The United States’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is rapidly depleting as President Donald Trump releases oil at a faster pace ahead of the midterm elections. The reserve, located in underground caverns in Texas and Louisiana, now holds crude oil volumes close to the lowest levels since the early 1980s, when the US economy and energy consumption were significantly smaller. The accelerated drawdown follows Trump’s earlier criticism of President Joe Biden for selling oil from the SPR during the 2022 campaign period to keep gasoline prices low.

Energy intelligence firm Kpler’s chief oil analyst Matt Smith said the barrels released from the reserve will eventually need to be replaced, which could push prices higher. The shrinking stockpile highlights the challenge US officials will face in refilling the reserve, potentially sustaining both demand and prices in the energy market.

The SPR, the world’s largest emergency crude oil reserve, has historically been used by both Republican and Democratic presidents to stabilize supply disruptions caused by wars, hurricanes, or other crises.

The United States carried out an attack on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people accused of drug trafficking. The strike is part of an ongoing operation that began in September, during which around 200 people have reportedly been killed. Human rights organizations have described these attacks as extrajudicial killings.

According to the US Southern Command, the targeted boat was allegedly involved in drug smuggling and was traveling along a known trafficking route. In a statement, the command said that two 'narco-terrorists' were killed in the latest strike. The US military launched the 'Southern Spear' operation in early September, with President Donald Trump emphasizing that the United States is effectively at war with Latin American drug cartels.

However, the report notes that US authorities have not provided conclusive evidence linking the attacked vessels to drug trafficking, raising questions about the legitimacy of the strikes.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to blow up Oman if the country fails to 'behave properly.' The warning came during a cabinet meeting, where Trump stated that Oman must act like everyone else or face destruction. His remarks followed reports of discussions between Iran and Oman about jointly imposing tolls on ships passing through a key waterway that has been largely closed since the start of the US-Israel war against Iran.

Trump also declared that the strait would soon be open to all and that no one would control it, emphasizing that the United States would monitor the situation. The statement reflects Washington’s growing frustration as Trump’s recent efforts to reach a peace agreement with Iran have so far been unsuccessful.

The comments mark an escalation in rhetoric toward a US ally and highlight the strategic tensions surrounding maritime control in the region.

The United States will need at least three years to replenish stockpiles of three major weapons systems heavily used during the Iran war, according to a report cited by PBS News. The shortage could limit the US military’s combat readiness in any future conflict with China. The affected systems include Tomahawk cruise missiles, used for deep strikes, and Patriot and THAAD interceptors, which defend against incoming missiles and drones.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies told the Associated Press that while the US has sufficient ammunition for any immediate Iran-related scenario, the depletion has created vulnerabilities in the Western Pacific region. The time required to rebuild these stockpiles has become a major concern for defense planners.

The report also noted that China aims to achieve the military capability to seize Taiwan by 2027 if necessary. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently warned that mismanagement of Washington’s ties with the self-governing island could lead to confrontation or open conflict between the two powers.

Despite billion-dollar pledges from several member states, no cash has been deposited into U.S. President Donald Trump’s Peace Board fund for Gaza reconstruction, according to an AFP report on Wednesday. The board was created by Trump to oversee Gaza’s rebuilding under his peace plan, following an October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas supported by the United States. However, the fund has yet to receive any contributions from donors.

A source said the fund was intended for the reconstruction and development phase, which has not yet begun, explaining why no money has been collected. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli military operations in Gaza continue, with the enclave’s health ministry reporting at least 910 deaths since the truce. Israel still controls more than 60 percent of the devastated Gaza Strip.

The Financial Times reported that the board received donations directly into a JPMorgan account, though major European countries such as France and Britain have refused to join. Trump had earlier announced a U.S. pledge of $10 billion, while Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE each promised at least $1 billion.

During a cabinet meeting chaired by President Donald Trump at the White House, discussions on Iran and a potential agreement dominated the agenda. This was Trump’s twelfth cabinet meeting since returning to the Oval Office. According to White House correspondent Manuel Rapalo, the president also addressed domestic issues such as immigration, inflation, and the broader economy, which remain politically sensitive ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

When asked about the current state of talks with Iran, Trump stated that he wanted to make a great deal, but would not proceed if it failed to meet that standard. Pressure continues to mount on him from Republicans, Democrats, and his own supporters to end the ongoing conflict with Iran. In this context, maintaining momentum in the negotiations has become a key objective for the White House.

Trump made it clear that Washington will only agree to a deal that protects U.S. interests and satisfies national priorities, rejecting any compromise that falls short of those goals.

SpaceX executives demanded higher payments from the Pentagon for using Starlink satellite Wi-Fi in U.S. kamikaze drones during the Iran war, according to documents and sources cited by Reuters. The company argued that the military was paying only $5,000 per terminal, while the actual value of the high-end service was closer to $25,000. The disagreement centered on the use of Starlink in Lucas suicide drones, which are similar to Iran’s Shahed models. As U.S. bombing intensified, the Pentagon ultimately agreed to pay the increased rates, nearly doubling the cost per drone.

The dispute reflects the Pentagon’s growing dependence on SpaceX for critical communications. SpaceX supplies a special military version of Starlink called Starshield, which connects to both commercial and secure satellite constellations. Elon Musk denied the Reuters report on X, calling it false, while Pentagon officials also disputed the claims without providing details. Analysts noted that SpaceX’s dominance in satellite communications gives it significant leverage over U.S. defense operations.

Pentagon documents indicate plans to purchase more than 3,500 additional Starshield terminals, which could further boost SpaceX’s revenue if finalized.

US President Donald Trump has called on Muslim-majority countries to join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel as part of his effort to end the Iran war. Officials from several of these nations have either mocked, rejected, or remained silent about the proposal. Some Middle Eastern diplomats view Trump’s demand as a political maneuver aimed at appeasing hardline Republicans concerned he may concede too much in talks with Iran.

A Gulf Arab diplomat described the move as a tactic to calm angry supporters, saying it would not become part of any peace deal. The proposal has added uncertainty to an already fragile situation marked by renewed US strikes on Iranian missile sites and Israeli attacks in Lebanon. A former US official said some Arab counterparts see Trump’s demand as a “poison pill” that could derail peace efforts.

Despite Trump’s push, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have reaffirmed their positions, emphasizing diplomatic solutions and rejecting normalization with Israel without progress toward a Palestinian state.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the upcoming cabinet meeting, originally scheduled for Camp David, will now be held at the White House due to bad weather. The announcement was made through a brief post on his social media platform, Truth Social, where Trump cited adverse weather conditions as the reason for the venue change.

In a separate post on the same platform, Trump sharply criticized U.S. media outlets for their coverage of the Iran war. He accused The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN of biased reporting and claimed they were taking sides with Iran. Trump also mocked his political opponents, the Democrats, saying that both the media and the Democratic Party had lost their way and gone crazy.

The comments reflect Trump’s ongoing confrontational stance toward mainstream media and his political rivals, as reported by Al Jazeera.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Muslim-majority countries to normalize relations with Israel as part of a proposed peace agreement with Iran. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump said he had spoken with several national leaders on Saturday about efforts to end the war with Iran. He urged all countries to immediately sign the Abraham Accords, describing it as an honor for the United States if Iran reached a deal with him.

Trump listed Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain as the countries involved in his discussions, noting that the UAE and Bahrain are already members of the accords. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia and Qatar should take the lead by signing first, encouraging others to follow.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 during Trump’s presidency, established diplomatic normalization between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, played a key role in facilitating the agreements.

U.S. President Donald Trump has come under sharp criticism from hardline members of his own Republican Party over a proposed agreement aimed at ending the war with Iran. The deal, which Trump described as mostly negotiated, has drawn opposition from lawmakers and former officials who argue it risks losing a historic opportunity to fully contain Tehran. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, and Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker all voiced strong objections, warning that easing pressure on Iran could be disastrous.

Trump dismissed the criticism, saying the agreement is not yet finalized and insisting that his administration’s approach is the opposite of the Obama-era nuclear deal. He maintained that U.S. military blockades on Iranian ports will remain until the deal is signed. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul defended Trump, saying peace talks are a normal way to end wars.

The conflict began on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel jointly attacked Iran. The war has proven unpopular domestically, costing U.S. taxpayers billions and disrupting global oil markets after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. Former officials Mike Pompeo and John Bolton also criticized the deal, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Trump’s stance.

Republican hardliners have voiced sharp criticism after reports suggested the Trump administration is moving toward a deal to end the Iran war. The leaked draft memorandum indicates that the agreement would end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, lift U.S. blockades, and allow Iran to regain access to frozen funds and resume oil sales. In return, Iran would pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons and begin talks on relinquishing enriched uranium stockpiles.

Senior Republican figures, including Senators Roger Wicker, Lindsey Graham, and Ted Cruz, condemned the move as a sign of weakness and a betrayal of Trump’s earlier demand for Iran’s unconditional surrender. Former officials such as John Bolton, Michael Flynn, and Mike Pompeo also criticized the plan, comparing it unfavorably to the Obama-era nuclear deal. Trump’s advisers have pushed back, accusing critics of undermining the administration.

Analysts cited in the report say Trump faces a dilemma as the war drags into its third month, with mounting political and economic pressure ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The president risks alienating both antiwar Republicans and foreign policy hawks within his party.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is under intense pressure from pro-Israel lobby groups as he pursues a potential peace deal with Iran aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. The proposed agreement, reportedly close to completion, includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, removal of naval blockades, and renewed nuclear discussions. However, strong opposition has emerged from within Trump’s Republican Party, with senior lawmakers labeling the plan a disaster and warning it could undermine Israel’s security.

Senators Roger Wicker, Lindsey Graham, Tom Cotton, and Ted Cruz have voiced deep concern, arguing that the deal would empower Iran and destabilize the Middle East. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized the initiative as inconsistent with the “America First” policy. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed significant progress in negotiations, suggesting a deal could be reached soon, though Iran’s foreign ministry insisted no agreement is imminent.

The prospect of a truce has already affected global markets, with oil prices falling and Asian stocks rising. However, unresolved issues over the Strait of Hormuz and uranium enrichment remain key obstacles to finalizing the accord.

Senior Republican leaders have sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed at halting hostilities. Trump announced on Sunday that the agreement, nearly finalized, would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz but did not clarify Iran’s nuclear commitments. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed talks on a 14-point framework that could take effect for 30 to 60 days, covering maritime access, lifting naval blockades, and suspending conflicts in Lebanon and other fronts. Iranian officials emphasized that nuclear issues are excluded from the current discussions.

Republican senators Lindsey Graham, Tom Cotton, Roger Wicker, and Ted Cruz voiced strong opposition, warning that the deal could empower Tehran, undermine Israel’s security, and reverse U.S. military gains. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo compared the initiative to Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear accord, calling it inconsistent with the “America First” policy, while former National Security Adviser John Bolton dismissed the talks as a waste of time.

Trump maintained optimism about reaching an agreement but warned Iran of severe consequences if negotiations fail. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed some progress in the discussions.

International debate has intensified over the United States’ position in the Middle East crisis as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow of ‘certain victory’ against Iran appears to be fading. According to international media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump told Netanyahu in a recent phone call that Washington is discussing a ‘letter of intent’ with Tehran. The proposed agreement could include a formal end to hostilities, 30 days of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts interpret this diplomatic move as a sign of Washington’s gradual withdrawal from the conflict, suggesting the Trump administration now prefers limited symbolic actions over deeper military involvement. The crisis began in March when Israel attacked Iran’s Pars gas field, prompting Iranian retaliation on a Qatari facility. Since then, Iran has demanded war reparations, sanction relief, and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports indicate Iran is consolidating control of the strait through new transit deals with Russia, China, and other nations. Observers warn that U.S. restraint could weaken global sanctions and expand Iran’s influence in energy trade, while Israel faces growing strategic pressure.