Vance pushes back on reports that US strikes hit wedding in Iran but says ‘sometimes things happen’ - live

Key Points:

• Vice President JD Vance denied Iran’s claim that US strikes hit a wedding party, emphasizing US policy against targeting civilians and stating an investigation is underway to verify facts. He praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s efforts to instill a “warrior spirit” and culture shift within the Department of War.
• Vance announced plans to use oil development agreements in Venezuela to bolster the US strategic petroleum reserve, aiming to increase supply and lower gas prices ahead of the midterm elections.
• The Pentagon temporarily retracted new mandatory testosterone deficiency testing guidelines for service members after initial publication, with Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasizing the program’s goal to optimize military readiness.
• Senate and House Democrats, led by Bernie Sanders and Greg Casar, proposed legislation to ban the development of artificial superintelligence until a new government agency can ensure safety oversight, citing recent rogue AI incidents.
• Former US pardon attorney Elizabeth Oyer sued the Department of Justice, alleging wrongful termination after rejecting political pressure to restore actor Mel Gibson’s gun rights, claiming the request was tied to Gibson’s relationship with former President Trump.