Defense Secretary Hegseth forces Army Chief of Staff George into immediate retirement

US Army – (Web Desk) – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has pushed out General Randy George, the US Army’s top commander, asking him to retire immediately. A source familiar with the situation says Hegseth simply wants someone more aligned with his and President Trump’s vision for the military. The Pentagon confirmed the departure without offering any official explanation.

General George’s exit is the latest in a long line of senior military dismissals under Trump. What makes this one particularly striking is the timing — the US is currently at war with Iran, a conflict Trump has suggested could drag on for several more weeks.

George was no ordinary officer. Over nearly four decades of service, he deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan, rising through the ranks to become one of the Army’s most respected leaders.

Trump’s War Warnings Grow Louder

President Trump turned up the heat Thursday, warning that US forces haven’t even begun the next phase of strikes on Iran. In a post on Truth Social, he threatened to target bridges and power plants, saying, “Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!” He also appeared to signal that Iran’s new leadership needs to move quickly toward a ceasefire deal.

Iran Fires Back

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced fresh attacks on American steel facilities in the UAE and Bahrain, as well as an arms factory in Israel — calling it a direct response to attacks on its own industries.

USS Gerald R. Ford Back at Sea

The US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has left Croatia after a five-day stop, following a laundry room fire in March that injured two sailors. The ship was a key player in US-Israeli strikes on Iran and is now heading to an undisclosed location.

Lebanon Facing Displacement Crisis

The head of the International Organization for Migration is sounding the alarm over Lebanon, warning of a severe and prolonged displacement crisis. With entire sections of southern Lebanon being flattened, rebuilding will be needed even after the guns go quiet.

Houthis Join the Fight

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, allied with Iran, launched their fourth missile attack on Israel since entering the conflict last week. Israel’s military confirmed detecting the launch.

Iraq Walks a Tightrope

Iraq says it is doing everything it can to keep its territory out of the conflict. This comes after the US Embassy in Baghdad warned that Iran-linked militia groups may be planning attacks in the city within the next 24 to 48 hours. A drone strike did hit a US logistics center at Baghdad’s airport, sparking a fire — though thankfully no one was hurt.

World Demands Hormuz Be Reopened

Around 40 nations have jointly called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened immediately and without conditions. Britain’s Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper said Iran is attempting to hold the global economy hostage, and it must not succeed. The Gulf Cooperation Council went a step further, urging the UN Security Council to authorize force if necessary to keep the vital waterway open.

Missiles Over Jerusalem

Sirens blared and explosions were heard across Jerusalem after Iran launched missiles toward Israel. Residents were urged to take cover as the Israeli military tracked the incoming threat.

Pakistan Pushes for Middle East Ceasefire

China Speaks Out

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the US and Israeli attacks on Iran as violations of international law. He also called on the UN Security Council to step in and prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.

Argentina Expels Iranian Diplomat

Argentina has expelled Iran’s diplomatic envoy, citing what it called false and offensive accusations made by Tehran against the country.