Live updates: House leaves town without passing FISA extension; Trump talks with Tehran, cancels strikes

House Fails to Pass FISA Extension; Trump Halts Iran Strikes

Live updates: House leaves town without passing FISA extension; Trump talks with Tehran, cancels strikes - President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he had decided to cancel planned missile strikes against Iran after high-level diplomatic talks with Tehran. The decision came amid a tense backdrop of military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran, which had escalated to a second consecutive night of missile firings. Trump initially signaled a readiness to intensify the conflict, promising a “very hard” attack in the evening. However, by afternoon, he shifted course, attributing the pause to progress made during ceasefire negotiations.

Iran Reacts to Canceled Strikes with Strong Criticism

Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, swiftly condemned the canceled strikes on social media platform X, calling it a “nullification of the ceasefire” and a setback for the country’s position. His remarks underscored the ideological divide between Trump’s strategic approach and Iran’s resolve to maintain its stance. The U.S. decision to halt the strikes was seen as a diplomatic maneuver, though Iran emphasized the impact of the move on regional tensions.

“Discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have reached the highest level of leadership, and based on that, I have canceled the strikes,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. This declaration marked a critical turning point in the ongoing standoff, raising questions about the balance between military action and diplomatic engagement.

FISA Extension Stalls in House Amid Political Gridlock

The House of Representatives faced a significant setback as lawmakers failed to pass a short-term extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The measure, which was critical for sustaining surveillance operations, stalled after intense debate over its provisions, particularly Section 702. Democratic leaders, holding the majority, opposed the extension, citing concerns about Trump’s choice of acting director Bill Pulte. The bill’s defeat left intelligence agencies in limbo, creating uncertainty for ongoing operations.

The vote concluded with a 198-218 margin, revealing bipartisan resistance to the extension. Seven Democrats crossed party lines to support it, while 19 Republicans voted against it. The result highlighted the political divide, with critics arguing that the law required oversight to prevent overreach, and Trump’s allies insisting it was vital for global security. The failure to pass the extension could force intelligence agencies to operate under temporary authority, impacting their ability to act swiftly.

Section 702 has long been a flashpoint in congressional debates, with opponents accusing the administration of expanding surveillance powers without adequate checks. The law, enacted in 2008, allows agencies to collect data from foreign communications, a tool Trump’s team claimed was essential for countering threats. The appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director intensified scrutiny, with Democrats alleging it was a move to consolidate control over intelligence operations.

Logistical Challenges at Pentagon Amid Air Quality Alerts

Thursday’s events were compounded by an unexpected Pentagon lockdown due to rising air quality concerns. The alert prompted a shelter-in-place order for key sections of the building, disrupting the day’s planned activities. The move, part of routine safety protocols, added to the complexity of the administration’s schedule as Trump prepared for a major intelligence briefing and tele-rally.

The lockdown was triggered by a sudden spike in particulate matter levels, which could have posed risks to personnel and equipment. While the issue was resolved quickly, it underscored the interconnected challenges of military readiness and environmental factors. The incident occurred just hours before Trump’s intelligence briefing, where he outlined the administration’s strategy for addressing global threats. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones (R) later used the tele-rally to emphasize national security priorities and rally support for the presidential campaign.