us defense secretary

Senator Lindsey Graham has questioned Pakistan's credibility as a mediator in US-Iran negotiations, citing reports of Iranian military aircraft using Pakistani bases. Pakistan denies these claims, stating aircraft were for diplomatic arrangements. Broader scrutiny of Pakistan's mediation role has emerged within the Trump administration due to stalled talks and Iran's response to peace proposals.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion military budget amid congressional scrutiny over the Iran war's escalating costs, now at $29 billion. Lawmakers questioned the strain on weapons stockpiles, while Hegseth acknowledged increased production to support ongoing operations and future needs.

Taiwan asserted that U.S. arms sales are protected by American law, aiming to reassure its citizens after the Trump-Xi summit. Taipei emphasized its commitment to deepening strategic ties with the United States, stressing that military assistance is not a negotiable concession with China.

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson claims President Trump considered a nuclear strike on Iran. He alleges Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine firmly rejected the idea, preventing its execution. Johnson explained the military chain of command and the potential for Caine's resignation if overruled, adding context to Trump's subsequent public statements against nuclear use.

During his recent trip to Beijing, President Trump showcased a willingness to engage in conversations about US arms sales to Taiwan, confident that his personal bond with Xi Jinping would act as a buffer against any potential Chinese aggression. The visit, primarily focused on enhancing trade relations, also included key American business leaders.

A recent prayer event in Washington, backed by the White House, has sparked debate about religion and nationalism. Thousands gathered for 'Rededicate 250,' with speakers advocating for America to be a Christian nation. This event highlights a trend of merging American identity with Christianity, a move critics liken to a 'Make America Christian' project.

The Trump-Xi summit yielded no major breakthroughs, with both leaders sticking to their strategic interests, particularly concerning Taiwan. Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine, met with Ukrainian drone strikes deep into Russia, highlight Moscow's continued aggression. Latvia's government collapsed over a drone incident, underscoring regional security concerns. Meanwhile, a joint US-Nigeria operation eliminated the Islamic State's No. 2 leader in Nigeria.

President Trump has halted 'Project Freedom,' a US military initiative to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing requests from Pakistan and progress toward a deal with Iran. This pause comes after the US declared the offensive phase of 'Operation Epic Fury' complete, emphasizing defensive actions in the region.

Japan defence chief visits Philippines to deepen security ties, witness combat exercise

The NSA is testing Anthropic's advanced AI model, Mythos, to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Microsoft products. This initiative highlights the agency's growing interest in AI-driven security testing, with officials impressed by the model's speed and efficiency in detecting weaknesses. The move comes amid broader discussions about the controlled deployment of powerful AI systems in sensitive government domains.

Navy Secretary John Phelan has been dismissed following reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg. Disagreements over the pace of naval modernization and shipbuilding priorities, as well as Phelan's direct communication with President Trump, led to his removal. Hung Cao has been appointed acting Navy secretary.

Following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir, India launched precision strikes on militant camps in Pakistan, escalating tensions to a full military standoff. Despite Pakistan's nuclear threats, India maintained a strong stance, ultimately leading to a ceasefire after significant damage to Pakistani military assets.

The Pentagon estimates the war with Iran has cost $25 billion, though sources suggest the true figure could reach $50 billion due to unincluded repair costs. Officials defended the ongoing conflict, calling it an "existential fight" and dismissing concerns of it becoming a "quagmire."

US Navy Secretary John Phelan, a businessman and close associate of Donald Trump, has been abruptly removed from his post. This decision, reportedly influenced by Pete Hegseth's discussions with Trump, comes amid ongoing naval operations involving Iran and concerns over slow shipbuilding reforms. Phelan confirmed his departure after meeting with Trump.

The US Air Force has extended the service life of its iconic A-10 'Warthog' aircraft until 2030, marking its seventh reprieve from retirement. This decision aims to bolster combat power while the defense industry ramps up production.