CIA chief Ratcliffe hits headlines again amid Iran war chatter; ex-Trump admin attorney, 46th DNI (2020-21), now CIA director (2025–).
On March 17, 2026, Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned, opposing the ongoing war with Iran. Kent stated Iran posed no imminent threat and accused Israeli officials and American media of pressuring the US into conflict. His resignation marks the highest-profile dissent within the Trump administration over the Iran war.
U.S. congressional hearings are examining the Middle East conflict initiated on February 28, focusing on intelligence assessments and the resignation of Joe Kent, a top counterterrorism official. Critics argue the war was unnecessary, citing lack of imminent threat from Iran, while officials defend the campaign's success.
A lawsuit challenges Trump’s plans to overhaul the Kennedy Center without proper review, citing risks to historic integrity. The case highlights concerns over potential irreversible damage and Trump’s increased influence over the venue since his return to office.
Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, testified that Iran's nuclear program was obliterated after US strikes, contradicting claims of an imminent threat used to justify the war. She emphasized Iran remains largely degraded but capable of attacks. Congress continues to scrutinize the war's justification.
President Trump is negotiating a new Iran deal, emphasizing dismantling nuclear facilities, restricting missile programs, and ending support for terror proxies. The regime has rejected many of these demands, especially on missile restrictions, raising concerns about regional security and missile proliferation. The talks mark a significant shift from previous agreements.
US forces have conducted a complex rescue operation in Iran, retrieving two downed F-15E pilots after their aircraft was shot down. The rescue involved dozens of aircraft, deception tactics, and took place amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Both pilots are reported to be safe.
Iran has acquired a Chinese-built TEE-01B satellite in late 2024, which its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has used to monitor US military bases in the Middle East during ongoing conflict. The satellite captured images before and after Iranian drone and missile strikes on US sites in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq. China denies involvement, while the US is monitoring the situation.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has met Cuban officials in Havana to discuss intelligence, economic stability and security. U.S. prosecutors have been expected to unseal an indictment against 94-year-old Raúl Castro in Miami on May 20 over the 1996 shootdown of exile planes, according to U.S. and Cuban sources.
Cuban president Miguel Díaz‑Canel has said Cuba "poses no threat" after US reports — citing classified intelligence — that Havana has obtained more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and discussed strikes on US assets including Guantánamo Bay. Cuba has denied the claims and warned a US attack would "trigger a bloodbath."
The U.S. Justice Department has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 shooting down of two Brothers to the Rescue planes. The indictment alleges he authorized deadly force after the exile group dropped leaflets over Havana, killing four U.S. nationals. The case adds to rising tensions between the U.S. and Cuba amid ongoing economic hardship on the island.
Since mid‑May the U.S. has unsealed an indictment charging former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of civilian planes, tightened sanctions including broad measures against GAESA, deployed the USS Nimitz to the Caribbean, and imposed an oil blockade that has triggered blackouts and economic strain in Cuba.
Federal authorities have seized more than 300 gold bars, about $2 million in cash and dozens of luxury watches from a former CIA official amid an embezzlement probe. Investigators say the suspect claimed work-related expenses and alleged Navy Reserve service, with charges including theft of public funds.
The US has announced fresh Treasury sanctions that have targeted Cuban president Miguel Díaz‑Canel, members of the Castro family and several Cuban institutions, while also maintaining an energy blockade that has deepened fuel shortages. Washington has additionally charged former president Raúl Castro over a 1996 downing of exile-operated planes, and US military and intelligence officials have held recent talks with Cuban counterparts.
A former senior CIA official, David Rush, has been arrested after the FBI has seized about 303 one-kilogram gold bars, roughly $2 million in cash and dozens of luxury watches from his Virginia home. Court filings say he requested and received gold and foreign currency for "work-related expenses" and is charged with theft of public money and time-sheet fraud.