President Donald Trump declared late Thursday that the temporary ceasefire with Tehran is still in effect, even as American forces launched new strikes against military targets in Iran. The attacks came in response to Iranian aggression against U.S. guided-missile destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a move that further strains the already fragile truce.
The Iranian regime is reportedly reviewing a one-page memorandum of understanding that could end the conflict, which has dragged on for over two months. However, the potential deal has sparked backlash from some of Trump’s conservative allies, who have been vocal supporters of the war effort. For more on the internal GOP divisions, see Trump's Iran Peace Plan Sparks Fury Among Conservative Allies.
Meanwhile, House Republican leaders are facing no respite after a hard-fought battle over 2026 appropriations. They are now plunging into the fight over fiscal 2027, the last major legislative showdown before the November elections. Both the House and Senate are set to return to session next week.
The April jobs report is scheduled for release Friday morning, providing a key economic indicator. Trump is expected to deliver remarks from the White House Rose Garden on Friday afternoon, followed by a visit to his golf club in Sterling, Virginia, for a LIV Golf dinner.
The latest strikes underscore the volatility of the situation in the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with the U.S. Navy maintaining a presence to ensure freedom of navigation. The Trump administration has framed the strikes as defensive, but critics warn that the escalation could spiral into a broader conflict. Experts have raised concerns about the rising costs of the Iran war, as detailed in Iran War Costs Soar as Trump's Delusions Drive Policy, Experts Warn.
On the domestic front, the White House is also grappling with other controversies. Democrats are demanding answers on Trump's pardons, citing potential pay-to-play issues, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed Trump's recent call to 'incite violence' as a 'deranged rant.' These distractions come as the administration pushes forward with its agenda, including a new proposal to lift the USPS ban on handgun shipments.
As the week winds down, all eyes are on the jobs report and Trump's public appearances. The president's assertion that the ceasefire holds will be tested by the ongoing hostilities and the political fallout from his allies' discontent.
