Questions have emerged within the United States about what the country has actually achieved from its ongoing military operations against Iran. Despite active combat and sustained military pressure, even hardline Republican members of Congress are reportedly debating the extent of strategic results. President Donald Trump told reporters that Iran is now “very close” to what Washington wants in a peace agreement, adding in an interview with CBS that negotiations are improving daily.

At the same time, domestic criticism has intensified. Some Republican lawmakers have questioned whether the military campaign has delivered tangible outcomes. According to a New York Times report cited by Al Jazeera, intelligence assessments indicate that 30 of 33 missile bases along the Strait of Hormuz remain under Iranian control. Around 70 percent of Iran’s mobile missile launch systems and missile stockpile are also believed to remain intact.

Analysts suggest these findings show that Iran’s strategic capabilities have not been fully dismantled, raising sharper questions in Washington about whether the United States has met its objectives in the conflict.

Former US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard reportedly became increasingly marginalized within the Trump administration due to disagreements over foreign policy and military decisions concerning Iran and Venezuela. Appointed by President Donald Trump for her anti-interventionist stance and 'America First' outlook, Gabbard’s cautious approach to Iran’s nuclear program and opposition to aggressive strategies placed her at odds with senior officials.

Reports indicate that Gabbard was excluded from key national security meetings and decision-making processes, including discussions on potential military actions in Venezuela and joint operations with Israel against Iran. Her strained relationship with CIA leadership and reliance on a small circle of advisers further deepened her isolation within the intelligence community.

After months of internal tension and personal challenges, including her husband’s illness, Gabbard announced her resignation. Although Trump later praised her service, reports suggest that deep policy rifts over Iran and Venezuela defined her tenure and eventual departure.

US President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran are 'very close' to finalizing an agreement, according to an interview with CBS News published on May 24, 2026. He noted that the situation is improving daily but declined to share details, saying he could not disclose information before informing the other party. Sources familiar with the talks told CBS News that the latest proposal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, releasing some of Iran’s frozen assets in foreign banks, and continuing negotiations.

Trump claimed the potential deal would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and that uranium enrichment issues would be handled satisfactorily. He emphasized that he would only sign an agreement that meets all US demands. CBS sources said Trump is still reviewing proposals, consulting advisers, and maintaining contact with Gulf leaders, including those in Saudi Arabia. US officials indicated that Trump is expected to hold phone calls with several Gulf leaders on Saturday, with Iran expected to dominate the discussions.

Trump warned that failure to reach a deal would bring severe consequences for Iran, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said progress had been made and a new announcement could come within days.

Despite repeated claims of strategic victories in Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump now faces growing questions about whether he is losing the war. A Reuters analysis reports that after months of military pressure, Iran’s regional influence, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and nuclear program remain largely intact, casting doubt on Washington’s assertions of success.

Analysts note that while early U.S. and Israeli airstrikes damaged Iran’s missile stockpiles and naval assets, Tehran quickly retaliated by disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and launching attacks in Israel and Gulf states. Trump’s initial promise of achieving objectives within six weeks has not materialized, and diplomatic deadlock has deepened uncertainty. Former U.S. diplomat Aaron David Miller described the conflict as shifting from a short-term success to a long-term strategic failure.

The war has also triggered domestic political pressure in the United States, with rising fuel prices and declining popularity ahead of midterm elections. Meanwhile, European allies have refused to join the campaign, and China and Russia are reportedly studying U.S. military limitations. Analysts warn that the conflict could push Iran to accelerate its nuclear ambitions.

An Iraqi national trained by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been arrested for allegedly plotting to assassinate Ivanka Trump, daughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, as revenge for the 2020 killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. According to The New York Post, 32-year-old Mohammed Baqir Saad Dawood al-Saadi had pledged to kill Ivanka and obtained a map of her Florida residence. He was detained in Turkey on May 15 and extradited to the United States, where he faces charges linked to 18 attacks or attempted attacks across Europe and North America.

Sources cited in the report said al-Saadi had close ties to Soleimani and his successor, General Esmail Qaani, and had worked with both the IRGC and Kataib Hezbollah. U.S. court documents show he coordinated multiple attacks, including bombings and shootings, and used social media to issue threats. Al-Saadi is currently held in solitary confinement at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. The White House declined to comment on the alleged plot.

Investigators believe al-Saadi used an Iraqi government service passport to travel freely and evade scrutiny while planning attacks. His arrest may expose a wider network linked to IRGC operations abroad.

The Trump administration has announced a major change to the U.S. permanent residency process, requiring most foreign nationals to return to their home countries to apply for green cards. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated in a memorandum that, except for 'special circumstances,' applications for permanent residency will no longer be accepted from within the United States. Applicants must now complete the process through U.S. embassies or consulates abroad.

USCIS spokesperson Jack Kahler said the policy aims to align the immigration system with legal intent and reduce the tendency of foreigners to remain in the country unlawfully. Experts warn that the change could create uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of immigrants currently residing in the U.S. on temporary visas, including students, spouses of U.S. citizens, and foreign workers.

Immigration lawyers expressed concern that the new rule could lead to prolonged family separations, as green card approvals may take months or even years. The administration has not yet clarified which cases will qualify for exceptions, though refugees may be exempted, according to early indications.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that some progress has been made in the ongoing diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran. Speaking to reporters during his visit to India on May 23, 2026, Rubio noted that mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington are continuing and that a new announcement could come soon. He added that discussions were still underway even as he was speaking.

According to Reuters, Rubio mentioned that the US side might be in a position to make a statement today, tomorrow, or within the next few days. The talks are part of continuing efforts to ease long-standing tensions between the two countries.

The remarks have been interpreted as a possible sign of improving relations and potential understanding between Washington and Tehran, though no specific details of the progress were disclosed.

Three months after launching military operations against Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump is facing growing questions about whether his campaign is faltering. Despite early claims of strategic victories, a Reuters analysis reports that Iran’s influence in the Persian Gulf, including control over the Strait of Hormuz and continuation of its nuclear program, remains largely intact. The initial U.S. and Israeli airstrikes damaged Iran’s missile stockpiles and naval assets, but Tehran quickly retaliated by disrupting maritime traffic and striking regional targets.

Analysts note that Trump’s stated goals—halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, reducing regional threats, and weakening its leadership—have yet to be achieved. Former U.S. diplomat Aaron David Miller described the conflict as shifting from a short-term success to a long-term strategic failure. Rising fuel prices and domestic discontent have added political pressure on Trump ahead of midterm elections, while divisions within the Republican Party are emerging.

The report adds that U.S. relations with European allies have strained as many refused to join the conflict, while China and Russia are observing U.S. military limitations and Iran’s asymmetric tactics for future strategic lessons.

The United States has temporarily suspended a planned $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan due to the ongoing military situation in Iran. Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed the decision during a Senate hearing, explaining that the pause aims to ensure sufficient ammunition and weapons reserves for the joint US-Israel military operation in Iran, codenamed 'Epic Fury'. He added that the sale could resume once the administration deems it appropriate.

A spokesperson for Taiwan’s presidential office said they had not received any official notification from Washington regarding a suspension or change in the arms deal. The package reportedly includes Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 air defense missiles and surface-to-air systems, awaiting final approval from President Donald Trump for several months.

China has long opposed US arms sales to Taiwan, claiming the island as its own territory. Following a recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump described the Taiwan arms issue as a key bargaining point in US-China discussions and hinted at a forthcoming decision. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te continues to view US defense support as vital for regional stability amid growing Chinese military pressure.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the war with Iran is nearing its end, speaking at a rally in Suffern, New York. He declared that Tehran would never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and asserted that the conflict would soon be over. Trump also mentioned that Americans would soon see unprecedented positive economic figures, including a decline in car prices.

In a separate interview with CBS News, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the president remains committed to giving diplomacy more time as talks with Iran continue. She added that Trump keeps all options open and has made clear what consequences Tehran would face if no agreement is reached.

The statements reflect the administration’s dual approach of maintaining diplomatic engagement while signaling readiness for alternative measures should negotiations fail.

The United Arab Emirates has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to refrain from launching new military action against Iran, amid fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East. According to Bloomberg, the UAE is coordinating diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia and Qatar to prevent escalation. Leaders from the three countries reportedly told Trump in separate phone calls that military strikes would not achieve long-term U.S. goals and that dialogue should be prioritized.

Analysts noted that the UAE’s stance marks a significant shift from its previously hardline position toward Tehran. The Gulf states fear that another conflict could devastate the region’s economy, as seen during the February–April clashes when U.S. and Israeli forces attacked Iran, prompting widespread Iranian retaliation. Thousands of drone and missile strikes damaged ports and energy infrastructure across the Gulf.

Although a ceasefire was reached in April, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. Pakistan is mediating indirect communications, and recent visits by senior officials suggest cautious progress toward a possible settlement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for a 'Plan B' to address possible complications in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with NATO allies in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said that if anyone fires in the strait, there must be an alternative plan. Referring to Iran, he noted that ideally, Tehran would reopen the passage, but contingency measures are needed if it refuses.

Rubio added that in such a scenario, the United States and other concerned nations might have to take action, though he did not clarify whether NATO would be directly involved. He also commented on ongoing diplomatic talks, saying US negotiators are engaging with tough counterparts and that some progress has been made, though the desired outcome has not yet been reached.

His remarks come amid renewed global attention on the strategic waterway, which is vital for international energy trade, and have sparked fresh discussion in diplomatic circles.

U.S. President Donald Trump is willing to give diplomacy more time as talks with Iran continue, according to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. In an interview with CBS News, Leavitt said Trump is keeping all options open and has made clear what consequences Tehran could face if no agreement is reached.

Her comments followed a Wall Street Journal report stating that Trump told his aides in a Friday meeting he wanted to allow more time for diplomatic engagement. Despite ongoing tensions, the report said Trump remains interested in reaching a solution through dialogue, though he has not ruled out military action if negotiations fail.

According to the same report, Trump has not yet made a final decision but currently leans toward continuing diplomatic efforts while keeping military options available.

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft, developed by U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk’s company, crashed into the Indian Ocean after a test flight and subsequently exploded. The launch took place at 5:30 p.m. local time on Friday, marking the first major test of the third-generation version of Starship. Live footage showed the spacecraft reaching space and completing several planned maneuvers before catching fire and exploding during a controlled descent over the ocean.

According to the source, SpaceX considered the test a success despite the explosion, as the main objective was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new design. During the flight, Starship executed a maneuver to flip from an inverted position and reignite its engines to regain control. Although one engine failed, the remaining engines allowed the spacecraft to maintain stability.

The test provided SpaceX with data on the performance of its redesigned systems, which the company views as a step forward in its ongoing development program.

A deadly shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego in Southern California has left the local Muslim community in shock and mourning. Two gunmen opened fire just before Monday’s noon prayer, killing Amin Abdullah, Nadir Awad, and Mansur Kazihah. Authorities recovered extremist writings from the attackers and are investigating the incident as a hate crime. Police said the suspects were influenced by neo-Nazi propaganda and previous anti-Muslim attacks, including the 2019 Christchurch massacre.

Community members expressed anger toward city leaders for ignoring years of warnings about growing Islamophobia. More than two thousand people attended the victims’ funeral, while rights groups reported a sharp rise in anti-Muslim incidents since the Gaza war began. Local lawyer Osama Shabaik and student Samar Ismail criticized Mayor Todd Gloria for failing to protect the community and for his past associations with pro-Israel groups.

The attack shattered the sense of safety many worshippers once felt at the mosque. Residents said the Islamic Center, which also runs a school for 140 children, had always seemed secure, but the tragedy has deepened fear and mistrust across San Diego’s Muslim community.