Politics & World Affairs — July 27, 2026

GOP confidence in Hegseth wanes. Republican senators said confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership is eroding. The war with Iran continues with no end in sight.

The Hill reported that the senators' unease extends beyond the defense secretary himself, warning of broader concerns about leadership at the Pentagon. The criticism from members of Hegseth's own party ties directly to frustration over the ongoing conflict with Iran, which lawmakers say lacks a clear path to resolution. Open doubts from Senate Republicans could complicate the administration's handling of the war going forward.

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Police kill Berlin attack suspect. German police shot and killed Abdul Ballout, the suspect in a deadly car-ramming attack on Berlin's Pride celebrations, after he rushed officers with a knife.

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U.S., Iran pause attacks. The United States and Iran observed a second consecutive day without strikes Sunday. Oman is mediating new Strait of Hormuz transit talks. But Iran denied seeking negotiations.

According to AP News, Tehran said it had also halted its attacks, matching the U.S. pause, as diplomatic efforts pushed toward an interim ceasefire. The Omani-mediated discussions center on transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. Iran's public denial that it is seeking negotiations leaves the status of those efforts unclear, even as the two-day lull marks the longest break in strikes reported so far.

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