Mike Brest

Defense Reporter at the Washington Examiner.

[Mike Brest @MikeBrestDC]

The Pentagon has announced Sergeant Devin A. Seibel, 26, of Robinson, Texas, died on May 31, 2026, in Erbil Airbase, Iraq, during a training-related incident.

[Hiba Nasr @HibaNasr]

Scoop: The Joint Statement between US, Lebanon and Israel

The United States convened the fourth high-level trilateral meeting between Israeli and Lebanese representatives on June 2 and 3, 2026.
As a result of the U.S. led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector.
The two sides agreed with the guidance of the United States to swiftly advance the creation of pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors.
These steps will enable progress towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
All countries reaffirmed that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments. They rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon’s future hostage.
Israel and Lebanon reaffirmed that they have no hostile intent toward one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations to build confidence, resolve all outstanding issues, and work toward a comprehensive agreement between the two countries.
The delegations discussed a security framework, building on discussions at the Pentagon on May 29, aimed at sustainably ensuring the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Israel. This includes the dismantlement of non-state armed groups, and the prevention of their re-emergence.
All parties condemned Iran’s attacks on countries in the region, and ongoing activities that undermine stability throughout the Middle East, whether through support for proxies and all other acts of aggression.
The United States reiterated its ongoing support for both governments to exercise their sovereignty. It reaffirmed that any agreement to cease hostilities must be reached directly between the two governments, brokered by the United States, and not through any separate track. The United States underscored its intent to support the Lebanese Armed Forces, with the aim of improving their capacity and enabling the effective exercise of sovereignty throughout Lebanese territory. It emphasized Secretary Rubio’s June 2 statement that Hizbollah is not just an enemy of Israel and an enemy of America, but that it is an enemy of Lebanon.
Israel reaffirmed that its security and respect for its territorial integrity can only be achieved through the disarmament of Hizbollah and the dismantlement of its infrastructure throughout Lebanon. It emphasized the importance of direct negotiations under the leadership of the United States to resolve all outstanding issues and achieve durable peace and security.
Lebanon reaffirmed the necessity for mutual respect of internationally recognized borders, the urgent need for full implementation of the cessation of hostilities, underscoring the principles of territorial integrity and full state sovereignty. Lebanon committed to enhancing the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, with U.S. support, to assert effective control throughout the country.
The two parties agreed to reconvene the political and security tracks the week of June 22, with a view toward reaching a comprehensive agreement. The United States agreed to continue facilitating communication between the parties in the interim.

@AsharqNews

[Anthony Adragna @AnthonyAdragna]

More news: The House has also voted to discharge a bill that would provide more aid to Ukraine and impose additional sanctions on Russia.

The vote was 218 to 204.

Note: There are a number of GOP who don't like discharge petitions but who may back the bill on final passage.

[Mike Brest @MikeBrestDC]

Gen. Dan Caine had his first official visit to Venezuela today where he had met with senior interim government leaders. He "emphasized the importance of Venezuelan stability, shared security across the Western Hemisphere," per a spokesperson.

https://t.co/uIKzi4MPzQ

[Mike Brest @MikeBrestDC]

DHS Secretary Mullin told lawmakers today that US authorities intercepted several drones over F1's Miami Grand Prix and the 2026 Masters Tournament, while the World Cup will begin next week.

“Drones are my biggest concern," Mullin said.

@dcexaminer
https://t.co/vYJDPzKYTB

[Mostafa Salem @MostafaSalemCNN]

One of the largest escalations in the 56-day ceasefire: 13 ballistic missiles and 17 drones were fired at Kuwait, injuring more than 60 people.

An Indian national was killed and extensive damage was reported at a terminal in Kuwait’s international airport.

When the UAE’s nuclear power plant was attacked by drones last month in what was an unprecedented escalation, talks were not derailed. Similarly, this latest escalation has yet to show any signs of derailing talks (although unclear what status they're currently in)

[Mike Brest @MikeBrestDC]

🚨 Iran launched “several” ballistic missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain, all of which failed to hit their intended targets. US forces also shot down shot down three one-way attack drones launched at civilian mariners. US troops conducted retaliatory strikes on Qeshm Island.

[U.S. Central Command @CENTCOM]

https://t.co/ASAXrUeRGd

[Jennifer Jacobs @JenniferJJacobs]

The pilot of the F-15E fighter jet downed over Iran was also flying one of the jets shot down at the start of the war by Kuwaiti friendly fire. Just over 30 days after safely ejecting during the friendly fire incident, the pilot was on a mission over Iran when the jet was hit by a surface-to-air missile. @ellee_watson @JimLaPorta
https://t.co/d4ES2D2YZE

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Unfortunately, the current level of supplies for our air defense does not allow us to intercept a significant share of missiles. Last night, there were hits. 130 people were injured. Tragically, 22 people were killed, including two children. My condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones.

We know from intelligence that another large-scale strike may come as soon as tonight. All our partners together, and everyone in Europe, should continue working to ensure missiles for our air defense, as well as the systems, critical intelligence, and other things that help to save lives.

It is crystal clear that Europe needs its own anti-ballistic system with sufficient volumes and strength to guarantee protection against any threat.

[Mike Brest @MikeBrestDC]

Sec. Rubio laid out the admin's strategy for Iran negotiations today. 1st phase of a deal would include Iran stopping all attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the US would end its blockade. After, they'd negotiate on Iran's nuclear program.
@dcexaminer
https://t.co/M3j4vyFZKj

[Preston Stewart @prestonstew_]

Putin thinks this part of Ukraine belongs to Russia

[Libbey Dean @LibbeyDean_]

🚨SOUTHCOM Commander met with senior Cuban military officials at Guantanamo Bay perimeter today.

[Phil Stewart @phildstewart]

SCOOP! The commander of U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Donovan, met senior Cuban military leaders at the perimeter of Guatanamo Bay today. Story coming...

[Mark Rutte @SecGenNATO]

I just spoke with President @NicusorDanRO of Romania about the Russian drone that hit a residential building in Galati. I assured him of NATO’s absolute solidarity with Romania and expressed sympathy for those injured in the incident. I affirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory. We will continue to enhance our readiness to deter and defend against any threat, including from drones.

Russia’s reckless behaviour is a danger to us all. They continue to target civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. And last night showed yet again that the implications of their illegal war of aggression don’t stop at the border.

Russia’s war needs to end, as does Russia’s disregard for civilian safety. For our part, we will continue to strengthen our deterrence and defence at home and continue our support for Ukraine as they defend against Russia’s aggression.

[Mike Brest @MikeBrestDC]

"U.S. officials said terms of the deal were mostly agreed to as of Tuesday, but both sides still needed approval from senior leadership."

https://t.co/A4z7cRjGwy

[Jake Epstein @byjepstein]

Breaking: The US military says Iran launched a ballistic missile toward Kuwait Thursday morning local time, but it was successfully intercepted by Kuwaiti forces, calling the attack an "egregious ceasefire violation" by Tehran/.

[Phil Stewart @phildstewart]

U.S. FORCES CARRY OUT STRIKES IN SOUTHERN IRAN IN SELF-DEFENSE, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND SAYS

U.S. STRIKES TARGETED MISSLE LAUNCH SITES AND IRANIAN BOATS SEEKING TO LAY MINES, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND SAYS

U.S. MILITARY WILL DEFEND U.S. FORCES "WHILE USING RESTRAINT DURING THE ONGOING CEASEFIRE", CENTRAL COMMAND SAYS

[Phil Stewart @phildstewart]

BREAKING - TRUMP SAYS IRAN AGREEMENT HAS BEEN LARGELY NEGOTIATED

TRUMP: CALL WITH ISRAEL'S NETANYAHU WENT WELL

TRUMP: FINAL ASPECTS AND DETAILS OF IRAN DEAL ARE CURRENTLY BEING DISCUSSED, AND WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY

TRUMP: IN ADDITION TO MANY OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT, THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ WILL BE OPENED

[Alex Ward @alexbward]

UPDATED: Trump held an Iran meeting with his natsec team this AM.

He didn’t make a decision, but he left agreeing that the diplomatic process needed more time to play out.

He didn’t foreclose a military attack if the end-of-war talks break down, sources said.

WH didn’t comment

[Brooke Singman @BrookeSingman]

EXCLUSIVE: @DNIGabbard is resigning from her post to support her husband through his battle with “an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”
@TulsiGabbard calls her husband her “rock.”
“His strength & love have sustained
me through every challenge. I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”

https://t.co/y3l8LfzmEE