Tehran’s ability to scare off commercial ships continues to give it leverage in any peace negotiation with the U.S.

The Pentagon has abruptly withdrawn thousands of soldiers from a planned deployment to Poland, officials said Thursday, part of a larger troop reduction that comes as President Donald Trump has expressed anger over Europe’s refusal to aid in the war with Iran.

Equipment and some troops from the armored “Black Jack” brigade were already en route when its deployment was halted.

News of budget trouble comes as the defense secretary has touted his “fiscally responsible” request of $1.5 trillion for next year.

The agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos and Zone 5 commence the launch of the new Low Cost Containerization Munitions Program (LCCMP).

Republicans and Democrats have pushed defense officials to submit an emergency supplemental spending request to replenish depleted coffers, but the Pentagon has yet to do so.

Four in 10 Americans think the record Pentagon budget of $1.5 trillion is "much too high," while 19% see it as "somewhat too high," the poll found.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."

The US military wants cheaper missiles it can buy by the thousands, aiming to avoid running short in a major conflict.

Hollywood owns the UFO genre and has actual standards for this sort of thing. The government needs to step it up.

Without a replenished stockpile, the Defense Department may not be able to sustain many more months of Middle East operations. And any new conflict in Asia could present significant challenges, sources say.