U.S. and Iran threaten escalation, and Robert Mueller dies: Weekend Rundown
U.S. and Iran threaten escalation, and Robert Mueller dies: Weekend Rundown
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, on Sunday argued that the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran’s infrastructure were justified, claiming that “occasionally, escalation is needed to achieve de-escalation.” His comments followed President Trump’s recent post on Truth Social, where he warned Iranian leaders they had 48 hours to open the Strait of Hormuz or risk strikes that would “hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!”
“Sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate,” Bessent said, noting that “the only language the Iranians understand” is decisive action.
Iran’s military spokesperson, Col. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, through IRNA, cautioned that U.S. strikes on fuel and energy infrastructure would trigger a reciprocal response, targeting America’s and regional regimes’ energy systems, IT networks, and desalination plants.
Robert Mueller III, the retired FBI director and former special counsel who investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election, died at 81. He joined the bureau shortly before the Sept. 11 attacks and was praised by both George W. Bush and Barack Obama for transforming its operations in the wake of the 9/11 crisis.
Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, revealed that the nation’s military is ready to counter potential U.S. aggression. “Our military is always prepared, and in fact it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression,” he told NBC News’ “Meet the Press.”
“We’re just trying to get a child out of a jail to do a spelling bee,” Accurso said, adding, “I just never thought those words would go together.”
Rachel Accurso, the beloved children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel, has shifted her focus from international advocacy to domestic action, working with legal advocates and immigration rights groups to close the Dilley, Texas family detention center. Her goal is to reunite children with their parents in their communities.
The ongoing U.S.-Cuba tensions were underscored by the nation’s recent recovery from a nationwide power outage, which had left millions without electricity for the third time this month. Cuba began restoring its energy grid Sunday, following a collapse that disrupted daily life.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has intensified its control over Russian communication, targeting Telegram, the nation’s top messaging app. Even pro-Kremlin supporters have voiced concern, warning that throttling Telegram could backfire both domestically and for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
“I can only assume that there is a lofty goal of making everything sovereign, but what’s happening right now is just sabotage,” said Grigory Korolyov, a pro-Kremlin gamer and activist.
Rachel Jordan, a 43-year-old Floridian, described a relentless work schedule, often starting at 5 a.m. and ending at midnight. “I’m just exhausted, honestly,” she admitted, reflecting the challenges faced by many Americans managing dual-income lifestyles amid early-life debts.
With over $75,000 in outstanding student loan debt, Jordan frequently works 70-hour weeks, illustrating the financial strain on millions dealing with economic hardships. The situation has become a daily grind, with little respite for those trying to keep up.
