U.S. and Iran threaten escalation, and Robert Mueller dies: Weekend Rundown
U.S. and Iran threaten escalation, and Robert Mueller dies: Weekend Rundown
Tensions Rise Between U.S. and Iran
On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent backed the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran’s facilities, arguing that “escalation is necessary for de-escalation.” His remarks followed President Donald Trump’s earlier post on Truth Social, which warned Iranian leaders they had 48 hours to open the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes targeting their energy infrastructure, beginning with the largest plants.
“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,” said Col. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a spokesperson for Iran’s military command headquarters, according to IRNA.
Robert Mueller’s Passing
Robert Mueller III, the former FBI director who later led the investigation into Russian influence in the 2016 election, passed away at 81. He joined the bureau shortly after the September 11, 2001, attacks, helping reshape it during the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations. Mueller was also a decorated Marine and became a frequent critic of Trump following findings that Russia had systematically interfered in the election.
Cuba Prepares for Potential Conflict
Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, stated Saturday that the nation’s military is ready for “the possibility of military aggression” from the U.S. He emphasized that leaders see no justification for conflict but remain vigilant. “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.” He added, “We truly hope it doesn’t occur. We don’t see why it would have to occur.”
Advocacy for Detained Children
Rachel Accurso, the popular children’s entertainer known as Ms. Rachel, has become a prominent voice on the struggles of children in war zones like Gaza and Sudan. She now focuses on closing the family detention center in Dilley, Texas, collaborating with legal experts and activists to return children and their families to their communities. Accurso shared stories from those held there, including 9-year-old Deiver Henao Jimenez, who fears missing his school spelling bee in New Mexico.
“We’re just trying to get a child out of a jail to do a spelling bee,” Accurso said. “I just never thought those words would go together.”
Kremlin Tightens Control Over Communication
The Russian government has expanded its influence by targeting Telegram, the nation’s most widely used messaging app. Public backlash, even from pro-Kremlin figures, has emerged as users worry about surveillance under the new “national” app MAX. Pro-Kremlin activist Grigory Korolyov described the campaign as “sabotage,” suggesting it aims to undermine freedoms while supporting military efforts in Ukraine.
