InsiderWire Staff

Iran fired missiles and launched drone attacks across the region on the first day of what was supposed to be a pause in hostilities, striking an oil refinery on Lavan Island and shattering any hope for immediate de-escalation. Israel responded by continuing its own strikes in Lebanon, turning the ceasefire into a dead letter within hours.The Lavan Island facility sits in the Persian Gulf and serves as a key processing hub for Iran's oil exports. The attack there suggests either a dramatic escalation in regional targeting or a significant intelligence failure about the facility's importance. Iran blamed the refinery strike on external forces, though it provided no evidence for the claim.The timing exposes the fragility of diplomatic efforts to cool tensions between Iran and Israel. Both sides had signaled willingness to step back from the brink after weeks of escalating strikes, but neither appears willing to absorb attacks without responding. This pattern has defined the conflict since October.Israel's continued operations in Lebanon show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government sees little value in unilateral restraint. The strikes targeted what Israeli officials described as Hezbollah positions, maintaining the fiction that Iran and its proxies operate independently.The failed pause puts additional pressure on mediators in Washington and European capitals who had hoped to create space for broader negotiations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had called the agreement a &quot;meaningful step&quot; just 48 hours earlier.Watch whether Iran responds to the Lavan Island attack with strikes on Israeli infrastructure, which would likely trigger the broader regional war both sides claim they want to avoid.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Iran fired missiles and launched drone attacks across the region on the first day of what was supposed to be a pause in hostilities, striking an oil refinery on Lavan Island and shattering any hope for immediate de-escalation. Israel responded by continuing its own strikes in Lebanon, turning the ceasefire into a dead letter within hours.

The Lavan Island facility sits in the Persian Gulf and serves as a key processing hub for Iran's oil exports. The attack there suggests either a dramatic escalation in regional targeting or a significant intelligence failure about the facility's importance. Iran blamed the refinery strike on external forces, though it provided no evidence for the claim.

The timing exposes the fragility of diplomatic efforts to cool tensions between Iran and Israel. Both sides had signaled willingness to step back from the brink after weeks of escalating strikes, but neither appears willing to absorb attacks without responding. This pattern has defined the conflict since October.

Israel's continued operations in Lebanon show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government sees little value in unilateral restraint. The strikes targeted what Israeli officials described as Hezbollah positions, maintaining the fiction that Iran and its proxies operate independently.

The failed pause puts additional pressure on mediators in Washington and European capitals who had hoped to create space for broader negotiations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had called the agreement a "meaningful step" just 48 hours earlier.

Watch whether Iran responds to the Lavan Island attack with strikes on Israeli infrastructure, which would likely trigger the broader regional war both sides claim they want to avoid.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Iran launched missiles and drones targeting regional facilities including Lavan Island oil refinery on first day of pause, while Israel continued Lebanon strike

Iran Fires Missiles Hours Into Truce as Oil Refinery Hit

Iran launched missiles and drones targeting regional facilities including Lavan Island oil refinery on first day of pause, while Israel continued Lebanon strikes.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen fired back at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, accusing him of &quot;blowing smoke&quot; after Hegseth characterized recent U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran as a &quot;historic and overwhelming victory.&quot;The Maryland Democrat's sharp rebuke targets Hegseth's public assessment of the ongoing conflict, suggesting the newly confirmed Pentagon chief is overselling American military achievements. Van Hollen's pushback comes as Congress scrutinizes the Trump administration's Middle East strategy and questions persist about the scope of U.S. involvement in Israeli operations.Hegseth's victory lap reflects a broader Republican messaging strategy that frames aggressive military posturing as strength. But Van Hollen's criticism hints at Democratic concerns that the Defense Secretary is either misreading battlefield realities or deliberately inflating successes for political gain. The senator's blunt language signals Democrats won't let military claims go unchallenged, even from Trump's defense team.The dispute exposes deeper tensions over Iran policy that have simmered since Trump returned to office. Hegseth has pushed a more confrontational approach toward Tehran, while Democrats worry about escalation without clear strategic objectives. Van Hollen sits on the Foreign Relations Committee and has consistently opposed military adventures that lack congressional oversight.This marks one of the first major policy clashes between Hegseth and Senate Democrats since his confirmation. The Defense Secretary survived a bruising nomination fight and now faces the reality of defending his decisions to skeptical lawmakers who control key appropriations.Watch whether other Democrats join Van Hollen's criticism and how Hegseth responds to questions about his Iran assessments during upcoming congressional hearings.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen fired back at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, accusing him of "blowing smoke" after Hegseth characterized recent U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran as a "historic and overwhelming victory."

The Maryland Democrat's sharp rebuke targets Hegseth's public assessment of the ongoing conflict, suggesting the newly confirmed Pentagon chief is overselling American military achievements. Van Hollen's pushback comes as Congress scrutinizes the Trump administration's Middle East strategy and questions persist about the scope of U.S. involvement in Israeli operations.

Hegseth's victory lap reflects a broader Republican messaging strategy that frames aggressive military posturing as strength. But Van Hollen's criticism hints at Democratic concerns that the Defense Secretary is either misreading battlefield realities or deliberately inflating successes for political gain. The senator's blunt language signals Democrats won't let military claims go unchallenged, even from Trump's defense team.

The dispute exposes deeper tensions over Iran policy that have simmered since Trump returned to office. Hegseth has pushed a more confrontational approach toward Tehran, while Democrats worry about escalation without clear strategic objectives. Van Hollen sits on the Foreign Relations Committee and has consistently opposed military adventures that lack congressional oversight.

This marks one of the first major policy clashes between Hegseth and Senate Democrats since his confirmation. The Defense Secretary survived a bruising nomination fight and now faces the reality of defending his decisions to skeptical lawmakers who control key appropriations.

Watch whether other Democrats join Van Hollen's criticism and how Hegseth responds to questions about his Iran assessments during upcoming congressional hearings.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of exaggerating U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran as a 'historic victory.'

Van Hollen calls Hegseth claims on Iran 'blowing smoke'

The White House declared victory in its 38-day military campaign against Iran, claiming Operation Epic Fury exceeded all objectives and dismantled Tehran's military threat within the original timeline. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday that the United States achieved its goals in just over five weeks—within Trump's projected four-to-six week window.&quot;This is a victory for the United States of America that the president and our incredible military made happen,&quot; Leavitt told reporters during her first briefing since Trump announced the two-week ceasefire Tuesday night. The Pentagon hit over 13,000 targets during the operation, including 450 strikes on Iranian ballistic missiles and 800 attacks on drone facilities.Leavitt painted a picture of comprehensive military success. Iran's navy was destroyed, its defense industrial base crushed, and its nuclear weapons program neutralized, she said. The regime's ability to manufacture weapons for itself and terrorist proxies has been &quot;set back by years,&quot; while its capacity to sponsor terrorism has been &quot;substantially mitigated.&quot;The ceasefire emerged after Iran abandoned what Leavitt called a &quot;fundamentally unserious&quot; 10-point proposal that Trump wholly rejected. As Trump's Tuesday deadline approached, Tehran offered &quot;a more reasonable and entirely different and condensed plan&quot; that the president deemed workable alongside the U.S.'s own 15-point framework. This contradicted reports from some outlets suggesting America had found Iran's initial proposal acceptable.The victory lap comes despite <a href="https://insiderwire.com/en/news/trumps-iran-war-goals-remain-unmet-despite-pentagon-victory-claims?language_id=1">earlier questions</a> about whether Trump's war goals had been fully met. Leavitt's sweeping claims of success signal the administration's determination to frame the conflict as a decisive win before serious negotiations begin.Trump's negotiating team now has two weeks to hammer out a permanent deal, but Leavitt set clear conditions. The Strait of Hormuz must remain open &quot;with no limitations or delays&quot;—a critical demand given Iran's history of threatening the vital shipping lane that carries 20% of global oil traffic.The real test comes next. Trump faces the challenge of translating claimed military dominance into lasting diplomatic gains while keeping a fractured ceasefire intact.

The White House declared victory in its 38-day military campaign against Iran, claiming Operation Epic Fury exceeded all objectives and dismantled Tehran's military threat within the original timeline. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday that the United States achieved its goals in just over five weeks—within Trump's projected four-to-six week window.

"This is a victory for the United States of America that the president and our incredible military made happen," Leavitt told reporters during her first briefing since Trump announced the two-week ceasefire Tuesday night. The Pentagon hit over 13,000 targets during the operation, including 450 strikes on Iranian ballistic missiles and 800 attacks on drone facilities.

Leavitt painted a picture of comprehensive military success. Iran's navy was destroyed, its defense industrial base crushed, and its nuclear weapons program neutralized, she said. The regime's ability to manufacture weapons for itself and terrorist proxies has been "set back by years," while its capacity to sponsor terrorism has been "substantially mitigated."

The ceasefire emerged after Iran abandoned what Leavitt called a "fundamentally unserious" 10-point proposal that Trump wholly rejected. As Trump's Tuesday deadline approached, Tehran offered "a more reasonable and entirely different and condensed plan" that the president deemed workable alongside the U.S.'s own 15-point framework. This contradicted reports from some outlets suggesting America had found Iran's initial proposal acceptable.

The victory lap comes despite earlier questions about whether Trump's war goals had been fully met. Leavitt's sweeping claims of success signal the administration's determination to frame the conflict as a decisive win before serious negotiations begin.

Trump's negotiating team now has two weeks to hammer out a permanent deal, but Leavitt set clear conditions. The Strait of Hormuz must remain open "with no limitations or delays"—a critical demand given Iran's history of threatening the vital shipping lane that carries 20% of global oil traffic.

The real test comes next. Trump faces the challenge of translating claimed military dominance into lasting diplomatic gains while keeping a fractured ceasefire intact.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says Operation Epic Fury exceeded all military objectives, destroyed Iran's defense base and ended nuclear threat in five weeks

White House Claims Iran War Victory After 38-Day Operation

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says Operation Epic Fury exceeded all military objectives, destroyed Iran's defense base and ended nuclear threat in five weeks.

Vice President JD Vance will lead the U.S. negotiating team for talks with Iran this weekend in Islamabad, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday during her first briefing on the new ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran.The negotiations mark the highest-level direct diplomatic engagement between the two countries in years. Leavitt confirmed the talks will take place in Pakistan's capital but provided few details about the agenda or duration of the meetings.The ceasefire agreement itself caught many foreign policy experts off guard. The U.S. and Iran have maintained a hostile relationship since Trump's first term, when he withdrew from the nuclear deal and imposed crushing sanctions. The decision to elevate Vance to lead the diplomatic mission signals the administration views these talks as a major foreign policy priority.Pakistan's role as host reflects its complex position between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad maintains diplomatic ties with both countries and has previously served as a backchannel for sensitive communications. The choice of venue suggests both sides wanted neutral ground for what could be delicate negotiations.Leavitt faced pointed questions about what concessions the U.S. might offer Iran and whether the talks would address Tehran's nuclear program or its support for proxy forces across the Middle East. She declined to preview the administration's negotiating strategy.The timing raises questions about how quickly this diplomatic opening developed and whether it connects to broader regional dynamics, including ongoing tensions with China and Russia. Vance's foreign policy experience remains limited, making his selection for such a high-stakes mission all the more intriguing.Watch for more details on the U.S. delegation and whether congressional leaders will be briefed before Vance departs for Pakistan.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Vice President JD Vance will lead the U.S. negotiating team for talks with Iran this weekend in Islamabad, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday during her first briefing on the new ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran.

The negotiations mark the highest-level direct diplomatic engagement between the two countries in years. Leavitt confirmed the talks will take place in Pakistan's capital but provided few details about the agenda or duration of the meetings.

The ceasefire agreement itself caught many foreign policy experts off guard. The U.S. and Iran have maintained a hostile relationship since Trump's first term, when he withdrew from the nuclear deal and imposed crushing sanctions. The decision to elevate Vance to lead the diplomatic mission signals the administration views these talks as a major foreign policy priority.

Pakistan's role as host reflects its complex position between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad maintains diplomatic ties with both countries and has previously served as a backchannel for sensitive communications. The choice of venue suggests both sides wanted neutral ground for what could be delicate negotiations.

Leavitt faced pointed questions about what concessions the U.S. might offer Iran and whether the talks would address Tehran's nuclear program or its support for proxy forces across the Middle East. She declined to preview the administration's negotiating strategy.

The timing raises questions about how quickly this diplomatic opening developed and whether it connects to broader regional dynamics, including ongoing tensions with China and Russia. Vance's foreign policy experience remains limited, making his selection for such a high-stakes mission all the more intriguing.

Watch for more details on the U.S. delegation and whether congressional leaders will be briefed before Vance departs for Pakistan.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Vice President JD Vance will head the American negotiating team for weekend talks with Iran in Islamabad following a new ceasefire agreement between the nations

Vance to lead U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan after ceasefire deal

Vice President JD Vance will head the American negotiating team for weekend talks with Iran in Islamabad following a new ceasefire agreement between the nations.

Israeli forces launched a massive offensive against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after a ceasefire with Iran took effect. The strikes mark the first major test of the fragile truce and signal Israel's determination to operate against Iran's proxies despite the broader agreement.The offensive targeted Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, according to CBS correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reporting from the region. Israeli officials have not disclosed casualty figures, but the scope of the operation suggests a coordinated campaign rather than isolated strikes.The timing puts the Iran ceasefire in immediate jeopardy. <a href="https://insiderwire.com/en/news/israel-bombs-beirut-hours-after-us-iran-ceasefire-agreement?language_id=1">Israel bombed Beirut</a> within hours of the ceasefire announcement, and Wednesday's escalation represents a far more serious challenge to the agreement's survival.Iran had previously demanded the U.S. include Hezbollah in any ceasefire deal, warning of renewed conflict if its Lebanese ally remained exposed to Israeli attacks. The militia, founded in 1985 with Iranian backing, maintains an estimated 100,000 rockets and missiles pointed at Israel and controls large swaths of southern Lebanon.The offensive complicates Trump administration efforts to stabilize the region through the Iran deal. As Insider Wire <a href="https://insiderwire.com/en/news/trumps-iran-retreat-exposes-strategic-confusion-as-ceasefire-collapses?language_id=1">previously reported</a>, the ceasefire has faced multiple violations and strategic confusion from both sides. GOP Rep. Don Bacon warned earlier this week that the agreement exists &quot;on paper&quot; but not in reality.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has maintained that operations against Iranian proxies fall outside the scope of the Iran ceasefire. That interpretation directly conflicts with Tehran's position that attacks on its regional allies constitute violations of the agreement.The strikes also coincide with broader regional tensions. Iran has intermittently shut the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli actions, and Wednesday's offensive could trigger another closure of the critical shipping lane that handles 20% of global oil traffic.Wall Street had surged over the Iran ceasefire, with investors betting the agreement would hold despite early violations. Wednesday's escalation threatens that optimism and could reignite oil price volatility that had begun to stabilize.The next 48 hours will determine whether the ceasefire can survive Israel's largest anti-Hezbollah operation in months, or whether the region slides back toward the broader conflict both sides claimed to want to avoid.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Israeli forces launched a massive offensive against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after a ceasefire with Iran took effect. The strikes mark the first major test of the fragile truce and signal Israel's determination to operate against Iran's proxies despite the broader agreement.

The offensive targeted Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, according to CBS correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reporting from the region. Israeli officials have not disclosed casualty figures, but the scope of the operation suggests a coordinated campaign rather than isolated strikes.

The timing puts the Iran ceasefire in immediate jeopardy. Israel bombed Beirut within hours of the ceasefire announcement, and Wednesday's escalation represents a far more serious challenge to the agreement's survival.

Iran had previously demanded the U.S. include Hezbollah in any ceasefire deal, warning of renewed conflict if its Lebanese ally remained exposed to Israeli attacks. The militia, founded in 1985 with Iranian backing, maintains an estimated 100,000 rockets and missiles pointed at Israel and controls large swaths of southern Lebanon.

The offensive complicates Trump administration efforts to stabilize the region through the Iran deal. As Insider Wire previously reported, the ceasefire has faced multiple violations and strategic confusion from both sides. GOP Rep. Don Bacon warned earlier this week that the agreement exists "on paper" but not in reality.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has maintained that operations against Iranian proxies fall outside the scope of the Iran ceasefire. That interpretation directly conflicts with Tehran's position that attacks on its regional allies constitute violations of the agreement.

The strikes also coincide with broader regional tensions. Iran has intermittently shut the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli actions, and Wednesday's offensive could trigger another closure of the critical shipping lane that handles 20% of global oil traffic.

Wall Street had surged over the Iran ceasefire, with investors betting the agreement would hold despite early violations. Wednesday's escalation threatens that optimism and could reignite oil price volatility that had begun to stabilize.

The next 48 hours will determine whether the ceasefire can survive Israel's largest anti-Hezbollah operation in months, or whether the region slides back toward the broader conflict both sides claimed to want to avoid.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Israeli forces launched a major offensive against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon Wednesday, threatening the day-old ceasefire with Iran.

Israel strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon as Iran ceasefire unravels

President Donald Trump floated a joint U.S.-Iran operation to remove enriched uranium buried under rubble from last June's airstrikes, marking a dramatic shift from military confrontation to potential cooperation on Tehran's nuclear program.Trump outlined the proposal Wednesday morning on social media, writing that &quot;the United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 Bombers) Nuclear 'Dust.'&quot; The material sits under debris from Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran's Fordo facility and other nuclear sites.The Space Force monitors the buried uranium around the clock through satellite surveillance, Trump said. &quot;Nothing has been touched from the date of attack,&quot; he added, suggesting the material remains intact despite months of conflict.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced Trump's ultimatum at a Pentagon briefing. &quot;They'll give it to us voluntarily. We'll get it, we'll take it, we'll take it out,&quot; he told reporters. &quot;Or, if we have to do something else ourselves, like we did in Midnight Hammer or something like that, we reserve that opportunity.&quot;The proposal comes as details of the <a href="https://insiderwire.com/en/news/israel-bombs-beirut-hours-after-us-iran-ceasefire-agreement?language_id=1">two-week ceasefire agreement</a> remain murky. Military analysts previously warned that seizing Iran's nuclear material would require a massive special operations deployment with high risk to American forces.Iranian officials have stayed silent on any agreement to cooperate with Washington on uranium removal. The silence raises questions about whether Tehran has actually agreed to the joint operation Trump described, or if he's setting public expectations for future negotiations.Preventing Iran from enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels has been Trump's primary objective throughout the conflict. His social media post declared flatly: &quot;There will be no enrichment of Uranium.&quot;Hegseth's comments suggest the administration views voluntary handover and forced seizure as equally viable paths. &quot;We know exactly what they have, and they know that,&quot; he said, emphasizing America's surveillance capabilities over the buried material.The uranium cooperation proposal represents Trump's most concrete plan yet for addressing Iran's nuclear program after months of military strikes and economic pressure failed to halt Tehran's atomic activities completely.

President Donald Trump floated a joint U.S.-Iran operation to remove enriched uranium buried under rubble from last June's airstrikes, marking a dramatic shift from military confrontation to potential cooperation on Tehran's nuclear program.

Trump outlined the proposal Wednesday morning on social media, writing that "the United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 Bombers) Nuclear 'Dust.'" The material sits under debris from Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran's Fordo facility and other nuclear sites.

The Space Force monitors the buried uranium around the clock through satellite surveillance, Trump said. "Nothing has been touched from the date of attack," he added, suggesting the material remains intact despite months of conflict.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced Trump's ultimatum at a Pentagon briefing. "They'll give it to us voluntarily. We'll get it, we'll take it, we'll take it out," he told reporters. "Or, if we have to do something else ourselves, like we did in Midnight Hammer or something like that, we reserve that opportunity."

The proposal comes as details of the two-week ceasefire agreement remain murky. Military analysts previously warned that seizing Iran's nuclear material would require a massive special operations deployment with high risk to American forces.

Iranian officials have stayed silent on any agreement to cooperate with Washington on uranium removal. The silence raises questions about whether Tehran has actually agreed to the joint operation Trump described, or if he's setting public expectations for future negotiations.

Preventing Iran from enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels has been Trump's primary objective throughout the conflict. His social media post declared flatly: "There will be no enrichment of Uranium."

Hegseth's comments suggest the administration views voluntary handover and forced seizure as equally viable paths. "We know exactly what they have, and they know that," he said, emphasizing America's surveillance capabilities over the buried material.

The uranium cooperation proposal represents Trump's most concrete plan yet for addressing Iran's nuclear program after months of military strikes and economic pressure failed to halt Tehran's atomic activities completely.

President Trump suggests America and Iran could work together to dig up enriched uranium buried after Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on nuclear facilities.

Trump floats joint U.S.-Iran uranium removal after ceasefire

Tehran residents took to the streets in cautious celebration Tuesday as Iran's government declared victory following a ceasefire agreement that has temporarily halted regional hostilities. The deal marks the first pause in weeks of escalating tensions that had Iranian civilians bracing for broader conflict.Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's office issued a statement calling the ceasefire &quot;a testament to Iranian resilience and diplomatic strength.&quot; Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian echoed the sentiment, telling state media that Iran had &quot;achieved its objectives without compromising national dignity.&quot; The rhetoric mirrors similar victory claims from other parties to the agreement.But the mood on Tehran's streets tells a more complex story. Coffee shops that had emptied during the worst of the crisis filled again with patrons, yet conversations remain dominated by uncertainty. &quot;We are happy for peace, but we know these things don't last,&quot; said Maryam Hosseini, a university student in central Tehran. Her skepticism reflects broader Iranian experience with fragile ceasefires that have historically unraveled within months.The timing benefits Iran's economy, which had seen the rial tumble to near-record lows against the dollar as conflict fears mounted. Oil prices dropped 3% in early trading Wednesday, suggesting markets view the pause as genuine, at least temporarily. Iranian officials have already signaled plans to resume stalled nuclear negotiations, a move that could ease sanctions pressure if talks gain momentum.The real test comes in the implementation phase, where previous ceasefires have collapsed over monitoring disputes and violations accusations. Iran's regional proxies have yet to formally endorse the deal, creating potential flashpoints that could reignite tensions within days rather than weeks.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Tehran residents took to the streets in cautious celebration Tuesday as Iran's government declared victory following a ceasefire agreement that has temporarily halted regional hostilities. The deal marks the first pause in weeks of escalating tensions that had Iranian civilians bracing for broader conflict.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's office issued a statement calling the ceasefire "a testament to Iranian resilience and diplomatic strength." Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian echoed the sentiment, telling state media that Iran had "achieved its objectives without compromising national dignity." The rhetoric mirrors similar victory claims from other parties to the agreement.

But the mood on Tehran's streets tells a more complex story. Coffee shops that had emptied during the worst of the crisis filled again with patrons, yet conversations remain dominated by uncertainty. "We are happy for peace, but we know these things don't last," said Maryam Hosseini, a university student in central Tehran. Her skepticism reflects broader Iranian experience with fragile ceasefires that have historically unraveled within months.

The timing benefits Iran's economy, which had seen the rial tumble to near-record lows against the dollar as conflict fears mounted. Oil prices dropped 3% in early trading Wednesday, suggesting markets view the pause as genuine, at least temporarily. Iranian officials have already signaled plans to resume stalled nuclear negotiations, a move that could ease sanctions pressure if talks gain momentum.

The real test comes in the implementation phase, where previous ceasefires have collapsed over monitoring disputes and violations accusations. Iran's regional proxies have yet to formally endorse the deal, creating potential flashpoints that could reignite tensions within days rather than weeks.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Iranians express relief over new ceasefire deal while government officials tout victory, but skepticism remains about long-term stability.

Tehran celebrates fragile ceasefire as Iran claims diplomatic win

The FBI arrested a former Army employee with top secret security clearance Tuesday on charges of leaking classified information to a journalist, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.Courtney Williams, 40, of North Carolina, was indicted on espionage-related charges after allegedly passing sensitive government secrets to a member of the press. The arrest marks the latest in a string of high-profile leak cases that have roiled the national security establishment over the past several years.Williams held top secret clearance during her time as an Army employee, giving her access to some of the government's most sensitive intelligence and military information. The Justice Department did not immediately identify which journalist received the leaked materials or specify what type of classified information was compromised.The case underscores the ongoing tensions between press freedom advocates and national security officials over the handling of classified information. The Biden administration has pursued several leak prosecutions, continuing a trend that began under previous administrations regardless of party affiliation.Federal prosecutors have increasingly targeted government employees who share classified materials with reporters, arguing that such disclosures can damage national security and put lives at risk. Defense attorneys typically counter that whistleblowers serve the public interest by exposing government wrongdoing.Williams faces charges under the Espionage Act, the century-old law that has become the government's primary tool for prosecuting leaks. If convicted, she could face years in federal prison. The statute has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups who argue it stifles legitimate whistleblowing and lacks protections for public interest disclosures.The timing of Williams' arrest comes as the government grapples with several other high-profile cases involving the mishandling of classified documents, including ongoing legal proceedings involving former President Trump and President Biden's retention of sensitive materials after leaving the vice presidency.Williams is expected to make her first court appearance in the coming days, where prosecutors will likely seek to keep her detained pending trial given the national security implications of the charges.This is a developing story and will be updated.

The FBI arrested a former Army employee with top secret security clearance Tuesday on charges of leaking classified information to a journalist, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.

Courtney Williams, 40, of North Carolina, was indicted on espionage-related charges after allegedly passing sensitive government secrets to a member of the press. The arrest marks the latest in a string of high-profile leak cases that have roiled the national security establishment over the past several years.

Williams held top secret clearance during her time as an Army employee, giving her access to some of the government's most sensitive intelligence and military information. The Justice Department did not immediately identify which journalist received the leaked materials or specify what type of classified information was compromised.

The case underscores the ongoing tensions between press freedom advocates and national security officials over the handling of classified information. The Biden administration has pursued several leak prosecutions, continuing a trend that began under previous administrations regardless of party affiliation.

Federal prosecutors have increasingly targeted government employees who share classified materials with reporters, arguing that such disclosures can damage national security and put lives at risk. Defense attorneys typically counter that whistleblowers serve the public interest by exposing government wrongdoing.

Williams faces charges under the Espionage Act, the century-old law that has become the government's primary tool for prosecuting leaks. If convicted, she could face years in federal prison. The statute has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups who argue it stifles legitimate whistleblowing and lacks protections for public interest disclosures.

The timing of Williams' arrest comes as the government grapples with several other high-profile cases involving the mishandling of classified documents, including ongoing legal proceedings involving former President Trump and President Biden's retention of sensitive materials after leaving the vice presidency.

Williams is expected to make her first court appearance in the coming days, where prosecutors will likely seek to keep her detained pending trial given the national security implications of the charges.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Courtney Williams, 40, of North Carolina was arrested by FBI for allegedly leaking classified information to journalist while holding top secret clearance.

Ex-Army employee with top secret clearance charged in classified leak

Jay Rothman says he never saw it coming. The Universities of Wisconsin president, fired Tuesday by the system's Board of Regents, told the Associated Press he was &quot;absolutely blindsided&quot; by his dismissal and still hasn't received an explanation for his ouster.Despite the shock, Rothman indicated he won't fight the decision in court. The former president said he was unlikely to pursue a lawsuit, suggesting he's ready to move on rather than drag the university system through a messy legal battle.Rothman's firing marks a dramatic turn for the Wisconsin system, which has faced mounting pressure over enrollment declines, budget constraints, and political tensions with state lawmakers. The Board of Regents offered no public explanation for the decision Tuesday, leaving faculty and administrators scrambling to understand what prompted the sudden leadership change.The timing raises questions about the system's direction. Rothman had been working to navigate the political minefield that Wisconsin higher education has become, balancing demands from Republican legislators with faculty concerns about academic freedom and funding cuts.His departure leaves the system without permanent leadership at a critical moment. Wisconsin's universities are grappling with demographic shifts that threaten future enrollment and a state political environment that has grown increasingly hostile to higher education spending.The Board of Regents will need to move quickly to find interim leadership and begin a search for Rothman's replacement. How they handle that process — and whether they explain their reasoning for the firing — will signal whether this was about performance, politics, or something else entirely.

Jay Rothman says he never saw it coming. The Universities of Wisconsin president, fired Tuesday by the system's Board of Regents, told the Associated Press he was "absolutely blindsided" by his dismissal and still hasn't received an explanation for his ouster.

Despite the shock, Rothman indicated he won't fight the decision in court. The former president said he was unlikely to pursue a lawsuit, suggesting he's ready to move on rather than drag the university system through a messy legal battle.

Rothman's firing marks a dramatic turn for the Wisconsin system, which has faced mounting pressure over enrollment declines, budget constraints, and political tensions with state lawmakers. The Board of Regents offered no public explanation for the decision Tuesday, leaving faculty and administrators scrambling to understand what prompted the sudden leadership change.

The timing raises questions about the system's direction. Rothman had been working to navigate the political minefield that Wisconsin higher education has become, balancing demands from Republican legislators with faculty concerns about academic freedom and funding cuts.

His departure leaves the system without permanent leadership at a critical moment. Wisconsin's universities are grappling with demographic shifts that threaten future enrollment and a state political environment that has grown increasingly hostile to higher education spending.

The Board of Regents will need to move quickly to find interim leadership and begin a search for Rothman's replacement. How they handle that process — and whether they explain their reasoning for the firing — will signal whether this was about performance, politics, or something else entirely.

Jay Rothman says he was 'blindsided' by Tuesday dismissal as Universities of Wisconsin president but tells AP he likely won't pursue legal action.

Wisconsin system president calls firing a surprise, won't sue

Washington Post columnist Shadi Hamid declared Wednesday that Muslims don't need to assimilate in America, rejecting what he calls the &quot;assimilation defense&quot; that minority communities must prove their worth through cultural integration.&quot;The assimilation defense — look how well we've integrated — is satisfying to make. But it concedes a premise I no longer accept: that a minority community's right to be in the United States depends on its willingness to converge with the cultural mainstream,&quot; Hamid wrote in his piece titled &quot;I'm tired of proving I belong in America.&quot;Hamid's column responds directly to recent inflammatory statements from GOP lawmakers. Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee wrote on X last month that &quot;Muslims don't belong in American society,&quot; while Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama recently declared he's &quot;ready to get rid of the Muslims.&quot;The Muslim columnist marshaled survey data showing American Muslims outperform the general public on civic engagement and patriotism. Muslims are more likely than average Americans to say political violence is never justified, according to polling from the past decade. But Hamid argues those statistics miss the point entirely.&quot;You'd think that would be enough. Except it shouldn't have to be. And this is where it gets uncomfortable — for me, at least,&quot; he told readers.Hamid acknowledges Muslims maintain distinct cultural practices that set them apart from mainstream American Christianity. &quot;Islam shapes how its adherents think about family, sexuality and what it means to live a good life. Simply put, Islam is also a more public religion than Christianity,&quot; he wrote, noting that Muslim prayer is &quot;visually striking and often communal.&quot;He defended Islamic law — sharia — as central to Muslim identity despite repeated calls for Muslims to disavow it. &quot;Practicing Muslims — despite being repeatedly asked to — can't disavow 'sharia' even if they wanted to. Sharia, roughly translated as Islamic law, includes guidelines on how to pray, fast and otherwise observe what it means to submit to God in daily practice.&quot;The argument comes as anti-Muslim sentiment appears to be rising among some Republican officials. Hamid contrasts Muslim community cohesion with what he sees as the cultural dissolution of other minority groups through assimilation pressure, citing declining Catholic rates among Latinos and rising Jewish intermarriage rates.The broader debate over Muslim integration will likely intensify as the 2024 campaign season heats up, with GOP lawmakers facing pressure to clarify whether inflammatory rhetoric represents official party positions.

Washington Post columnist Shadi Hamid declared Wednesday that Muslims don't need to assimilate in America, rejecting what he calls the "assimilation defense" that minority communities must prove their worth through cultural integration.

"The assimilation defense — look how well we've integrated — is satisfying to make. But it concedes a premise I no longer accept: that a minority community's right to be in the United States depends on its willingness to converge with the cultural mainstream," Hamid wrote in his piece titled "I'm tired of proving I belong in America."

Hamid's column responds directly to recent inflammatory statements from GOP lawmakers. Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee wrote on X last month that "Muslims don't belong in American society," while Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama recently declared he's "ready to get rid of the Muslims."

The Muslim columnist marshaled survey data showing American Muslims outperform the general public on civic engagement and patriotism. Muslims are more likely than average Americans to say political violence is never justified, according to polling from the past decade. But Hamid argues those statistics miss the point entirely.

"You'd think that would be enough. Except it shouldn't have to be. And this is where it gets uncomfortable — for me, at least," he told readers.

Hamid acknowledges Muslims maintain distinct cultural practices that set them apart from mainstream American Christianity. "Islam shapes how its adherents think about family, sexuality and what it means to live a good life. Simply put, Islam is also a more public religion than Christianity," he wrote, noting that Muslim prayer is "visually striking and often communal."

He defended Islamic law — sharia — as central to Muslim identity despite repeated calls for Muslims to disavow it. "Practicing Muslims — despite being repeatedly asked to — can't disavow 'sharia' even if they wanted to. Sharia, roughly translated as Islamic law, includes guidelines on how to pray, fast and otherwise observe what it means to submit to God in daily practice."

The argument comes as anti-Muslim sentiment appears to be rising among some Republican officials. Hamid contrasts Muslim community cohesion with what he sees as the cultural dissolution of other minority groups through assimilation pressure, citing declining Catholic rates among Latinos and rising Jewish intermarriage rates.

The broader debate over Muslim integration will likely intensify as the 2024 campaign season heats up, with GOP lawmakers facing pressure to clarify whether inflammatory rhetoric represents official party positions.

Shadi Hamid responds to GOP lawmakers' anti-Muslim rhetoric, arguing minority communities' right to belong shouldn't depend on cultural convergence.