I think the I think the Iran issue has historically been a real unifying issue in the United States, which is odd given that the US political elites are pretty much split on absolutely everything. Iran tends to unify them, although I think Trump's desire or at least build up and steps towards war is beginning to kind of chip away at that unified elite. So I think there's that element of it. And then I think there's the element of the buildup.Right. The buildup is the military buildup. The U.S. military buil ...

As the United States continues a significant military buildup in the Middle East, Iran has taken steps to signal its readiness for war, including fortifying its nuclear sites and rebuilding missile production facilities. https://t.co/cwWzLmzu1z ...

In the Middle East, a staggering display of US power now moving into position as those highstakes nuclear talks with Iran appear to hit a wall. Garrett Hake is following this first. And Garrett, the president now with a new timeline tonight.That's right, Tom. The US will soon complete one of the biggest buildups of American military force in the Middle East in decades. With aircraft carriers, submarines, air defense systems, and fighter jets all moving into position, all the pieces will soon be in place to ...

Hi there and welcome to Meet the Press Now. I'm Ryan Nobles in Washington. And we begin with the sky-high tension between the US and Iran as both countries ramp up their military threats and saber rattling even as diplomatic discussions are underway to re in Tran's nuclear program.US special envoy Steve Witoff and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner are in Geneva today for the second round of indirect negotiations with Iran. ahead of today's talks. While speaking to reporters on Air Force One last nigh ...

US build-up of warships and fighter jets tracked near Iran https://t.co/I7REH30Cqa ...

Iranian gunboats approached a U.S. oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz and ordered it to stop, a provocative move at a time when Washington is building up forces in the region for a possible strike on Iran https://t.co/MJ5xxfSbjO ...

EXCLUSIVE: Japan is embarking on its biggest military buildup in at least four decades as relations with China deteriorate https://t.co/2Wy2NqLrDk ...

The U.S. Navy’s largest aircraft carrier arrived in waters near Latin America on Tuesday, expanding the American military’s buildup as the Trump administration seeks to ratchet up the pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro https://t.co/S10pjMdCJz ...

Military & Geopolitics - The U S is deploying the USS Jerry Ford carrier strike group to the Caribbean amid rising tensions with Venezuela, potentially targeting drug facilities and trafficking routes [4] - The U S has already conducted 10 strikes on suspected drug smuggling, resulting in over 40 deaths, raising legality concerns [6] - President Trump has imposed sanctions on Colombia's President Petro, accusing him of allowing drug trafficking [8][10] - The U S military presence includes B-1 bombers, F-35 squadrons, 8 warships, submarines, air patrol vehicles, and Reaper drones [59] - The President confirmed a covert CIA operation is happening on the ground in Venezuela [71] Trade & Economics - Trade talks between the U S and Canada were halted due to a controversial TV ad, leading to potential discussions at the APEC summit [2][14][16][23] - Ontario agreed to pull the anti-tariff ad starting Monday to allow trade talks to resume [15] - The market shrugged off trade concerns, focusing on inflation numbers and expectations of future Fed rate cuts [32][33][34] - A delayed CPI report showed softer-than-expected inflation in September, strengthening the case for more rate cuts [40] - The Treasury Department approved a $20 billion rescue package for Argentina, along with another $20 billion in private financing [48] Politics & Policy - New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to mortgage fraud charges, alleging political motivation [3][86] - The administration will make its case in court for the right to layoff thousands of federal workers amid the government shutdown [39] - 25 states could cut off SNAP food benefits, affecting 42 million Americans, if the government remains closed [40] - The White House framed the softer-than-expected CPI number as justifying the view that tariffs are not inflationary [43]

Geopolitical Tensions & Military Buildup - Rising US-Venezuela tensions prompt Pentagon to amass combat power in the Caribbean, hinting at a potential larger campaign [1] - US military buildup includes warships, a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of approximately 2200 Marines and sailors, C17 cargo planes, and F-35 fighter jets [3][4] - Activation of the old US military base in Puerto Rico, along with the presence of P8 Poseidon spy planes and MQ9 Reaper drones capable of over 24 hours of flight, signifies increased surveillance and strike capabilities [4][5] - The US is signaling its willingness to deploy advanced assets in the Western Hemisphere, potentially offering the President options for strikes against the Venezuelan regime [6] Strategic Positioning & Regional Alliances - US military bases in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, along with friendly relations with Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago, could be leveraged for support [7][8] - A status of forces agreement with Trinidad and Tobago allows the potential staging of forces and assets, placing the US closer to Venezuela [8] US Accusations & Venezuelan Response - The Trump administration accuses Nicolas Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has hinted at escalation [9] - A $50 million reward has been announced for Maduro's capture, who denies the charges [10] - Maduro is preparing for a perceived existential threat, rallying allies like Russia, China, and Iran, but lacking pledges of mutual support [10][11]