Global Entry Returns to Airports Amid War Disruptions The ongoing conflict with Iran has caused widespread disruptions to international travel, with thousands of flights and excursions canceled and many travelers facing difficulties securing refunds. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the U.S. government is reinstating the Global Entry program at airports, which had been suspended during the partial government shutdown. The Department of Homeland Security announced the program’s return, allowing pre-approved travelers to expedite their entry into the United States. Global Entry, a fee-based initiative, had been temporarily halted to reallocate personnel to support the broader traveling public during the shutdown. With the war continuing to impact global airspace, the program is now resuming operations. However, experts warn that travel insurance and credit card protections typically do not cover losses related to acts of war. Eric Rosen, director of content at travel website The Points Guy, emphasized that most policies exclude coverage for conflicts, particularly for trips booked with knowledge of ongoing hostilities. Travelers are also facing longer security wait times, especially during peak periods like Spring Break. ABC News reported that over 300 TSA officers have left the agency, and the call-out rate for additional staff has more than doubled since the shutdown began. To mitigate risks, travel experts recommend booking refundable hotel rooms with flexible cancellation policies, avoiding Basic Economy airline tickets that lack change or refund options, and booking directly with airlines and hotels rather than third-party platforms.#tsa #abc_news #department_of_homeland_security #global_entry #the_points_guy
Iran's next supreme leader won't 'last long' without my approval, Trump says President Donald Trump claimed Sunday that the new leader of Iran would not survive without his approval, stating that the country’s leadership must seek his endorsement to avoid a prolonged conflict. Speaking to ABC News, Trump emphasized that the Iranian regime would need to secure his backing, warning that without it, the new leader would face significant challenges. “He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump said. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long. We want to make sure that we don’t have to go back every 10 years, when you don’t have a president like me that’s not going to do it.” Trump also expressed concerns about the potential for Iran to develop nuclear capabilities, stating that he would not allow the country to acquire a nuclear weapon. “I don’t want people to have to go back in five years and have to do the same thing again or worse let them have a nuclear weapon,” he added. When asked if he would approve a leader with ties to the previous regime, Trump responded affirmatively, suggesting that several individuals could qualify for the role. The president further claimed that Iran was planning to take over the entire Middle East, describing the regime as a “paper tiger” that had previously intended to launch attacks. “They were going to attack the entire Middle East, to take over the entire Middle East,” Trump said. He also hinted at the possibility of U.S. military action, stating that “everything is on the table. Everything.” A senior administration official revealed that Iran had enriched enough uranium to reach weapons-grade material within 10 days, with much of the stockpile located at sites bombed during Operation Midnight Hammer, including Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.#iran #donald_trump #abc_news #operation_midnight_hammer #natanz
