The United States’ Defense Secretary, Pat Hagerty, faced a hostile crowd of protesters outside the Armed Services Committee hearing in the US Congress, where he was testifying about the ongoing conflict with Iran. The protesters shouted slogans against Hagerty, branding him a ‘war criminal.’ The incident was captured on video by an American female journalist and shared on social media.
During his appearance before the committee, Hagerty faced intense questioning regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran, which began on February 28. The hearing focused on the proposed increase of the defense budget to $1.5 trillion for the next fiscal year. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Cian, briefed the committee on Operation Apex Fury against Iran.
This is the first time that the US Defense Secretary has appeared before the US Congress to provide an official testimony on the conflict with Iran. Abbas Iraki, a prominent Iranian figure, criticized the Trump administration’s use of the term “Persian Gulf” instead of the correct term “Gulf of Oman.” Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, stated that Iran is ready to pursue diplomatic channels with the US after a change in its approach.
According to recent data, 53 training centers have been established in Bangladesh to teach Japanese language. Following a slight increase in the average price of gasoline, the price in the US has risen to $4.30 per gallon. The highest price was recorded in California, reaching $6 per gallon.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that a new phase is forming in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz following the conflict. Changes in the region have occurred since February 28, marking a shift in the security and political dynamics of the area.
In related news, an internationally wanted individual was arrested in New Jersey. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), claimed that most of Iran’s enriched uranium is still stored at the Tehran atomic center.
In another development, India has proposed a contentious plan to install barriers in difficult-to-reach riverine areas of its 4,096-kilometer border with Bangladesh. The plan aims to prevent the movement of venomous snakes and other prohibited species.
According to a recent report by Reporters Without Borders, global press freedom has reached its lowest level in the past 25 years. Admiral Shahram Irani stated that if the enemy attempts to advance towards the Strait of Hormuz from the Arabian Gulf, they will face a swift response.
In other news, British King Charles and US President Donald Trump’s private conversation regarding Iran’s nuclear program has been revealed. Following the announcement, the royal family has remained silent.
In a separate development, the government has extended the subsidy on fuel for motorcycles, public, and goods transport for a month. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that a new phase is forming in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz following the conflict. Changes in the region have occurred since February 28, marking a shift in the security and political dynamics of the area.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Interior officials revealed that 20 Pakistanis have been repatriated to the country under a prisoner exchange program in the past year. According to sources, the ban on the new gas connection will be applicable to both residential and commercial consumers.
