Author: Rachel Maddow

Israel Hits Iranian Defence Systems The Israeli military announced it carried out a major strike against Iran’s defence installations in the western part of the country. The operation came after joint US-Israeli airstrikes early Saturday, escalating tensions that had been rising for weeks over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran Strikes Back Across the Gulf In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on US military sites in multiple Gulf countries, sparing only Oman. US President Donald Trump framed the strikes as addressing long-standing grievances with Iran, urging citizens to eventually rise up against their government once the immediate threat had passed. Global Concern and…

Airstrikes and Retaliation After months of relative calm, violence along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has erupted once again. Early Friday, Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul and other Afghan cities, declaring “open war” following Taliban attacks on Pakistani border posts. The operation, named Ghazab lil Haq (“Righteous Fury”), reportedly killed 133 Taliban fighters and targeted key installations in Kabul and Kandahar, home to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The Afghan Taliban confirmed strikes in three provinces and said retaliatory attacks on Pakistani forces had begun. Kabul’s Defence Ministry reported eight soldiers killed, while both sides claimed to have targeted military positions along the…

De Niro Voices Frustration With U.S. Leadership Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro spoke out against Donald Trump following the State of the Union, warning that Trump “will never leave” office and urging Americans to take action. At a National Press Club event called State of the Swamp, De Niro described the country as being run by “a handful of dishonest and greedy and cruel authoritarians” and said he felt “betrayed by my country.” He also criticized Trump’s remarks about elections, saying the president “jokes now about nationalizing the elections. He’s not joking.” Trump Fires Back on Social Media In response,…

Reviving a 2020 Idea President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a major speech on Monday outlining how France could expand its nuclear deterrent to support European partners. The address, from the Île Longue peninsula — home to France’s four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines — marks the first time Macron has spoken publicly on the subject since 2020. Back then, his offer to involve other European countries in exercises largely went unnoticed, but recent geopolitical developments have given the idea new momentum. Macron is expected to emphasize that France’s initiative would complement, not compete with, the protection provided by the…

Tensions Flare Over UN Submission Kuwait is receiving strong backing from Gulf states amid a renewed maritime dispute with Iraq. The conflict intensified after Baghdad submitted updated coordinates and a map to the United Nations, claiming waters that Kuwait considers its own, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals. The northern Gulf remains a strategically vital area for shipping lanes and offshore resources, making these disagreements particularly sensitive. Regional Support and Calls for Dialogue Neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman have publicly supported Kuwait, urging all parties to respect international law. Saudi…

Legal Uncertainty Halts Progress European Parliament negotiators have suspended the EU-US trade agreement after last week’s US Supreme Court decision questioned the legality of key tariffs imposed in 2025. In response, President Donald Trump announced fresh 15% duties on imports, complicating the path forward. German MEP Bernd Lange basis has totally changed” and emphasized the need for clear assurances from Washington before resuming the deal. Parliament Seeks Stability Before Voting The pact, brokered in July 2025 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump, was already controversial in Europe for favoring the US. While it locks in 15%…

Budapest Ties Sanctions to Pipeline Repairs Hungary has announced it will block the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine restores oil deliveries to the country. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that no EU war loans or financial aid to Ukraine would proceed while Hungary’s oil supply remains cut off. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó explained that the EU would continue to withhold sanctions until the Druzhba pipeline, damaged in a Russian strike, is repaired. He added that the package, scheduled for adoption at an EU foreign ministers’ meeting on Monday, would not be supported by Hungary under the current…

Immediate Tariff Increase US President Donald Trump announced an immediate rise in global tariffs from 10% to 15%, following a Supreme Court ruling that his previous use of emergency powers to impose tariffs exceeded presidential authority. Trump argued the decision “merely overruled a particular use of IEEPA” and said other legal avenues remain available to maintain and enforce trade measures against foreign countries. Legal Limits and Alternative Tools The Supreme Court’s 6–3 ruling emphasized that the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the power to levy taxes, including tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts noted that taxing authority was never placed in the…

High Court Limits Executive Authority The US Supreme Court dealt a major blow to Donald Trump on Friday by striking down his sweeping global tariffs, ruling that he exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers. In a 6–3 decision, the court emphasized that the Constitution clearly gives Congress, not the president, the power to levy taxes and tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the Framers never intended to vest any portion of taxing authority in the executive branch. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, arguing that while the tariffs may be controversial policy-wise, they were legally…

Arrest and Property Searches Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his former role as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. Authorities confirmed that officers carried out searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. While the official statement did not name him directly, it referred to a man in his sixties who remains in custody. Andrew turned 66 on the day of his arrest. Investigators emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of their work and said updates would be provided when appropriate. Unmarked police vehicles…