The simmering conflict between Israel and Iran is more than a geopolitical flashpointit reflects a historical rivalry stretching back nearly 2,500 years. When the Persian Empire underCyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539 BCE, it issued a decree allowingJewish captives to return and rebuild Jerusalems temple. Though that act was viewed as benevolent, it also placed Persia at the center of the regions civilizational balance. Since then, Persia and Israel have frequently occupied opposing poles of power in the Middle East.Today, that long arc has reached a perilous apex. A direct IsraelIran confrontation is underway, and President Trump, appears poised to commit U.S. forces. Bomber task forces and carrier groups are moving into position, and speculation is mounting that America will launch a strike against FordowIrans most secure nuclear facility. If such a strike occurs, it must be precise and restrained. While Irans nuclear threat must be blunted, Americas strategic focus must remain fixed on its greatest rival: China.WHY US MUST DESTROY IRAN'S FORDOW NUCLEAR FACILITY NOWAncient Identity, Modern StakesIrans self-perception is steeped in its Persian heritagea deep cultural identity that sees itself not only as a nation but as a civilizational anchor of the region. Though the Islamic Republic has distanced itself from pre-Islamic monarchy, it still invokes the legacy of Persian greatness. This fuels a deeply rooted view that Irannot the Arab world or the Westis the rightful power broker of the Middle East.That mindset helps explain Irans nuclear ambition. The regime believes regional leadership and deterrence demand atomic capability. This view is not merely ideologicalit is strategic, historical, and, in Tehrans eyes, just.Fordow: The Nuclear RedoubtTheFordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is buried deepsome 80 meters under Mount Alvand, near Qom. It houses IR-6 centrifuges and is shielded against conventional strikes. While Israel has conducted attacks on Natanz and Esfahan, Fordow remains intactuntouched in part because only the United States possesses theGBU-57A/B "Massive Ordnance Penetrator" capable of reaching it.HOW CLOSE WAS IRAN TO A NUCLEAR WEAPON BEFORE ISRAELS STRIKE ON TEHRAN?If the U.S. acts, it must be to eliminate Fordow and set back Irans breakout timeline significantly. But it must do so with clear limits.Iran Will Strike BackNo one should assume that Iran will capitulate after a single strikeeven a successful one. AyatollahKhamenei has already warned, "The battle has just begun." Iran retains the means to retaliate: proxy militias, ballistic missiles, cyber warfare capabilities, and naval forces prepared to strike U.S. assets and disrupt oil flows in the Strait of Hormuz. The regimes Revolutionary Guards and domestic intelligence apparatus are loyal and brutalso hopes of a popular uprising in the wake of a strike are, for now, unrealistic.Thus, a military operation must be seen not as a war-ending blow, but a time-buying maneuver.Strategic Discipline: Follow Israels LeadIsraels primary goal is not regime change, but to deny Iran nuclear weapons capability. Israeli Ambassador YechielLeiter recently stated, "The entire operation really has to be completed with the elimination of Fordow." That clear, narrow mission should also be the U.S. objective.ISRAEL'S WAR WITH IRAN IS A GLOBAL FLASHPOINT. AMERICA MUST LEAD BEFORE IT SPREADSAmerica should support Israel with logistics, surveillance, munitions, and deterrencebut avoid entangling itself in a broader regional war. Any strike must be followed by verifiable proofseismic signatures, ISR evidence, and ideally IAEA confirmationthat Fordow is inoperable. Without that, the mission lacks strategic and political clarity.China Remains the Pacing ThreatAll the while, the United States must remember this: Iran is a regional actor with limited global reach. China is a peer competitor with global ambition. The U.S. National Defense Strategy has repeatedly identified China as thepacing threat to U.S. global primacyin technology, trade, cyber, and military strength.Xi Jinping is watching closely. A prolonged U.S. entanglement in the Middle East is precisely the kind of strategic distraction China hopes for. The Indo-Pacific remains the theater where Americas future will be decided. Allowing a secondary conflict to drain U.S. bandwidth plays directly into Beijings hand.The Real Mission: Contain, Dont ConvertRegime change in Iran is not achievable through airpower alone, and it is not necessary to achieve our strategic aims. Washington must be content to degrade Irans nuclear capacity, isolate the regime diplomatically, and fortify its regional allies.Deterrence must be reestablished through credible actionnot open-ended intervention. Let the U.S. strike, when necessary, but not stay longer than required. Let Fordow fall, but let American strategy remain focused on China.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONConsequences of InactionThe alternativedoing nothinghas grave implications. A nuclear Iran would shift the balance of power, embolden its proxies, and trigger proliferation in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Tehran would hold Tel Aviv hostage, threaten U.S. bases, and nullify American deterrence. Inaction sends a signal: U.S. red lines are negotiable. That would ripple far beyond the Middle East.ConclusionIrans nuclear ambition is rooted not just in military calculus, but in a civilizational memoryone that casts Iran as the heir to ancient Persias regional dominance. Israel, born from exile and forged in conflict, sees its very survival at stake. The United States must support its allybut on clearly defined terms.We can and should eliminate Fordow. We can endure Irans response. But we must not lose sight of the greater contest. Americas future will not be shaped by the mountains of Qom, but by the islands of the South China Sea.Let history remember: we struck hard, struck smart, and remained focused. Fordow may fallbut our eyes must stay on China.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM ROBERT MAGINNIS

Costco's been rolling out plenty of new food court offerings this summer but many of the wholesaler's most loyal fans are longing for an old favorite.A recent discussion on Reddit focused on the long-gone $1 churro at Costco. This particular social media community is home to over 1.3 million Costco customers.Costco has served churros on and off throughout the years. The treat fell of the food court menu in early 2024 to make way for the viral Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie. At the time, it sold for $1.49.FIRST DAY AT COSTCO FOOD COURT ALMOST SENDS NEW HIRE RUNNING FOR THE DOORThe recent Reddit post about the churro garnered some 5,500 likes, with over 300 members chiming in."Who misses the churro????" the original Reddit poster wrote."I miss the churro. When they were fresh and crisp, they were great," one person said. "Although neither compares to [the] toasted almond ice cream bar."A different user wrote, "Us big ol' women down in San Antonio miss them."SWEET DECEPTION? LOYAL CUSTOMERS ACCUSE ICONIC DESSERT CHAIN OF 'SHRINKFLATION'Other commenters praised the original churro but said it changed for the worse after the 1990s."Churro was good until they changed the recipe and then it sucked," one Redditor wrote.Another reminisced, "I miss the churro from the '90s. The one pictured was no bueno."But some customers were unimpressed by the cinnamon-and-sugar dessert and called for the pre-churro pretzel offering."Reminder: The pretzels that the churro replaced were so much better," a customer said.A different user wrote, "I will complain about them replacing the pretzel with the churro until the day I die."A possible reason the churro hasn't been brought back may be the treat's low price tag.For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleCostco's signature $1.50 hot dogs have stayed at the same price since 1985.This summer, Costco announced it would bring back its combo pizza but in a slightly different form.Priced at $6.99, the "Combo Calzone" is stuffed with pepperoni, sausage, cheese, onions, peppers, olives and mushrooms.Costco also recently began selling a frozen strawberry lemonade drink in its food courts.The drink, made with real fruit and no artificial flavors or colors, costs $2.99 and is said to contain only 250 calories.But the drink has received mixed reviews from the wholesaler's members.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"It's good but too sweet for me," one commenter wrote."Had one. It's a bit tart so be prepared! But refreshing," another member said.Unsurprisingly, some members invoked the beloved churro."I want the churro back," one blunt customer said.Fox News Digital reached out to Costco for additional comment.Fox News Digital's Peter Burke contributed to this report.

The Florida Panthers won back-to-back Stanley Cups after winning Game 6 over the Edmonton Oilers, 5-1, on Tuesday night.As one would expect, a party ensued at Amerant Bank Arena, and it lasted all night long for players and fans alike.However, what captain Aleksander Barkov did in the early hours of Wednesday morning is one of the funniest Stanley Cup stories of all time.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMA Ring camera in Barkovs development caught him going house to house, showing his neighbors the Stanley Cup. Yes, he brought it home with him.Panthers GM Bill Zito made an appearance on ESPNs "The Pat McAfee Show," where he shared that Barkov was walking around his neighborhood at 5 a.m. with Lord Stanleys Cup.SAM BENNETT WINS CONN SMYTHE TROPHY AS PANTHERS CLAIM 2ND STRAIGHT STANLEY CUP"Apparently, he went home at like five in the morning to change and clean up before they kept going," Zito told the show. "And walked around the his neighborhood and banged on everyones front door. Hey, you want coffee with the Cup?"The Stanley Cup has been virtually everywhere over the years, especially with every player and coach getting a day with it before the new season begins.So, while Barkovs story is not the craziest situation the Cup has been in, it is still a fun one as he wanted to share the celebration with everyone he could, even his neighbors.Barkov, now a two-time Stanley Cup champion, had two assists in the Game 6 rout of the Oilers, including the perfect pass to Sam Reinhart on his second of four goals on the night. That goal gave Florida a commanding 3-0 lead in the second period.The Panthers have played to the point where the dynasty conversation has come up, and Barkov is one of many superstars on the roster that will return for the 2025-26 season.However, preparation for three titles in a row will surely come. For now, Barkov and the rest of his teammates are keeping the party going, and he clearly wants everyone involved.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new, twice-yearly shot the first and only of its kind to prevent HIV, the creator of the drug, Gilead Sciences, announced on Wednesday.Sold under the name Yeztugo, the companys injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor (lenacapavir) reduces the risk of sexually acquired HIV in adults and adolescents."This is a historic day in the decades-long fight against HIV," said Daniel ODay, chairman and CEO of California-based Gilead Sciences, in a press release.ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE COULD BE PREVENTED BY ANTIVIRAL DRUG ALREADY ON MARKETThe medicine, which only needs to be administered twice a year, has shown "remarkable outcomes in clinical studies," as Gilead claims it could transform HIV prevention.The drug is given as an injectable under the skin that the body then slowly absorbs. Individuals must have a negative HIV-1 test prior to starting the treatment.In large trials last year, the drug was not only nearly 100% effective in its prevention of HIV, but proved superior to once-daily oral medication like Truvada, another drug by Gilead.The journal Science named lenacapavir its 2024 "Breakthrough of the Year."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERLenacapavir uses a multi-stage approach that distinguishes it from other approved antiviral medications."While most antivirals act on just one stage of viral replication, lenacapavir is designed to inhibit HIV at multiple stages of its lifecycle," states the press release from Gilead.For more Health articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/health"Yeztugo is one of the most important scientific breakthroughs of our time and offers a very real opportunity to help end the HIV epidemic," ODay said in the press release.The most commonly reported adverse reactions during clinical trials included injection site reactions, headache and nausea, according to the company.

When Adam Radcliffe quit his corporate job three years ago to become a full-time "adventurer," he never pictured rowing 3,500 nautical miles across one of the world's most hazardous oceans especially with three ex-Royal Marines and on a boat once lost at sea.Their mission is to break the world record of rowing across the North Atlantic, to push their personal limits and to raise awareness about veterans' mental health.The four-man, all-British "Team United We Conquer" plans to depart from Liberty Landing, New Jersey, on Thursday and race to make it to the British Isles of Scilly in under 43 days, 21 hours and 26 minutes.In an interview with Fox News Digital, Radcliffe and teammate Jack Jarvis explained their goal is to raise 50,000 (approximately $67,158) for Head Up, a mental health charity benefiting the British armed forces community.TIRED OF CORPORATE AMERICA, MAN QUITS JOB, CASHES OUT 401(K) AND SAILS INTO FREEDOM NOW HES A TIKTOK STARJarvis, a 12-year British army veteran who holds the world record for solo rowing across the Atlantic in 111 days, said this next venture comes just months after he left military service in February. Since returning to civilian life, Jarvis said he has experienced feelings of a "lack of purpose," but he joked that he doubts he will feel the sense of isolation common among veterans. After all, he will be traveling on a seven-meter boat with "three other hairy men" for more than 40 days."Doing something like this has really given me that purpose, you know, that meaning, that I'm doing something worthwhile with my time and actually going out there and making a difference," Jarvis told Fox News Digital. "And yeah, we're very close now, but after 40 days of living on top of each other, ask that question at the end. But no, I'm sure the best friendships are forged in the fire."By contrast, Radcliffe, the only member of the crew without military experience, left his corporate job as an engineer to pursue creating adventure content on YouTube full-time. He said he could return to the corporate world after his sabbatical, "but realistically, when I'm on my deathbed at 90 years old, what would I consider the least cowardice decision and the best decision for my life to be?"By signing onto this trip, he said he wants to spread the message to anyone, veteran or non-veteran, who struggles with mental health that "they have the autonomy to change their environment and influence the way that they interact with the world, even when you feel like you can't, or you're just floating in the middle of an ocean.""This charity exemplifies taking back a bit of control and just focusing on what you can do, you know, eat in the right way, get some exercise, socializing," Radcliffe said. "All that matters is you can just take back some of that power and start building momentum in your own life again. And that message obviously is shared advice, whether you've served in the armed forces or not."Radcliffe and Jarvis will be joined by Royal Marines veterans David "Brucey" Bruce and Sam "Nutty" Edwards as they work to bring the boat once abandoned off the coast of Africa in the Canary Islands all the way home to the U.K. The boat floated over 11 months all the way across to the Caribbean. The team found it and fixed it up in the Bahamas and rowed the boat to mainland Florida. Now in New York, their next trek does not come without considerable risk.While there have been hundreds of successful expeditions across the Mid-Atlantic, the North Atlantic is less frequently traversed by solo ocean rowers and teams. Radcliffe and Jarvis noted people have died attempting this route.OREGON MAN WHO QUIT JOB AND CASHED OUT 401(K) COMPLETES 2,000-MILE SAILING JOURNEY TO HAWAII WITH CAT"Why am I risking my life when I don't need to? I think I long for that sense of meaning, about why I joined the military, so if I can channel that into doing something amazing and raise a load of money to help, to help veterans and serving members of the armed forces, you know, why not when I'm physically capable and able?" Jarvis said. "Just because I'm not working a corporate job, is that what I should be doing? Yeah, I'm running my own race, living my own life, so that's why I do it.""This challenge has put death into perspective for me as well, but the reason that I signed on and I'm taking these decisions in my life is I don't want to leave lots of space on the table in terms of fulfilling my potential," Radcliffe added.Once reaching the Isles of Scilly, they plan to continue to Northampton, England, where they will end their journey together.The current world record holders for the fastest four-person west to east row across the North Atlantic are LevenBrown, DonLennox, RayCarroll and LivarNysted. They completed the row from Battery Park, New York, to the Isles of Scilly on June17,2010.More than a decade later, Jarvis told Fox News Digital his team plans to use Elon Musk's Starlink technology once a day and hopefully interview with the media at the half-way point. Even so, he joked the challenge will help beat phone addiction."A great way, if you're addicted to being online, is to go and row an ocean, because you don't have time to check TikTok and Instagram," Jarvis said.Radcliffe said supporters can track their location on Garmin and send donations to Head Up through the website, www.teamunitedwithconquer.com.Radcliffe and Jarvis both shared lessons they've learned in overcoming adversity, encouraging others to pursue the true version of themselves, whether in big or small ways."I think adversity is inevitable no matter who you are, every single human, basically, adversity that feels like it's stretching them, and whether you're fighting in a war or just fighting the battle to get out of bed in the morning, that can feel insurmountable for whoever you are on a personal basis," Radcliffe said."Adversity can be anything from rowing the Atlantic to just getting up and working a 12-hour shift that you might hate, but you have to do it to support your family," Jarvis said, explaining that crossing the North Atlantic sounds overwhelming, but less so if you focus on just the next rowing shift or the next coffee break. "Break it down, not let yourself go overwhelmed and just focus on the next step forward."

For veterans, patriotic apparel is more than just clothing its a powerful symbol of sacrifice, dedication and unwavering love for the country. Whether youre a veteran looking to proudly display your service, a family member honoring a loved one or a patriot wanting to show support for the armed forces, these T-shirts, hoodies and hats will help you wear your pride.Combat Iron Apparel, a veteran-owned brand, is known for its humor-driven patriotic gear.This simple flag T-shirt is one of the brands more muted options, making it great for those who prefer a minimalist look. The brand also offers designs with military-inspired graphics and sayings, likethis one. All of their T-shirts are made from a soft cotton and polyester blend for maximum comfort and stretch. Combat Iron Apparel offers discounts for active service members, veterans, first responders (police, fire, EMS, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff), teachers and university students.FROM YETI TO IGLOO, HERE ARE 18 COOLERS THAT'LL KEEP YOUR FOOD AND DRINKS COLDHowitzer Clothing is another great place to shop to honor those who have served.This T-shirt is for the patriot who values the core ideals of the Declaration of Independence: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A portion of the proceeds from each sale benefits a variety of charities and non-profits. A veteran-owned brand, Howitzer Clothing offers discounts for active and veteran service members, their spouses and dependents, first responders, and federal, state and local government employees.Grunt Style, a veteran-owned brand born in Fort Benning, Georgia, is a popular spot for military apparel. Among their offerings is this humorousGrumpy Old Vet hoodie. Whether youre feeling grumpy or just want a little extra warmth, this veteran hoodie is a must-have. Its unisex, tagless (for an itch-free feel) and easy to care for. Patriots may also lovethis Declaration T-shirt, which serves as a reminder that freedom is declared, defended and lived everyday.Fans of camouflage will appreciatethis T-shirt from veteran-owned brand Freedom Fatigues. It features a vintage-style flag print and high-quality, American-made fabric. Freedom Fatigues sources all materials from small businesses that embody the American way of life. Those who like to display the Betsy Ross flag might be interested in a sleektrucker hat.DRESS YOUR DAD IN AN OUTFIT HE'LL ACTUALLY WEARBlack Rifle Coffee Company, another veteran-owned brand, is known for its delicious coffee and military-inspired merch.This T-shirt is ideal for all patriots, as it features a red, white and blue logo on plain black fabric and has a unisex fit. Dont forget to stock up on coffee it comes inwhole bean,ground,Keurig-compatible orcanned varieties.TheseNew Era baseball hats are a nice way to show support for both your favorite MLB team and the military. Each hat includes a camo design, an MLB team logo and a flag patch. The 9SEVENTY style features an adjustable snap back, a curved visor and performance stretch sweatband for optimal comfort.The hat is available for all 30 teams.For more Deals, visit www.foxnews.com/category/dealsProudly display your service witha cap from JM Warriors. Officially licensed by the Army and Marines, the brand offers several authentic veteran hats for all types of service. Youll also find military-brandedpickleball equipment andcooling towels for sports.If youre anAmazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You canjoin or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

All Elite Wrestling star Brody King wore an "Abolish ICE" T-shirt as the company held "Grand Slam Mexico" in Mexico City on Wednesday night.King was a part of a 14-person tag-team match with Adam Cole, Atlantis, Atlantis Jr., Bandido Daniel Garcia and Templario. The pro wrestling stars defeated the team of Dax Harwood, Hechicero, Josh Alexander, Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Lance Archer and Volador Jr.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe event took place in Arena Mxico and featured wrestlers from Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) one of the top promotions in Mexico.Kings apparent call to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) came as he showed support for protestors in Los Angeles who were against the raids that took place in the city. The protesters took a violent turn at several points during the week, with law enforcement officers being injured, autonomous vehicles being set on fire and stores being looted.He shared a post from Mexican makeup artist Jose Corella, which started "Let me be clear.""Whats happening in Los Angeles right now is not only morally reprehensible its legally indefensible. This is a sanctuary city, a designation that was democratically voted on and enacted into law by the residents of this city not by political opportunists grandstanding from a golf course in Florida," the message read.PRO WRESTLING STAR SHOTZI BLACKHEART'S SULTRY REASON FOR AEW INTEREST"Let me be clear: being undocumented in the United States is not a criminal offense. It is a civil violation. That means it holds the same legal weight as running a stop sign on a bicycle, setting off a firework after a drink, or selling unlicensed fan merch on Etsy. It is subject to civil penalties typically a fine not imprisonment, not detention, and certainly not extrajudicial abduction."Dragging someone off the street at gunpoint, without a warrant or due process, and forcing them into an unmarked vehicle operated by armed, plainclothed agents is not law enforcement it is armed kidnapping. And armed kidnapping is a felony a real one."So, if youre going to obsess over who is *illegal,* start by looking at the heavily armed individuals violating constitutional protections under the guise of enforcing the law. Because what theyre doing is criminal, not the people theyre targeting."Since then, similar messages have been shared by Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Enrique Hernandez and the National Womens Soccer Leagues Angel City FC.President Donald Trump has since doubled down on his support of ICE in Los Angeles and called on ICE officers to expand their efforts to other cities.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The manhunt for the Washington father accused of killing his three young daughters has expanded as federal and state law enforcement officials continue to comb through the dense wilderness in search of the military-trained survivalist.Authorities said this week that they are combing through the Teanaway Valley and Blewett Pass areas as the search for Travis Decker continues into its third week, according to the Kittitas County Sheriffs Office."If you have trail cameras or doorbell cameras, please check them for suspicious activity," the department said ina statement. "If you have residences in these areas, check them for anything missing no matter how small or seemingly insignificant."NEW FLYER SHOWS SUSPECTED KILLER DAD MAY HAVE CHANGED APPEARANCE IN WILDERNESS MANHUNT: POLICETheKittitas County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment.Decker is wanted for allegedly killing his three daughters Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5 after their bodies were found near a Washington campsite earlier this month.Authorities began searching for Decker on the evening of May 30 after his ex-wife notified police that he had not returned the couples three children from a court-mandated visitation, according to court documents. Three days later, the girls were discovered near Deckers abandoned vehicle with plastic bags over their heads and their hands bound, police said.ALLEGED KILLER DAD COULD MAKE ONE MISTAKE THAT ENDS MANHUNT, SHERIFF SAYSThe update comes one week after the Chelan County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) announced a group of hikers reported seeing a lone individual who appeared unprepared for the wilderness near Colchuck Lake.When authorities responded to the tip, they "spotted a lone, off-trail hiker from a helicopter," adding the individual "ran from sight as the helicopter passed," CCSO previously said in a press release.The lake is located approximately 40 miles from Blewett Pass and 60 miles from Teanaway Valley by car.A new flyer depicting renderings of ways Decker may have changed his physical appearance was released by authorities on Tuesday. The updated poster includes photos ofDecker with and without facial hair and wearing a baseball hat.SURVIVALISTS GOOGLE SEARCHES REVEAL POSSIBLE ESCAPE PLAN AMID MANHUNT IN DAUGHTERS TRIPLE MURDER: REPORTOfficials also quashed a TikTok video reportedly showing CCSO Sheriff Mike Morrison announcing Deckers arrest after a long standoff."To be clear, Mr. Decker is not in custody and CCSO had no part in making the video," the department wrote in a Facebook post.The U.S. Marshals Service has taken on the role of lead agency in the hunt for Decker, who is a former member of the military with extensive experience in wilderness survival. The Washington National Guard is also assisting local law enforcement with aerial search efforts and surveillance.Officials warn that Decker is considered armed and dangerous but do not have reason to believe he is a threat to public safety.The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Deckers arrest. He is charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Federal agents used non-lethal munitions to shut down a large group of protesters who tried to block law enforcement vehicles from entering and exiting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday night.The chaotic scenes unfolded when agents deployed rubber bullets, tear gas and flash bangs to disperse the crowd who had swarmed the compound, according to video captured by Turning Point USAs Frontlines.It was the latest in a series of protests outside the ICE building in the sanctuary city which have raged for about a week and a half.FEDS PROBING PROTEST FUNDING AS OFFICIALS DROP HAMMER ON VIOLENT LA RIOTERSHundreds of mostly masked protesters had marched on the streets before sunset, some holding signs reading "Nobody is illegal on stolen land" and "Protect immigrants and refugees." Several were wearing keffiyehs, a symbol often associated with left-wing protest movements.They then gathered outside the Macadam Avenue building and could be seen trying to block the entrance.As nighttime fell, tensions escalated and protesters rolled a dumpster in front of the ICE entrance, prompting a barrage of non-lethal blast balls being fired by law enforcement on a rooftop, per the video.Despite multiple warnings to disperse, the protesters refused to leave. Officers in riot gear then advanced, firing munitions while tear gas filled the air, forcing the group to eventually retreat. Homeland Security cited the need to clear the area so several government vehicles could exit safely.CALIFORNIA SHERIFF SAYS NEARLY A DOZEN DEPUTIES INJURED IN ANTI-ICE RIOTSSmoke grenades were launched at riot police, who responded with overwhelming force to break up the protest.Rioters were later heard chanting, "Whos streets, our streets," and shouting profanities at law enforcement.It is unclear how many people were arrested in total. Fox News Digital reached out to Homeland Security for comment but did not immediately receive a response.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe Portland Police Bureau (PPB)said it arrested two people during the broader demonstration.Eduardo Diaz, 22, was cited for unlawfully directing a laser pointer at federal officers and later booked on a U.S. Marshals hold, while Mariana Rivera-Loza, 19, was arrested for criminal trespass near the Portland ICE facility after ignoring multiple warnings and carrying a shield.PPB said it doesnt engage in immigration enforcement and was responsible for maintaining public safety around the protest.

A week after Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran aiming to wipe out its nuclear program, all eyes are now on the countrys reclusive supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.On Thursday, following an Iranian missile strike that hit an Israeli hospital, Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that "Khamenei will be held accountable for his crimes," adding during a visit to one of the impact sites that "a person like that should not exist," later calling him "the modern day Hitler," according to the Times of Israel.Over decades of rule, Khamenei has built an impenetrable circle around him both inside and outside of Iran. Now, with Israel taking out some of his closest aides and senior security figures, as well as significantly weakening its militant Islamic allies across the region, the supreme leader is beginning to look increasingly isolated.IRAN STRIKES MAJOR ISRAELI HOSPITAL AFTER CLAIMING ISRAEL HIT ITS ARAK HEAVY WATER REACTOR"He calls himself a revolutionary, not a diplomat," Dr.Meir Javedanfar, a lecturer in Iran Studies at Reichman University near Tel Aviv who grew up in Tehran, told Fox News Digital, adding that he sees himself as a "revolutionary."On Wednesday, thatmilitancy and determination to stay in power came through in statements by Khamenei, whosaid the "Iranian nation will not surrender" and"war will be met with war, bombing with bombing, and strike with strike," according to local media reports.Born in 1939 to a religious but modest family in Mashad, eastern Iran, Khamenei was among the Islamist activists who played an instrumental role in the pivotal 1979 revolution to overthrow the U.S.-backed shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.A close ally of Irans first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the revolution and founded the Islamic Republic, Khamenei emerged as a trusted lieutenant, helping to promote the new regimes concept of religiously-dominated governance.For much of the 1980s, he served as Irans president, a largely ceremonious role. Additionally, when Khomeini died in 1989, Khamenei, who according to some reports was not yet qualified for the position, rose to become the countrys supreme leader.Since then, Khamenei has worked to consolidate his absolute power, tightening his grip on the countrys political, military and security apparatus, while cracking down on dissent and taking a firm stand against progressive ideas, the West and Israel.Lisa Daftari, an expert on Iran and editor-in-chief of The Foreign Desk, told Fox News Digital, "Ayatollah Ali Khameneis rule has been marked by unrelenting brutality and repression, both within Iran and beyond its borders. Under his direct command, the regime has executed hundreds of prisoners in just the past year, including women, and continues to hold the world record for executions and torture."The state police and notorious 'morality police, all under Khameneis control, enforce a severe interpretation of Sharia law, violently suppressing dissent and targeting women and minorities. His apparatus has not only silenced opponents at home through mass arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings, but has also orchestrated assassinations of dissidents abroad and exported terror across the region."Daftari concluded, "Khameneis regime is responsible for the deaths of countless Iranians and even Americans, with blood on his hands from both domestic crackdowns and international violence. For almost five decades, Iran has been run as a police state, where fear, surveillance, and systematic human rights abuses are tools of governance and methods of regime survival."FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS THINK IRAN POSES A REAL THREAT TO US SECURITY, BUT SPLIT ON ISRAELS STRIKESKhamenei has also invested heavily in the so-called axis of resistance across the region, including backing the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthi movement in Yemen andother militant militias. Many of these allies, as well as the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, have collapsed over the last year and a half under Israeli military pressure.Inside Iran, Khameneis conservative-style of leadership has faced challenges over the years, including briefly in 2009following elections where Khamenei declared victory for the incumbent president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, sparking massive popular demonstrations - with some protestors calling for Khameneis downfall.Mass protests also broke out in the autumn of 2022 after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old,died while detained by the morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly. The protests were brutally put down, with many of those arrested put to death by his regime.However, according to the Council For Foreign Relations, Irans supreme leader remains "leader for life" under a clerical ruling system that puts him at the head of state and affords him vast control derived from religious authority."When he was a young man, hestudied the writings of the founders of Muslim Brotherhood,and always believed in militant Islam," saidJavedanfar, adding that he has also "always beenanti-Israel to the point of antisemitism.""I think he believes in confronting Israel in every meanspossible," he said, noting that there are no signs Khamenei is interested inbacking down."I'm sure many people had warned him that supporting Hamas after October 7, and Hezbollah and other groups could bring war to Iran's territory but he obviously, he didn't listen," Javedanfar said.