Section

Defense & Security

Military, intelligence, national security

cbsnews.com

U.S. Military Asserts Strait of Hormuz Open Amid Iranian Attacks

The U.S. military maintains that the Strait of Hormuz is open for commercial traffic despite Iranian aggression, which has included over 30 attacks on vessels. Traffic has declined significantly, with only three ships reported transiting the strait on July 21, 2026. Safety concerns have led many operators to avoid the area, exacerbated by threats from Iranian-aligned Houthis in Yemen.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: -0.20
Washington Examiner

Corporate Contractors Lobby Against Defense Spending Bill Provision on Stock Buybacks

Corporate contractors are lobbying against a provision in the defense spending bill that would restrict stock buybacks for companies failing to meet performance standards. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce argues that this could set a precedent for federal control over corporate finance, while proponents believe it is necessary to ensure contractors prioritize performance in defense contracts.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00
Daily Wire

Pentagon Investigates Reports of Airborne Objects Near Virginia Coast

The Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office is investigating a report of around 100 airborne objects and two likely uncrewed vessels near Virginia. The investigation is part of the office's ongoing efforts to analyze unidentified anomalous phenomena, with a focus on potential threats to national security. The latest report indicates that many sightings occur near sensitive sites, and the office is working to enhance its detection capabilities.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00
apnews.com

Trump warns of U.S. retaliation against Iran for attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. will retaliate against Iran by destroying civilian infrastructure for each attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This statement comes amid escalating tensions and military actions between the two nations, with significant implications for global energy trade and economic stability. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: -0.20
newsweek.com

Trump Accused of Downplaying U.S. Military Deaths in Iran Conflict

President Donald Trump faces criticism for allegedly downplaying the deaths of 18 U.S. service members in the Iran conflict by comparing the toll to previous wars. Critics, including political figures and commentators, have condemned his remarks as disrespectful, while supporters defend his approach to military engagement. The U.S. military has confirmed the identities of the service members who have died since the conflict began.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: -0.50
Fox News — Latest

Discussion on U.S. Support for Regime Change in Iran Resurfaces Amid Military Strikes

The Trump administration is reportedly discussing the potential for U.S. support of regime change in Iran amid renewed military strikes against Iranian targets. This includes considerations of aiding internal uprisings and supporting armed opposition groups. Experts note the distinction between weakening the regime and pursuing its collapse as a military objective, while the fragmented nature of the Iranian opposition complicates potential political changes.

Bias: 33 Sentiment: +0.00
The Daily Beast

Trump Discusses Military Deaths in Context of Other Presidents

President Trump commented on the recent military deaths in the Iran conflict, comparing them to fatalities from previous wars under other presidents. The Pentagon reported three recent casualties, raising the total U.S. deaths in the conflict to 18. His remarks have drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic leaders.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.30
Fox News — Politics

US Open to Negotiations with Iran, Warns of Consequences for Violations

Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the U.S. is open to negotiations with Iran but warned of consequences for violations of commitments. Speaking at the ASEAN Summit, he expressed concerns about Iran's sincerity in talks and emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio's remarks come amid ongoing tensions and military actions between the U.S. and Iran.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: +0.00
Fox News — Latest

Rubio states US is open to negotiations with Iran, warns of consequences

On July 22, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. is open to negotiating with Iran but warned of consequences for continued violations of commitments. Speaking at the ASEAN Summit, he emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the need for military readiness to protect U.S. interests.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: +0.10
Al Jazeera English

US Military Conducts Strikes for 11th Consecutive Night

The US military's operations have continued for 11 consecutive nights, with recent strikes extending to Iranian provinces that had not been previously affected. This marks a significant escalation in the military's actions.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00
nbcnews.com

Pentagon Estimates Iran War Costs at $37.5 Billion, Seeks Additional Funding

During a Senate hearing on July 21, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that the cost of the Iran war has reached $37.5 billion, up from earlier estimates. The Pentagon is seeking $67 billion in additional funding as tensions escalate following a ceasefire breakdown and recent U.S. casualties.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10
Fox News — Politics

House Approves Measure for Troops and Pentagon Workers to Carry Personal Firearms on Military Bases

The House voted 215-214 to allow qualified service members and Pentagon civilian employees to carry personal firearms on military bases, establishing a presumption of approval for such requests. This decision is part of the ongoing discussions surrounding the National Defense Authorization Act, which also includes provisions on healthcare for service members and military funding.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00
Fox News — Latest

House Approves Measure for Troops and Pentagon Workers to Carry Personal Firearms on Bases

On July 21, 2026, the House voted 215-214 to allow qualified service members and Pentagon employees to request permission to carry personal firearms on military bases. The vote is part of the National Defense Authorization Act, which also includes provisions related to transgender policies and military funding. The NDAA authorizes approximately $1.15 trillion for national defense and includes various amendments affecting military personnel and operations.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00
apnews.com

Defense Secretary Hegseth Faces Senate Scrutiny Over Iran War Funding

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense questioning during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing regarding the funding of the U.S. military involvement in Iran, which he estimated has cost $37.5 billion. The hearing included discussions on a proposed $95 billion funding package and highlighted concerns from both Democrats and Republicans about the ongoing conflict and military strategy.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: -0.10
Washington Post — Politics

Recent Combat Deaths Indicate Shift in Risk to U.S. Troops

Recent combat deaths indicate that the risk to U.S. troops has shifted to military facilities located far from Iran's borders. This change is largely due to the growing prevalence of drones and long-range missiles in warfare.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00