US Policy Pulse

Iran crisis escalates with fresh Houthi attacks and continued US strikes. Trump attended Dover transfer for four troops. House passed Iran war powers resolution 215-208. White House announces Saudi nuclear deal with Israel normalization condition; Energy Secretary Wright jumped the gun, causing White House panic—Trump later added conditions (no enrichment, Abraham Accords) after conservative backlash; deal now faces congressional review and Saudi acceptance. Bipartisan senators reached deal with Trump on revised Russia sanctions bill (500% tariffs on Russian oil buyers); bill advanced 86-12, giving Trump broad tariff authority with congressional override via joint resolution. Thaw in Trump-Zelensky relations: Zelenskyy met Trump at White House on July 23, discussed Patriot licenses and diplomacy; ties to late Sen. Graham's legacy. MAGA voices shift pro-Ukraine. Trump announces major Iran breakthrough with Friday signing deadline; Democrats demand full text. Senate 50-47. Israel-Lebanon ceasefire stalled. Iran rebuilding missiles. Internal administration tensions (Vance vs. Rubio). Second Iran strikes reported. Confirmation hearings for Blanche and Clayton ongoing. House passes $1.1T NDAA 216-212 with Section 219 and SAVE Act attached. White House blasts House bill restrictions on overseas warship purchases and Golden Dome oversight, demanding full $1.5T funding. Trump claims fallen troops supported war aim; widow's account directly contradicts. McConnell's prolonged absence (53-47 Senate) stalls Iran war funding, appropriations, FISA, farm bill—adding legislative paralysis to the crisis. Iran war on pause due to interceptor shortages and lack of strategy; Houthis strike Saudi Aramco, threatening oil markets; Zelenskyy reveals Russian satellite intel aiding Iran—Trump trusts Putin's denial despite evidence. Death of Sen. Lindsey Graham removes key foreign policy bridge between Trump and GOP hawks, potentially reshaping US posture on Ukraine and Iran. Netanyahu hailed White House meeting with Trump, signaling continued coordination. Zelenskyy visited Trump before Graham's funeral. White House open to North Korea talks. New: Trump claims deal outline to end Iran war, but Iran immediately pushes back on Hormuz reopening; Saudis nervous; internal Iranian leadership struggle between negotiation and resistance. Consumer confidence dips in July due to rising gas prices from Iran conflict (90.8 reading). Senate leaders reach bipartisan CR to fund government through Dec 11, stripping Trump battleship money and blocking Border Patrol fund transfers—direct check on war funding. Senate passed CR 90-6 on July 27, including SNAP/WIC protections and blocking White House grant withholding. Latest: US removes sanctions from three IRGC-linked entities in targeted delisting, signaling selective de-escalation. Munitions stockpile dangerously low—80% of THAAD interceptors used. Trump continues Hormuz deal claims; credibility gap widening. Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers persist. Sen. Murphy accuses Trump of gaslighting on Iran and insider trading via Truth API subscription, citing 11 false deal announcements.