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- Two men sentenced to nearly 30 years for botched hitman plot in Smethwick
- Iranian state television airs instructions on surviving a nuclear attack
- UK Launches Multinational Military Training to Strengthen Ukraine Readiness
- Russian strike on Ukrainian aid centre kills 29 with 48 people missing
- Saskatoon committee to consider expropriating land for bus rapid transit stations
- U.S. military conducts defensive strikes on Iranian targets near Strait of Hormuz
- Lidl launches Christmas advert featuring Shaun Williamson as Barry from EastEnders
- Karl Bushby returns to UK after 28-year walk from South America
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
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Two men sentenced to nearly 30 years for botched hitman plot in Smethwick
3:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Two hitmen jailed for nearly 30 years after one accidentally shot the other | News UK
Two men, Adam Liaqat and Asad Khan, were involved in a botched shooting incident in St Paul’s Road, Smethwick, at around 4.30am on 23 November last year. The planned attack failed when Liaqat accidentally shot Khan in the leg, leading to Khan seeking medical attention while the police investigated their plot.
Detectives from West Midlands Police’s Major Crime Team confirm that an investigation uncovered text messages indicating Adam Liaqat and Asad Khan were planning a shooting prior to the accidental discharge of a firearm. All three individuals involved—Liaqat, Khan, and Yakuba Sawaneh—were convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court in May and received significant prison sentences for their offences.
West Midlands Police confirmed that Adam Liaqat and Asad Khan had been convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court, with Liaqat sentenced to 15 years and Khan to 13 years in prison for their roles in a botched shooting plot. Detective Constable Emily Fowler emphasised the dangers of illegally-owned weapons, stating, “Illegally-owned weapons in the wrong hands can be extremely dangerous,” as police continue to prioritise tackling gun crime in the region.
What remains unclear — Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the intended target of the botched shooting plot.
Two men sentenced to nearly 30 years for botched hitman plot in Smethwick
Two men had to scrap their planned attack after one would-be hitman accidentally shot his companion.
Adam Liaqat, 19, and Asad Khan, 22, had parked up in St Paul’s Road in Smethwick, West Midlands, at around 4.30am on November 23 last year.
Police claimed they had ‘put in a lot of pre-planning and preparation’ for the shooting, only for it to go awry.
The pair were sitting in a 4×4, planning to carry out a shooting when their firearm went off, damaging the car and hitting Khan in the leg.
He was seriously injured, forcing the pair to abandon their plan while he sought medical attention in hospital.
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When he reached the emergency room, he initially claimed he didn’t know what had happened.
Detectives from West Midlands Police’s Major Crime Team launched an investigation and uncovered the pair’s botched shooting plot.
Police conducted a search of Khan’s phone, which revealed messages suggesting the pair were attempting to carry out a hit.
Detective Constable Emily Fowler, of West Midlands Police, said: ‘Through our enquiries we established Khan and Liaqat were in the stolen vehicle with a gun.
‘There were messages which indicated they were on their way to shoot someone themselves, although we don’t know who that was.
‘At some point, while the car was parked, the gun has gone off and Khan has been injured and the inside of the vehicle damaged.
‘Khan made his own way to hospital and we started to establish exactly what happened.’
During a later raid of Khan’s house, officers found crack cocaine.
Officers also discovered the Mitsubishi Outlander they were using had been stolen the night before and fitted with false plates.
Fowler added: ‘The pair had clearly put in a lot of pre-planning and preparation as a gun and ammunition had been acquired, and a car stolen and put on false plates.
‘However, it went wrong when Liaqat appears to have accidentally shot Khan.’
Liaqat was arrested days later after leading cops on a pursuit in a Honda Accord despite only holding a provisional licence.
His passenger, Yakuba Sawaneh, 19, was with him when officers saw Class A drugs and a burner phone being tossed from the vehicle before it was stopped in Oldbury, West Midlands.
‘Lives could have been lost as a result of Liaqat and Khan arming themselves with a gun, including Khan’s own,’ Fowler continued.
‘Illegally-owned weapons in the wrong hands can be extremely dangerous and it’s why we’re taking action all year-round to tackle gun crime and find offenders.
‘It’s clear Liaqat, Khan and Sawaneh were all linked to drugs, and he has also rightly been convicted for his illegal activity too.’
All three men went on trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court and were convicted in May.
Liaqat, of Sandwell, was jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and Class A drug dealing offences.
Khan, of West Bromwich, was convicted of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of Class A drugs and was caged for 13 years.
Sawaneh, of Perry Common, Birmingham, was found guilty of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and jailed for 42 months.
Iranian state television airs instructions on surviving a nuclear attack
2:52 pm
Get you up to speed: Iranian TV broadcasts chilling warning video on how to survive a nuclear strike | News World
Iran‘s state television has begun broadcasting safety instructions for citizens in the event of a nuclear attack, advising them on actions such as seeking shelter and sealing off their homes. The guidance includes specific measures like closing windows, shutting off ventilation, and refraining from looking at any explosion light.
Iran’s state television has begun broadcasting instructions for citizens on how to respond in the event of a nuclear attack, emphasising precautions such as seeking shelter and sealing outer clothing. The Iranian government has not disclosed the timeframe for the implementation of these public safety measures amid ongoing tensions regarding their nuclear programme.
Iran’s state television has begun broadcasting detailed guidelines on preparing for a potential nuclear attack, advising citizens to seek shelter and avoid looking at the explosion’s light. In response to rising tensions, these measures indicate a heightened public safety concern amid political rhetoric surrounding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how seriously the Trump administration is considering a nuclear strike on Iran despite the claims made by Tucker Carlson.
Iranian state television airs instructions on surviving a nuclear attack
Iran’s state television has begun sharing in-depth instructions on what to do in case of a nuclear attack.
Iranians have been warned not to look at the light of the explosion, to seek shelter, and to get away from exterior windows and walls.
From there, citizens should close all doors and windows and shut off ventilation systems before removing their outer clothing and sealing it.
Showering with lukewarm water and soap is next, then surviving on bottled water and packaged food for the next 24 hours.
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The AI-generated video showed what appears to be Pickaxe Mountain in Iran being blown up (Picture: Axios AR)
AI footage showed workers in their office when the bomb went off (Picture: Axios AR)
Tucker Carlson made lofty claims this weekend that the Trump administration could launch a nuclear strike on Iran in just ‘days’.
Iran has been a major talking point ahead of the US midterm elections today, which could see Trump lose his Republican majority in Congress.
Carlson released a lengthy statement on social media claiming that Trump is facing pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who lost his majority party in recent elections.
‘The target would be Pickax Mountain in central Iran, where Israeli intelligence claims the Iranian government has restarted its nuclear enrichment program. No conventional weapon in the American arsenal can penetrate 300 feet of solid granite to destroy the tunnels where enrichment is supposedly taking place,’ Carlson claimed.
‘The only military option is a nuclear strike. Netanyahu has been pushing hard for one. “Bibi calls Trump about it every day,” says an informed observer.’
Carlson pointed out that Netanyahu is ‘cornered’ and unable to form a government unless ‘Trump intervenes directly in Israeli politics and brokers a deal with other parties’.
‘Otherwise, he is out as prime minister and on his way to ignominy, investigations and possibly jail. Netanyahu must stay close to Trump. He needs this war,’ Carlson said.
The chances of Trump using a nuclear weapon in Iran remain low, but Carlson’s claims have sparked conversation online.
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UK Launches Multinational Military Training to Strengthen Ukraine Readiness
11:00 am
UK Launches Multinational Military Training to Strengthen Ukraine Readiness
In a significant escalation of geopolitical tensions, the UK has indicated that British troops deployed in Ukraine will have the authority to return fire if attacked by Russian forces. This announcement comes amidst a broader commitment to bolster military support for Ukraine, as the government prepares to lead a multinational exercise aimed at readiness for peacekeeping operations as the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold. The UK military’s decision aligns with similar declarations from European allies, raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict as both sides prepare for potential escalations in violence over the winter months.
The implications of this development extend into economic sectors as well, particularly concerning energy supply and security within Europe. With UK and European leaders poised to discuss further sanctions against Russia at an upcoming summit, market analysts will be watching closely for indications of how international responses could further impact global energy prices and stability.
Key developments across the world
US strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island on eve of election
GLOBAL SECURITY — The United States conducted airstrikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island as the midterm elections approached. This military action is part of ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with significant implications for regional stability and US-Iran relations.
The strikes targeted Iranian interests, raising concerns about escalating military engagement right before the pivotal US elections. Analysts suggest the strikes may influence voter sentiment in a country divisive on foreign policy issues, particularly regarding Iran.
UK and European peacekeepers in Ukraine would be allowed to fire back at Russians
GLOBAL SECURITY — European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine will be permitted to fire back if attacked by Russian troops. This decision results from an evolving military strategy in response to persistent threats from Russian forces in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
With this change in engagement rules, peacekeepers aim to enhance their defensive measures during operations. This policy shift reflects the intensifying nature of the conflict as European nations seek to bolster military support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Americans head to polls in midterm elections seen as referendum on Trump
DIPLOMACY — The United States is in the midst of midterm elections, widely regarded as a referendum on former President Trump’s influence. Voter turnout and results could signal the political direction of the country, impacting future governance and party strategies.
Key issues surrounding national security, healthcare, and taxes are at the forefront of the election debates. Analysts predict that outcomes will affect both domestic policies and international relations, particularly with approaching presidential elections.
Three European flights hit by bomb threats in two days
INTERNATIONAL LAW — Multiple bomb threats have affected three European flights in two days, raising serious safety concerns. Authorities are investigating these threats while strengthening security measures at airports across Europe.
The incidents have triggered emergency landings and heightened public anxiety regarding air travel security. This wave of threats could lead to stricter regulations and emergency protocols for airlines operating in Europe.
Bomb alert on London Heathrow plane closes Warsaw airport
GLOBAL MIGRATION — A bomb alert involving a London-bound flight led to the temporary closure of Warsaw airport. This incident has necessitated emergency measures affecting international air traffic and highlighted vulnerabilities within air security systems.
The swift response from Polish authorities underscores the importance of rapid action in emergency scenarios. Such events often create disarray and can impact travel plans for thousands of passengers across Europe.
What to watch — Monitor developments in US-Iran relations following the recent airstrikes ahead of the midterm elections.
Further reading from global news sources
The Guardian
Americans head to polls in midterm elections seen as referendum on Trump
BBC News
Live updates: 2026 US midterm elections and results
Financial Times
US strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island on eve of election
The Independent
Midterms 2026: When will we actually know who won Congress?
Al Jazeera
Bomb threat forces emergency landing of London flight with 181 people on board
Russian strike on Ukrainian aid centre kills 29 with 48 people missing
10:01 am
Media Lens: Russian strike on Ukrainian aid centre kills 29 with 48 people missing
Russian forces killed 29 people in a bombing at a humanitarian aid centre in Ukraine. The attack occurred as the US announced new peace talks regarding the ongoing conflict.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
In a recent attack claimed by Ukrainian officials, a Russian bombing targeted a humanitarian aid center in Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least 29 individuals. The incident was reported to have occurred during a period when the U.S. was attempting to initiate peace talks regarding the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The strike has left approximately 48 people missing, further escalating concerns about the humanitarian implications of the war. This development comes as various organizations and governments continue to respond to the dire humanitarian situation in Ukraine amidst the ongoing military actions.
Status quo
A recent Russian airstrike targeted a humanitarian aid hub in Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 29 individuals. This attack coincided with ongoing peace talks being held in the United States. The incident underscores the continued violence in the region and highlights the challenges faced in ensuring safe delivery of aid during the conflict. Various news sources have reported on the escalating tensions and humanitarian crises developing as a result.
Confirmed facts
- Russian bombing at a humanitarian aid center in Ukraine killed 29 people.
- At least 48 individuals are still reported missing following the Russian strike.
- The bombing occurred during new peace talks announced by the United States.
- The attack is part of ongoing military actions in Ukraine conducted by Russian forces.
Preconceptions
- Al Jazeera prioritizes the humanitarian impact of the Russian attack, highlighting the civilian casualties first with a clear humanistic angle, claiming “29 killed” while also mentioning ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace talks.
- The BBC focuses on the broader context of the conflict, placing emphasis on the military implications and escalating violence, indicating “Russian bombing” as a significant lead without as much immediate focus on humanitarian outcomes compared to Al Jazeera.
- DW.com also reports on the death toll but gives further attention to the specifics of the strike, stating “at least 26 killed” and framing the report within the scope of Russian military strategy, thus emphasizing military movements over civilian impacts.
- The Hill highlights the consequences of the attack via the death toll but adopts a tone of urgency regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis, indicating “with 48 still missing,” suggesting a focus on the aftermath and ongoing search efforts.
- In contrast, Brave New World de-emphasizes immediate geopolitical implications, opting instead to focus primarily on the humanitarian figures and the immediate emotional impact on victims, thus reducing the emphasis on military strategy in its coverage.
Elisions
- Discrepancies in casualty figures from different sources: Al Jazeera reports 29 killed in the recent Ukrainian aid hub attack, while BBC states 29 while mentioning 48 are still missing, indicating a potential gap in comprehensive casualty reporting.
- Coverage of US involvement: The Hill emphasizes the announcement of US peace talks in relation to the attack, whereas DW.com focuses solely on the strike’s immediate effects, lacking mention of international diplomatic responses.
- Responses from Ukrainian officials differ: While BBC attributes the attack information to Ukrainian sources, Al Jazeera provides commentary from Ukrainian military spokespeople that indicate a much broader discussion on ongoing military strategies, showing a divergence in the portrayal of local authority responses.
One story, four angles
Al Jazeera – Russian attack on Ukraine aid hub kills 29 as US announces new peace talks
Publication: Al Jazeera | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Moderate
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Espresso Shot: The focus is on the tragic death toll from a Russian attack coupled with the context of a potential diplomatic effort by the U.S.
Key differences:
1. **Comparison in Tone**: Al Jazeera’s use of “kills 29” frames the act as direct and violent, contrasting with other outlets that might use “fatalities” to soften the impact.
2. **Framing Peace Talks**: The headline positions U.S. peace talks as secondary, whereas some competitors highlight immediate crisis over diplomacy.
3. **Geopolitical Context**: Al Jazeera emphasizes the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine more explicitly, connecting the attack to broader implications for aid and conflict.
Bias: Selection: Focuses predominantly on casualties with minimal context about the attack’s background. | Language: “Russian attack” implies direct responsibility but lacks nuance on context. | Omission: Lacks mention of Ukrainian responses or international reactions.
Assessment: Readers are likely to perceive the urgency of the humanitarian crisis overshadowing diplomatic efforts.
BBC – Russian bombing kills 29 people at humanitarian aid centre in Ukraine, Kyiv says
Publication: BBC | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot: The reader’s initial focus is on the factual reporting of casualties tied explicitly to the bombing of an aid center.
Key differences:
1. **Specificity in Reporting**: BBC mentions “humanitarian aid centre,” adding a layer of context that highlights the intentional targeting of aid efforts.
2. **Active Voice Use**: “kills 29 people” presents a more direct moral confrontation compared to phrases used in other outlets that may present it more passively.
3. **Credibility through Attribution**: By stating “Kyiv says,” BBC adds a layer of cited authority, contrasting with others that might present facts without such attribution.
Bias: Selection: Highlights the humanitarian aspect prominently, possibly skewing perception towards a critique of Russian aggression. | Language: The term “bombing” establishes a violent and aggressive narrative. | Omission: Limited context regarding the geopolitical background driving the conflict.
Assessment: Readers are primed to view the bombing as a severe humanitarian violation amidst ongoing conflict.
DW.com – Ukraine: At least 26 killed in Russian strikes on aid center
Publication: DW.com | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Moderate
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Espresso Shot: The lead emphasizes the casualty figures while also framing the context of the attack’s target as significant.
Key differences:
1. **Contextual Focus**: DW emphasizes that strikes occurred on “aid center,” similar to BBC but uses “at least 26 killed” which may downplay immediate impact compared to BBC’s more definite tone.
2. **Variable Casualty Reporting**: The phrase “at least” introduces uncertainty, contrasting with Al Jazeera and BBC that assert specific casualty figures.
3. **Terminology Differences**: Uses “strikes” in place of “bombing,” which can alter the perceived severity of the event across different platforms.
Bias: Selection: Prioritizes immediate casualty numbers, limiting discussions on the aftermath or broader implications. | Language: “strikes” may reduce the perceived barbarity of the attack compared to terms used by others. | Omission: Neglects to mention the international context affecting the situation.
Assessment: The reader might perceive a sense of tragedy alongside the chaotic nature of conflict, slightly minimizing the aggressiveness of the act.
The Hill – Death toll hits 29 after Russian strike on Ukrainian aid site, with 48 still missing
Publication: The Hill | Intensity: (6/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Moderate
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Espresso Shot: The opening lines draw attention to the rising death toll while highlighting the ongoing search for additional victims.
Key differences:
1. **Emphasis on the Casualty Count**: “Death toll hits 29” suggests a more escalating situation, differing from more static reporting of previous outlets.
2. **Inclusion of Missing Individuals**: The mention of “48 still missing” adds a layer of urgency and human interest that others do not emphasize, creating a narrative of an ongoing crisis.
3. **Use of “strike”**: Similar to DW, the choice of “strike” moderates the language used to describe the event, potentially lessening perceived severity.
Bias: Selection: Prioritizes the numbers, potentially reducing focus on the geopolitical context. | Language: “hits” and “strike” may downplay the event’s severity compared to terms used by others. | Omission: Less emphasis on the humanitarian context and potential long-term impacts of the strike.
Assessment: Readers may initially perceive a grave scenario yet may also sense a disconnect from the ongoing implications of the humanitarian situation.
In comparing the coverage of recent attacks in Ukraine, Al Jazeera emphasizes the human cost with a focus on casualties, framing the event as a tragedy amid peace talks, while BBC adopts a similarly serious tone but highlights the broader implications for humanitarian efforts. DW underscores the scale of destruction with direct reporting on casualties, enhancing its urgency. The Hill takes a more analytical approach, framing the event within the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Ultimately, while Al Jazeera provides the most compassionate perspective, The Hill’s framing is the most escalatory. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
Al Jazeera
Russian attack on Ukraine aid hub kills 29 as US announces new peace talks
BBC
Russian bombing kills 29 people at humanitarian aid centre in Ukraine, Kyiv says
DW.com
Ukraine: At least 26 killed in Russian strikes on aid center
The Hill
Death toll hits 29 after Russian strike on Ukrainian aid site, with 48 still missing
Saskatoon committee to consider expropriating land for bus rapid transit stations
8:00 am
What’s the Latest: Saskatoon committee to weigh expropriating land for BRT stations
Saskatoon’s transportation committee will decide whether to expropriate land needed for six Bus Rapid Transit stations after negotiations with property owners stalled. City administration recommends moving forward with taking over small parcels of land near concrete BRT platforms on 22nd Street West and 8th Street East.
The Saskatoon transportation committee will meet on Tuesday to consider recommendations for expropriating land necessary for six Bus Rapid Transit stations, following stalled negotiations with several property owners. According to city administration, discussions with landowners began in 2024, and while the city has successfully purchased 10 properties for the stations, six remain due to unwillingness from some owners to sell and a lack of response from others.
The City of Saskatoon’s transportation committee is set to decide on expropriating land for Bus Rapid Transit stations amid stalled negotiations with property owners, with a recommendation from city administration to proceed with the acquisition of six parcels of land. Councillor Bev Dubois noted that there may be further meetings with landowners before the matter goes to council at the end of November, indicating the final decision is still uncertain.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed whether additional meetings with landowners will take place before the council decision at the end of November.
Saskatoon committee to consider expropriating land for bus rapid transit stations
Saskatoon’s transportation committee is set to decide on potential expropriation of small parcels of private land for six Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations, following stalled negotiations with property owners. The city administration has recommended the acquisition of land near planned BRT platforms on 22nd Street West and 8th Street East, with each site requiring approximately 30 to 57 square metres.
The city initiated discussions with landowners in 2024 and has already secured ten properties for the project, with plans to acquire five more. However, officials stated that some owners refuse to sell, while others have ceased communication. “There were some that were having some adjustments made already to that piece of land with the city, or discussions about possible adjustments, and then the conversation with the business just stopped,” said Councillor Bev Dubois, chair of the transportation committee.
Karen Kobussen, CEO of the Saskatoon West Business Association, expressed concerns regarding the surprise of property owners. She reported that many were notified just days before the committee meeting, leading to uncertainty and haste among landowners. “The ones I’ve spoken to have received emails on Friday, just basically saying consult your lawyer and here’s the meeting notice,” Kobussen said.
The committee’s report outlines alternative options, including relocating the stations to city-owned land, but the city regards this as “substandard” due to a lack of shelters and information for transit users. A recommendation will be made to city council following the committee meeting to determine the final decision regarding expropriation.
Kobussen emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue with landowners, advocating for smaller platforms as a compromise. “We absolutely agree that BRT and transit in general is very important for Saskatoon,” she stated. “But what can we look at so that both sides can say, yes, I can live with that and this is a great, happy medium.” The session is expected to attract considerable public input before a conclusion is reached.
U.S. military conducts defensive strikes on Iranian targets near Strait of Hormuz
6:33 am
Get you up to speed: U.S. launches defensive strikes at Iranian targets near Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. military conducted limited defensive strikes against Iranian targets on Qeshm Island following an incident where Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired at an American aircraft. Three U.S. officials confirmed the strikes, which occurred near the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz have increased the operational costs of the Iran war to at least $47.1 billion as of mid-October, with $29 billion attributed to replacing used munitions. Reports indicate that the financial implications do not account for the damage inflicted on U.S. military bases in the region, many of which have been targets of Iranian attacks.
President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, indicated that a deal with Iran “could happen” and noted that “Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible.” Meanwhile, as the U.S. military’s costs from the ongoing conflict rise to at least $47.1 billion, lawmakers have been updated on significant expenses related to munitions and equipment replacement.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how the U.S. military plans to address the damage to its bases in the Middle East.
U.S. military conducts defensive strikes on Iranian targets near Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. military has launched limited defensive strikes at Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, three U.S. officials confirmed to WTX US News.
A senior U.S. official said the strikes targeted Iran’s Qeshm Island after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired at an American aircraft.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the strikes on Monday.
The strikes came on the eve of Election Day, as President Trump floats restarting hostilities with Iran after the midterms and as the U.S. and Qatari mediators broker talks on a U.S.-Iran deal.
As the war enters its ninth month, Mr. Trump’s rhetoric has continued to swing back and forth between striking a deal and launching sustained strikes against Iran again.
In a Truth Social post earlier Monday, the president said a deal “could happen” and that “Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible.” Later that night, in an appearance on Fox News, Mr. Trump said “we still have to take care of” several sites in Iran, including Pickaxe Mountain, which houses a suspected nuclear site. During his appearance on Sean Hannity’s program, Mr. Trump said it was “not a big deal” and could be done in “an hour.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a weekend call with Mr. Trump, pushed for further sustained strikes against Iran, according to The Associated Press. Mr. Trump acknowledged the call had taken place, saying he had a “very good talk with him,” but did not elaborate on what he and Netanyahu discussed.
The war has loomed large over both the U.S. midterm and Israeli parliamentary elections. In the U.S., rising costs stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have led to cratering support for Mr. Trump and the Republican Party.
In Israel, Netanyahu’s party lost its majority in the first parliamentary elections since Oct. 7, 2023.
As of mid-October, the Iran war had cost the U.S. military at least $47.1 billion, according to a new estimate from U.S. Central Command obtained by WTX US News.
CENTCOM said the cost of replacing spent munitions alone was about $29 billion, according to the latest estimate, which was provided to lawmakers. Another $6.1 billion was needed to replace lost equipment, and there has been around $11.9 billion spent on incremental costs like support for American service members.
The estimate does not include the cost of damage to U.S. military bases in the Middle East, many of which have been targeted by Iranian drones and missiles.
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