Despite the flare-up in violence, the diplomatic track remains active, if precarious. In Rome, Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded a two-day “fence-mending” mission to Italy and the Vatican, aimed at soothing European allies and the papacy after weeks of tension over President Trump’s war policies and trade tariffs.

Rubio stated that Washington is expecting a formal response from Tehran later today regarding a proposed deal to end the conflict, expressing hope for a “serious offer” while simultaneously warning that any Iranian threats to American assets would result in them being “blown up.”

As the world watches the Persian Gulf, domestic developments in the United States are adding to a complex Friday:

• Economic resilience: US employers added a surprising 115,000 jobs last month, defying the economic shock of surging gas prices caused by the war.
• Legal blows to Trump policy: Federal courts have struck down two key administration moves: the “unconstitutional” cancellation of humanities grants and a 10% global tariff package.
• Electoral shifts: The Virginia Supreme Court has invalidated a Democratic-led redistricting plan, a major blow to the party’s hopes for the upcoming midterms.
• Transparency or distraction? The Pentagon has begun a rolling release of UFO-related files, a move the administration frames as “maximum transparency” for the public.

Follow our live coverage for the latest updates from the Middle East, the diplomatic corridors of Europe, and the evolving legal battles in Washington.