The Latest: Trump pivots back to sanctions for Iran as other strategies to end his war fizzle

President Donald Trump is shifting his strategy to pressure Iran, once again suggesting sanctions as a means to end the conflict. Iran has rejected Trump's proposal, claiming any peace talks must include compensation. This marks a change in Trump's approach, as he had previously argued that Iran was nearing financial collapse due to years of financial sanctions that do not immediately end the conflict.

Recent events include Trump secretly leaving a NATO summit on an alternate military aircraft, while the White House made it appear he was with the press pool on Air Force One. Russia has released Robert Gilman, an American military veteran who spent over four years in prison on disputed charges and was gravely ill.

Trump's media company, Truth Social, is attempting to boost its stock by focusing on selling early access to his administration's announcements on social media. This move has raised ethical questions.

Regarding the 2026 midterm elections, 590 women have filed to run for House seats, setting a new record. Women make up 27% of all House candidates, roughly equal to their current representation in Congress.

Democrats are intensifying efforts to oust Ohio Congressman Max Miller, who has faced domestic abuse allegations. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has added Brian Poindexter to the "Red to Blue" program, boosting their campaign efforts.

The Kennedy Center has been ordered to pay over $250,000 in legal fees to a musician who canceled a Christmas Eve performance in protest against the addition of President Trump's name to the building. The center plans to appeal the ruling. Additionally, the U.S. military has fired on a ship attempting to evade the American blockade on Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.