Washington Times - Politics, Breaking News, US and World News

Ceasefire, sea skirmishes, start-and-stop peace talks stir confusion about whether Iran war is over

Demonstrators chant slogans during a pro-government gathering at Islamic Revolution Square in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

By Tom Howell Jr. - The Washington Times 22 minutes ago

Is the U.S. still at war with Iran? It should be an easy question to answer.

Perdue: Trump trip to China was needed to correct decades of American ‘malaise’

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures towards Chinese President Xi Jinping while leaving after a visit to the Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing, Friday, May 15, 2026. (Evan Vucci/Pool Photo via AP)

By Kerry Picket and Jeff Mordock - The Washington Times

President Trump’s visit to Beijing was a strategic diplomatic engagement that advanced his top priority of correcting a decades-old economic imbalance that “hollowed out” crucial American industries, U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue said Sunday.

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures towards Chinese President Xi Jinping while leaving after a visit to the Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing, Friday, May 15, 2026. (Evan Vucci/Pool Photo via AP)

Perdue: Trump trip to China was needed to correct decades of American ‘malaise’

By Kerry Picket and Jeff Mordock - The Washington Times

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., speaks to supporters during an election night watch party Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Trump claims revenge over impeachment vote after Cassidy loses primary

By Lindsey McPherson - The Washington Times

In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te speaks during a press conference on "Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership" in Taipei, Taiwan on Feb. 3, 2026. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP, File)

Trump weighs Taiwan arms sales as part of negotiations with China, U.S. trade representative says

By Kerry Picket - The Washington Times

Carolina, a sex worker, protesting on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Strippers, massage parlor workers striking in Montreal ahead of Canadian Grand Prix

By Brad Matthews - The Washington Times

Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith testifies before the House Judiciary Committee at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

From Mar-a-Lago raid to phone record grabs, Republicans are readying a Jack Smith reckoning

By Alex Swoyer - The Washington Times

Happening Now

Carolina, a sex worker, protesting on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Strippers, massage parlor workers striking in Montreal ahead of Canadian Grand Prix

By Brad Matthews - The Washington Times

Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith testifies before the House Judiciary Committee at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

From Mar-a-Lago raid to phone record grabs, Republicans are readying a Jack Smith reckoning

By Alex Swoyer - The Washington Times

People walk past a mural depicting a U.S. aircraft carrier under missile attack in downtown Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Ceasefire hangs by thread as Trump warns Iran is running out of time

By Vaughn Cockayne - The Washington Times

A guest dressed as Abraham Lincoln attends the Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee Of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Thousands flock to the National Mall in Washington for an America-themed prayer rally

By Tiffany Stanley - Associated Press

Commentary View all

Democrats projecting their negative thoughts and agenda on Republicans illustration by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

Barack Obama and Democrats do not believe in the rule of law

By Everett Piper

Dictatorship in Cuba illustration by Linas Garsys / The Washington Times

My time in Cuba helped me understand the island’s suffering

By Don Feder

Hamas murdering and attacking Israeli citizens in Israel illustration by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

Hamas raped minors and the dead on Oct. 7

By Rowan Scarborough

Illustration on the potentialities of American public education by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

U.S. student test scores in a generation-long decline

By Editorial Board

The United States of America versus China illustration by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

U.S. must get serious about winning the war with China

By Michael McKenna

Culture View all

Lainey Wilson, center, performs "Can't Sit Still" during the 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

2026 ACM Awards kick off with fiery performances from Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert

By Maria Sherman - Associated Press

Cate Blanchett poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Paper Tiger' at the 79th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 16, 2026. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Cate Blanchett laments that the #MeToo movement ‘got killed very quickly’ in Hollywood

Associated Press

Dara from Bulgaria reacts as she holds the trophy after winning the Grand Final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Bulgaria wins the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with upbeat party anthem ‘Bangaranga’

By Jill Lawless - Associated Press

Jaafar Jackson arrives at the premiere of "Michael" on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

‘Michael’ reclaims the top box office spot in its 4th weekend

By Lindsey Bahr - Associated Press

View all

Rather than shrinking, the Islamic State — also known as ISIL and ISIS — is metastasizing globally by attracting waves of henchmen in Libya, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Afghanistan, the Congressional Research Service said in a June 14 report for lawmakers. (Associated Press)

ISIS global director killed in joint U.S.-Nigeria operation

By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times

Israeli soldiers carry the flag-draped coffin of slain hostage Col. Asaf Hamami, who was abducted by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, 2023, during his funeral at Kiryat Shaul military cemetery, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israel kills Hamas military chief, last architect of Oct. 7 attacks

This undated photograph released by the United Arab Emirates' state-run WAM news agency shows the under-construction Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi's Western desert. (Arun Girija/Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation/WAM via AP, File)

Unidentified drone strike starts fire near United Arab Emirates’ nuclear plant

By Vaughn Cockayne - The Washington Times

In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te speaks during a press conference on "Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership" in Taipei, Taiwan on Feb. 3, 2026. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP, File)

Trump weighs Taiwan arms sales as part of negotiations with China, U.S. trade representative says

By Kerry Picket - The Washington Times

Trump Central View all

In this Tuesday, June 20, 2017, file photo, then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer smiles as he answers a question during a briefing at the White House, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Why Sean Spicer thinks Trump 2.0 outshines the first term

By Alex Swoyer - The Washington Times

Passengers walk through the Long Island Rail area of New York's Penn Station, Wednesday, July 16, 2014. Negotiations aimed at avoiding a walkout at the nation's largest commuter railroad resumed Wednesday after Gov. Andrew Cuomo prodded both sides to find an agreement that would keep 300,000 daily riders from being forced to find alternate ways of getting in and out of New York City. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Trump rips Gov. Hochul over commuter rail strike: ‘It’s your fault’

By Jeff Mordock - The Washington Times

A Boeing 737 MAX airplane on the final assembly line is seen during a media tour at Boeing's factory Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Trump says China agreed to buy 200 Boeing planes and signaled interest in as many as 750

By Rio Yamat - Associated Press

Trump administration prepares to seek Raul Castro indictment as it pressures Cuba, AP sources say

By Joshua Goodman, Alanna Durkin Richer and Eric Tucker - Associated Press

Politics View all

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-KY, speaks to reporters after a Kentucky Educational Television (KET) debate, Monday, May 4, 2026, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)

Massie fights for political life in final push for votes in GOP primary

By Kerry Picket - The Washington Times

In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te speaks during a press conference on "Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership" in Taipei, Taiwan on Feb. 3, 2026. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP, File)

Trump weighs Taiwan arms sales as part of negotiations with China, U.S. trade representative says

By Kerry Picket - The Washington Times

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures towards Chinese President Xi Jinping while leaving after a visit to the Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing, Friday, May 15, 2026. (Evan Vucci/Pool Photo via AP)

Perdue: Trump trip to China was needed to correct decades of American ‘malaise’

By Kerry Picket and Jeff Mordock - The Washington Times

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., speaks to supporters during an election night watch party Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Trump claims revenge over impeachment vote after Cassidy loses primary

By Lindsey McPherson - The Washington Times

Dive Deeper View all

FILE - An ANA jet flies above a gas station in Inglewood, Calif., on May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Video

Republicans pivot to emergency gas tax holiday, affordability agenda as soaring prices anger voters

By Susan Ferrechio and Tom Howell Jr. - The Washington Times

Thoroughbred colts compete in high-stakes races on Friday, March 15 during Black-Eyed Susan Day, the preliminary to Saturday's Preakness Stakes. This year's race was moved to Laurel, Maryland, due to renovations at Pimlico Race Course. (Sean Salai/The Washington Times)

Preakness racegoers bid a wistful farewell to historic Laurel Park

By Sean Salai - The Washington Times

A child waves to a robot dessert booth at Caesars Palace, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Chef-like robots and barista bots caused a stir at the annual CES technology trade show in Las Vegas, putting a spotlight on casino union workers' fears that jobs could be at risk in the age of artificial intelligence. (AP Photo/ Ty ONeil) **FILE**

Is a bot coming for your job? Employers expand AI tools from resume-sorting to layoffs

By Sean Salai - The Washington Times

Jockeys race horses during Laurel Park's Preakness Meet, Friday, May 8, 2026, in Laurel, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Preakness in Laurel conjures memories of suburban Maryland’s equestrian past

By Sean Salai - The Washington Times

National View all

Bok Kongphan poses for a photo at his farm, Monday, May 4, 2026, in Waialua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Mengshin Lin)

Hawaii’s worst flooding in 20 years leaves farmers struggling and fewer veggies at the market

By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher - Associated Press

A passenger looks at a closed off entrance to the Long Island Rail Road at Grand Central station, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in New York, on the first day of a strike after five unions representing about half the LIRR's workforce walked off the job. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

North America’s largest commuter rail system remains shut a second day as Monday rush hour looms

By Philip Marcelo and Michael R. Sisak - Associated Press

Aaron McGuire sings a spirtual song during a voting rally, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

In the birthplace of Civil Rights Movement, groups rally to defend Black political representation

By Kim Chandler - Associated Press

American Airlines passenger planes are seen at gates at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., on Jan. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) **FILE**

American Airlines regional flight makes emergency landing in Kansas City after cabin smoke

By Brad Matthews - The Washington Times

World View all

Students are getting ready to fly an FPV drone. Guillaume Ptak / The Washington Times

At Kyiv drone school, young Ukrainians try to shape how they will fight

By Guillaume Ptak - Special to The Washington Times

People walk past a mural depicting a U.S. aircraft carrier under missile attack in downtown Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Ceasefire hangs by thread as Trump warns Iran is running out of time

By Vaughn Cockayne - The Washington Times

This undated photograph released by the United Arab Emirates' state-run WAM news agency shows the under-construction Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi's Western desert. (Arun Girija/Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation/WAM via AP, File)

Unidentified drone strike starts fire near United Arab Emirates’ nuclear plant

By Vaughn Cockayne - The Washington Times

Carolina, a sex worker, protesting on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Strippers, massage parlor workers striking in Montreal ahead of Canadian Grand Prix

By Brad Matthews - The Washington Times

Sports View all

Aaron Rai, of England, celebrates after his shot on the 17th green during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Newtown Square, PA. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Dominant Rai takes PGA Championship, first English-born winner in more than a century

By Doug Ferguson - Associated Press

Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson walks to the on-deck circle during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Nationals drop series finale against Orioles, drop back below .500

By Liam Griffin - The Washington Times

Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson gives a thumbs up as he is announced onto the field during opening ceremonies of Game 3 of the National League Division Series between the Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park in Washington on Oct. 10, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

Commentary
LOVERRO: Nationals, Mets both have stake in the legacy of one of the game’s greats

By Thom Loverro

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrates with fans after Game 4 in a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series against the Phoenix Suns, Monday, April 27, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the overwhelming favorite for NBA MVP in Sunday night’s reveal

By Tim Reynolds - Associated Press

Higher Ground View all

Sen Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla, appears at a campaign event in support of Republican president nominee former President Donad Trump, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Red Springs, N.C. (AP Photo/David Yeazell)

Mullin says ‘American History X’ scared him straight before faith changed his life

By Alex Swoyer - The Washington Times

The Constitution of the United States is printed in Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump's "God Bless the USA" Bible in Washington, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)

Video
WATCH: Surprise, surprise: God is actually ‘very partisan’

By Cheryl K. Chumley - The Washington Times

Texas hospital agrees to open first-ever ‘detransition clinic’ for children who regret gender change

By Stephen Dinan - The Washington Times

Friends hang out at a birthday event in an urban New York bar. File photo credit: PeopleImages via Shutterstock.

Commentary
A marriage crisis? Stunning stats raise concerns, hopes

By Billy Hallowell

Podcasts View all

Victory Over Communism

U.S. and China locked in a fierce battle over AI

Victory over Communism with Bill Gertz

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Rep. Gabe Evans joins Threat Status

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Listen to the Front Page Podcast

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People walk past a mural depicting a U.S. aircraft carrier under missile attack in downtown Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Ceasefire hangs by thread as Trump warns Iran is running out of time

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A guest dressed as Abraham Lincoln attends the Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee Of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Thousands flock to the National Mall in Washington for an America-themed prayer rally

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Rep. Thomas Massie, R-KY, speaks to reporters after a Kentucky Educational Television (KET) debate, Monday, May 4, 2026, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)

Massie fights for political life in final push for votes in GOP primary

By Kerry Picket - The Washington Times

Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., speaks during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest 2025 on Dec. 20, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Georgia GOP Senate primary: Five candidates, zero Trump endorsements and a runoff looms

By Lindsey McPherson - The Washington Times

The Pentagon's Office of Net Assessment has submitted a plan to correct its loose contracting procedures after an inspector general found little evidence that Stafan Halper actually carried through with his promises in his "statements of work." (Associated Press/File)

Pentagon cutting civilian harm mitigation program may break the law: Report

By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times

The MV Hondius cruise ship is anchored at a port in Praia, Cape Verde, May 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Arilson Almeida, File)

Canadian national health agency confirms 1 positive hantavirus test

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Construction crews work on a new border wall segment on Kuuchamaa Mountain, Friday, April 24, 2026, seen from Tecate, Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

U.S.-Mexico border wall construction is desecrating sacred sites, Indigenous leaders say

By Julie Watson and Morgan Lee - Associated Press

Prince George's County police block the road to the police station, Monday morning. (AP photo/Jessica Gresko) **FILE**

Man, 68, charged with wounding six and carjacking in Prince George’s County crime spree

By Matt Delaney - The Washington Times

Paco Lopez, right, atop Napoleon Solo, leads the pack to win the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes horse race, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Napoleon Solo holds off Iron Honor by 1 1/4 lengths to win the Preakness at Laurel Park

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Thoroughbred colts compete in high-stakes races on Friday, March 15 during Black-Eyed Susan Day, the preliminary to Saturday's Preakness Stakes. This year's race was moved to Laurel, Maryland, due to renovations at Pimlico Race Course. (Sean Salai/The Washington Times)

Preakness racegoers bid a wistful farewell to historic Laurel Park

By Sean Salai - The Washington Times

Passengers walk through the Long Island Rail area of New York's Penn Station, Wednesday, July 16, 2014. Negotiations aimed at avoiding a walkout at the nation's largest commuter railroad resumed Wednesday after Gov. Andrew Cuomo prodded both sides to find an agreement that would keep 300,000 daily riders from being forced to find alternate ways of getting in and out of New York City. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Trump rips Gov. Hochul over commuter rail strike: ‘It’s your fault’

By Jeff Mordock - The Washington Times

Rather than shrinking, the Islamic State — also known as ISIL and ISIS — is metastasizing globally by attracting waves of henchmen in Libya, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Afghanistan, the Congressional Research Service said in a June 14 report for lawmakers. (Associated Press)

ISIS global director killed in joint U.S.-Nigeria operation

By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times

Bees fly through the door of a beehive crafted to look like the White House on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, April 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Bees swarm White House’s North Lawn

By Brad Matthews - The Washington Times

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., speaks to supporters during an election night watch party Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Trump claims revenge over impeachment vote after Cassidy loses primary

By Lindsey McPherson - The Washington Times

Washington Metropolitan Police vehicles are stationed on the perimeter of the Capitol in Washington on Aug. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) **FILE**

D.C. summer law enforcement surge ready for America 250

By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times

Eric and Lara Trump talks as President Donald Trump attends an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ** FILE **

Eric Trump threatens to sue Jen Psaki, MS NOW over China report

By Jeff Mordock - The Washington Times

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a meeting on economic issues at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 15, 2026. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Putin to visit Chinese leader Xi Jinping days after Trump’s trip to Beijing

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Israeli soldiers carry the flag-draped coffin of slain hostage Col. Asaf Hamami, who was abducted by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, 2023, during his funeral at Kiryat Shaul military cemetery, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israel kills Hamas military chief, last architect of Oct. 7 attacks

Fireworks explode near the Washington Monument during a Fourth of July celebration at the White House in Washington, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

Freedom 250 task force plans to break world record for largest fireworks display on Fourth of July

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A U.S. Navy SEAL special forces operator, left, stands with a colleague during a joint U.S.-Cyprus military drill at Limassol port on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Philippos Christou) **FILE**

‘Insatiable’ demand: Inside the fight for a bigger U.S. Special Forces budget

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