The U.S. has announced new strikes on Iran, intensifying military operations just hours after a fourth consecutive nighttime barrage [CBS News]. The strikes hit an Iranian army barracks, killing at least seven troops and wounding more than 260 people across the country, according to Iranian officials [PBS]. The U.S. has simultaneously reimposed a blockade as Iran threatens to halt all energy exports from the region, escalating what observers describe as a ramped-up conflict over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Confirmation Hearings in Focus

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing [UPI], marking a key test for the Trump administration's top law enforcement pick. Separately, Jay Clayton is facing Senate Intelligence Committee questions over his nomination to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard [The Hill]. Democrats have expressed growing concern that the Trump administration may attempt to use intelligence agencies to interfere with midterm elections [NBC News].

ICE Policy Shift

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has paused most traffic stops following two fatal ICE-involved shootings in less than a week—one in Texas and one in Maine [NBC News]. The Department of Homeland Security suspension comes amid growing public outcry and raises questions about how the policy changes could impact the 2026 midterm elections [CBS News].

International Developments

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy is reshuffling his cabinet even as observers note positive momentum in the war against Russia [CBS News]. Meanwhile, large crowds celebrated the UK-EU treaty by crossing between Spain and Gibraltar in the early hours of Wednesday morning [Al Jazeera]. In sports, Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semifinal, setting up a matchup between England and Argentina—a rematch laden with historical tension dating to the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict [NBC News, Politico].