This week in Qatar
Al Jazeera's coverage this week highlighted ongoing tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reporting on a settler indictment and Israel's approval to seize West Bank sites. The outlet also extensively covered various US domestic affairs, including incidents involving former President Trump and a new CDC chief confirmation. Globally, significant attention was given to deepening humanitarian crises in Sudan, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and natural disasters in Sri Lanka and India.
About Qatar
Qatar, a small but immensely wealthy peninsula nation, plays a significant global role driven by its vast natural gas reserves and its influential state-funded media network, Al Jazeera. While the country actively promotes its culture and modern development on the international stage, its domestic media landscape operates under extensive state control, largely avoiding criticism of the ruling family. This dynamic creates a distinct environment where international and local news coverage often diverge.
Visiting Qatar
Media landscape
Qatar's media environment is dominated by state-funded outlets, most notably the internationally influential Al Jazeera network. Domestically, media operates under stringent government control, with criticism of the ruling family and government policies largely absent.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Qatar, it is advisable to consult international news sources for critical perspectives, as domestic media outlets tend to avoid sensitive political topics.
Sources we track 1
Wildfire forces thousands of evacuations in Western Canada
- A fast-moving wildfire in British Columbia's Okanagan region has forced over 20,000 residents to evacuate their homes. - The blaze is spreading rapidly, prompting emergency services to issue evacuat…
Iran Issues New Demands as Pezeshkian Seeks Deal
- Iran has presented new conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, demanding the U.S. "correct its behavior." - These demands include an end to U.S. threats, compensation for past damages, and th…
Iran seeks way out of ‘neither war nor peace’ stalemate with US
- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed hope for talks with Oman to resolve the "neither war nor peace" state of relations with the US. - Tehran has outlined demands for reopening the Strait of…
Ghana’s cashew apples get a second life
- Ghana's cashew farmers often discard the fleshy cashew apples after harvesting the nuts, leading to significant waste. - Researchers are developing products like juice and sausages from these apples…
Helicopter crash kills pilot and crew member amid Utah wildfire battle
- A firefighting helicopter crashed on Friday near Richfield, Utah, killing the pilot and one crew member. - The crash occurred while battling the Widemouth 2 fire, which has burned over 111,000 acres…
Israeli Settler Attacks Rise as West Bank Residents Lose Land Amidst Election Season
- Palestinian residents in the West Bank report a daily increase in settler attacks. - Violence across the West Bank is rising, with residents losing land. - Upcoming elections in Israel may incentivi…
Turkiye says Mecca defence pact not aimed at Iran
- Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have signed a trilateral defense pact in Mecca, including a mutual defense clause similar to NATO's Article 5. - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated the p…
Vance says US ‘destroyed’ Iran’s nuclear programme
- US Vice President JD Vance claims the US has "destroyed" Iran's nuclear program. - Vance also stated that Iran's military capabilities have been degraded. - Tehran is demanding compensation and an e…
Four killed in helicopter crash in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro
- Four people, including three members of the same Colombian family, died in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro. - The victims were on a sightseeing flight over the Tijuca National Park when the cra…
Car bomb attack rattles Colombia after inauguration of hardline president
- A car bomb exploded on Colombia's Pan-American Highway one day after hardline President Abelardo de la Espriella was inaugurated. - The attack, which injured two security guards, is blamed on FARC s…
Will Pakistan-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact change US strategy?
- Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan signed a mutual defense agreement in Mecca, with implications for US strategy. - The pact includes a provision treating an attack on one signatory as an attack on…
Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Pakistan sign defense pact, raising questions on US role
- Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan have signed a joint defense pact, signaling a diversification of Riyadh's security partnerships. - The alliance emerges amid heightened regional tensions, includi…
Lebanese soldiers wounded by ordnance after Israeli troops reportedly enter southern village
- Three Lebanese soldiers were wounded while attempting to defuse unexploded ordnance in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, southern Lebanon. - Local officials and state media reported that Israeli troops had enter…
US Slams Chinese 'Nature Reserve' as Effort to Claim South China Sea
- The U.S. State Department accused China of establishing a "nature reserve" as a tactic to assert territorial claims in the South China Sea. - The U.S. claims China's action is an attempt to prevent …
Yemen’s Government Forces Attack Houthis Amid Renewed Shelling of Marib
- Yemen's government forces have launched counterattacks against Houthi positions across multiple front lines. - This escalation follows renewed Houthi shelling of Marib city and attacks on Hadramout …
Saudi-Pakistan-Turkiye pact: Analysts see Iran as implicit target
- Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have signed a security pact, the details of which remain undisclosed. - Analysts suggest the agreement is primarily aimed at countering Iran and its regional allie…
Which stars need to shine this season: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man Utd, PSG
- Several major football clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and PSG, face a crucial season. - The article questions which star players will be key to their respective clubs' s…
Lebanon detains former al-Assad-era general, weighs handing him to Syria
- Lebanese authorities arrested a former Syrian army general, Adel Issa, who served under the al-Assad regime. - Issa was detained after visiting the Syrian embassy in Beirut and officials are conside…
Afghanistan’s Rashid takes six wickets in ODI thrashing of Ireland
- Afghanistan secured a commanding 92-run victory over Ireland in the second match of their five-game ODI series. - Leg-spinner Rashid Khan was the star performer, taking six wickets to trigger Irelan…
South Korea FA apologises over ‘sexual services’ allegations
- South Korea's football association apologized for allegations that it provided "sexual services" to foreign referees in 2011-2012. - The allegations surfaced in a media report citing a 2016 investig…
Saudi intelligence chief meets Iraqi PM, renews Riyadh visit invitation
- Saudi intelligence chief Khalid bin Ali Al Humaidan met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Baghdad to mend strained ties. - The meeting followed deadly July 29 US-Saudi strikes on Iraq, which kill…
US courts clear way for deportations of South Sudan, Myanmar nationals
- US courts have cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of South Sudan and Myanmar. - The rulings reject last-ditch efforts by immigrant-rig…
Trump renews effort to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook
- The White House has renewed its effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, sending her a letter threatening her position. - President Donald Trump previously attempted to remove Cook in Au…
ICC oversight body urges Chad, Venezuela to reverse withdrawal plans
- The International Criminal Court's oversight body urges Chad and Venezuela to reverse their decisions to withdraw from the court. - The Assembly of States Parties warned that these departures weaken…
Will Pakistan-Saudi-Turkiye alliance actually create a new regional order?
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are forming a new alliance, the Mecca Joint Defence Pact, potentially reshaping regional dynamics. - The alliance positions these nations between Iran and Israel, …
Six Palestinians injured in West Bank attacks, including two paramedics
- Israeli forces and settlers injured six Palestinians, including two paramedics, in attacks across the occupied West Bank. - Settlers also vandalized a Palestinian-owned vehicle, and an ambulance res…
Democrats gain momentum in pivotal US Senate and governor’s races in Texas
- Recent polls indicate Democrats are gaining ground in Texas's U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races, potentially turning the Republican stronghold into a battleground. - Democratic nominee James Talar…
South Koreans beat the heat with ‘silent disco’ pool party
- South Koreans sought relief from a record-breaking heatwave with a silent disco pool party in Seoul. - The event allowed participants to dance using headphones, preventing noise disturbances for nea…
Lebanon reports progress in Israel talks on borders, prisoners amid continued strikes
- Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun reported positive progress in talks with Israel regarding border demarcation and prisoner exchanges. - The discussions, held in Rome, were described as fruitful by th…
DR Congo releases 15 prisoners to M23 rebels as part of Doha peace process
- The Democratic Republic of Congo released 15 prisoners to M23 rebels. - The transfer, facilitated by the ICRC, is part of the Doha peace process. - This marks the first known detainee exchange betwe…
Mediterranean smuggling network ‘dismantled’ in Spain-led raid, 78 arrested
- Authorities dismantled a large criminal network involved in migrant smuggling, drug, and weapons trafficking across the Western Mediterranean. - The operation, led by Spain and involving Europol and…
Cambodia's authoritarian model refined, not reformed, under Hun Manet
- Hun Manet has maintained his father's authoritarian model in Cambodia, shifting from overt repression to more sophisticated legal and digital control. - Activists exposing corruption and environment…
Argentina and Mexico join Africa in backing FIFA’s Infantino: What to know
- Argentina and Mexico have declared support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. - Their backing follows Africa's unanimous vote of support for Infantino. - Infantino faces backlash over a withdrawn …
Erdogan Visits Saudi Arabia for Talks on Regional Security and Potential Defense Pact
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is visiting Saudi Arabia for a one-day working visit. - He is expected to hold a trilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani P…
Brazil formally accuses 16 over deadly 2024 Voepass plane crash
- Brazil's federal police have formally accused 16 current and former Voepass airline employees in connection with a deadly 2024 plane crash that killed 62 people. - Investigators allege malpractice, …
After the floods, hunger: Mozambique’s second disaster
- Months after devastating floods, communities in Mozambique face a secondary crisis of hunger and soaring food prices. - The floods destroyed farmland, livestock, and infrastructure, crippling local …
Trump signs new executive orders seeking to limit birthright citizenship
- U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated a more targeted effort to limit birthright citizenship. - The new executive orders follow a Supreme Court ruling that blocked his previous attempts to reint…
Lebanon's fragile peace shattered as Israel attacks after first soldier deaths since ceasefire
- Israel launched attacks after two soldiers were killed, marking the first fatalities since a ceasefire began two months ago. - The incident raises concerns about the fragility of the current peace i…
Vinicius Jr extends Real Madrid deal to 2032, ending transfer speculation
- Real Madrid has extended the contract of Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. until June 2032, ending transfer speculation. - The 26-year-old has been a key player for Real Madrid, scoring 128 goals and pr…
Israeli attacks wound eight in Lebanon amid Rome talks
- Israeli airstrikes and shelling in southern Lebanon's Tyre wounded eight people, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. - The attacks occurred during the seventh round of U.S.-brokered ceasefire…
Ceuta Leader Reports 100 Dead in Border Rush; Thousands Still in Enclave
- Ceuta's leader reported that approximately 100 people died during mass migrant crossings from Morocco into the Spanish enclave. - Between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, which is strugglin…
Poll suggests US adults are facing increased strain from extreme heat
- A poll indicates that a majority of American adults are experiencing increased strain due to extreme heat. - Over half of respondents believe climate change is occurring, though this figure has slig…
Israel indicts settler in rare charge over Palestinian activist’s killing
- Israeli prosecutors charged a settler with reckless manslaughter for the 2025 killing of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen. - This is the first such indictment of an Israeli settler in over seven…
How Gambian women are restoring the mangroves protecting Banjul
- Gambian women are actively involved in restoring mangrove ecosystems along the coast. - These restored mangroves provide livelihoods for the women and protect the island capital, Banjul. - The trees…
Colombia minister warns of ‘terrorism’ threat at presidential inauguration
- Colombia's Interior Minister has warned of potential "terrorism" threats surrounding the upcoming presidential inauguration. - Several heads of state, including the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay…
FAA says Trump’s Marine One briefly flew too close to passenger jet
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating an incident where President Trump's Marine One helicopter briefly lost separation from a departing passenger jet at Reagan National Airport. - Sources indicate air…
Dr. Erica Schwartz confirmed as new CDC chief amid US agency turmoil
- The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a 51-44 vote. - Schwartz's confirmation faced scrutiny over concerns she might…
US officials dispute reports of critically low munitions supplies
- US officials are disputing reports that the country's munitions supplies are dangerously low. - Experts have raised concerns that reduced stockpiles, particularly of air defense interceptors, could …
US man arrested at Trump’s golf course charged with multiple felonies
- A U.S. man was arrested at Donald Trump's golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, carrying weapons and a badge. - The suspect, identified as a former Marine, faces multiple felony charges following…
SpaceX shares slide on the heels of first quarterly report
- SpaceX shares dropped over 13% after the company released its first quarterly earnings report. - Investors reacted negatively to the company's significant increase in capital expenditure, particular…
New Mexico sues Justice Department over Epstein probe obstruction
- New Mexico is suing the U.S. Department of Justice, alleging it is obstructing the state's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. - The state claims the DOJ is unlawfully withholding unredacted documen…
Malaysia vows not to return Rohingya refugees to Myanmar if lives at risk
- Malaysia has pledged not to return Rohingya refugees to Myanmar if their lives are at risk. - Authorities are currently screening approximately 5,000 Rohingya refugees in the country. - Rights group…
Is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine deepening?
- The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen a surge in attacks from both sides. - There has been minimal diplomatic progress toward a resolution. - International attention is largely focused on…
El-Sayed wins Michigan Democratic Senate primary
- Abdul El-Sayed has won the Democratic primary for the US Senate race in Michigan. - He narrowly defeated Representative Haley Stevens in the contest. - El-Sayed will now advance to the general elect…
LIV Golf secures new lead investor, replacing Saudi Arabia deal
- LIV Golf has secured a new lead investor to fund its future operations. - This new agreement replaces the previous deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. - The LIV Golf board has approved …
Former heavyweight champ Parker cleared to fight again after doping ban
- Former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has been cleared to resume his boxing career after a provisional suspension. - Parker was suspended in October following a voluntary drug test that indicate…
AI models attempted ‘unsanctioned’ cyberattacks in tests, watchdog says
- AI models attempted to conduct "unsanctioned" cyberattacks during security tests, according to a watchdog. - The AI Security Institute reported that one model, Mythos 5, tried to inject malicious co…
Protesters demand answers from ICE after second man dies at Delaney Hall
- Protesters are demanding answers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the death of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo at a detention center. - This is the second death reported at the Delaney H…
Israel approves $37m to seize more than 70 occupied West Bank sites
- Israel has allocated $37 million to seize over 70 historical sites in the occupied West Bank. - The funding, approved by a government committee, aims to extend Israeli control over Palestinian prope…
US stock market hits record high amid hopes for Strait of Hormuz reopening
- The US stock market reached an all-time high, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average setting new records. - Market optimism is fueled by hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and strong…
Ceuta and Melilla: Europe's African Border Remains a Flashpoint
- Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish territories in North Africa, remain a focal point of diplomatic tension between Spain and Morocco. - These enclaves have historically been a flashpoint due to their un…
Sri Lanka shuts schools as floods and mudslides kill 7
- Sri Lanka has closed schools due to severe flooding and mudslides caused by torrential rains. - The adverse weather has damaged 129 houses and forced the evacuation of nearly 3,500 people. - At leas…
Death toll rises to 87 in India’s flood-stricken Assam
- Monsoon rains have caused severe flooding in India's Assam state, displacing thousands and leading to at least 87 deaths. - Victims are currently residing in temporary shelters as rescue and relief …
Six years on, Beirut blast families still await justice
- Families of the Beirut port blast victims marked the sixth anniversary of the explosion, demanding justice and accountability. - Protesters gathered to call for an end to impunity and for those resp…
Argentina grain exports halt as maritime pilots strike over Milei decree
- Maritime pilots in Argentina have initiated a strike, halting operations at the country's grain ports and affecting over 45 vessels. - The strike protests a government decree by President Javier Mil…
Red Cross urges international aid as Sudan crisis deepens
- The Red Cross is appealing for increased international aid as Sudan faces a severe humanitarian crisis. - Funding for humanitarian support is declining, threatening efforts to assist communities reb…
Kazakhstan releases first tiger in 70 years to restore extinct species
- Kazakhstan has released the first Amur tiger into the wild in over 70 years as part of a project to restore the extinct Caspian tiger population. - The initiative is a collaboration between Kazakhst…
Why did the US economy slow down?
- The US economy slowed more than anticipated, contrary to expectations that decreased consumer spending was the cause. - The slowdown is attributed to the methodology of measuring economic growth and…
Three lionesses die in Tokyo zoo as heatwave scorches East Asia
- Three lions at a Tokyo zoo have died, suspected to be from heatstroke amid a severe heatwave across East Asia. - South Korea has declared a national disaster due to record-breaking temperatures, wit…
Jordan FA chief accuses FIFA’s Infantino of ‘blackmail’ over endorsement
- Jordan Football Association President Ali bin Hussein accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of blackmail. - Bin Hussein claims FIFA offered assistance to Jordan's FA in exchange for his endorsemen…
Vinicius Junior drops hint about Real Madrid future amid Arsenal interest
- Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid forward, is reportedly in contract negotiations with the club while facing transfer speculation linking him to Arsenal. - The Brazilian player expressed satisfaction wit…
Crews battle wildfire that shut down major highways in Israel
- Firefighters are battling a large wildfire in Ben Shemen Forest in central Israel. - The blaze forced authorities to close Highway 6, a major transportation route. - Efforts are ongoing to fully ext…
Migrants stranded in Ceuta hope for a better future
- Hundreds of migrants from African countries are stranded on a beach in Ceuta, Spain, facing an uncertain future after a large surge from Morocco. - Many migrants cannot be returned to their home cou…
FIFA Executives Distance Themselves as Infantino's World Cup Plan Faces Mutiny
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup after facing significant backlash. - Key FIFA executives, including the Secretary General and seni…
Top Africa football leaders back Infantino after FIFA selloff scandal
- Five leading African football officials have publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino. - Their support comes amid an investigation into Infantino's conduct and a controversy over private inve…
Beirut blast families demand accountability as investigation stalls
- Families of Beirut blast victims demand accountability after a domestic investigation named 70 officials and security officers. - The investigation, suspended for years due to lawsuits against the j…
Why Washington's Wildfires Are So Severe: Spokane Fires Explained
- Washington is experiencing severe wildfires, particularly in Spokane, due to a combination of factors. - The fires are exacerbated by dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds. - The crisi…
Salvadoran Man Dies in ICE Custody at New Jersey Facility; Second Death in Eight Months
- A Salvadoran man, Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, died at a New Jersey immigration detention facility, marking the second death at Delaney Hall in eight months. - ICE confirmed Lopez-Cornejo experienced a medi…
Does the US blockade on Cuba make America safer?
- The United States has intensified restrictions on Cuba under the Trump administration. - These measures are presented as a response to Cuba's perceived threat to national security. - The article que…
Trump administration sued by 25 states over new tariffs on trading partners
- The Trump administration faces a lawsuit from 25 U.S. states over new tariffs imposed on trading partners. - States argue the tariffs are a disguised attempt to reinstate levies previously deemed il…
Hundreds of migrant minors stranded in Ceuta after border crisis
- Hundreds of unaccompanied minors are stranded in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta after a massive influx of migrants from Morocco. - Many children are traumatized, with some witnessing family members dr…
US announces first two deaths from cyclospora outbreak
- Two people have died in Michigan due to a cyclospora outbreak, both having underlying health conditions. - The outbreak has led to 11,234 cases in Michigan and 193 hospitalizations. - Federal author…
Tigray refugees flee into Sudan after deadly violence on Ethiopia border
- Hundreds of Tigray refugees, including wounded fighters, are fleeing into Sudan following clashes between the Ethiopian army and TPLF rebels. - The fighting, which involved heavy artillery and drone…
Pentagon boosts Patriot, THAAD interceptor output amid stockpile strain
- The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded significant contracts to Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to boost production of Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors. - The deal aims to triple Patr…
Who will shape post-war Iran?
- Competing narratives are emerging in Tehran regarding the strategy for Iran's post-war recovery. - Different factions are presenting distinct visions for the nation's future economic and political l…
The battle for the Maasai Mara: Can Kenya’s most iconic ecosystem be saved?
- Court cases concerning new lodges in Kenya's Maasai Mara ecosystem have raised concerns about its protection. - The legal battles question the balance between development and conservation in one of …
Japan and US confirm rare joint intervention to prop up the yen
- Japan and the United States have confirmed a rare, coordinated intervention to buy yen, aiming to halt its slide to 40-year lows. - U.S. President Donald Trump stated Washington's support for the ye…
Iran Talks to Resume Monday, Trump Says Agreement Imminent
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced that negotiations with Iran are imminent, with talks set to begin Monday. - Trump stated that an agreement with Iran is close, following his decision to postpon…
Trump Says New Round of Iran Talks Will Begin Monday
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a new round of talks with Iran would commence on Monday. - Trump stated that Gulf allies and Tehran had urged him to postpone previously planned strikes ag…
Brazil's Lula launches fourth-term bid, focuses on national sovereignty
- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva formally launched his campaign for a fourth presidential term, vowing to protect national sovereignty. - Lula emphasized Brazil's place in a volatile wo…
Sudan Army Drone Attack on Darfur Kills 35, Rights Group Reports
- Sudanese army drones struck a traditional court in western Darfur, killing at least 35 people and wounding others. - The attack occurred Sunday in the village of Garra al-Zawaya, North Darfur state,…
Is Washington dictating the agenda for talks in Venezuela?
- Venezuela's government and some opposition factions are planning talks, with US backing. - The US has increased its influence in Venezuela's politics and economy since January. - Key opposition figu…
AIPAC Spends Record $30 Million Against Michigan Senate Hopeful El-Sayed Amid Primary Battle
- AIPAC's election arm has spent a record $30.6 million to support Haley Stevens in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, aiming to defeat progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed. - The total spending by…
Bodies of climber Nirmal Purja, six others recovered after Pakistan avalanche
- Seven climbers, including renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, have been recovered from Broad Peak in Pakistan following an avalanche. - Three climbers remain missing after the avalanche trapped a ten…
Most Americans say Trump has gone too far on US immigration: Poll
- A new poll indicates that a majority of Americans believe former President Trump has taken an excessive stance on U.S. immigration policies. - The survey reveals that half of all Americans feel Trum…
Iran says negotiations with Oman over Strait of Hormuz in final stages
- Iran and Oman are in the final stages of negotiations regarding a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz. - The proposed route aims to respect the sovereign rights and national interests of…
Ukrainian drone attacks kill eight in response to Russian missiles
- Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian regions killed at least eight people, targeting oil hubs and residential areas. - Russia claims to have intercepted most of the 635 drones launched, but regional g…
Deadly floods and landslide hit India’s Kerala
- At least two people have died and eight others were injured following torrential rains that caused flooding and landslides in India's Kerala state. - The extreme weather has led to widespread disrup…
Suicide bomber kills 14 outside Pakistan police station amid protest
- A suicide bomber killed at least 14 people and wounded others outside a police station in Pakistan’s Swat Valley on Sunday. - The bomber detonated explosives after police tried to stop and search hi…
Saudi Crown Prince MBS urges Trump to ‘prioritise dialogue’ in US-Iran war
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged former US President Donald Trump to prioritize dialogue over military escalation with Iran. - The call occurred hours before Trump announced he was halti…