I. Legislative Branch
1) Legislation
House Bill Pushes for Additional Terrorist Designation of Hamas and PIJ. On July 25, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) introduced H.R.9153, which adds the leadership of Hamas and Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) to the FBI’s list of most-wanted terrorists.
Bipartisan Bill Would Provide Israel with “Bunker Buster” Bombs. On July 30, Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Brian Mast (R-FL) introduced H.R.9206, which “authorizes the President to take actions to ensure Israel is prepared for all contingencies if Iran seeks to develop a nuclear weapon, and for other purposes.” The bill would authorize the president to provide Israel with a Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, commonly referred to as a “bunker buster,” which has the capability to take out Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure.
Senate Resolution Disapproves of Proposed Military Sale to Saudi Arabia. On July 30, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced S.J.Res.105, which disapproves of a proposed foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia.
Senate Bill Requests Report on Iranian Influence on US Domestic Affairs. On July 31, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced S.4883, which would “require the Director of National Intelligence to issue a report on interference by Islamic Republic of Iran in United States domestic politics.”
Lindsey Graham Seeks Authorization of Military Force Against Iran. On July 31 and August 1, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced S.J.Res.106 and S.J.Res.107, respectively. These resolutions would authorize the use of US military force against Iran. On July 31, Graham also introduced S.Res.784, which seeks to “deter” Hezbollah and Iran and urges the United States to “use all diplomatic tools available to hold them accountable.”
Defense Bill Passes Out of Senate Committee. On August 1, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense appropriations bill, which provides for $852.2 billion in defense funding, a $27.2 billion, or 3.3 percent, increase over Fiscal Year 2024. The bill includes $800 million above the President’s budget request for Central Command (CENTCOM) operations.
2) Personnel and Correspondence
House Letter Seeks Investigation into Anti-Netanyahu Protests. On July 29, House Republicans, led by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-FL), sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Director of the National Park Service Charles F. Sams III, requesting that they launch a full investigation of protesters who demonstrated outside the Capitol on July 24, the day of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress.
House Letter Seeks New Funding to Combat Global Famine and Malnutrition. On July 29, Rep. Gabe Amo (D-RD) led a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and USAID Administrator Samantha Power in support of dedicated funding for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food and to leverage $9 billion in previously approved humanitarian assistance to address acute malnutrition in Gaza and Sudan.
HFAC Chair Urges Biden to Deter Iranian Influence in United States. On July 31, House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) issued a statement urging the Biden administration to more actively deter “Iran’s nefarious extraterritorial attacks and malign influence operations,” including “efforts to influence the 2024 elections.”
Republicans Urge Biden to Expedite Shipments of Weapons to Israel. On July 31, HFAC Chairman McCaul issued a statement criticizing the Biden administration for “delay[ing] the delivery of critical weapons” to Israel and calling for their “fast-track” delivery. On August 2, Senate Republicans sent a letter to President Joe Biden, accusing the administration of imposing a “partial arms embargo against Israel” through the delay of ammunition and weapons.
Chair of Senate Foreign Relations Calls for an End to War in Sudan. On August 1, Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor in support of a ceasefire and humanitarian efforts in Sudan.
3) Hearings and Briefings
Senate Armed Services Committee Holds Hearing on National Defense Strategy. On July 30, the Senate Armed Services Committee received testimony on the findings and recommendations of the Commission on the National Defense Strategy, which includes recommendations for US strategy in the Middle East.
II. Executive Branch
1) White House
US Delegation to Saudi Arabia to Discuss Yemen. Axios reported that a Biden administration delegation led by White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk traveled to Saudi Arabia on July 30 for discussions on Yemen including on Houthi escalation toward Israel.
Biden Speaks with King of Jordan. On July 26, President Biden spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan. Biden thanked the king for Jordan’s support in the humanitarian response in Gaza and discussed efforts to secure a hostage release and ceasefire deal. The two leaders also reviewed the situation in the West Bank and US commitment to a reformed and strengthened Palestinian Authority.
Biden Appoints Presidential Delegation to Mauritania. On July 26, the White House announced that President Biden appointed a Presidential Delegation to Mauritania to attend the inauguration of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani on August 1.
Biden Continues National Emergency in Lebanon. On July 29, the Biden administration issued a continuation of the national emergency with respect to Lebanon. The notice cites Iran’s support for Hezbollah, the weakening of Lebanese sovereignty, and political and economic instability in the region as unusual and extraordinary threats to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
White House Reiterates Ironclad Support for Israel Amid Hezbollah Escalation. On July 30, the White House released a statement reiterating that the US commitment to Israel is “ironclad and unwavering against all Iran-backed threats, including Lebanese Hezbollah.” In a July 29 press briefing, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby also addressed escalating tensions along the Blue Line, the United Nations’ demarcation dividing Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights. Kirby stated that US officials have been in discussion with Israeli and Lebanese counterparts about reaching a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Kirby affirmed the official US position that “Israel has a right to defend itself” in the face of threats from Hezbollah.
White House Officials Still See “Viable” Ceasefire Process Despite Haniyeh Assassination. On July 31, White House Advisor Kirby said that the United States remains committed to a ceasefire in Gaza, despite Israel’s assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on the same day. Kirby stated that the Biden administration does not believe that an escalation is inevitable and that it “still believe[s] there’s a viable process” to a ceasefire in Gaza. At an August 1 press briefing, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan echoed Kirby’s optimism.
Biden Floats New Military Deployments in Conversation with Netanyahu. On August 1, President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. According to the White House readout, the leaders discussed US support for Israel’s defenses against threats, including the possibility of “new defensive US military deployments.” Biden later told reporters that he was “very direct” with Netanyahu and that the recent assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has “not helped” ceasefire talks.
Deputy National Security Advisor Finer Urges US Citizens to Leave Lebanon. In August 4 television interviews with ABC and CBS, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer stated that the US is “preparing for every possibility” for potential retaliation from Iran. He urged American citizens in Lebanon to leave the country as “we are in a moment that appears to be of heightened threat.” Finer also noted that the recent deployment of additional military assets to the region was solely for the purpose of defending Israel, while stating that the United States is still “working very hard to de-escalate this situation diplomatically.”
2) Department of State
Secretary Blinken Speaks with Israeli President Herzog. On July 29, Secretary Blinken spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The Secretary shared condolences for the victims of the July 27 attack on Majdal Shams in the [Israeli-occupied] Golan Heights and reaffirmed the US commitment to Israel’s security. The officials continued discussions on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
Blinken Speaks with Arab Foreign Ministers. From July 30 through August 1, Secretary Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia on ceasefire developments in Gaza, continued efforts toward releasing hostages, surging humanitarian aid, and preventing regional escalation and conflict in Lebanon and Sudan.
Blinken Calls Ceasefire “Best Way to Bring Temperature Down Everywhere.” At a July 31 press conference, Secretary Blinken reacted to Israel’s killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, stating that the United States was “not aware of or involved in” the strike. Blinken declined to comment on how Haniyeh’s death would impact Gaza ceasefire negotiations but maintained that the “imperative of getting a ceasefire, the importance that that has for everyone, remains.” Blinken called a ceasefire in Gaza the “best way to bring the temperature down everywhere…that will have, I think, important effects on other areas where you could see conflict.”
3) Department of Defense
Deputy Defense Secretary Meets with Yezidi Civil Society Leaders. On July 30, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy Daniel B. Shapiro met with Yezidi civil society leaders on the eve of the ten-year anniversary of the genocide perpetrated by the so-called Islamic State against the Yezidis as well as Christians and Shia Muslims. The meeting honored the victims of the genocide and attendees discussed ongoing challenges to the security faced by the region’s religious minorities.
US Forces Strike Iranian-Backed Forces in Iraq. US forces carried out an attack on Iranian-aligned groups in Iraq on July 30, marking the first such strike in the country since February.
United States Ready to Defend Israel, Says Austin. Speaking at a July 30 press availability, Secretary Austin maintained that the United States is “committed to helping Israel defend itself for whatever it takes.” On July 31, Austin added that US officials are actively working to “help take temperature down and address issues through diplomatic means.”
Pentagon Announces New Military Deployments to Middle East. On August 2, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh announced that Secretary Austin ordered adjustments to the American military posture “designed to improve U.S. force protection, to increase support for the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies.” Singh stated that Austin ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group to replace the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group in the Central Command area of responsibility; additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the US European Command and US Central Command regions; and the deployment of an additional fighter squadron to the Middle East.
Secretary Austin Cancels Pre-Trial Agreement in Guantanamo Case. On August 2, Secretary of Defense Austin issued a statement outlining his decision to withdraw from pre-trial agreements between the US government and five inmates at Guantanamo Bay who had reached a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. Republicans had strongly opposed the potential plea deal, introducing a bill on August 1 and issuing statements and a letter to Austin on August 2.
Secretary Austin Speaks with Israeli Minister of Defense, Affirms “Unwavering” US Support. Secretary Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant several times throughout last week. In calls on July 31, August 2, and August 4, Austin affirmed the US commitment to Israeli security, condemned the July 27 attack on [Israeli-occupied] Majdal Shams, reviewed efforts to de-escalate tensions, and discussed US force posture moves in the region.
4) Department of the Treasury
Treasury Sanctions Iranian Missile Procurement Network. On July 30, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five individuals and seven entities based in Iran, China, and Hong Kong for aiding Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics in the procurement of components that serve as key inputs to Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle program.
Treasury Sanctions Houthi Weapons Network. On July 31, OFAC announced sanctions on two individuals and four companies for their involvement in facilitating weapons procurement for the Houthis.
5) United States Agency for International Development
Power Issues Statement on Famine in Sudan. On August 1, Administrator Power reacted to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system’s confirmation that famine has been ongoing inside Zamzam, the largest camp in Sudan for internally displaced people. Power reiterated the US call to allow unfettered humanitarian access throughout the country and take steps to resolve the ongoing conflict diplomatically.
