InsiderWire Staff

The Securities and Exchange Commission will name a Gibson Dunn partner as its new enforcement director next month, filling a critical role after the previous chief's abrupt resignation left the agency's top cop position vacant.The appointment marks a return to government service for the attorney, who previously worked at the SEC before joining the white-shoe law firm. Gibson Dunn regularly defends companies and executives in SEC enforcement cases, giving the new director extensive experience on both sides of securities disputes.The timing puts pressure on the incoming enforcement chief to hit the ground running. The SEC's enforcement division oversees dozens of ongoing investigations into everything from cryptocurrency fraud to corporate disclosure violations. A leadership vacuum during active cases can slow decision-making and settlement negotiations.The revolving door between the SEC and major law firms has drawn criticism from reform advocates who argue it creates conflicts of interest. But agency veterans counter that private sector experience helps enforcement officials understand how sophisticated defendants think and operate.The previous director's sudden departure caught agency staff off guard and left Chair Gary Gensler scrambling to maintain continuity in high-profile cases. The enforcement division brings in hundreds of millions in fines annually and serves as the SEC's primary deterrent against securities violations.The new enforcement chief faces immediate decisions on several pending cases that could reshape how the SEC polices digital assets and corporate governance. Wall Street will watch closely to see whether the appointment signals any shift in the agency's aggressive enforcement posture under Gensler.This is a developing story and will be updated.

The Securities and Exchange Commission will name a Gibson Dunn partner as its new enforcement director next month, filling a critical role after the previous chief's abrupt resignation left the agency's top cop position vacant.

The appointment marks a return to government service for the attorney, who previously worked at the SEC before joining the white-shoe law firm. Gibson Dunn regularly defends companies and executives in SEC enforcement cases, giving the new director extensive experience on both sides of securities disputes.

The timing puts pressure on the incoming enforcement chief to hit the ground running. The SEC's enforcement division oversees dozens of ongoing investigations into everything from cryptocurrency fraud to corporate disclosure violations. A leadership vacuum during active cases can slow decision-making and settlement negotiations.

The revolving door between the SEC and major law firms has drawn criticism from reform advocates who argue it creates conflicts of interest. But agency veterans counter that private sector experience helps enforcement officials understand how sophisticated defendants think and operate.

The previous director's sudden departure caught agency staff off guard and left Chair Gary Gensler scrambling to maintain continuity in high-profile cases. The enforcement division brings in hundreds of millions in fines annually and serves as the SEC's primary deterrent against securities violations.

The new enforcement chief faces immediate decisions on several pending cases that could reshape how the SEC polices digital assets and corporate governance. Wall Street will watch closely to see whether the appointment signals any shift in the agency's aggressive enforcement posture under Gensler.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

A Gibson Dunn partner and former SEC official returns to lead the agency's enforcement division after the previous director's abrupt departure.

SEC Names Gibson Dunn Partner as New Enforcement Chief

Sen. Lindsey Graham raised red flags Wednesday about the terms of a potential permanent ceasefire with Iran, telling reporters the current &quot;negotiating document&quot; contains &quot;troubling aspects&quot; after President Trump paused military strikes for two weeks.The South Carolina Republican's comments mark the first detailed congressional response to Trump's decision to halt operations against Iranian targets while diplomats hash out a framework to end hostilities. Graham, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and maintains close ties to Trump, rarely criticizes the president's foreign policy moves this publicly.Trump announced the two-week pause Tuesday evening, calling it a &quot;good faith gesture&quot; toward Tehran while negotiators work through what sources describe as a complex 47-page agreement. The document covers everything from sanctions relief to Iran's nuclear program to the future of American forces in the region.Graham's pushback suggests Trump may face resistance from hawkish Republicans who have long advocated for a tougher stance against Iran. The senator has consistently called for maximum pressure on Tehran since the 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear deal, and his concerns could signal broader GOP skepticism about any agreement that doesn't fully dismantle Iran's regional influence.The timing puts Trump in a delicate position. He needs congressional support for any long-term Iran strategy, but also faces pressure from allies in the region who want a decisive end to Iranian proxy activities. European partners, meanwhile, are pushing hard for a diplomatic solution that avoids another Middle East conflict.Graham said he plans to review the full document once classified briefings begin next week, but his early opposition could complicate Trump's path forward if the deal requires congressional approval.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Sen. Lindsey Graham raised red flags Wednesday about the terms of a potential permanent ceasefire with Iran, telling reporters the current "negotiating document" contains "troubling aspects" after President Trump paused military strikes for two weeks.

The South Carolina Republican's comments mark the first detailed congressional response to Trump's decision to halt operations against Iranian targets while diplomats hash out a framework to end hostilities. Graham, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and maintains close ties to Trump, rarely criticizes the president's foreign policy moves this publicly.

Trump announced the two-week pause Tuesday evening, calling it a "good faith gesture" toward Tehran while negotiators work through what sources describe as a complex 47-page agreement. The document covers everything from sanctions relief to Iran's nuclear program to the future of American forces in the region.

Graham's pushback suggests Trump may face resistance from hawkish Republicans who have long advocated for a tougher stance against Iran. The senator has consistently called for maximum pressure on Tehran since the 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear deal, and his concerns could signal broader GOP skepticism about any agreement that doesn't fully dismantle Iran's regional influence.

The timing puts Trump in a delicate position. He needs congressional support for any long-term Iran strategy, but also faces pressure from allies in the region who want a decisive end to Iranian proxy activities. European partners, meanwhile, are pushing hard for a diplomatic solution that avoids another Middle East conflict.

Graham said he plans to review the full document once classified briefings begin next week, but his early opposition could complicate Trump's path forward if the deal requires congressional approval.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Sen. Lindsey Graham raises concerns about Iran ceasefire terms after Trump pauses strikes for two weeks, calling diplomatic document problematic.

Graham flags 'troubling aspects' in Iran ceasefire negotiating document

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Tuesday that any ceasefire agreement with Iran would not prevent Israeli forces from continuing their military operations against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group based in Lebanon.Netanyahu's statement draws a clear distinction between potential diplomatic arrangements with Tehran and Israel's ongoing campaign against its regional proxies. The comments suggest Israel views Hezbollah as a separate military target despite the group's close ties to Iranian funding and weaponry.The declaration comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure to de-escalate tensions across multiple fronts. Netanyahu's position effectively compartmentalizes potential negotiations with Iran while keeping military options open against Hezbollah, which has fired thousands of rockets into northern Israel since the Gaza war began.This tactical separation makes strategic sense for Netanyahu. Iran often uses ceasefire negotiations to shield its proxy forces from retaliation, but Israel appears determined to maintain operational freedom against Hezbollah regardless of broader diplomatic developments with Tehran.The timing also reflects domestic political calculations. Netanyahu faces criticism from hardliners who view any ceasefire as premature, while simultaneously managing international allies pushing for de-escalation. Carving out exceptions for Hezbollah allows him to appear tough while potentially engaging in broader regional diplomacy.Watch whether Iran attempts to link any ceasefire discussions to protections for Hezbollah, and how that dynamic shapes upcoming diplomatic initiatives in the region.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Tuesday that any ceasefire agreement with Iran would not prevent Israeli forces from continuing their military operations against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group based in Lebanon.

Netanyahu's statement draws a clear distinction between potential diplomatic arrangements with Tehran and Israel's ongoing campaign against its regional proxies. The comments suggest Israel views Hezbollah as a separate military target despite the group's close ties to Iranian funding and weaponry.

The declaration comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure to de-escalate tensions across multiple fronts. Netanyahu's position effectively compartmentalizes potential negotiations with Iran while keeping military options open against Hezbollah, which has fired thousands of rockets into northern Israel since the Gaza war began.

This tactical separation makes strategic sense for Netanyahu. Iran often uses ceasefire negotiations to shield its proxy forces from retaliation, but Israel appears determined to maintain operational freedom against Hezbollah regardless of broader diplomatic developments with Tehran.

The timing also reflects domestic political calculations. Netanyahu faces criticism from hardliners who view any ceasefire as premature, while simultaneously managing international allies pushing for de-escalation. Carving out exceptions for Hezbollah allows him to appear tough while potentially engaging in broader regional diplomacy.

Watch whether Iran attempts to link any ceasefire discussions to protections for Hezbollah, and how that dynamic shapes upcoming diplomatic initiatives in the region.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares any potential ceasefire with Iran would not extend to Hezbollah, vowing continued military operations.

Netanyahu: Iran ceasefire won't stop Israeli strikes on Hezbollah

Vice President J.D. Vance may skip upcoming peace talks with Iran in Pakistan after the White House flagged security concerns about the high-stakes diplomatic mission. President Trump told the New York Post Wednesday that safety issues could keep his number two away from negotiations expected to begin &quot;very soon&quot; in Islamabad.The talks follow Tuesday's ceasefire agreement that created an opening for direct U.S.-Iran dialogue. Trump's team now faces the delicate balance of seizing this diplomatic moment while protecting key officials in a region where American interests have long faced threats.Pakistan's role as host adds another layer of complexity. Islamabad has positioned itself as a neutral mediator, but the country's own security challenges—particularly around high-profile international events—appear to have spooked the Secret Service. The agency likely remembers the 2011 bin Laden raid that blindsided Pakistani officials and strained relations for years.Vance's potential absence would mark a shift from the administration's initial plans to send the vice president as Trump's personal representative. The move signals how seriously the White House takes Iran negotiations—important enough to plan VP-level engagement, but risky enough to consider pulling back.If Vance stays home, expect Secretary of State Marco Rubio or another cabinet-level official to lead the U.S. delegation. The administration can't afford to downgrade America's representation too far without appearing weak to Tehran negotiators who have their own domestic hawks watching every move.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Vice President J.D. Vance may skip upcoming peace talks with Iran in Pakistan after the White House flagged security concerns about the high-stakes diplomatic mission. President Trump told the New York Post Wednesday that safety issues could keep his number two away from negotiations expected to begin "very soon" in Islamabad.

The talks follow Tuesday's ceasefire agreement that created an opening for direct U.S.-Iran dialogue. Trump's team now faces the delicate balance of seizing this diplomatic moment while protecting key officials in a region where American interests have long faced threats.

Pakistan's role as host adds another layer of complexity. Islamabad has positioned itself as a neutral mediator, but the country's own security challenges—particularly around high-profile international events—appear to have spooked the Secret Service. The agency likely remembers the 2011 bin Laden raid that blindsided Pakistani officials and strained relations for years.

Vance's potential absence would mark a shift from the administration's initial plans to send the vice president as Trump's personal representative. The move signals how seriously the White House takes Iran negotiations—important enough to plan VP-level engagement, but risky enough to consider pulling back.

If Vance stays home, expect Secretary of State Marco Rubio or another cabinet-level official to lead the U.S. delegation. The administration can't afford to downgrade America's representation too far without appearing weak to Tehran negotiators who have their own domestic hawks watching every move.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Trump tells New York Post that VP Vance might not attend Iran peace negotiations in Islamabad due to safety concerns, despite ceasefire breakthrough.

Vance may skip Iran peace talks in Pakistan over security risks

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed to airports are earning unexpected praise from travelers and former critics, even as congressional Democrats maintain their blockade of Department of Homeland Security funding over the agency's enforcement tactics.The agents have stepped in to assist with airport operations, helping passengers navigate security lines and providing customer service during what has become an extended political standoff. Travelers have taken to social media to express surprise at the professionalism and helpfulness of ICE personnel they encountered.The positive reception creates an awkward political moment for Democrats who have spent months attacking ICE operations and calling for the agency's abolition. Several progressive lawmakers who previously labeled ICE agents as operating &quot;Gestapo-like&quot; tactics now find themselves in the uncomfortable position of explaining why they continue to block funding for the same agents winning public goodwill.The funding dispute centers on Democratic demands to limit ICE detention capacity and restrict enforcement operations. Republicans have refused to negotiate on what they call core immigration enforcement tools, leading to the current impasse that has left parts of DHS operating under continuing resolutions.Airport duty represents a stark departure from ICE's typical immigration enforcement role, which often involves arrests at workplaces and detention facilities that generate negative headlines. The customer-facing airport assignments have allowed agents to showcase a different side of their work, one that emphasizes public service over enforcement.The political calculus may be shifting as the shutdown drags on and more travelers encounter ICE agents in non-enforcement roles. Democrats face growing pressure to resolve the funding crisis, particularly if public opinion continues moving in favor of the agents they have spent months demonizing.Watch for whether Democratic leadership adjusts their messaging on ICE funding as airport assignments continue generating positive coverage for the embattled agency.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed to airports are earning unexpected praise from travelers and former critics, even as congressional Democrats maintain their blockade of Department of Homeland Security funding over the agency's enforcement tactics.

The agents have stepped in to assist with airport operations, helping passengers navigate security lines and providing customer service during what has become an extended political standoff. Travelers have taken to social media to express surprise at the professionalism and helpfulness of ICE personnel they encountered.

The positive reception creates an awkward political moment for Democrats who have spent months attacking ICE operations and calling for the agency's abolition. Several progressive lawmakers who previously labeled ICE agents as operating "Gestapo-like" tactics now find themselves in the uncomfortable position of explaining why they continue to block funding for the same agents winning public goodwill.

The funding dispute centers on Democratic demands to limit ICE detention capacity and restrict enforcement operations. Republicans have refused to negotiate on what they call core immigration enforcement tools, leading to the current impasse that has left parts of DHS operating under continuing resolutions.

Airport duty represents a stark departure from ICE's typical immigration enforcement role, which often involves arrests at workplaces and detention facilities that generate negative headlines. The customer-facing airport assignments have allowed agents to showcase a different side of their work, one that emphasizes public service over enforcement.

The political calculus may be shifting as the shutdown drags on and more travelers encounter ICE agents in non-enforcement roles. Democrats face growing pressure to resolve the funding crisis, particularly if public opinion continues moving in favor of the agents they have spent months demonizing.

Watch for whether Democratic leadership adjusts their messaging on ICE funding as airport assignments continue generating positive coverage for the embattled agency.

Immigration agents assisting travelers during airport operations draw unexpected support while Democrats maintain shutdown over enforcement policies.

ICE agents at airports win praise as Democrats block DHS funding

Pam Bondi will not appear before the House Oversight Committee to testify about the Jeffrey Epstein case, the panel announced Monday, after the former Florida attorney general was fired from her federal post last week.Bondi had been fighting the congressional subpoena for weeks before her dismissal. The House committee said she now claims she cannot honor the subpoena because she no longer holds the attorney general position that triggered the investigation.The legal maneuver highlights how quickly Washington's power dynamics shift—and how officials can exploit those changes to avoid uncomfortable testimony. Bondi's team had been working multiple angles to dodge the Capitol Hill appearance, according to sources familiar with the discussions.House Oversight Chairman James Comer had demanded Bondi testify about her handling of Epstein-related matters during her tenure as Florida's top prosecutor from 2011 to 2019. The committee wanted answers about why her office declined to pursue certain leads in the sex trafficking investigation.Bondi's departure from the attorney general role came after just three weeks on the job, following mounting pressure over her confirmation hearing performance and early personnel decisions. Her legal team argues the subpoena's authority evaporated with her official status.The committee now faces a choice: accept Bondi's reasoning and close this line of inquiry, or expand the investigation to compel her testimony as a private citizen. Democratic members are already pushing for the latter approach, setting up another potential legal battle over congressional oversight powers.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Pam Bondi will not appear before the House Oversight Committee to testify about the Jeffrey Epstein case, the panel announced Monday, after the former Florida attorney general was fired from her federal post last week.

Bondi had been fighting the congressional subpoena for weeks before her dismissal. The House committee said she now claims she cannot honor the subpoena because she no longer holds the attorney general position that triggered the investigation.

The legal maneuver highlights how quickly Washington's power dynamics shift—and how officials can exploit those changes to avoid uncomfortable testimony. Bondi's team had been working multiple angles to dodge the Capitol Hill appearance, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

House Oversight Chairman James Comer had demanded Bondi testify about her handling of Epstein-related matters during her tenure as Florida's top prosecutor from 2011 to 2019. The committee wanted answers about why her office declined to pursue certain leads in the sex trafficking investigation.

Bondi's departure from the attorney general role came after just three weeks on the job, following mounting pressure over her confirmation hearing performance and early personnel decisions. Her legal team argues the subpoena's authority evaporated with her official status.

The committee now faces a choice: accept Bondi's reasoning and close this line of inquiry, or expand the investigation to compel her testimony as a private citizen. Democratic members are already pushing for the latter approach, setting up another potential legal battle over congressional oversight powers.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Pam Bondi will not testify before House Oversight Committee about Epstein case after being removed as attorney general, committee says.

Bondi Skips Capitol Hill Subpoena After Attorney General Firing

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will represent the United States in high-stakes talks with Iranian officials beginning Friday in Islamabad, a senior Pakistani official confirmed Wednesday. Iran's delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.Pakistan brokered the meeting after securing a ceasefire between the two sides, though details of that truce remain unclear. The talks mark Trump's first major diplomatic engagement with Iran since taking office, delegated to his Middle East envoy Witkoff and son-in-law Kushner, who architected the Abraham Accords during Trump's first term.The choice of Islamabad as venue signals Pakistan's growing role as mediator between Washington and Tehran. The country maintains diplomatic ties with both nations despite mounting US pressure on Iran over its nuclear program and regional proxy activities. Pakistan's economy desperately needs relief from international sanctions that complicate its energy imports from Iran.Kushner's participation adds intrigue to the meeting. He holds no official government position but maintains Trump's ear on Middle East policy. His real estate company received a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund after leaving the White House in 2021, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest in regional negotiations.The timing coincides with Iran's continued uranium enrichment and Israel's threats of military action. Trump campaigned on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while avoiding new Middle East wars. These talks represent his first test of that promise.Watch whether the meeting produces concrete agreements on nuclear restrictions or merely establishes communication channels between the adversaries.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will represent the United States in high-stakes talks with Iranian officials beginning Friday in Islamabad, a senior Pakistani official confirmed Wednesday. Iran's delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Pakistan brokered the meeting after securing a ceasefire between the two sides, though details of that truce remain unclear. The talks mark Trump's first major diplomatic engagement with Iran since taking office, delegated to his Middle East envoy Witkoff and son-in-law Kushner, who architected the Abraham Accords during Trump's first term.

The choice of Islamabad as venue signals Pakistan's growing role as mediator between Washington and Tehran. The country maintains diplomatic ties with both nations despite mounting US pressure on Iran over its nuclear program and regional proxy activities. Pakistan's economy desperately needs relief from international sanctions that complicate its energy imports from Iran.

Kushner's participation adds intrigue to the meeting. He holds no official government position but maintains Trump's ear on Middle East policy. His real estate company received a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund after leaving the White House in 2021, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest in regional negotiations.

The timing coincides with Iran's continued uranium enrichment and Israel's threats of military action. Trump campaigned on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while avoiding new Middle East wars. These talks represent his first test of that promise.

Watch whether the meeting produces concrete agreements on nuclear restrictions or merely establishes communication channels between the adversaries.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will represent the US in diplomatic talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Aragchi and Speaker Ghalibaf in Islamabad Friday.

Trump envoys Witkoff, Kushner to meet Iran officials in Pakistan talks

Pope Leo XIV praised the temporary ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran on Wednesday, calling the diplomatic breakthrough a source of &quot;deep hope&quot; during his weekly address to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.The pontiff expressed his satisfaction with the deal in remarks translated by Vatican News, marking the Holy See's first public response to the surprise agreement that emerged from weeks of back-channel negotiations. The pope's endorsement adds moral weight to a fragile truce that has already drawn cautious support from European allies.Leo XIV has made Middle East peace a cornerstone of his papacy since taking office, often inserting Vatican diplomacy into regional flashpoints where traditional powers struggle to find common ground. His predecessor similarly leveraged papal influence during the 2015 Iran nuclear negotiations, though those talks ultimately collapsed under the Trump administration.The timing of the pope's statement reflects careful Vatican calculation. Church officials typically wait days before commenting on major geopolitical developments, preferring to gauge international reaction before weighing in. The quick turnaround suggests Rome views this ceasefire as genuinely consequential rather than another false start.Iran and the United States have maintained no formal diplomatic relations since 1980, making any agreement between the two powers inherently unstable. Previous ceasefires in the region have collapsed within weeks when hardliners on either side torpedo implementation.The pope's public blessing could provide both Tehran and Washington with political cover to extend the temporary deal into something more permanent, particularly if other religious leaders follow his lead in the coming days.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Pope Leo XIV praised the temporary ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran on Wednesday, calling the diplomatic breakthrough a source of "deep hope" during his weekly address to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

The pontiff expressed his satisfaction with the deal in remarks translated by Vatican News, marking the Holy See's first public response to the surprise agreement that emerged from weeks of back-channel negotiations. The pope's endorsement adds moral weight to a fragile truce that has already drawn cautious support from European allies.

Leo XIV has made Middle East peace a cornerstone of his papacy since taking office, often inserting Vatican diplomacy into regional flashpoints where traditional powers struggle to find common ground. His predecessor similarly leveraged papal influence during the 2015 Iran nuclear negotiations, though those talks ultimately collapsed under the Trump administration.

The timing of the pope's statement reflects careful Vatican calculation. Church officials typically wait days before commenting on major geopolitical developments, preferring to gauge international reaction before weighing in. The quick turnaround suggests Rome views this ceasefire as genuinely consequential rather than another false start.

Iran and the United States have maintained no formal diplomatic relations since 1980, making any agreement between the two powers inherently unstable. Previous ceasefires in the region have collapsed within weeks when hardliners on either side torpedo implementation.

The pope's public blessing could provide both Tehran and Washington with political cover to extend the temporary deal into something more permanent, particularly if other religious leaders follow his lead in the coming days.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Pope Leo XIV praised the temporary ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran during remarks at St. Peter's Square on Wednesday.

Pope Leo XIV hails U.S.-Iran ceasefire as 'deep hope' for peace

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot demanded Wednesday that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, posting his call on X as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut.Prevot made the statement while visiting the Lebanese capital, where explosions echoed through the city during his diplomatic mission. The timing highlights the disconnect between regional ceasefire efforts and the reality on the ground in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have ramped up operations against Hezbollah targets.The Belgian minister's intervention reflects growing European frustration with piecemeal Middle East diplomacy. While Washington has pursued separate tracks with different regional players, European allies argue that Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah makes any sustainable ceasefire impossible without including all parties.Prevot's visit to Beirut carries particular weight given Belgium's current role as a non-permanent UN Security Council member. European nations have watched Israeli operations in Lebanon escalate since October, with limited ability to influence either Israeli strategy or American mediation efforts.The call exposes a fundamental tension in current US diplomacy: treating Iran and its proxies as separate negotiating entities when they operate as a connected network. Any deal that leaves Hezbollah outside the framework risks collapse, as the group has demonstrated its ability to restart conflict cycles regardless of agreements reached in Washington or Tehran.The success of Belgium's push will depend on whether other European allies amplify the message and whether the Trump administration views broader regional inclusion as helpful or complicating to its current diplomatic efforts.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot demanded Wednesday that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, posting his call on X as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut.

Prevot made the statement while visiting the Lebanese capital, where explosions echoed through the city during his diplomatic mission. The timing highlights the disconnect between regional ceasefire efforts and the reality on the ground in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have ramped up operations against Hezbollah targets.

The Belgian minister's intervention reflects growing European frustration with piecemeal Middle East diplomacy. While Washington has pursued separate tracks with different regional players, European allies argue that Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah makes any sustainable ceasefire impossible without including all parties.

Prevot's visit to Beirut carries particular weight given Belgium's current role as a non-permanent UN Security Council member. European nations have watched Israeli operations in Lebanon escalate since October, with limited ability to influence either Israeli strategy or American mediation efforts.

The call exposes a fundamental tension in current US diplomacy: treating Iran and its proxies as separate negotiating entities when they operate as a connected network. Any deal that leaves Hezbollah outside the framework risks collapse, as the group has demonstrated its ability to restart conflict cycles regardless of agreements reached in Washington or Tehran.

The success of Belgium's push will depend on whether other European allies amplify the message and whether the Trump administration views broader regional inclusion as helpful or complicating to its current diplomatic efforts.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot demanded Wednesday that any US-Iran ceasefire agreement expand to cover Lebanon as Israeli strikes hit Beirut.

Belgium calls for Lebanon inclusion in US-Iran ceasefire deal

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi will skip a scheduled House appearance next week, refusing to comply with a subpoena from the Oversight Committee demanding answers about her role in handling Jeffrey Epstein documents.The defiance puts Bondi on a collision course with lawmakers from both parties who have grown increasingly angry over the Justice Department's opacity around the Epstein case. The committee issued the subpoena last month after Bondi declined multiple invitations to testify voluntarily.Bondi's team argues she cannot discuss matters that remain under federal investigation, but committee sources say that excuse rings hollow given how much of the Epstein saga has already played out in court filings and public records. Her refusal also comes as she reportedly weighs another run for Florida governor in 2026.The timing creates an awkward dynamic for House Republicans, many of whom have praised Bondi's tenure but now find themselves in the position of either enforcing their own subpoena or appearing weak on oversight. Democrats plan to use the standoff as ammunition in their broader critique of Trump-era Justice Department secrecy.What makes this particularly messy: several committee members have privately expressed frustration that they still don't understand basic decisions made during the Epstein investigation, including why certain plea agreements were structured the way they were and which officials signed off on key prosecutorial choices.The committee now faces a choice between holding Bondi in contempt—a lengthy process that rarely produces quick results—or finding another way to extract the information they want. Either way, this fight isn't ending quietly.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi will skip a scheduled House appearance next week, refusing to comply with a subpoena from the Oversight Committee demanding answers about her role in handling Jeffrey Epstein documents.

The defiance puts Bondi on a collision course with lawmakers from both parties who have grown increasingly angry over the Justice Department's opacity around the Epstein case. The committee issued the subpoena last month after Bondi declined multiple invitations to testify voluntarily.

Bondi's team argues she cannot discuss matters that remain under federal investigation, but committee sources say that excuse rings hollow given how much of the Epstein saga has already played out in court filings and public records. Her refusal also comes as she reportedly weighs another run for Florida governor in 2026.

The timing creates an awkward dynamic for House Republicans, many of whom have praised Bondi's tenure but now find themselves in the position of either enforcing their own subpoena or appearing weak on oversight. Democrats plan to use the standoff as ammunition in their broader critique of Trump-era Justice Department secrecy.

What makes this particularly messy: several committee members have privately expressed frustration that they still don't understand basic decisions made during the Epstein investigation, including why certain plea agreements were structured the way they were and which officials signed off on key prosecutorial choices.

The committee now faces a choice between holding Bondi in contempt—a lengthy process that rarely produces quick results—or finding another way to extract the information they want. Either way, this fight isn't ending quietly.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi refuses to comply with House subpoena over her handling of Jeffrey Epstein files, defying bipartisan lawmakers.