International

The US will take “measures” if Iran threatens its interests in the Middle East, says the Pentagon

The United States will take “measures” if Iran threatens its interests in the Middle East, strengthens its air defense capacity in the region in the coming days and has “additional” troops ready for deployment in case of “contingencies”, the Pentagon reported this Sunday.

According to a statement, the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, said today that “the US is determined to prevent Iran, its partners and representatives backed by Iran from taking advantage of the situation or expanding the conflict” escalated in recent days with the bombing of Israel in Lebanon.

Austin stressed that if Iran or its allies “use this moment to attack American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take all necessary measures to defend” its people.

Reinforcement of air capacity

The note indicates that the Department of Defense will “further strengthen” its air defense capabilities in the region “in the coming days” and has prepared “additional” troops to deploy them in case it has to respond to “several contingencies.”

Despite the tension in his position, the Pentagon maintains that Austin and the leaders of the agency remain focused on “de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy,” as well as “the protection of US citizens and forces” and the “defense of Israel.”

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The statement comes after the Israeli Army announced today that it killed more than twenty members of the political and militia group Hizbulla in the mass bombing in Beirut on Friday in which they also killed its top leader, Hassan Nasrala, and the commander of the southern front, Ali Karaki.

Death of Iranian high command

In the attack, a general of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Abbas Nilforushan, was also killed, a death that today the Foreign Minister of that country, Abás Araqchí, said that “will never go unanswered.”

In the last two weeks, Israel has launched a series of unprecedented attacks against the main strongholds of Hezbulah that have already left more than a thousand dead, 6,000 injured and about one million internally displaced, according to official data.

International

New York Announces First 2,000 Seats in Universal 2-K Program

The Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani took another step today in their universal early education agenda by announcing the communities that will have access to the first 2,000 seats in the new 2-K program this fall — an initiative backed by a $73 million investment.

The funding is part of the $1.2 billion package previously unveiled by Hochul to strengthen child care and early childhood education across the city, one of the key campaign promises of the now Social Democratic mayor.

At the time of the announcement, the governor also outlined additional funds to reinforce the existing 3-K early education infrastructure, a program launched under former Mayor Bill de Blasio (2014–2021).

When the 2-K initiative was introduced in January, Mayor Mamdani explained that its first phase would offer 2,000 seats, with the goal of eventually expanding into a universal program — a commitment supported by the governor.

State investment in child care and preschool services is expected to increase to $4.5 billion by fiscal year 2027.

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Among the first communities set to benefit from the 2,000 seats are Upper Manhattan and Inwood — areas with large Dominican populations — as well as Fordham and Kingsbridge in the Bronx, a borough with a Latino majority.

In East Brooklyn, Canarsie, Brownsville, and Ocean Hill will also be included. Meanwhile, Ozone Park and the Rockaways are among the neighborhoods that will see the rollout of the 2-K program.

International

Warner Bros. Developing First ‘Game of Thrones’ Movie With ‘Andor’ Writer

Warner Bros. is developing the first feature film based on the hit saga Game of Thrones, with Beau Willimon — screenwriter of Andor — attached to direct, according to a report published Tuesday by Page Six.

The project, currently in early development, will focus on the conquest of King Aegon I Targaryen. A separate television adaptation centered on the same historical storyline within the franchise is also in early stages at HBO.

However, the outlet noted that it remains unclear whether the film will move forward following the recent acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance.

If the merger is finalized, the movie could potentially be shelved, although that scenario appears unlikely given that the Game of Thrones franchise remains one of HBO’s most valuable and beloved properties.

After six seasons adapting the work of George R. R. Martin, the platform expanded the universe with House of the Dragon, a prequel series set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones that explores the history of House Targaryen.

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International

Spain’s Prime Minister to Address Nation Amid Trump’s Trade Threats

The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, will deliver an institutional address this Wednesday at the Moncloa Palace regarding the escalating situation in the Middle East and recent threats directed at Spain by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Spanish government announced that Sánchez will make a statement at 9:00 a.m. local time to outline his position on the latest developments following the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Sánchez is expected to reiterate Spain’s reasons for opposing the use of U.S. military bases on Spanish soil in the operation—an action he has already described as being outside international law—while also expressing criticism of the Iranian regime.

Government sources indicated that the address had been planned prior to Trump’s remarks criticizing Spain’s stance. However, following those comments, Sánchez is now also expected to respond directly to the U.S. president’s statements.

Trump has threatened to “cut all trade with Spain” and said he wants “nothing to do” with the country after Madrid refused to authorize the use of the Morón and Rota military bases in southern Spain for operations against Tehran.

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The U.S. president also labeled Spain “a terrible NATO partner” and warned that “no one” would tell him he could not use the facilities.

In response, the Spanish government stated that Spain fulfills its commitments to NATO and European defense. It also warned Trump that any review of bilateral trade relations must respect international law and the agreements in place between the European Union and the United States.