comes as U.S. Special Operations Command Europe grapples with an increasingly contested environment. Russia's invasion of Ukraine demonstrated how quickly conventional assumptions about infiltration and reconnaissance can crumble under persistent surveillance. Small drones that cost hundreds of dollars can now track movements that would have gone unnoticed just years ago.The 10th Special Forces Group, based at Fort Carson, Colorado, specializes in operations across Europe and has been at the forefront of adapting tactics for contested environments. Their European focus puts them squarely in the middle of NATO preparations for potential conflict with peer adversaries.Future iterations of Deep Strike will expand to include NATO special operations forces, signaling broader alliance efforts to standardize counter-surveillance techniques. The exercise represents a shift from the counterinsurgency focus that dominated special operations for two decades toward preparing for conflicts where American forces cannot assume air superiority or electronic dominance.

Green Berets from the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group completed a weeklong infiltration exercise in February, traversing more than 90 miles of simulated enemy territory without detection by drones or ground personnel. Exercise Deep Strike at Germany's Joint Multinational Readiness Center tested eight-person teams against the kind of advanced surveillance that has transformed modern battlefields.

The teams moved only at night, carried no weapons, and relied solely on mission-specific gear to avoid radar detection and civilian contact. Their objective: infiltrate deep into hostile territory and launch a strike drone at a high-value target before helicopter extraction.

"This is no simple walk in the woods," a team sergeant said in the service release. The harsh winter conditions in Bavaria added another layer of complexity to operations designed around stealth and endurance.

The exercise reflects hard lessons from Ukraine, where thermal-equipped drones have made traditional concealment techniques obsolete. Both sides in that conflict have weaponized commercially available drones, forcing infantry to rethink basic movement and camouflage. The Marines recently began testing full-body thermal overgarments to counter heat-seeking sensors.

"This exercise is designed to prepare our forces for the realities of modern warfare," said a planner with 10th Special Forces Group. "It closely replicates real-world battlefield conditions, including the complex electronic warfare environment. It's about pushing our teams to the limit and testing their ability to adapt to changing circumstances."

The training comes as U.S. Special Operations Command Europe grapples with an increasingly contested environment. Russia's invasion of Ukraine demonstrated how quickly conventional assumptions about infiltration and reconnaissance can crumble under persistent surveillance. Small drones that cost hundreds of dollars can now track movements that would have gone unnoticed just years ago.

The 10th Special Forces Group, based at Fort Carson, Colorado, specializes in operations across Europe and has been at the forefront of adapting tactics for contested environments. Their European focus puts them squarely in the middle of NATO preparations for potential conflict with peer adversaries.

Future iterations of Deep Strike will expand to include NATO special operations forces, signaling broader alliance efforts to standardize counter-surveillance techniques. The exercise represents a shift from the counterinsurgency focus that dominated special operations for two decades toward preparing for conflicts where American forces cannot assume air superiority or electronic dominance.

2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group completed weeklong Exercise Deep Strike in Germany, testing infiltration skills against modern surveillance threats.

Green Berets traverse 90 miles undetected in drone-evasion exercise

Donald Trump branded Marjorie Taylor Greene a &quot;traitor&quot; Tuesday after his former congressional ally accused him of flipping &quot;from America First to America Last&quot; over his Iran policy, marking the most explosive public break yet within the MAGA movement.The feud erupted after Greene, who lost her House seat in 2022, criticized Trump's handling of Iran ceasefire negotiations on social media. Trump fired back within hours on Truth Social, calling Greene &quot;a failed politician who betrayed the movement that made her famous.&quot;Greene responded by doubling down on her America First critique, writing that Trump had &quot;abandoned the principles that got him elected&quot; and was now &quot;putting foreign interests ahead of American workers.&quot; The exchange drew battle lines that have been forming for months within Trump's coalition.The split reflects deeper tensions over foreign policy that have simmered since Trump returned to the White House. Hardline MAGA voices like Greene want zero engagement with Iran, while Trump has signaled openness to diplomatic solutions that could ease Middle East tensions before the 2024 election cycle.Trump's inner circle has grown frustrated with Greene's public criticism, viewing her as an unreliable ally who craves attention more than advancing conservative policy. One senior Trump adviser called Greene's attacks &quot;political suicide&quot; and predicted other MAGA figures would distance themselves from her.The public nature of the feud represents a new phase of Republican infighting, with Trump willing to attack former loyalists who question his judgment. Greene built her political brand as Trump's most vocal defender in Congress, making her defection particularly stinging for the former president.Watch whether other MAGA figures choose sides in the coming days, and if Trump escalates his attacks on Greene at upcoming rallies.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Donald Trump branded Marjorie Taylor Greene a "traitor" Tuesday after his former congressional ally accused him of flipping "from America First to America Last" over his Iran policy, marking the most explosive public break yet within the MAGA movement.

The feud erupted after Greene, who lost her House seat in 2022, criticized Trump's handling of Iran ceasefire negotiations on social media. Trump fired back within hours on Truth Social, calling Greene "a failed politician who betrayed the movement that made her famous."

Greene responded by doubling down on her America First critique, writing that Trump had "abandoned the principles that got him elected" and was now "putting foreign interests ahead of American workers." The exchange drew battle lines that have been forming for months within Trump's coalition.

The split reflects deeper tensions over foreign policy that have simmered since Trump returned to the White House. Hardline MAGA voices like Greene want zero engagement with Iran, while Trump has signaled openness to diplomatic solutions that could ease Middle East tensions before the 2024 election cycle.

Trump's inner circle has grown frustrated with Greene's public criticism, viewing her as an unreliable ally who craves attention more than advancing conservative policy. One senior Trump adviser called Greene's attacks "political suicide" and predicted other MAGA figures would distance themselves from her.

The public nature of the feud represents a new phase of Republican infighting, with Trump willing to attack former loyalists who question his judgment. Greene built her political brand as Trump's most vocal defender in Congress, making her defection particularly stinging for the former president.

Watch whether other MAGA figures choose sides in the coming days, and if Trump escalates his attacks on Greene at upcoming rallies.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Donald Trump branded former ally Marjorie Taylor Greene a 'traitor' after she accused him of abandoning America First principles over Iran policy.