WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to undergo fresh scrutiny from lawmakers on Tuesday regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran. Even some Republicans have voiced unease about the war’s duration and the absence of formal congressional authorization.

The influential House and Senate subcommittees responsible for defense spending will conduct consecutive hearings to examine the Trump administration’s proposed military budget for 2027, which seeks an unprecedented $1.5 trillion in funding. However, discussions are likely to shift focus towards the management of a conflict that remains at a standstill, as escalating fuel prices create political challenges for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.

President Donald Trump is grappling with mounting economic pressures after Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage through which 20% of the world’s oil is transported. In response, the U.S. military has blockaded Iranian ports, leading to exchanges of fire between the two nations. American forces have thwarted attacks on their naval vessels and disrupted oil tankers associated with Tehran.

On Monday, Trump remarked that the ceasefire is on “massive life support” and criticized Iran’s latest proposal, emphasizing his demands for Iran to drastically curtail its nuclear activities.

“I would call it the weakest right now after reading that piece of garbage they sent us,” Trump stated.

The Republican president also said he wanted to suspend the federal gas tax to help Americans shoulder surging fuel prices. He has previously said higher costs are worth it to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

Tuesday’s hearings will give a mostly new group of lawmakers the chance to grill or applaud Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the planning and execution of the war.

That includes Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a Republican whose reelection this year is far from guaranteed. She voted with Democrats on an effort to halt the conflict late last month, saying she wants to see a defined strategy for bringing the war to a close.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, another Republican on the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee, has voted against the string of unsuccessful war powers resolutions but spoken of the need for congressional authorization so Americans will know the war’s limits and objectives.

Hegseth and Caine had faced marathon hearings two weeks ago before the House and Senate Armed Services committees, which mostly traced the well-worn positions of both parties.

In the previous hearings, Hegseth notably said the ceasefire paused a 60-day deadline for congressional approval of the war, which is required under the 1973 War Powers Act. The U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28, while the fragile truce began April 8.

Hegseth’s reasoning faced pushback from Democrats and will likely encounter similar criticism Tuesday. But he will face plenty of friendly Republicans, including the Senate subcommittee’s chair, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and perhaps the Iran war’s biggest booster in Congress, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Hegseth and Caine are expected to outline the proposed defense budget and stress the need for more drones, warships and missile defense systems whose stocks have been drawn down during the conflict.

Nantucket’s residents are expressing frustration over the return of a chain store to a prominent downtown street, despite local regulations prohibiting such establishments.

Roller Rabbit, a luxury sleepwear retailer, had initially closed its Nantucket Centre Street location last summer. This closure followed the discovery that it was operating in violation of a bylaw established in 2006, which aims to keep chain stores off the island, known for its affluent population.

On July 7, 2025, Nantucket Business Commissioner Paul Murphy issued an enforcement order, informing Roller Rabbit that it breached the Formula Business Exclusion Overlay District’s rules, as reported by the Nantucket Current.

The order mandated the immediate cessation of all business activities, leading to the removal of the store’s sign shortly thereafter.

However, according to the Current, the shop has resumed operations, reopening its doors a year later, despite the previous enforcement actions.

What is now dubbed the Roller Rabbit General Store made changes to the products it sells compared to its 13 other locations and was granted permission to reopen. 

Hannah Kinser-Sampedro, Roller Rabbit’s vice president of visual merchandising and store design, told Murphy in an email on January 22, seen by the Current, that ‘the store will be an entirely new concept.’

The concept meant that the store on Nantucket’s exclusive street would only hold 50 percent or less of Roller Rabbit merchandise.

The Roller Rabbit General Store in Nantucket made changes to the products it sells compared to its 13 other locations and was granted permission to reopen 

The pricey high-end sleepwear brand shuttered its doors on Nantucket’s Centre Street last summer after it was found to violate a bylaw approved in 2006 that bans chain stores

Currently, what defines a chain in the town code requires a store to operate as one of ten or more locations worldwide that include at least two elements, including a standardized menu or array of merchandise, trademark or service mark, standardized color scheme or interior decor or a standardized uniform

‘The store will be called The Roller Rabbit General Store, which is not the name used for any of our existing locations, nor will there be any standardized imagery, interior design, uniforms, etc.,’ Kinser-Sampedro continued.

‘This concept is intentionally distinct from our traditional Roller Rabbit stores in both name and execution, but most importantly product assortment – we will have a multitude of different brands both local and national that are not our own. We believe the above complies clearly with the stipulations as written in the “formula business” bylaws.’

The changes, however, were enough to sway Business Commissioner Murphy, the Current reported. 

‘Based on what you have provided to me, you will be allowed to open in the FBED exclusion district,’ Murphy told Kinser-Sampedro in February, according to the outlet. 

The store’s closure and reopening mark monumental events for downtown Nantucket, as the bylaws that closed the store had not yet been enforced. 

But residents are concerned that the chain store found an all-too-easy loophole to open on the exclusive street, and fear that other chains will follow in their footsteps. 

‘It’s a huge issue,’ Julie Biondi, the previous owner of The Lovely clothing store on the bougie street, told the outlet. ‘I truly feel no one on [this] island really cares because they don’t shop downtown, but eventually it will affect everyone’s real estate values.’

‘The downtown is the crown jewel of the island and we are giving it away to off-island big money. I know all of the local shop owners are discouraged and upset, but they are so busy trying to keep their businesses running that it all feels overwhelming.’

An enforcement order from Nantucket Business Commissioner Paul Murphy on July 7, last year, informed the pajama shop that it was in violation of the Formula Business Exclusion Overlay District, above

Residents are concerned that the chain store found an all-too-easy loophole to open on the exclusive street, and fear that other chains will follow in their footsteps

The bylaws inspiration was largely inspired by the opening of a Ralph Lauren store in 2005, which continues to operate due to its opening before the bylaw was established

After being proposed by Nantucket Book Partners owner Wendy Hudson, the bylaw sought to ‘address the adverse impact of nationwide, standardized businesses on Nantucket’s historic downtown area,’ the town code stated. 

‘The proliferation of formula businesses will have a negative impact on the island’s economy, historical relevance, and unique character and economic vitality. These use are therefore prohibited in order to maintain a unique retail and dining experience. Formula businesses frustrate this goal by detracting from the overall historic island experience and threatening its tourist economy.’

The bylaws were largely inspired by the opening of a Ralph Lauren store in 2005, which continues to operate because it opened before the bylaws were established. 

Exempt from these rules are grocery stores and other businesses that were already operating prior to the bylaw being implemented. 

Biondi added that new stores on the cusp of becoming considered chains that are looking to move onto the street are threatening smaller businesses. 

‘The new crop of stores that are coming in, such as Julia Amory, Tuckernuck, Doen, etc. may not have ten locations yet, but they are using Nantucket and its reach to drive traffic to their massive websites,’ she told the Current. 

‘So they are willing to pay huge rents. Their stores are essentially just billboards. So a small business is going to get squeezed out. And all of these new stores will eventually have as many doors as J McLaughlin, which has over 170.

‘The island will be filled with what I call “chainlet” stores. We need to overhaul the laws to say once you have ten stores, you can’t renew your lease on the island.’ 

Ritzy residents overwhelmingly supported the ban nearly a decade ago, worried that recognizable stores would erode the island’s independent vibe and turn it into a cookie-cutter shopping destination

Currently, what defines a chain in the town code requires a store to operate as one of ten or more locations worldwide that include at least two elements, including a standardized menu or array of merchandise, trademark or service mark, standardized color scheme or interior decor or a standardized uniform. 

Just last year, after it was forced to cease operations, Roller Rabbit attempted another loophole by operating as a pop-up in August. 

Nantucket Planning and Land Use Services (PLUS) director Leslie Snell said the ban does not apply to pop-ups.  

‘The formula business bylaw applies to any business within the overlay district regardless of duration,’ she told the outlet.

‘No town permits are required for retail stores, so there isn’t an opportunity for advance review,’ Snell added. 

‘We review for compliance based on complaints or our own observations.’

Roller Rabbit is known for its high-end women’s sleepwear, often distinguished by whimsical prints – monkeys, florals and vibrant color palettes being just a few.

Shoppers can expect Roller Rabbit pajamas priced from approximately $128 to $148 or more, according to the website.

While critics balk at the steep prices, loyal fans point to the heirloom quality and distinctive designs as justification for the splurge – though it remains to be seen how many new customers will be secured on Nantucket. 

The Daily Mail reached out to Roller Rabbit and Nantucket Building Commissioner Paul Murphy. 

Billy Bob Thornton has expressed a clear stance on keeping his political and personal beliefs private, despite his celebrity status. The actor, known for his role in “Landman,” recently shared his views on the “Howie Mandel Does Stuff” podcast, emphasizing his lack of interest in using his fame as a platform for political discourse.

“Politics isn’t my area of expertise,” the 70-year-old actor remarked during the podcast, highlighting the perceived pressure on public figures to have strong opinions on such matters. “I genuinely don’t have the answers. Even the things I do believe in, I prefer not to impose on others, as I’m no authority on the subject.”

Thornton humorously suggested that his decision to remain silent on various issues might be why he doesn’t frequent award shows as much as he did earlier in his career.

“I tend to steer clear of speeches about saving badgers or similar topics at award ceremonies,” quipped the “Friday Night Lights” star, underscoring his preference for maintaining a low profile when it comes to advocacy at public events.

“I’m not really big on like at awards shows all of a sudden you start talking about saving the badgers and stuff,” the “Friday Night Lights” actor said.

“Like Ricky Gervais said, you know, it’s like get your little award and f–k off, you know?”

It is not the first time Thornton has sounded off on the subject.

Appearing on “The Joe Rogan Experience” in November, he revealed he has been skipping award shows over the years after winning at “plenty of them” in the past.

“We’re gonna go over here and, you know, have some dry chicken breast and green beans, you know, and we’ll listen to people get up there and pontificate about how awesome they are,” he told Rogan.

“Those are the ones that get me. It’s like, how about if you’re going to get one of these things and you truly are honored by it, well, you honor the people who gave it to you. And don’t go up there and talk about saving, you know, the Badgers in Wisconsin or something.”

Thornton also went to bat for “Landman” creator Taylor Sheridan, accusing award shows of repeatedly snubbing the series out of political bias.

“I think a lot of it’s political. I really do,” he told Variety in January. “I think some people assume Taylor is some sort of right-wing guy or something, and he’s really not.”

Thornton, who stars in “Landman” as oil executive Tommy Norris, explained that awards voters may have the wrong idea about the show’s message.

“Even with this show being about the oil business, he just shows you what it’s like. He’s not saying ‘Rah, rah, rah for oil,’” he explained.

“It’s just the people who work in this business or who are affected by this business, the people on the periphery and within the families in the business; this is what happens.”

Yellowstone, Sheridan’s smash hit series, earned just one Emmy nomination across its five-season run — Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program in 2021.

Thornton burst onto Hollywood’s radar in 1996 with Sling Blade — a film he wrote, directed and starred in that earned him an Academy Award for best writing and a nomination for best actor.

A U.S. Navy submarine equipped with nuclear capabilities made a strategic appearance off the Spanish coastline on Monday, coinciding with reports that Donald Trump was giving serious thought to initiating fresh military actions against Tehran.

The Pentagon disclosed that the submarine, which boasts stealthy launch capabilities and carries more than 150 Tomahawk missiles, had made port in Gibraltar, a territory under British jurisdiction.

The military describes the presence of this vessel as a clear indication of America’s military prowess, adaptability, and unwavering support for NATO partners.

While such submarines typically remain shrouded in secrecy, with their locations undisclosed, the military refrained from naming this specific vessel.

This development emerged amid reports from CNN on Monday evening, suggesting that Trump was closer than ever in recent weeks to considering renewed military engagement with Iran.

Trump deemed the latest offer on behalf of Iran as ‘totally unacceptable’ and ‘stupid,’ with administration members saying that they don’t know if Tehran is being serious about negotiations. 

The President is impatient with the refusal to reopen the straight of Hormuz and also thinks the Iranian leadership is too divided to make real progress on a deal. 

He revealed earlier Monday that he rejected Tehran’s latest peace proposal without even bothering to finish reading it because it did not agree to his demand that Iran turn over its uranium stockpile. 

The location of nuclear-armed US Navy submarine has been revealed by the Pentagon as Donald Trump has admitted the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is ‘on life support’

The President revealed Monday that he rejected Tehran’s latest peace proposal without even bothering to finish reading it because it did not agree to his demand that Iran turn over its uranium stockpile

Factions of Trump’s administration are arguing both for and against a potential aggressive approach to going forward in Iran. 

Some Trump allies want the mediators from Pakistan to be more straightforward with Tehran, with some suggesting they’re not being honest with the Iranians over how angry Trump is with the talks. 

Trump met with national security advisors Monday, with a decision set to be made before the President leaves for China Tuesday afternoon.

However, the President admitted earlier Monday that the status of the ceasefire is fragile.  

‘Unbelievably weak,’ Trump said when asked if the ceasefire was still in place. ‘I would call it the weakest right now after reading that piece of garbage they sent us … didn’t even finish reading it.’

He continued, ‘The ceasefire is on massive life support, where the doctor walks in and says, “Sir, your loved one has approximately a one percent chance of living.”‘

Trump gathered members of his national security team at the White House to discuss next steps on Monday after peace deal negotiations hit a dead end, according to Axios.

Tehran has reportedly demanded that the US end its naval blockade of Iranian ports, release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian bank assets, and establish security guarantees for the regime’s militant allies in Lebanon.

Tehran has reportedly demanded that the US end its naval blockade of Iranian ports, release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian bank assets, and establish security guarantees for the regime’s militant allies in Lebanon. Pictured: Tehran during US and Israeli attacks in March

The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused US diplomats of ‘making unreasonable’ and ‘excessive demands.’

Trump wants Tehran to hand over its entire stockpile to the US, while Iran has only offered to transfer it to an allied country such as Russia.

During the his press conference, Trump ⁠also claimed Iran is willing to give up it’s ‘nuclear dust.’ He said only China and the US have the capability to retrieve the stockpile, which was buried under rubble by American strikes last year.

Iran responded to Trump’s peace rejection by issuing a stark warning to the US. 

‘We will never bow our heads before the enemy, and if talk of dialogue or negotiation arises, it does not mean surrender or retreat,’ Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said.

With no peace deal in sight to end the Strait of Hormuz standoff, global oil prices have skyrocketed, pushing Brent crude futures to around $104 a barrel.

The Trump administration’s latest proposal addressed a deal to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and roll back Iran’s nuclear program. 

The fragile ceasefire began in April after Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s entire ‘civilization’ if the regime refused to make a deal.

It was initially only supposed to last two weeks, but the President extended it indefinitely at the request of foreign mediators, including Pakistan.

The strait has remained closed, with oil tankers facing threats from Iranian speedboats and mines, while Tehran’s ports stay cut off by the US Navy.

Both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of the ceasefire.