I. Legislative Branch
1) Legislation
House Bill Would Restore Temporary Protected Status for Yemen. On October 19, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced H.R.10853, which would restore Temporary Protected Status for Yemen following its termination in July 2026.
2) Personnel and Correspondence
Senators Urge the Release of US Citizen Detained by Israel. On October 20, Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) led 11 other Senators in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urging them to press Israel for the immediate release of 18-year-old US citizen Abdalkareem Issa Ahmed Safi, who is being held without charge or trial at Ofer prison in the occupied West Bank.
II. Executive Branch
1) White House
The United States and Israel Reportedly Prepare for Possible Renewed Strikes on Iran. On October 23, President Donald Trump said that the United States could end the war with Iran “very quickly,” while questioning whether Washington should do so or allow the conflict to “wither.” He also said that oil was moving through the Strait of Hormuz and that the United States was “getting everything we want.”
Trump’s remarks came amid reports that the United States and Israel were preparing for possible renewed strikes on Iran after the November midterm elections in the US. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reportedly sought to launch strikes earlier this month but Trump had held back a possible attack ahead of the midterms. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also made an unannounced visit to Israel this week, where he met with Netanyahu to discuss regional threats.
Trump Escalates Anti-Muslim Rhetoric Against El-Sayed. On October 25, President Trump intensified his anti-Muslim rhetoric against Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, calling him a “Jihadist Member of the Muslim Brotherhood,” claiming that he wanted to impose Sharia law in the United States and portraying him as a threat to national security. El-Sayed has repeatedly denied any ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and disavowed the group.
Trump Calls on Libya to End “Illegal” Migration. On October 25, President Trump called on Libya to stop serving as a corridor for illegal migration. He also reaffirmed US support for the unification of Libya and its institutions, national elections, and sovereignty, while highlighting the US-Libyan partnership in combating terrorism.
Trump Doubles Down on Netanyahu Support. On October 25, President Trump renewed his endorsement of Prime Minister Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 election, urging Israelis to back Netanyahu so that the two leaders could “finish the job” against Iran.
Trump’s remarks followed reports that Netanyahu had sought additional public backing from Trump in the closing days of the campaign, as polling has continued to show his bloc falling short of the seats needed for a parliamentary majority.
2) Department of State
The Department of State Reduces Staffing at Embassies across the Middle East Amid Regional Threats. On October 21, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from its diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks.
On October 23, the Department also announced staffing reductions at US embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), citing increased threats from Iran and the Houthis.
Rubio Speaks with Qatari Prime Minister. On October 22, Secretary Rubio spoke with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to reaffirm US support for Qatar’s security and for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He also expressed appreciation for Qatar’s regional mediation efforts.
3) Department of War
AFRICOM Conducts Strikes in Somalia. On October 19, 21, and 23, US forces conducted airstrikes against al-Shabab in Somalia.
CENTCOM Commander Visits Strait of Hormuz. On October 25, CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper visited the Strait of Hormuz, where he assessed ongoing US operations and met with service members involved in mine-clearance efforts. According to CENTCOM, US forces have supported more than 3,000 commercial vessel transits through the strait over the past six months and assisted Gulf partners in exporting more than 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil since the summer.
4) Department of the Treasury
Treasury Sanctions Firms and Vessels Supporting Iran’s Shadow Fleet. On October 21, the Department of the Treasury sanctioned the Panama- and Greece-based law firm Karnakis and Karnakis, shipping agents based in Singapore and the UAE, and a fleet of cargo vessels for allegedly supporting Iran’s sanctions-evasion and shadow fleet networks.
SUMMARY BLURB
Ingie Gohar reports on US-Israeli preparations for renewed strikes on Iran, staffing reductions at US embassies across the region, and an 18-year-old US citizen detained by Israel without charge or due process.
