U.S. and Iran threaten escalation, and Robert Mueller dies: Weekend Rundown
U.S. and Iran Threaten Escalation, and Robert Mueller Dies: Weekend Rundown
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s infrastructure, stating that “occasionally, escalation is necessary to achieve de-escalation.” His remarks followed President Donald Trump’s recent declaration on Truth Social, which warned Iranian leaders they had 48 hours to open the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes targeting their power plants, starting with the largest one.
“The only language the Iranians understand,” Bessent added, supporting Trump’s assertive tone.
A spokesperson for Iran’s military command headquarters warned that a U.S. attack on oil infrastructure would prompt a proportional response, stating, “If Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked, then fuel, energy, information technology systems, and desalination infrastructure used by America and the regime in the region will be struck.” Col. Ebrahim Zolfaqari made this statement through the IRNA state news agency.
Robert Mueller III Passes Away at 81
Robert Mueller III, the long-serving FBI director who later led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, passed away at 81. He joined the bureau shortly before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and worked under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who credited him with reshaping the agency following the tragedy. As a decorated Marine, Mueller became a frequent target of Trump’s criticism after his probe revealed Russia’s systematic involvement in the 2016 election, including efforts to support the then-president’s campaign.
Cuba’s Military Readiness
Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, Carlos Fernández de CossÃo, emphasized the nation’s military readiness for potential U.S. aggression, stating, “Our military is always prepared, and in fact, it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression.” He noted that while leaders “truly hope that it doesn’t occur,” they find no justification for it and consider it “naive” to ignore the threat.
Rachel Accurso Advocates for Detained Children
Rachel Accurso, the well-known children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel, has become a vocal advocate for children in war-torn regions like Gaza and Sudan. Now, she is focusing on domestic issues, collaborating with legal experts and immigration activists to close the family detention center in Dilley, Texas, and “ensure that kids and their parents are back in their communities where they belong,” she told NBC News.
Accurso shared stories from children held there, including 9-year-old Deiver Henao Jimenez, who won his school spelling bee and fears missing New Mexico’s state competition in May. “We’re just trying to get a child out of a jail to do a spelling bee,” Accurso remarked. “I just never thought those words would go together.”
Kremlin Targets Telegram in Tightening Control
The Kremlin’s increasing control over Russian life now targets the country’s most widely used messaging app. Russians, including pro-Kremlin supporters, have voiced rare public opposition to the campaign to restrict Telegram, cautioning that it could backfire both domestically and for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. The app is integral to daily life for those who support and oppose the government. However, the Kremlin is encouraging users to switch to its new “national” messenger, MAX, which many fear could be employed for surveillance as part of a broader effort to suppress freedoms since the Ukraine invasion.
“I can only assume there is a lofty goal of making everything sovereign, but what’s happening now is just sabotage,” said pro-Kremlin gamer and activist Grigory Korolyov, who uses the app to help fundraise for the Russian army.
Rachel Jordan’s Grind
For Rachel Jordan, a 43-year-old Florida resident, some days begin at 5 a.m. and end at midnight — sometimes stretching across multiple days. “I’m just exhausted, honestly,” she said. With approximately $75,000 in outstanding student loan debt, Jordan often works 70 hours per week, struggling to manage financial obligations incurred early in life.
