The U.S.-Israel war on Iran, now over 100 days old, has cost American households an average of $750 in additional expenses due to higher energy prices, inflation, and rising food and mortgage costs. The Iran war has cost approximately $25 billion so far, according to a Pentagon official. The Pentagon has now requested $80 billion in supplemental funding to cover war costs and other expenses, including non-defense priorities such as farm and disaster relief. Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg informed lawmakers of the request in phone calls this week. The request faces scrutiny amid ongoing voter anxiety over rising living costs and the financial burden of the conflict. A full supplemental request is expected in the coming days.

President Trump is at Camp David for policy meetings as the 60-day Iran deal negotiation window progresses. A memorandum of understanding was signed at the Palace of Versailles, co-signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, providing for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Vice President Vance postponed a trip to Switzerland for further talks. The deal faces criticism from Republicans and Iran's Supreme Leader. Meanwhile, Israel and Hezbollah continue fighting despite a call for a ceasefire; Israeli strikes killed at least 47 in Lebanon, and four Israeli soldiers were killed. U.S. officials announced an immediate truce between Israel and Hezbollah. Iran has indicated it could walk away if Trump does not rein in Netanyahu.

President Trump declared in an interview that he has 'no limits' to his power since the Iran war, and a forthcoming book reports he has entertained the idea of being the most powerful man in history, comparing himself to conquerors like Genghis Khan and Napoleon. Trump measured power by submission, stating allies must recognize his authority, and praised Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi. He acknowledged the economy as a constraint.

In a 45-minute interview on 'The Axios Show', President Donald Trump discussed his administration's military operations and diplomatic strategies. He claimed his deal to end the war in Iran averted a global depression, suggested Cuba could face similar treatment as Venezuela, and stated that AI lab Anthropic was a national security threat a week prior. Trump also asserted that his post-war power has 'no limits' and discussed his views on world leaders including Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi.

Israel conducted deadly airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, killing at least 16 people in the Nabatieh area, hours after the United States announced a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah brokered by the US and Qatar. The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure in response to over 50 rocket launches from Lebanon. Hezbollah maintained its right to respond, while Israel said it would respond to fire with fire. The renewed ceasefire followed a preliminary US-Iran agreement to halt the wider Middle East war, but follow-up talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland were postponed indefinitely. The strikes threaten the fragile diplomatic framework.

President Trump indicated in an Axios interview that a potential military operation in Cuba could resemble the swift capture of Venezuela's president, citing Cuba's proximity and lack of oil. He contrasted this with the longer Iran conflict, noting Iran's more powerful military. Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is involved in planning, but declined to offer a timeline.

Informal diplomatic contacts between Russia and Western officials have resumed, with proposals for a phased ceasefire along Ukraine's front lines. The US increasingly views Ukraine as the side gaining the upper hand, shifting perceptions in Washington. President Trump's view of the war has reportedly evolved, with Ukraine seen as a 'winner' rather than a loser. The report highlights renewed talks, a mood shift in the US administration, and cautious optimism linked to an emerging deal with Iran that could free up US focus on Ukraine and ease energy pressure.

The Trump administration had previously ordered Anthropic to suspend access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models over national security concerns. In a new Axios interview, President Trump said he viewed Anthropic as a national security threat a week ago but that relations have since improved. He noted that Anthropic responded responsibly after the administration restricted access to its advanced models and threatened use of the Defense Production Act. Trump emphasized that the U.S. is leading China in AI and that the technology's benefits outweigh risks. The two sides are now reportedly working on standards to evaluate AI jailbreaks.