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• Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US conflict with Iran would extend another two to four weeks, while signaling no immediate plans for a ground operation into Iranian territory. • Rubio identified preventing Iran from imposing tolls on ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz as the biggest post-conflict challenge, characterizing such action as illegal and dangerous to global commerce. • The statement comes as the US deploys additional troops to the region following an Iranian missile and drone attack that injured 12 American service members at a Saudi base.

• Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary in a 54-45 Senate vote, replacing fired Kristi Noem to oversee mass immigration raids and deportations. • Republican Rand Paul voted against Mullin, calling him a 'freaking snake' during hearings, while Democrats John Fetterman and Martin Heinrich crossed lines to support him. • Confirmation occurs as DHS partial shutdown risks extending into April amid staffing shortages, with ICE agents deployed to airports to ease security lines.

• The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin, a 48-year-old former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, as Secretary of Homeland Security in a 54-to-45 vote on Monday. • Mullin replaces Kristi Noem, who was fired from the position under the Trump administration. • Under Trump, DHS has focused intensively on immigration enforcement as a key policy priority.

Oklahoma senator, confirmed in 54-45 vote, replaces Kristi Noem to lead president’s immigration crackdownSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe US Senate on Monday confirmed Markwayne Mullin to serve as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, elevating the Republican senator to a role where he will be among the public faces of Donald Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants.The Republican controlled chamber confirmed Mullin largely along party lines, with a vote of 54-45. Continue reading...

• The U.S. Senate voted to agree to a cloture motion on March 22, 2026, advancing the nomination of Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to be Secretary of Homeland Security, with the motion requiring only a simple majority to proceed. • The vote included bipartisan support, with Democratic senators including Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Padilla of California voting yes, while other Democrats like Schiff of California and Bennet of Colorado voted no. • Mullin's confirmation comes amid ongoing negotiations over DHS funding and border security policies during the current government shutdown.

• On March 20, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the Pentagon's request for $200 billion in extra funding, stating 'it takes money to kill bad guys'. • The request supports ongoing U.S. offensives, including jet patrols and helicopter strikes against Iranian forces in key waterways. • Funding comes amid surging oil prices from Iranian attacks on facilities, prompting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to propose lifting sanctions on Iranian oil.

• Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, inheriting issues like immigration enforcement disputes, disaster response backlash, and a monthlong DHS funding lapse due to Democratic demands for ICE reforms. • Democrats seek bans on masks for deportation officers, end to roving patrols, and judicial warrants for home entries, while Republicans resist; Mullin must balance mass deportation pressures versus targeted enforcement on criminals, per former ICE acting director John Sandweg. • Mullin's congressional ties to Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader John Thune position him to ease funding battles, with Thune calling it the 'change Democrats wanted,' though Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) insists reforms go beyond leadership swaps.

• Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News that gasoline prices could decline by summer despite ongoing disruptions from the Iran war and threats to global oil supplies. • The forecast suggests potential relief from elevated energy costs that have accompanied the three-week conflict, though oil markets remain volatile due to Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory attacks on regional infrastructure. • The projection reflects administration confidence in energy supply alternatives and market stabilization even as the conflict continues to create supply-chain uncertainties.

• US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News that gasoline prices could decline by summer despite current elevations caused by Iran war-related supply disruptions and Strait of Hormuz tensions. • The projection offers some relief to consumers facing inflationary pressures from energy markets, contingent on conflict de-escalation or resolution within the coming months.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Friday that Iran is exercising 'sheer desperation' in counterattacks against the US and Israel, following the crash of a refueling plane in western Iraq that killed six airmen. The incident raises the total US troop deaths in the operation to 13, with officials confirming no hostile fire involvement. Hegseth's remarks precede reports of 2,500 Marines and a warship deploying to the region, signaling escalation. Analysts warn of prolonged conflict risks amid rising casualties and regional instability.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to meet Chinese officials next week for a new round of trade negotiations, as US markets grapple with oil disruptions from Middle East conflicts. The talks aim to address tariffs and supply chain issues exacerbated by the Strait of Hormuz blockage. President Trump's energy team monitors surging prices, with industry leaders consulted on naval escort options. Economists predict outcomes could influence global commodity stability and US inflation rates.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to meet Chinese officials next week for a new round of trade negotiations, as announced on March 14, 2026. The talks come amid surging oil prices and Middle East disruptions affecting global supply chains. U.S. officials aim to address tariffs and technology export restrictions, with Bessent stating 'we seek fair competition without escalation.' Industry leaders warn that outcomes could impact American consumers facing higher costs from ongoing conflicts.