Trump on himself:

I think I am more popular than I have ever been.

Trump on Iran:

You could really say we have regime change—because they are all dead.

The U.S. Treasury announced that new dollar bills will feature Trump’s signature to mark America’s 250th anniversary—making him the first sitting president to appear on U.S. paper currency.

The U.S. has confirmed it is using uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols in its operations against Iran—marking the first known use of such vessels in an active conflict.

The Pentagon said the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) drones have logged over 450 hours and 2,200 nautical miles during “Operation Epic Fury.”

These boats can be used for surveillance and potential strike missions.

Source: Reuters

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Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, writing in Bari Weiss’s Free Press, argues that the U.S. should seize Kharg Island.

He acknowledges the operation would be massive—requiring thousands of troops, sustained air and naval support, and likely costing lives—but still considers the risk worth taking.

The burden of that risk would fall on U.S. soldiers landing on the island.

Trump:

I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports.

It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it! I want to thank our hardworking TSA Agents and also, ICE, for the incredible help they have given us at the Airports.

I will not allow the Radical Left Democrats to hold our Country hostage any longer.

Iran hasn’t asked for a pause in strikes on its energy sites, according to mediators, contradicting Trump’s claim that Tehran requested a 10-day halt.

Source: WSJ

BIG: The White House and Pentagon are considering sending 10,000 more U.S. combat troops to the Middle East.

The decision is expected next week and comes as the administration weighs military options against Iran, including possible ground operations.

Source: Axios

The UAE is pushing to form a multinational naval force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

It’s willing to deploy its own navy and is lobbying allies and the UN for support.

Only Bahrain has backed the plan so far, while others remain cautious.

Source: FT

Israeli military intelligence is increasingly skeptical that the current war will lead to regime change in Iran anytime soon.

Despite weeks of heavy US-Israeli airstrikes, officials say there are no clear signs of internal collapse, such as defections or loss of control.

Israel is now focusing on destroying military infrastructure rather than directly destabilizing the government.

Source: FT

Trump is considering escalating the conflict with Iran if diplomacy fails, but all remaining options carry serious risks.

Military plans include sending troops to seize key targets like nuclear sites or oil infrastructure, yet these operations could lead to heavy casualties and may not end the war.

Many officials believe further escalation would require ground troops, but that could trigger wider conflict, including attacks on energy facilities and shipping routes.

Source: CNN

Netanyahu plans to extend mandatory military service due to a major troop shortage.

Source: Kan News

Reporter: We have not been able to see or hear from any of the Iranian people. Do they have drinking water and food?

Trump: Do you remember when we had lunch years ago at Trump Tower? You have not changed. You may be even better looking.

The U.S. Army is increasing the maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42 to expand its recruiting pool.

The Army will also allow applicants with one marijuana-related conviction.

Officials say the move is part of a long-term effort to address recruiting shortages.

Source: ABC News

Iran has heavily damaged multiple U.S. military bases in the Middle East, forcing many American troops to leave and operate from hotels and temporary locations.

Key bases in countries like Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have been hit, with casualties and damaged equipment.

Source: NYT