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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegset says the war against Iran is

intensifying. Speaking from the Pentagon tonight, Hegset said the United States and Israel still

have significant military force ready to deploy in the conflict. If you think you've seen something,

just wait, the amount of combat power that's still

flowing, that's still coming, that we'll be able to project over Iran, is multiples of what it

currently is right now, when you add up our capabilities and those of the Israeli defense forces.

President Trump once again called on Iranian regime members to lay down their arms in exchange for

immunity, saying the U.S. is successfully destroying the country's military capabilities.

Trump also told several news outlets that he should play a direct role in choosing the next

leader of Iran. The State Department is suspending operations at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait as

Iran continues firing missiles and drones in response to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. And PR's Michelle

Kellerman reports many other embassies in the region have canceled public appointments.

The State Department says while there have been no reported injuries to U.S. personnel at the

embassy in Kuwait City, it is suspending operations and encouraging U.S. citizens to depart if

they can.

The U.S. has also suspended operations at a consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, and they're warning

Americans there about possible protests on Friday

against the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

All across the Middle East, the U.S. has drawn down U.S. personnel

...