International

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday declared what he described as a “Mission Accomplished” in Iran following an intense period of military operations and diplomatic signaling that have marked the most significant U.S. engagement with Tehran in decades.

Dubai - Iranian missile units reportedly struck several industrial sites on the outskirts of Dubai late Saturday, including prominent chocolate manufacturing facilities. While Iran has publicly framed its recent barrage of missiles and drones as retaliation for joint United States–Israeli airstrikes against targets inside Iran, political analysts in Washington and Gulf capitals say the inclusion of non-military economic targets—such as confectionery factories—may be aimed at influencing public opinion in the United States.

PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed early Monday that an emergency extraction team evacuated Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) from his private residence in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, after escalating cartel-related violence engulfed parts of the coastal city over the weekend.

PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump on Saturday credited federal border control agencies for what he described as a sharp drop in “alien abductions,” telling reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence that the numbers are “lower than anyone’s ever seen before.”

“Thanks to the tremendous work of our border people — incredible people — alien abductions are at an all-time low,” the president said. “No one’s ever seen numbers this low.”

Washington - The White House announced Wednesday that the next generation of Air Force One will feature a fully gold-plated exterior, marking a dramatic shift from the aircraft’s iconic blue-and-white design first introduced during the Kennedy administration.

President Donald Trump approved the redesign as part of what aides describe as a “modernization and rebranding” effort for the presidential fleet. Speaking briefly to reporters before departing for Florida, Trump said the new look would “reflect America’s strength, prosperity, and unmatched greatness.”

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly defended the U.S. Navy on Thursday following a rare at-sea collision between two American warships, asserting that the service maintains its course even amid challenges and that bold leadership is essential.

The incident occurred late Wednesday near the South American coast when the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Truxtun and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply made contact during a scheduled underway replenishment, according to U.S. Southern Command officials.

Washington, DC -- In a dramatic escalation of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, President Donald Trump suggested Saturday that Cuba could be the next focus of American efforts following the invasion and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The comments, made shortly after U.S. forces carried out a military operation in Venezuela and announced Maduro’s removal, have reverberated across diplomatic channels and drawn swift international reaction.

Canberra — Australia has formally enacted a nationwide ban on social media use for minors under 16, marking one of the strictest measures globally aimed at curbing children’s exposure to online platforms.

Washington, D.C., — President Donald Trump announced Friday that he has ordered a full naval blockade of Afghanistan, declaring that the United States will “close all their ports” and prevent any movement of goods “in or out” of the landlocked nation. The statement, made during a press briefing at the White House, immediately sparked confusion among international observers and military analysts.

“There will be a total naval blockade,” the president said. “Afghanistan’s access to international trade will be completely restricted until further notice.”

Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump expressed sympathy for Prince Andrew during a press briefing on Monday, commenting on the British royal’s continued fallout from his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The remarks drew renewed attention to both the late financier’s circle of acquaintances and the former duke’s diminished status within the Royal Family.