President Trump is escalating rhetoric against Iran, calling for intensified military action while some Republican lawmakers urge him to “finish the job.” Yet on Capitol Hill, skepticism cuts across party lines about whether the White House can deliver a decisive victory.
The House narrowly passed a Democratic-sponsored war powers resolution Thursday, with four Republicans crossing the aisle. The Senate is expected to vote on a similar measure shortly, as Trump’s support for the Iran conflict erodes among his base. For more on the bipartisan dynamics, see our coverage of the House Iran war powers vote.
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen escalated their campaign, attacking two oil tankers in the Red Sea. The assaults follow the group’s blockade of Saudi vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait earlier this week, signaling a dangerous expansion of the conflict.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt faced reporters in a briefing, fielding questions on the Iran crisis and rising U.S. casualties. The briefing came as the administration struggles to manage fallout from the escalating hostilities. For full context on the briefing, read our report on Leavitt's press briefing amid deepening Iran crisis.
On Capitol Hill, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to discuss the nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for the permanent role. Republican Sens. John Cornyn (Texas) and Thom Tillis (N.C.) have not committed to supporting him, and their opposition could derail the nomination. A vote is not expected imminently. For more on the nomination hurdles, see our analysis of Blanche's AG nomination and Senate skepticism.
Separately, Dr. Erica Schwartz faces a vote in the Senate Health Committee for her nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The nomination comes amid scrutiny of the agency’s response to public health threats.
The Energy Department announced a nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, drawing swift backlash from proliferation foes and pro-Israel hawks. Critics argue the pact could trigger a regional arms race. For more on the controversy, see our piece on the Saudi nuclear deal's critics.
Later today, Trump is expected to visit the Environmental Protection Agency and deliver a statement on the Ratepayer Protection Pledge he issued in March. That pledge requires U.S. AI companies to cover electricity costs for their data centers, shielding consumers from rate hikes.
Follow live updates for further developments as the day unfolds.
