Republican lawmakers say they will follow President Donald Trump's lead on Iran policy, even as a deadline tied to the fragile ceasefire approaches. The stance means Congress is largely sitting out the decision-making, leaving war-or-peace choices with the White House. No Republican voices of dissent were cited in the report, signaling strong party alignment with Trump's handling of the standoff. The ceasefire is described as fragile, suggesting the situation could shift quickly. What to watch: whether the deadline passes without escalation, and whether Trump moves toward a negotiated deal or military action. Congressional deference matters here because it affects how quickly the U.S. could formally commit to or exit a conflict. If talks collapse, the lack of congressional pushback gives Trump wide latitude to act. Markets sensitive to oil prices and Middle East risk will be watching the deadline closely.
Venezuela's earthquake death toll has reached 1,430 with the US Geological Survey warning fatalities could top 10,000, placing it among Latin America's deadliest in a century. US military planes are landing in Caracas, Washington is mobilising $150 million in aid, and rescue teams from 17 countries are on the ground.
Iranian armed forces attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, briefly halting traffic through the waterway. The strike threatens a fragile US-Iran arrangement and could push shipping insurance costs and oil prices higher.
The US has struck Iran, with President Trump citing an Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz as justification. The action raises immediate risks for global oil flows through one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints.
The US struck ten Iranian targets on the second consecutive day of military action, putting a fragile ceasefire under serious pressure. The escalation raises immediate risks for Gulf shipping, global oil supply, and regional stability.
