In a tense White House press briefing, Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt delivered urgent updates on U.S. military triumphs in Iran, ongoing peace talks, and the deepening crisis from the Democrats’ shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, now entering its 40th day and disrupting air travel nationwide.
Leavitt opened with routine scheduling for President Trump, including a political dinner at Union Station and a Greek Independence Day event, but quickly shifted to the explosive situation in the Middle East. Operation Epic Fury, now in its 25th day, has decimated Iran’s capabilities, with over 9,000 targets struck and their navy reduced by more than 140 vessels—the largest such loss since World War II.
The U.S. military’s precision strikes have slashed Iran’s ballistic and drone attacks by 90 percent, crippling their defense industrial base and securing the Strait of Hormuz. Leavitt emphasized that the operation is ahead of schedule, weakening Iran’s nuclear ambitions and forcing the regime to seek an exit.
President Trump has engaged in productive talks with Iran over the past three days, temporarily halting strikes on energy infrastructure. This pause offers Iran a chance to abandon its threats permanently, but Leavitt warned that failure could unleash even greater force, with Trump vowing no bluff.
Amid these developments, conflicting reports emerged about a 15-point U.S. plan, which Leavitt dismissed as speculative. She confirmed negotiations continue, but details remain under wraps to protect sensitive diplomacy, underscoring the administration’s commitment to peace.
Domestically, the DHS shutdown rages on, with Democrats blocking funding and causing chaos at airports. TSA officers are quitting en masse, leading to hours-long lines and forcing the redeployment of ICE agents to ease the burden and protect travelers.
A tragic example highlighted the stakes: an 18-year-old woman in Chicago was killed by a Venezuelan illegal immigrant previously released under lax policies. Leavitt blasted sanctuary cities and open-border advocates, urging Democrats to end the shutdown immediately.
Reporters pressed Leavitt on various fronts, including potential congressional authorization for further Iran actions. She reiterated that current operations don’t require it, as the U.S. is in active combat, but the administration has kept lawmakers informed out of courtesy.
One journalist asked about young voters disillusioned by rising gas prices amid the conflict. Leavitt defended Trump’s actions as essential for long-term security, promising energy dominance will stabilize costs once operations conclude, contrasting sharply with the previous administration’s failures.
On Iran’s rejection of peace terms, Leavitt insisted talks persist despite state TV claims, cautioning against unverified leaks. She avoided specifics on troop deployments, directing questions to the Pentagon, while affirming Trump’s leadership in global alliances.
The briefing touched on broader implications, including potential protests from Iraq over U.S. strikes and criticism of ICE agents assisting at airports. Leavitt condemned threats against these agents as disgraceful, praising their role in maintaining order.
As the president prepares for his rescheduled meeting with China’s President Xi in Beijing, the focus remains on wrapping up Operation Epic Fury swiftly. Leavitt expressed confidence in achieving objectives within the four-to-six-week timeline, emphasizing U.S. dominance.
The administration is also pushing the Save America Act to secure elections, with Trump urging Congress to act fast. Leavitt highlighted widespread public support for measures like voter ID, accusing Democrats of obstruction for political gain.
In response to queries about Lebanon and Hezbollah, Leavitt noted the president’s concern for displaced civilians and efforts to neutralize Iranian proxies. She stressed that hypothetical escalations, like ground troops, rest solely with Trump.
Leavitt fielded questions on asylum for fleeing Iranians and potential strikes if negotiations falter, offering no previews to maintain strategic advantage. She dismissed critics like former allies questioning U.S. red lines, calling such attacks baseless.
The briefing ended with Leavitt addressing domestic distractions, including a letter from Congressman Raskin alleging DOJ misconduct. She labeled it a political stunt, underscoring the administration’s focus on real threats rather than partisan noise.
This rapidly evolving story underscores the high stakes at play, with America’s security and economy hanging in the balance. As negotiations with Iran intensify and the DHS crisis deepens, the world watches Trump’s next moves closely for signs of resolution or escalation.