The conflict with Iran stretches into its fourth month as President Trump says he won't "rush" a peace deal, even as Israel expands military operations into Lebanon, seizing a strategic castle in its deepest incursion in decades [Al Jazeera, PBS]. Israeli operations are now explicitly designed to extend territorial control through the war effort [NPR]. Sen. Chris Murphy vowed to prioritize ending the conflict in questioning of Secretary Rubio [CBS News].

Meanwhile, Colombians are voting today to elect a successor to President Gustavo Petro in a high-stakes election that could reshape U.S.-Colombia relations [BBC World, Al Jazeera]. Voters express fatigue with ongoing violence, making the race consequential for regional stability [CBS News].

Back home, Iowa has emerged as the critical battleground for both parties' midterm strategy, with Democrats and Republicans viewing congressional control as running through the state [NPR]. The GOP primary landscape shifts after Ken Paxton's Senate win, with Democratic strategist Andy Beshear claiming "Texas is in play" [NBC News]. Trump continues dominating Republican primaries, but midterm implications remain unclear [NYT Politics].

On the nuclear front, the IAEA is seeking access to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant after reported drone strikes [DW English]. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy detailed the ongoing situation in a new CBS News interview.

Elsewhere: All victims from a Washington paper mill explosion have been recovered [NBC News], while an Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda has claimed over 40 lives [NBC News]. Immigrant detainees sued over conditions at a Texas ICE facility [NPR], and a Gaza doctor is leading a New Jersey congressional race [Guardian].