The confrontation between the United States and Iran escalated sharply this weekend after President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum threatening to “obliterate” Iran’s power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours — one of the world’s most critical chokepoints.

Iran escalated its conflict with the United States by launching two long-range missiles at the U.S.-U.K. base on Diego Garcia—its first confirmed use of intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The strike, targeting a base about 2,500 miles away, revealed capabilities far beyond what many analysts had expected.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump used a major conservative gathering in Hungary to endorse Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of a high-stakes April 12 election, as warnings over mass migration and what speakers described as the “Islamization of Europe” dominated the conference.

Human rights activists and senior officials have expressed concern about Russia’s interference in Hungary’s upcoming elections after revelations that a former interpreter of Russian President Vladimir Putin is part of an international observation mission overseeing the April 12 vote.

In a setback to those hoping for regime change in the Islamic Republic, U.S. President Donald J. Trump signaled Friday that he may begin “winding down” military operations against Iran, saying Washington is close to achieving its objectives.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit Hungary in a last-minute show of support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who faces his toughest election since returning to power in 2010, officials familiar with the planning confirmed.

Anti-immigration and local parties made gains in municipal elections in the Netherlands, where concerns over rising migration from mainly Islamic countries, the financial impact of climate policies, and increased defense spending have dominated national and local debates.

European Union leaders condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s decision on Thursday to block a 90 billion euro ($98 billion) loan for Ukraine, linking his stance to a dispute with Kyiv over Russian oil supplies.

The United States carried out its most extensive wave of strikes against Iran to date on Thursday, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Saudi Arabia warned Thursday that it may take military action following an Iranian drone strike on a key oil installation, escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies.

Russia has significantly expanded its intelligence sharing and military cooperation with Iran, providing satellite imagery and advanced drone technology to bolster Tehran’s ability to target U.S. forces across the Middle East, according to a Wall Street Journal exclusive citing officials familiar with the matter.

A request to suspend a parliamentary debate so a Muslim lawmaker could break his Ramadan fast has sparked controversy in the Netherlands, with critics warning it reflects growing “Islamization” in a nation long regarded as one of Europe’s most liberal societies.

Dutch police arrested four teenagers after an explosion damaged a synagogue in the port city of Rotterdam early Friday, heightening concerns about antisemitism and threats against Jewish institutions.

President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric toward Cuba on Monday, raising the possibility that the long-oppressed island could be on the verge of a historic transformation away from decades of communist rule.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday the United States is prepared to continue military operations against Iran without support from NATO allies, signaling a willingness to act unilaterally to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz and counter Tehran’s growing aggression.