Overview

• President Trump cut short his G7 summit trip to return to Washington and said he seeks a "real end" to hostilities rather than a simple ceasefire.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the deployment of additional military assets to the Middle East, framing the move as part of an "America First" commitment to protect U.S. personnel and interests.
• White House spokespeople swiftly denied reports that U.S. forces have engaged in combat operations against Iran.
• Defense Department spokesperson Sean Parnell posted on X that U.S. forces are maintaining their defensive posture and will continue to protect American troops and interests.
• Critics such as Joe Scarborough have faulted Hegseth’s recent interviews for relying on slogan-like platitudes instead of detailed strategic explanations.