The political risks from war in Iran. And, ICE's use of force is rising, report finds

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. LISTEN & FOLLOW NPR App Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio YouTube Music RSS link The political risks from war in Iran. And, ICE's use of force is rising, report finds July 16, 20267:29 AM ET By Brittney Melton Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter.

Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. Today's top stories As fighting between the U. and Iran continues, the political stakes for President Trump are growing ahead of November's midterm elections.

The Details

Earlier this week, Trump formally notified Congress that the U. is back at war with Iran. The administration says the notice starts a new 60-day window to continue military action without additional congressional approval.

Maps4Media processed and enhanced Sentinal-2 satellite imagery shows Kharg Island and nearby Khargu Island in the Persian Gulf. military said it hit a commercial vessel that was headed toward Kharg Island and allegedly trying to avoid the U. blockade on Iran on Wednesday.

maps4media/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption maps4media/Getty Images 🎧 The political fallout may come down to gas prices. If these new strikes weaken Iran's regime and open the Strait of Hormuz, sending gas prices down, Trump could benefit politically, NPR's Franco Ordoñez tells Up First. But if fighting escalates, Iran retains control of the major waterway and energy costs rise, the president and Republicans could feel that impact with voters.

What Experts Say

A majority of Americans oppose the war, but Trump's Republican base has largely remained behind him and continues to trust his framing of the conflict, Ordoñez says. Jay Clayton, Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, faced sharp questioning from senators about his views on the 2020 election and whether he would remain independent from the president. Sponsor Message 🎧 Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee repeatedly asked Clayton who won the 2020 election.

He responded by saying he isn't an election denier and acknowledged that Joe Biden was certified as president, but didn't explicitly say he won. NPR's Greg Myre says this line of questioning is likely a focus because the director of national intelligence could be part of any investigation into the 2020 election. Clayton has never worked in the intelligence community, but says he has extensive experience collaborating with intelligence agencies.

➡️ In a separate confirmation hearing, Todd Blanche, Trump's nominee for attorney general, faced intense questioning about the controversies that have troubled the Justice Department over the past 18 months. Here are the key takeaways. The American Civil Liberties Union has released a new report detailing Immigration and Customs Enforcement's extensive use of force.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.