


Iran’s supreme leader resurfaces to warn against future US attacks
Khamenei's speech, which went on for more than 10 minutes Thursday, was filled with warnings and threats directed toward the United States and Israel.

Pentagon & Congress
House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.

Advocates recruit vets to attend Afghan allies’ immigration hearings
The effort is designed to show support for legal immigration of more Afghans who worked alongside American forces during the war overseas.

Lawmakers press VA for details on DOGE access to vets records
Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.

Strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months, US report says
A report by the Defense Intelligence Agency found that while the US strikes did significant damage, the Iranian nuclear sites were not totally destroyed.

Iran remains security threat even after airstrikes, CENTCOM warns
President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead U.S. Central Command said Iran still has 'considerable tactical capabilities' of concern to national security.

VA staff finished 2M disability claims faster than ever this year
The department is about 15% ahead of its claims workload pace from last summer.

Afghanistan War Commission hears from vets as it tackles troop surge
The commission will hold a multipanel hearing on what for many is a defining point of the war: President Barack Obama’s troop surge in late 2009.

Congressional defense plans slowed by unsettled reconciliation debate
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 23, 2025.

Survey shows surge in support for US leadership in foreign affairs
Almost two-thirds of respondents in the Reagan Institute poll pushed for a bigger role for U.S. leaders on the global stage.
Pentagon leaders hail successful Iran strikes but wary of retaliation
The operation against Iran involved 125 American aircraft, 75 precision weapons and a bevy of other U.S. military assets.

US strikes on Iran draw support from GOP leaders, concerns from Dems
Saturday's attack on Iran nuclear sites is expected to spur new congressional discussions about presidential war powers.

Judge asks if troops in Los Angeles are violating Posse Comitatus Act
A federal judge held a brief hearing over whether the Trump administration should continue its deployment of troops to Los Angeles.

DOD terminates troubled HomeSafe contract for military moves
The Pentagon terminated the Global Household Goods Contract with HomeSafe Alliance, citing its inability to carry out military moves.

Her Medal of Honor was once revoked. Now her base is being renamed.
Fort Walker, named in 2023 after Civil War Union surgeon Mary Walker, will revert back to Fort A.P. Hill. For her family, the retraction feels familiar.

US troops, bases in Middle East could be targets in conflict with Iran
About 40,000 U.S. personnel are spread throughout the region, giving Iran a chance to strike back at American military forces.

White House taps nominees for VA’s top benefits, technology roles
Karen Brazell currently works as a senior VA advisor and would serve as the department's next Under Secretary for Benefits.
