US Defense Secretary makes surprise visit to Israel

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a surprise visit to Israel, according to unofficial reports, at a time when Washington and Tel Aviv are discussing the possibility of resuming large-scale military strikes on Iran. Axios reported that the visit comes about eight days before the Israeli elections and after US President Donald Trump backed Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election. Meanwhile, IRGC leaders and Iran's new defense minister warned against new attacks, and Iranian television announced the downing of a US drone.