4 hours ago
Pinned
Congress to vote on DHS funding as Iran-linked homeland security concerns grow
The House and Senate are set to take votes Thursday on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as concerns grow about potential Iran-linked threats inside the United States.
The Senate will hold a procedural vote around 1:45 p.m. on a motion to advance the DHS funding bill.
The same vote failed in February after Democrats declined to provide enough support to clear the 60-vote filibuster threshold, and it is expected to fail again.
Later Thursday afternoon, the House is expected to vote on a separate bill to fund DHS. House GOP leaders expect that measure to pass with Republican support and some Democratic votes.
The votes come as a DHS memo circulated to law enforcement agencies warned of potential cyberattacks or lone-wolf violence following the strikes on Iran.
Congress has been locked in a weeks-long standoff over immigration policy tied to DHS funding.
Fox News Digital's Charles Creitz contributed to this reporting.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
10 mins ago
Qatar Airways says it will begin a limited number of relief flights for stranded passengers
Qatar Airways announced Wednesday it is offering a limited number of relief flights to assist stranded passengers amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East following U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran.
The flights will begin on Thursday, with flights from Muscat, Oman, to London, Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid, Rome and Amsterdam already planned. A flight from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Frankfurt, Germany, is also scheduled.
Passengers are urged not to travel to the airport unless they have received an official notification from Qatar Airways for these flights. The airline will contact affected passengers directly with their assigned flight details, travel arrangements and next steps.
"Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace," the airline said on X. "Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities."
"The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. We apologise for the disruption caused by circumstances beyond our control due to the temporary airspace closure and thank you for your patience," the post added.
Posted by Landon Mion
1 hour ago
CENTCOM says it is 'finding and destroying' Iranian threats with 'lethal precision'
U.S. Central Command on Wednesday said it is continuing to take down Iran's mobile missile launch capabilities and that the threats are being destroyed with "lethal precision."
"The effort to eliminate the Iranian regime's mobile missile launch capabilities continues," CENTCOM wrote on X, along with a clip of a strike on an Iranian target.
"We are finding and destroying these threats with lethal precision," the post continued.
Posted by Landon Mion
2 hours ago
1st Charter flight carrying US citizens leaves Middle East, State Department says
The State Department announced on Wednesday that its first charter flight carrying American citizens left the Middle East and was headed back to the U.S.
"Today, a Department of State charter flight of American citizens departed the Middle East in route to the United States, as part of our ongoing efforts to assist Americans return home," the department said on X.
"Additional flights will be surged across the region," the post continued.
American citizens in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel who are interested in the State Department's charter flight or ground transportation options are urged to complete the Crisis Intake Form or contact the department's 24/7 Task Force.
Posted by Landon Mion
3 hours ago
Gov Abbott alerts Texans to safety resources amid ongoing conflict in Iran
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday notified Texans at home and abroad of safety protocols and resources over the escalating conflict in the Middle East that could pose a threat to American civilians.
The governor said Americans around the world, particularly those located in the Middle East, should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
"The safety and well-being of Texans are paramount," Abbott said in a statement. "Now more than ever, Texans must remain vigilant and follow the guidance of U.S. officials as military action continues overseas. The State of Texas is actively coordinating with our federal partners to safeguard Texans abroad and at home from hostile foreign actors."
Abbott's office urged Texans to monitor travel advisories and security alerts issued by the U.S. Department of State and their closest U.S. embassy or consulate, call the Department of State or Texas Fusion Center, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program with a U.S. embassy to receive real-time alerts, maintain contact with family, avoid high risk areas and follow local and federal directives such as shelter in place orders.
Americans should also keep copies of important documents, emergency contact numbers for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and ensure they have a reliable means of communication, the governor's office said.
Posted by Landon Mion
5 hours ago
China says it will send special envoy to Middle East to push mediation
China said Wednesday it will send a special envoy to the Middle East to conduct mediation efforts as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to escalate.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the announcement during phone calls with United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, according to a statement shared by the Chinese Embassy in the United States.
China’s special envoy on Middle East affairs will travel to countries in the region to pursue diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
Breaking News5 hours ago
Pentagon identifies fifth and sixth soldiers killed in Kuwait attack
The Department of War on Wednesday identified another U.S. service member killed in a drone attack in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury, and said a second soldier is believed to have also died in the same strike.
Army Reserve Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, died March 1 at Port Shuaiba during what officials described as an unmanned aircraft system attack. O’Brien was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa.
O’Brien’s awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.
In a separate release, the Department of War said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan is believed to have been killed in the same attack.
Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, was at the scene of the incident and “is believed to be the individual who perished at the scene,” according to a military release. Officials said positive identification will be completed by a medical examiner.
Marzan was also assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa. The Pentagon previously confirmed that multiple U.S. service members were killed in the attack. The incident remains under investigation.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
6 hours ago
CENTCOM releases “100 Hours” video touting Operation Epic Fury progress
U.S. Central Command released a video Wednesday touting the first “100 Hours” of Operation Epic Fury as U.S. and allied forces continue strikes against Iran.In the video, officials describe the campaign as “the most lethal, most complex, and most precise aerial operation in history.”
“Our military in the Middle East is undertaking an unprecedented operation to eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten Americans, as they’ve been doing for nearly half a century,” a narrator says.
“We didn’t start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it,” another voice says.
“Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved.”
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
6 hours ago
Condoleezza Rice says Iran ‘has been at war with us’ for decades amid conflict
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday that Iran has posed a long-standing threat to the United States as the war in the Middle East escalates.
“Iran has been at war with us for at least 47 years, all the way from 1979,” Rice said in an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier on "Special Report."
“They took our embassy hostage… They were responsible for the killings of 300 plus Marines in Lebanon,” she added, noting that Iranian-made roadside bombs were responsible for a large share of U.S. casualties in Iraq.
Rice said the current U.S. objective of weakening Iran’s military capabilities is a “worthy goal.”
“If you can render Iran essentially incapable of military action against us and against our allies, that’s worthy,” she said.
Rice also cautioned that the aftermath of the conflict could be complex given Iran’s large population and diverse ethnic groups.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
7 hours ago
Operation Epic Fury survives Senate challenge as Republicans close ranks behind Trump
Senate Republicans closed ranks Wednesday, handing President Donald Trump a win on his use of force in Iran, despite lingering questions about America’s involvement in the Middle East.
The Senate shot down a resolution from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., aimed at limiting Trump’s military actions in Iran on Wednesday, following days of speculation about whether Republicans would cross the aisle — as they have done before — to reprimand the president.
The administration pushed hard to lobby support for Operation Epic Fury, holding several briefings with Congress to make its case. It appeared to work, at least for now, convincing some Republicans on the fence to back continued military action in Iran.
Only Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voted in favor of the resolution, while Sen. Jon Fetterman, D-Pa., was the lone Democrat to cross the aisle in support.
Democrats argued that Trump’s actions were another instance of him disregarding Congress’ authority to use military force, that they lacked a clear strategy going forward and, further, that they were yet another campaign promise he had broken.
"It's time for the president to keep promises, not break them," Kaine said ahead of the vote. "That's why I'm so glad that we're going to put everybody on the record … Nobody gets to hide and give the president an easy pass or an end run around the Constitution."
Democrats also seized on the administration’s refusal to rule out sending U.S. troops into Iran.
"They refuse to take off the table the insertion of ground troops," said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., warning the conflict could expand beyond air and naval operations. "This is going to make the operations in Libya look like child’s play."
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who previously supported a resolution to rein in Trump’s war powers in Venezuela, said he would oppose the latest effort.
But like last time, he said a ground operation would require congressional approval.
"I’ve always said that committing ground troops would be something I think would require immediate congressional authorization, but that doesn’t appear to be on the immediate horizon," Hawley said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., argued that the goalposts kept moving for the administration, which he said was a clear sign that "a strategy is missing."
This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News Digital's Alex Miller and Morgan Phillips.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
7 hours ago
Hegseth to visit CENTCOM headquarters for Operation Epic Fury briefing
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will visit U.S. Central Command headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday for updates on Operation Epic Fury, the Pentagon said.
During the visit, Hegseth is expected to meet with CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper to receive the latest operational briefings on the ongoing campaign against Iran.
U.S. and partner forces launched Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, with the stated goal of dismantling the Iranian regime’s security apparatus and targeting sites posing imminent threats.
According to CENTCOM, the first four days of the operation included more than 2,000 strikes using over 2,000 precision munitions launched from air, land and sea.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
9 hours ago
CENTCOM blasts Iranian claims of US losses as ‘fake news,’ says strikes expanding
U.S. Central Command on Wednesday dismissed a series of Iranian claims about the conflict as “fake news,” saying the regime is spreading false reports about U.S. losses.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said Iranian officials falsely claimed that U.S. forces were withdrawing from the region, had lost fighter aircraft and a destroyer and that 100 U.S. Marines had been killed.
“ALL LIES,” CENTCOM said.
The command said U.S. forces are instead expanding strikes deeper into Iranian airspace and have already sunk more than 20 Iranian vessels.
CENTCOM also said Iranian drone launches have dropped 73% and ballistic missile launches 86% since the start of the operation.
“U.S. military power projection capability is unmatched,” the command added.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
Breaking News9 hours ago
Thousands of Kurds cross from Iraq and launch ground offensive in Iran, US official tells Fox News
Thousands of Kurds have crossed from Iraq and launched a ground offensive in Iran, a U.S. official told Fox News.
Sources tell Fox News many of the fighters are Iranian Kurds who had been living in Iraq for years and are now returning to northwestern Iran as part of the offensive.
The fighters are believed to be Iranian-Kurdish militias seeking to spark a broader uprising against the remnants of Iran’s regime, according to sources familiar with the development.
Earlier Wednesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military is not arming an insurgency inside Iran, though he suggested other parts of the U.S. government could potentially be involved.
At the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied reports that the Trump administration has agreed to arm Kurdish forces.
Iraq’s Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Erbil said that “not a single Iraqi Kurd has crossed the border.”
Meanwhile, an Israeli official source said on background that Israel is supporting Kurdish militias operating inside the country.
“We are supporting Kurdish militias in Western Iran,” the source said. “The purpose is to try to control areas inside Iran in order to challenge the regime to give strength to a wider uprising.”
Fox News' Jennifer Griffin contributed to this reporting.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
10 hours ago
US strikes kill Iran covert unit leader tied to Trump assassination plot
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that the leader of an Iranian covert unit tied to an assassination plot against President Donald Trump was killed during U.S. strikes on Iran.
The official was connected to the same plot at the center of the federal trial of Asif Merchant in New York, according to the administration.
Merchant, a Pakistani national, is accused of working with Tehran to assassinate Trump.
“Also yesterday, the leader of the unit who attempted to assassinate President Trump has been hunted down and killed,” Hegseth said during a Pentagon briefing.
“Iran tried to kill President Trump. And President Trump got the last laugh.”
Fox News' Alexis McAdams contributed to this reporting.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
Breaking News10 hours ago
Trump says US in 'very strong position' in Iran war after strikes
President Donald Trump said Wednesday the United States is in a “very strong position now” in the war with Iran following a series of U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting the country’s military capabilities.
“We’re doing very well on the war front, to put it mildly,” Trump said, speaking from the White House's Indian Treaty Room. “Somebody said on a scale of 10, where would you rate it? I said about a 15.”
Trump added the U.S. military campaign has significantly degraded Iran’s missile arsenal.
“Their missiles are being wiped out rapidly. Their launchers are being wiped out,” he said.
Trump also said Iran had posed a threat to the United States and Israel for decades.“That was a tremendous threat to us for many years,” he said. “For 47 years they have been killing our people and killing people from all over the world.”
“We’re in a very strong position now,” Trump added. “It’s a great display of military strength.”
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
10 hours ago
Israel strikes dozens of Iranian ballistic missile launchers as Iran war continues
The Israeli Air Force carried out wide-scale strikes Wednesday targeting dozens of ballistic missile assets in western and central Iran, the Israel Defense Forces said.
According to the IDF, the strikes dismantled multiple components of Iran’s ballistic missile array, including launchers and air defense systems that posed a threat to Israeli aircraft.
Some of the missile launchers were hit while Iranian operatives were preparing to fire them toward Israeli territory, the IDF said.
The military said the strikes are part of the ongoing Operatio Roaring Lion aimed at degrading Iran’s missile capabilities and reducing the volume of fire directed at Israel.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
11 hours ago
US embassy orders Americans to leave Iraq as Iran threat grows
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday urged American citizens to leave Iraq as soon as it is safe to do so as regional tensions continue to rise.
In a security alert shared on X, the embassy advised Americans to depart “as soon as circumstances permit” and remain at their residences until conditions allow for safe travel.
The State Department previously ordered nonessential U.S. government personnel to leave Iraq on March 2 due to the risk of armed conflict.
Officials also warned of violent protests targeting the United States, particularly near the July 14 Bridge and Tahrir Square in Baghdad, and said calls are increasing for demonstrations across the country.
The embassy said Iraq’s airspace remains closed and noted that Iran and Iran-backed militias continue to pose a serious threat in the country.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr
11 hours ago
Leavitt responds to questions about Iranian regime change, possibility of US troops on the ground
When asked whether the Trump administration was pursing regime change in Iran, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded, “As the president has said numerous times, do we want to see Iran being led by a rogue terrorist regime? No, of course not."
"So any day the United States of America is taking out a terrorist is a good day for our country and a good day for our people," Leavitt said.
Leavitt said she believes President Donald Trump is "actively considering" the United States' role should the Iranian regime be overthrown but stressed that right now, the focus "is on ensuring the quick and effective success of Operation Epic Fury."
Leavitt said putting U.S. boots on the ground in Iran is “not part of the plan for this operation at this time, but I certainly will never take away military options on behalf of the president of the United States or the commander in chief."
“And he wisely does not do the same for himself,” Leavitt said of Trump. “I know there's many leaders in the past who like to take options off of the table without having a full understanding of how things could develop. So again, it's not part of the current plan, but I'm not going to remove an option for the president that is on the table.”
Leavitt also said, “The United States of America has more than enough capability to not only successfully execute Operation Epic Fury, but to go much further,” and, “We have weapons stockpiles in places that many people in this world don't even know about.”
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
11 hours ago
Spain agreed to cooperate with US military, Iran 'also threatens our European allies,' Leavitt says
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Spain has “agreed to cooperate” with the U.S. military after President Donald Trump said the day before that Madrid had indicated Washington could not use certain Spanish bases in support of Operation Epic Fury.
Trump on Tuesday had threatened to cut off trade with Spain, accusing the NATO ally of failing to meet defense spending commitments and refusing to allow U.S. forces to use Spanish bases to support operations related to strikes against Iran.
"With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president's message yesterday loud and clear. And it's my understanding over the past several hours, they've agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military,” Leavitt said.
“And so I know that the U.S. military is coordinating with their counterparts in Spain. But the president expects all Europe, all of our European allies, of course, to cooperate in this long sought-after mission, not just for the United States, but also for Europe to crush the rogue Iranian regime that, again, not only threatens America, but also threatens our European allies as well,” Leavitt added.
Fox News Digital's Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
12 hours ago
White House outlines Trump administration’s goals with Operation Epic Fury
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that Operation Epic Fury has four key objectives.
“At the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, launched last weekend, President Trump laid out clear objectives to the American people on what the U.S. military seeks to accomplish through these major combat operations. Number one, destroy the regime's deadly ballistic missiles and completely raze their missile industry to the ground,” Leavitt said.
“Number two, annihilate the Iranian regime's navy. And so far, we have destroyed more than 20 Iranian ships, including their top submarine last night, using a torpedo for the first time since World War II. There is not a single Iranian ship underway in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz or the Gulf of Oman,” she continued.
“Number three, Operation Epic Fury will ensure the regime's terrorist proxies in the region can no longer destabilize the region or the free world and attack our armed forces. And thus far, Iran's proxies are hardly putting up a fight,” Leavitt added.
“Number four, this mission will guarantee that Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon,” Leavitt also said. “It's safe to say that thus far, Operation Epic Fury has been a resounding success.”
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
12 hours ago
White House: President Trump to attend dignified transfer of US service members killed in Kuwait
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that President Donald Trump will attend the dignified transfer of the six U.S. service members who were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait.
"President Trump intends to attend the dignified transfer of these American heroes to stand in grief alongside their families. I understand the Department of War is working on scheduling this transfer, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time," Leavitt said about the future event at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
"They laid down their lives in defense of our country, and we will never forget their legacy or their sacrifice. As the president said, we grieve for these American patriots and their families as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives," she added.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
12 hours ago
Iran's 'murderous terrorist leaders are paying for their crimes against America,' White House says
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that, "Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the rogue Iranian terrorist regime is being absolutely crushed."
"Forty-seven years of tolerating and enabling the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism are over," she said in the first White House press briefing since the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
"Iran's murderous terrorist leaders are paying for their crimes against America, and they are paying in blood. Since 1979, the terrorist Iranian regime has actively and intentionally facilitated the killings of Americans," Leavitt added. "They chant 'Death to America' and fund other radical terrorists who attack our country and are seeking to destroy Western civilization itself."
"After years of endless appeasement and empty statements from politicians on both sides of the political aisle in this town, President Trump is finally the man of action," she also said. "President Trump is holding these monsters accountable and permanently extinguishing their nuclear ambitions. Future generations of Americans will look to this moment as the moment where the specter of a nuclear armed Iran ended."
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
13 hours ago
Drake University is 'heartbroken' that student was among 6 US service members killed in Kuwait
Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, said Wednesday it is "heartbroken to learn that Declan Coady — a well-loved and highly dedicated Drake University student studying information systems, cybersecurity, and computer science — was confirmed to be among the six U.S. service members killed in Kuwait on Sunday."
"He has bravely served in the U.S. Army Reserves since 2023 as an Information Technologies Specialist and had an incredibly bright future ahead of him. In moments like these, we must all come together to show much-needed love and compassion for the Coady family through this incredibly difficult time," it added in a post on X.
The other fallen service members were identified as Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida. Two additional U.S. service members killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified.
Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace and Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
13 hours ago
17,500 American citizens have returned to US soil since beginning of Operation Epic Fury: official
A senior official told Fox News on Wednesday that 17,500 American citizens have returned to U.S. soil since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday.
The official said the State Department is currently in contact with another 6,000 U.S. citizens in the Middle East who are actively looking to depart the region during the conflict with Iran.
On Tuesday, 8,500 U.S. citizens returned home, the official added.
Fox News' Gillian Turner contributed to this report.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
14 hours ago
Middle East cruise nightmare deepens as Iran airstrikes leave passengers stranded
As the Middle East conflict escalates, many cruise passengers in the region have been left stranded, searching for ways to get home.
Celestyal Journey, Celestyal Discovery and MSC Euribia all were grounded in the last few days.
Thousands of passengers were on ships in the affected areas during the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Many of the vessels have been ordered to halt all activity, Fox News Digital has learned.
"MSC Cruises is working continuously with airline partners in the region, particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure return flights for our guests," MSC Cruises told Fox News Digital in a statement.
The highly limited number of flights is creating another layer of chaos.
"We are requesting priority for our guests from our partners. At present, airlines [that are] operating flights have indicated that they will follow an order of priority based on the original flight date," MSC Cruises continued.
Posted by Jessica Mekles
14 hours ago
Striking image shows people standing by fallen missile in Syria near airport
A photo showed people in Syria standing next to a missile that fell from the sky as the U.S. and Israel continue their assault on Iran and Iran launches retaliatory strikes across the region.
The missile fell near Qamishli International Airport, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Qamishli, Syria. People were seen standing next to the massive projectile seen head down in dirt in a field.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
15 hours ago
CENTCOM says long-range Precision Strike Missiles used in Iran conflict, a 'historic first'
U.S. Central Command said Wednesday that, "In a historic first, long-range Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) were used in combat during Operation Epic Fury, providing an unrivaled deep strike capability."
It released a video on X showing the missiles being launched towards their targets.
“I just could not be prouder of our men and women in uniform leveraging innovation to create dilemmas for the enemy,” CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
15 hours ago
CENTCOM says US struck or sunk over 20 Iranian ships, including 'Soleimani-class warship'
U.S. Central Command announced Wednesday that American forces have "struck or sunk" more than 20 Iranian ships during Operation Epic Fury.
"U.S. forces have struck or sunk to the bottom of the ocean more than 20 ships from the Iranian regime. Last night, CENTCOM added a Soleimani-class warship to the list," it wrote on X.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Wednesday morning at the Pentagon that, “Last night we sunk their prize ship, the Soleimani."
"Looks like POTUS got him twice," Hegseth added, referencing how President Donald Trump ordered the 2020 killing of the ship's namesake, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Qasem Soleimani.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
15 hours ago
Retired Marine shares 'deeply personal' impact on veterans after US casualties rise to 6
Maj. Chris Lovell, a retired Marine and CEO of Lovell Government Services, told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that, “Every time an American service member is killed, it hits the veteran community in a deeply personal way.”
Lovell spoke after six U.S. soldiers were killed in a March 1 drone attack in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury.
“We know the training, the sacrifice, and the sense of duty that led them to raise their right hand. Whether you support the mission or question it, their service and their sacrifice deserve honor and respect,” Lovell said.
“For veterans, the cost of war is never theoretical. It’s faces, families, folded flags, and phone calls that change lives forever,” he added. “We owe it to those who were killed to remember that freedom carries a human cost, and that cost is borne by a very small percentage of Americans who volunteer to serve.”
Fox News Digital's Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
15 hours ago
Iranian Guard threatens 'complete destruction' of region's infrastructure
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday threatened the “complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure.”
“The continued mischief and deception by the United States in the region will come at the cost of the complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure,” read a statement aired on state television, according to The Associated Press.
The IRGC also alleged, without evidence, that U.S. forces are using “civilian facilities... as cover.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
15 hours ago
New images, video show torpedo fired from US submarine slamming into and sinking Iranian warship
Dramatic images and video released by the Department of War on Wednesday show the sinking of an Iranian warship by a U.S. submarine in the Indian Ocean.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that the Iranian warship “thought it was safe in international waters.
“Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. Quiet death. The first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II,” Hegseth added.
Video and images show the warship being jolted out of the water during a torpedo strike, before later sinking.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
16 hours ago
Israel hammers Iranian internal security command centers to open door to uprising
The Israeli military's latest wave of airstrikes in Iran dealt a serious blow to the country's brutal internal security apparatus, opening the door for a potential uprising.
During the strikes, Israel "dropped dozens of munitions on the Basij and internal security command centers that are subject to the Iranian terror regime," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Wednesday. "The targeted command centers were used by the Iranian regime to maintain control throughout Iran and maintain the regime’s situational assessments."
Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. has hit nearly 2,000 targets as it carries out a sweeping military campaign aimed at dismantling the regime's security apparatus and neutralizing threats. Adm. Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command confirmed the number of targets hit in a video message.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia, Iran's volunteer paramilitary force, were behind the violent crackdown on protesters in January. The bloody crackdown saw regime actors firing on crowds and conducting mass arrests of Iranian protesters. Some had seen the protests as a sign that regime change in Iran was getting nearer, though it did not occur.
Israeli and U.S. officials have hinted at the possibility of regime change in Iran as both countries take aim at Tehran's military and security sites.
Posted by Rachel Wolf
16 hours ago
Fallen US soldiers in Operation Epic Fury remembered as patriotic, dedicated
The four identified U.S. soldiers killed in a March 1 drone attack in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury were described as a martial arts instructor father who was a proven leader, a "spitfire" mother of two, a patriotic history buff who followed his calling in life, and a 20-year-old whose dedication foretold a bright future.
The fallen service members were identified as Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa. Two additional soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified.
All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, which provides logistical and operational support to U.S. forces overseas.
The soldiers were killed at the Port of Shuaiba during what officials described as an unmanned aircraft system attack. Officials said the incident remains under investigation.
Posted by Stephen Sorace
17 hours ago
Iran ‘cannot outlast’ the US in a fight, Hegseth says
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared Wednesday that Iran “cannot outlast” the U.S. in a conflict.
“Iran cannot outlast us. We are going to ensure through violence of action and our offensive capabilities and our defensive capabilities, as I said, that we set the tone and the tempo of this fight,” Hegseth said.
“That's why stories and speculation about different things that try to make it look like we're limited in what we can do, the only limits we have on this is, is President Trump's desire to achieve specific effects on behalf of the American people. And that's why we don't talk about, you know, you can say for weeks, but it could be six. It could be eight, it could be three,” he continued.
“Ultimately, we set the pace and the tempo,” Hegseth said. “The enemy is off balance, and we're going to keep them off balance.”
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
17 hours ago
US submarine sinks Iranian warship by torpedo in a first since World War II
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that an American submarine sank an Iranian warship with a torpedo in a first since World War II.
The attack took place in international waters in the Indian Ocean, Hegseth announced.
"The Iranian Navy rests at the bottom of the Persian Gulf. Combat ineffective, decimated, destroyed, defeated. Pick your adjective,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth added that the U.S. sank Iran's "prized" Shahid Soleimani warship.
“Looks like POTUS got him twice,” Hegseth said.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said, "For the first time since 1945, a United States Navy fast attack submarine has sunk an enemy combatant ship, using a single Mark 48 torpedo to achieve immediate effect, sending the warship to the bottom of the sea. I want to remind everybody that this is an incredible demonstration of America's global reach to hunt, find, and kill."
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
17 hours ago
More bombers and fighters arriving today in war against Iran, Hegseth says
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that more U.S. military assets are arriving in the region for the conflict against Iran.
“Iran's capabilities are evaporating by the hour, while American strength grows fiercer, smarter and utterly dominant,” Hegseth said at the Pentagon alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.
“More bombers and more fighters are arriving just today and now, with complete control of the skies, we will be using 500-pound, 1,000- pound and 2,000 pound GPS and laser-guided precision gravity bombs, of which we have a nearly unlimited stockpile. We used more exquisite standoff munitions at the start, but no longer need to. Our stockpiles of those, as well as Patriots remains extremely strong,” Hegseth said.
“The enemy can no longer shoot the volume of missiles they once did. Not even close. And the chairman will lay out some of those percentages. So our air defenses and that of our allies have plenty of runway. We can sustain this fight easily for as long as we need to,” he added.
Caine said, “Iran's theater ballistic missile shots fired are down 86% from the first day of fighting, with a 23% decrease just in the last 24 hours.”
“And their one-way attack drone shots are down 73% from the opening days. This progress has allowed CENTCOM to establish localized air superiority across the southern flank of the Iranian coast and penetrate their defenses with overwhelming precision and firepower,” Caine added.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
17 hours ago
US 'winning decisively' against Iran, will have 'complete control' of airspace within days: Hegseth
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that the United States is winning “decisively” against Iran and it will have “complete control” over the country’s airspace in the coming days.
“I stand before you today with one unmistakable message about Operation Epic Fury. America is winning -- decisively, devastatingly and without mercy,” Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon.
“Under the direct command of President Trump, the War Department unleashed this operation early Saturday morning. Just four days ago. Which means we need to remember two things. First, we are only four days into this. Metrics are shifting, dust is settling, and more forces are arriving. It's very early. And as President Trump has said, we will take all the time we need to make sure that we succeed,” he continued.
“Second, we are only four days into this and the results have been incredible. Historic, really. Only the United States of America could lead this. Only us. But when you add the Israeli Defense Forces, a devastatingly capable force, the combination is sheer destruction for our radical Islamist Iranian adversaries. They are toast and they know it. Or at least soon enough they will know it. And we have only just begun to hunt, dismantle, demoralize, destroy and defeat their capabilities," Hegseth added.
“The two most powerful air forces in the world will have complete control of Iranian skies. Uncontested airspace,” he also said.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
18 hours ago
Hegseth, Caine to hold briefing on Operation Epic Fury
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are set to hold a briefing at the Pentagon at 8 a.m. ET on U.S. military activity against Iran.
The joint U.S.-Israel assault on Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion, entered its fifth day on Wednesday.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
18 hours ago
Video shows Israeli air force strikes targeting Hezbollah terror infrastructure in Beirut
Video released Wednesday captured the Israeli military striking Hezbollah terror infrastructure in Beirut, Lebanon.
The Israel Defense Forces said, “Targets included an underground weapon storage facility and additional command centers.”
“The IDF also targeted a site used by Hezbollah for terrorist attacks, intelligence gathering, and for propaganda. The infrastructures struck were intended to be used by Hezbollah to execute terrorist attacks against IDF troops and Israeli residents,” according to the IDF.
“The IDF is operating with determination and force against Hezbollah as a result of the terrorist organization’s decision to deliberately attack Israel in defense of the Iranian terrorist regime,” it also said. “The IDF will not tolerate any harm to be caused to the residents of the State of Israel.”
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
18 hours ago
Iran, Hezbollah launch combined attack on Israel, IDF confirms
Iran and the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah launched a combined attack on Israel Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed.
Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst described the attack as “significant,” coming after an eight-hour lull in Iranian launches.
“The Americans and the Israelis are doing everything they can to neutralize that ballistic missile threat and they have been quite successful so far,” Yingst said on “FOX & Friends.”
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
18 hours ago
NATO defenses shoot down Iranian missile fired toward Turkey, defense ministry says
A ballistic missile launched from Iran towards Turkey’s airspace on Wednesday was intercepted by NATO defense systems, Turkey’s defense ministry said.
A ministry statement said the missile was detected after crossing the Iraqi and Syrian airspace and was intercepted by NATO units stationed in the eastern Mediterranean.
Debris from the missile fell into a district of Hatay province, near Turkey’s border with Syria, The Associated Press reported. There were no casualties.
“Every step taken to defend our territory and airspace will be taken resolutely and without hesitation,” Turkey’s defense ministry said. “We remind all parties that we reserve the right to respond to any hostile actions against our country.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
19 hours ago
Israel says F-35 shot down Iranian fighter jet over Tehran in first reported air-to-air kill
Israel’s military said Wednesday that one of its F-35 stealth fighter jets shot down a piloted Iranian Air Force aircraft over Tehran, marking the first reported air-to-air combat kill of a manned Iranian jet since the war began.
The Israeli military identified the aircraft as a YAK-130 fighter and said the engagement took place inside Iranian airspace as Israeli forces continued what they described as broad-scale strikes across the capital.
The incident would represent a significant escalation in the conflict, signaling that Iran has deployed piloted combat aircraft in response to ongoing U.S.-Israeli operations. It also marks the first shootdown in history of a manned fighter aircraft by an F-35 fighter jet.
Posted by Bradford Betz
19 hours ago
Iran missile strikes Al-Udeid base hosting US forces in Qatar, no injuries reported
Iran struck Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar with a missile Wednesday, Qatari defense officials confirmed, escalating Tehran’s campaign against U.S.-linked military sites across the Gulf.
No casualties were reported, and U.S. personnel assigned to the installation were accounted for, according to Qatari authorities. The extent of damage has not yet been disclosed.
Al-Udeid serves as a central hub for American air operations in the Middle East and houses forward elements of U.S. Central Command. The base has played a key role in coordinating air defenses and strike missions since the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
The strike comes amid a widening pattern of Iranian retaliation that has included missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, Gulf partners and diplomatic compounds in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. officials have not yet detailed whether additional defensive or retaliatory measures are being considered.
Posted by Bradford Betz
19 hours ago
Israel warns Iran’s next supreme leader will be ‘target for elimination’
Israel’s defense minister warned Wednesday that whoever is chosen to replace slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be considered “a target for elimination” if they continue policies threatening Israel, the United States and regional allies.
The statement comes as Iran’s Assembly of Experts moves to select a successor following Khamenei’s death in an Israeli strike at the outset of the war. Israeli forces have already targeted locations tied to Iran’s clerical leadership structure, signaling the campaign is aimed not only at degrading military capabilities but also at preventing the reconstitution of regime leadership.
The warning marks a dramatic escalation in rhetoric, underscoring Israel’s position that any future Iranian leader who maintains Tehran’s hostile posture could face direct military action. Iranian officials have not publicly responded to the threat.
Posted by Bradford Betz
