Washington news
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U.S. moves toward possible indictment of Raúl Castro
Officials say any charges would need grand jury approval and are expected to center on Cuba’s deadly 1996 shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue planes
Trump Says Decision Is Coming on China-Iran Oil Sanctions
The president said he discussed possible relief for Chinese oil companies after Washington targeted refiners accused of importing Iranian crude
Vance-led task force withholds $1.4B from home health, hospice providers
The suspensions target providers suspected of fraud nationwide, including operations in California and Minnesota, as officials press a broader crackdown on federal program abuse
Trump Rejects Iran Peace Demands, Floats Gas Tax Suspension
Iran defended its conditions for a peace deal as President Trump dismissed them and said he wants to pause the federal gasoline tax, a step that would need Congress
Trump rejects Iran counteroffer as Tehran vows not to ‘bow
The diplomatic setback keeps the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear demands and energy markets at the center of a widening standoff ahead of Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping
Cole Allen pleads not guilty in Trump assassination-attempt case
Allen faces four federal counts tied to the alleged April 25 attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, including attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump
White House calls Mark Hamill ‘sick’ over AI Trump grave post
The Star Wars actor deleted the image and apologized, saying he was not wishing Trump dead, after the White House linked the post to threats against the president
Trump threatens stronger Iran strikes, says direct talks are premature
The president paused a U.S. escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz to give Pakistan-brokered negotiations more time, but said the naval blockade remains in force
Trump warns Iran of heavier bombing if peace deal fails
Washington expects Tehran’s response on key points within 48 hours, according to a report, as talks focus on sanctions, nuclear enrichment and the Strait of Hormuz
Hegseth Says Iran Ceasefire Holds as U.S. Escorts Hormuz Ships
The Pentagon said Project Freedom is separate from the ceasefire, but attacks around the waterway and on the UAE underscored how quickly the truce could fray