Third round of strikes on Iran after Tehran moves to close Hormuz
United States Central Command (Centcom) struck Iran for the third time Saturday, after Iranian forces hit a container ship and Tehran announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy was using an unauthorized route. As of Saturday night, Centcom said one crew member was missing and the engine room badly damaged, and United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the crew was evacuated by lifeboat. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."
A national security finding on aircraft parts that ends in talks, not tariffs
Trump signed a Section 232 proclamation on commercial aircraft, jet engines and parts, and imposed no tariff. The Commerce Secretary found the imports threaten national security, citing counterfeit parts that have pulled planes from service, and then recommended against tariffs anyway. Trump agreed, sending Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to negotiate, with tariffs held in reserve if no deal lands in 180 days.
Maine Democrats have until July 27 to find a new Senate nominee
Graham Platner ended his campaign midweek and his exit became official Friday, after key allies pulled their endorsements over a new sexual assault allegation that he denies, calling it an effort to force him off the ballot. Democrats now have until July 27 to appoint someone to run against Republican Senator Susan Collins, the incumbent, in November.
Triumphal arch clears a preliminary vote, with the height law put off to September
The National Capital Planning Commission approved preliminary plans for a 250-foot arch in Virginia, near Arlington National Cemetery, by 8 to 1. It would stand more than twice the Lincoln Memorial's height and roughly half the Washington Monument's. The commission deferred a key question, whether the arch can bypass the 130-foot federal height limit in Washington, with a final vote set for September. Thousands of public comments mostly opposed the plan, and three commissioners are presidential appointees.