Canton

Democratic Presidential hopeful Buttigieg draws crowd for Fox town hall

Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana and the only major candidate who is openly gay, was the first Democrat to appear on the right-leaning network after U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a rival for the nomination, refused an invitation from Fox. Buttigieg said his position as mayor of a mid-sized Midwestern city in a conservative state has helped him understand that Americans disagree on many issues, including abortion. "We're not just living through another election," Buttigieg said.

Boeing acknowledges flaw in 737 MAX simulator software

Boeing acknowledged Saturday it had to correct flaws in its 737 MAX flight simulator software used to train pilots, after two deadly crashes involving the aircraft that killed 346 people. "Boeing has made corrections to the 737 MAX simulator software and has provided additional information to device operators to ensure that the simulator experience is representative across different flight conditions," it said in a statement. Boeing's statement about the flight simulator marked a first acknowledgement of shortcoming since the two accidents led to the grounding of the top-selling 737 MAX plane.

Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards prepares to sign restrictive abortion bill

"My inclination is to sign it," Gov. John Bel Edwards said when discussing a "heartbeat bill" currently under consideration in the state Legislature.

Attorney General William Barr responds to claims that he lied to Congress

California Republican Rep. Devin Nunes says that Attorney General William Barr and House Republicans will not be swayed by these false claims.

This Missile Might be the U.S. Navy's Important Weapon in Decades

The Tomahawk and its controversies might make headlines, but as the U.S. Navy re-arms for high-tech warfare, the SM-6 is the missile to watch.The U.S. Navy in late January 2019 confirmed the designation of its newest cruise missile, in the process clarifying its long-term plan for arming its growing fleet of warships.The plan heavily leans on one missile, in particular. It's the SM-6, an anti-aircraft weapon that quickly is evolving to perform almost every role the Navy assigns to a missile.(This first appeared earlier in the year.)The Navy dubbed the newest version of the venerable Tomahawk cruise missile the "Block V" model, Jane's reported. There are two separate variants of the Block V missile, one with an anti-ship warhead and another with a warhead the Navy optimized for striking targets on land.Raytheon's Tomahawk has been the subject of controversy in Washington, D.C. In order to save money the Obama administration wanted to pause production of the long-range missile, which since the 1980s has been the Navy's main weapon for striking land targets from the sea.Congress overruled the Obama administration and continued buying Tomahawks for roughly $1 million apiece, adding potentially hundreds of the missiles to the thousands the fleet already possesses.

Blast hits Egypt tourist bus, 17 injured: security, medical sources

An explosion struck a tourist bus on Sunday near Egypt's famed pyramids, injuring 17 people including foreigners, security and medical sources said. South Africans and Egyptians were among those injured when an explosive device went off, hitting the bus in Giza, according to the sources. Sunday's incident comes after three Vietnamese holidaymakers and their Egyptian guide were killed when a roadside bomb hit their bus as it travelled near the pyramids outside Cairo in December.

Modi’s jobs deficit: J&J’s largest India plant idle three years after completion

It was to eventually employ at least 1,500 people and help bring development to a rural area near Hyderabad in southern India. Two sources familiar with J&J's operations in India and one state government official told Reuters production at the plant, at Penjerla in Telangana state, never began because of a slowing in the growth in demand for the products. One of them said that demand didn’t rise as expected because of two shock policy moves by Prime Minister Narendra Modi: a late 2016 ban on then circulating high-value currency notes, and the nationwide introduction of a goods and services tax (GST) in 2017.

'DM me': Warren wins over comedian with Twitter quip

"Do you think Elizabeth Warren has a plan to fix my love life?" comedian Ashley Nicole Black tweeted, probably not expecting the response she got from the senator and presidential candidate.

Republican Justin Amash faces party's wrath after call to impeach Trump

Congressman was dismissed by fellow Republicans and rebuked by Trump after saying he engaged in ‘impeachable conduct’ * Follow the latest in US politics – liveJustin Amash on 28 March 2017. Photograph: J Scott Applewhite/APAs the only Republican in Congress to call for the impeachment of Donald Trump, Justin Amash is facing his own party’s wrath.In a series of tweets on Saturday, the Michigan congressman said attempts to obstruct justice as outlined in special counsel Robert Mueller’s report on Russian interference in the 2016 election amounted to “impeachable conduct”. He also accused the attorney general, William Barr, of misleading the US public.In the 48 hours that followed Amash’s intervention, the five-term libertarian was rebuked by the president, dismissed by Republican colleagues and challenged from the right in his district.Jim Lowe, a Michigan state representative, said on Sunday he would run for Amash’s seat in the Republican primary next year.“I am a pro-Trump, pro-life, pro-jobs, pro-second amendment, pro-family values Republican,” Lowe said in a statement. “Justin Amash’s tweets yesterday calling for President Trump’s impeachment show how out of touch he is with the truth and how out of touch he is with people he represents.”Trump said he was “never a fan” of the congressman he called “a total lightweight who opposes me and some of our great Republican ideas and policies just for the sake of getting his name out there through controversy”.Trump insisted Mueller’s report had found “no collusion” and “no obstruction”. A redacted version of the Mueller report made public last month found no conspiracy between Trump and Russia but laid out extensive evidence of contacts between aides and Russians and detailed 11 instances in which Trump or his campaign may have attempted to obstruct justice.Mueller did not charge Trump with obstruction, instead punting the issue to Congress. Barr chose to clear Trump of obstruction himself, before Congress had seen the report. The House and Senate have reacted in dramatically partisan fashion. Amash’s tweets therefore broke the mold.> Here are my principal conclusions: > 1\. Attorney General Barr has deliberately misrepresented Mueller’s report. > 2\. President Trump has engaged in impeachable conduct. > 3\. Partisanship has eroded our system of checks and balances. > 4\. Few members of Congress have read the report.> > — Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 18, 2019“While impeachment should be undertaken only in extraordinary circumstances,” he tweeted, saying that unlike many of his colleague he had read the 448-page report in full, “the risk we face in an environment of extreme partisanship is not that Congress will employ it as a remedy too often but rather that Congress will employ it so rarely that it cannot deter misconduct.”In a demonstration of the hold Trump maintains over the Republican party, Amash was swiftly and comprehensively rejected by his own colleagues.Ronna McDaniel, chair of the Republican National Committee, accused him of “parroting the Democrats’ talking points on Russia”. Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader, questioned if he was truly a Republican.“What he wants is attention in this process,” McCarthy, a staunch ally of Trump, told Fox News on Sunday. “He’s not a criminal attorney. He’s never met Mueller. He’s never met Barr. And now he’s coming forward with this?“It’s very disturbing. This is exactly what you would expect from Justin. He never supported the president. And I think he’s just looking for attention.”Amash, who was elected in the Tea Party election of 2010, has often bucked his party on key legislation. Nonetheless, he has voted with Trump most of the time and is aligned with the conservative House Freedom Caucus.His comments on impeachment will contribute to debate among Democrats, despite party leaders’ belief that the process would be both politically risky and guaranteed to fail in the Republican-controlled Senate.On Sunday Adam Schiff, the chair of the House intelligence committee, told CBS: “What may be pushing towards impeachment has less to do with Justin Amash and more to do with the administration engaging in a maximum obstructionism campaign against Congress.”But the Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who has sponsored a resolution to introduce articles of impeachment against Trump, invited Amash to join her.“You are putting country first, and that is to be commended,” she wrote on Twitter. “We both took an oath to uphold the US constitution.”

US: Iran military could misidentify airliners amid tension

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Commercial airliners flying over the Persian Gulf risk being targeted by "miscalculation or misidentification" from the Iranian military amid heightened tensions between the Islamic Republic and the U.S., American diplomats warned Saturday, even as both Washington and Tehran say they don't seek war.

US pilots warned about flying over Iranian territory amid rising tensions in Middle East

US airlines have been warned by diplomats that their planes face a risk of being “misidentified” as they fly over the Gulf amid heightened tensions between America and Iran, A notice from the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) published on 16 May underlined the risks the tensions pose to a region crucial to global air travel.The guidance warned US pilots to be cautious in flying over the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, as there is “heightened military activities and increased political tension” between the two states.Washington has dispatched naval warships and bombers to the region in an attempt to protect American interests, diplomats, and forces from what it called Iranian aggression. The FAA warning only applies to US registered aircraft, pilots, and US carriers. The UK is understood not to have issued a similar warning.The warning stated that tensions may “present an increasing inadvertent risk to US civil aviation operations due to the potential for miscalculation or misidentification".The FAA also warned of potential GPS interference and communications jamming in the area, which they say may occur with “little to no warning”.The region is home to major hub airports, including Dubai International, the busiest international airport in the world.

Al Jazeera suspends two journalists over Holocaust report

Qatari state-funded broadcaster Al Jazeera suspended two journalists on Sunday over a video they produced claiming the extent of the Holocaust was being misrepresented by Jews. The clip, posted by Al Jazeera's online AJ+ Arabic service, claimed "the narrative" that the Nazis killed six million Jews was "adopted by the Zionist movement". The video said that "along with others, the Jews faced a policy of systematic persecution which culminated in the Final Solution".

F-16 fighter jet crashes into warehouse near March Air Reserve Base in California

The crash happened as the pilot was landing following a routine training mission, March Air Reserve Base Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Holliday said.

Ford to cut 7,000 jobs, 10% of global staff 

Ford plans to cut 7,000 jobs, or 10 percent of its global workforce, as part of a reorganization as it revamps its vehicle offerings, the company said Monday. The reorganization will involve some layoffs and reassignments and should be complete by the end of August, a Ford spokeswoman said. Ford has been phasing out most sedan models in the United States as more consumers have opted for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Swedish prosecutor requests Assange's detention over rape allegation

Sweden reopened the rape investigation last week. It was begun in 2010 but dropped in 2017 after Assange took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London. "I request the District Court to detain Assange in his absence, on probable cause suspected for rape," Deputy Chief Prosecutor Eva-Marie Persson said in a statement on Monday.

Sig Sauer vs. Glock vs. Every Other Gun: Who Really Makes the Best Guns?

The company’s Model 1 handgun was purchased privately by soldiers on both sides of the U.S. Civil War, while the heavier Schofield revolver was carried by postwar U.S. cavalrymen. America’s prolific firearms industry means that choosing the top five manufacturers is no easy task. While boutique handgun builders may produce some very fine pieces, quantity has a quality all its own, and several companies ship hundreds of thousands of handguns a year. Like the auto industry, some of the best handguns come from foreign manufacturers. Here are the five best handgun manufacturers.(This article first appeared in 2017 and is being republished due to reader interest).GlockGaston Glock’s initial attempt to build a handgun for the Austrian military has exploded into an international empire, all the more amazing considering that it was built solely on handguns. From the original Glock 17, the company now offers twenty-six handguns on the U.S. market in calibers from .380 Auto to .45 G.A.P. The company’s simple emphasis on lightweight, slim-profile, “pointable” pistols was a recipe for success, impressing first-time shooters with their ease of use and longtime shooters with their reliability and accuracy. For all of the variety, Glock’s handguns are strikingly similar to one another, demonstrating that Glock won’t fix what isn’t broken.

Bernie Sanders: 'Beating Trump is not good enough'

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., says his presidential campaign is about much more than beating President Trump.

The Latest: Saudi Arabia won't hesitate to defend itself

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The latest on developments in the Persian Gulf region and elsewhere in the Mideast amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran (all times local):

White House 2020 hopefuls turn to foreign policy, slam Trump on Iran

The relationship between Washington and Tehran has become increasingly strained in recent weeks, raising concerns about a potential U.S.-Iran conflict. Trump and hawkish foreign policy advisers like national security adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo want Tehran to give up its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Trump has tightened economic sanctions against Iran, aimed at forcing its leaders into negotiations.

What Are the Best Inexpensive Small SUVs?

This member question submitted to Ask Our Experts touches on a common need. We like that it is focused on the goal, rather than strictly how to achieve it. In this case, it would be wise to resis...

Borrowing from your 401(k) is easy. But should you really break open that piggy bank?

Nearly 3 in 10 Americans dip into retirement savings, says Transamerica. It pays for higher education, lowering debt and covering medical costs.

Katyusha rocket fired into Baghdad Green Zone

A Katyusha rocket was fired Sunday into Baghdad's Green Zone housing government offices and embassies including the US mission, days after the United States evacuated staff from Iraq citing threats from Iran. Tensions between the US and Iran have been high since Washington withdrew last year from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major world powers, and they have soared in the past few weeks. Despite international scepticism, the US government has cited alleged threats from Iran, a long-time enemy of both Washington and its regional allies, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, but a powerbroker in Iraq.

Chips are down: Huawei U.S. blacklisting knocks semiconductor stocks

U.S. and European chipmakers fell sharply on Monday amid worries the Huawei Technologies suppliers may suspend shipments to the Chinese firm due to a U.S. crackdown. The selling came after Nikkei Asian Review reported that Infineon had halted shipments to Huawei after Washington added the world's No. 2 smartphone maker to a trade blacklist last week, imposing restrictions that will make it difficult to do business with U.S. companies. Reuters reported that Alphabet Inc's Google had suspended some business with Huawei and Lumentum Holdings Inc, seen as a major supplier of Apple Inc's face ID technology, said it had discontinued all shipments to Huawei.

Genesis Intends to Build the Essentia Concept as an EV, and It May Be Powered by Hydrogen

The premium brand doesn't want the concept from last year's show circuit to fade away.

Former CIA station chief on US-Iran tensions: The Department of Defense plans for every scenario

Daniel Hoffman says he believes Iran is attempting to deescalate the rising tensions with the U.S.

Biden rejects Democrats' anger in call for national unity

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — His party may be enraged by Donald Trump's presidency, but Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden insisted Saturday that Democrats will not defeat the Republican president if they pick an angry nominee.

OPEC+ Has More Work to Do Because Inventories Are Rising, Minister Says

“The job is not complete,” Al Mazrouei told reporters in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. Saudi Arabia, Russia and other oil producers in a global coalition are meeting in Jeddah this weekend to consider whether they’ll need to continue keeping supplies restrained during the second half of the year.

Poor boy Modi becomes India's nationalist powerhouse

Stern, sharp and shrewd, Narendra Modi fought his way off the streets to become one of India's most popular and polarising prime ministers. There is no middle ground between admirers and adversaries of the man -- now running for a second term -- who helped his father run a railway station tea stall before launching his career in nationalist politics. The 68-year-old makes much of his humble roots while unashamedly portraying himself as the tough guy protecting India's national security and Hindu values, pressing its claims to be the world's rising power.

Illinois not alerted to early clues in womb-cutting case

CHICAGO (AP) — Police and Illinois' child welfare agency say staff at a Chicago-area hospital didn't alert them after determining that a bloodied woman who arrived with a gravely ill newborn had not just given birth to the baby boy, as she claimed.

Google’s Pixel 3a has a serious problem for some users, and there’s no fix in sight

Google has been making phones for quite a few years now, both during the Nexus era when other smartphone vendors designed its devices, and especially in the Pixel era where it creates its own hardware. But even so, its Pixel phones still come with flaws, and the Pixel 3a is no exception. Some users are already reporting a pretty serious issue -- the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have been shutting down randomly, and there doesn't appear to be a fix in sight.No smartphone is perfect, some will say, and many new models exhibit some problems after launch. But it's something that happens time and again with Pixel phones. Just last week, shortly after the Pixel 3a series went on sale, people who purchased first-gen Pixel phones that came with built-in microphone manufacturing defects learned they're entitled to up to $500 in compensation from Google.That doesn't mean the current Pixel 3a problem is as serious, but it's still not a good sign for a phone that Google pits against the iPhone, which is a silly comparison to make in the first place.Several users posted on Reddit their accounts of how it all went down. "I received my pixel 3a 3 days ago, and once a day it just turns off by itself, while I don't use it," wrote DeazyL.Realtimeanalytics, meanwhile, says the issue might have to do with Wi-Fi connectivity:> Whenever I connect to my work Wi-Fi and let the phone sit for ~10 minutes it will require a reboot. It will do the normal lock and then after some time just shutdown, requiring me to hold the power button for ~30 seconds to restart it. For the most part when I'm connected to my home Wi-Fi it will not duplicate this although it has crashed once or twice now at home in the 5 days I have had it. Leaving the phone with Wi-Fi off seems to prevent the crashing altogether.Placing the phone in Safe mode will not make the issue go away according to Ravoz, who has experienced the problem on both the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL:> Several people, including myself, have been having random shutdowns with our new Pixel 3a's. It is happening with both models, the 3a as well as the XL.> > The phones just die, and require a hard reset of holding the power button down for like 30 seconds before they turn back on.> > I had 3 shutdowns yesterday, including overnight, causing me to miss my wake alarm. And another shutdown tonight. Today I used my phone in "Safe Mode" to eliminate any chance of a third party app causing it. Unfortunately, it did, so unless its an issue in the OS, it's hardware related.Google will surely identify and fix the problem. If you've been experiencing the same error, the only thing you can do about it is reboot the phone once it switches off. You can always ask for a replacement unit and hope for the best, but it's unclear if Google is swapping out affected units at this time.

Trump administration drops plan to send migrants from southern border to Florida, elsewhere

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan acknowledged that federal officials did alert local leaders of the possibility of sending migrants.

Boeing's New Version of the AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter Might Be a 'Re-Run'

This seems a little strange. Boeing has released concept footage of a high-speed Apache attack helicopter during the Vertical Flight Society’s 75th Annual Forum & Technology Display- and it looks awfully familiar.Known as the Advanced AH-64 Block 2 Compound, the concept will serve as an interim solution in the U.S. Army Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program.Interestingly enough, the high-tech mode doesn’t seem so high-tech, when one looks back at the AH-56 Cheyenne, which first flew in 1967.Derived from the Army’s Advanced Aerial Fire Support System program, which ultimately ended in only ten being built.Advanced before its time, the Cheyenne was an impressive helicopter that was limited only by the technology of the era.While the AH-64 Apache technology partially came from the Cheyenne, the development has seemingly come full-circle. In addition to powerplant and control changes, the weapons “wings” and 30mm chain gun have also undergone changes.With a rear-mounted pusher propeller, a large vertical fin and a new engine exhaust setup, the new Block 2 Compounds are rather futuristic.According to Defence Blog, Boeing is dead set on keeping the Apache fleet “capable on the highly complex multi-domain battlefield of the future through 2060.”A wind tunnel test model was featured at the Vertical Flight Society’s 75th Annual Forum & Technology Display.

Turkey says to produce S-500s with Russia after S-400 missile deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey and Russia would jointly produce S-500 defence systems after Ankara's controversial purchase of the S-400 missile defence system from Moscow. Turkey's push to buy the S-400s has further strained already tense relations with the United States which has repeatedly warned Ankara of the risks including sanctions as a result of the purchase. "There is absolutely no question of (Turkey) taking a step back from the S-400s purchase.

The Latest: India's mammoth national election ends

NEW DELHI (AP) — The Latest on India's general election (all times local):

Saudi minister denies activist Baghdadi faced any Saudi threat

A senior Saudi official denied the authorities posed any threat to prominent Palestinian human rights campaigner Iyad al-Baghdadi, who has said the Norwegian security services warned him of a threat against him from Saudi Arabia. "I've really never heard of anyone named Iyad al-Baghdadi," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir told reporters. Much of Baghdadi's work over the past two years has focused on human rights in Saudi Arabia, particularly after the killing last October of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

GM says most new vehicles to get over-the-air upgrade tech by 2023

General Motors Co said on Monday most of its global models will be capable of over-the-air software upgrades by 2023, as the automaker rolls out new vehicle electrical systems designed to securely handle heavy data traffic and software downloads from the internet. GM and other established automakers have been slow to catch up with electric automaker Tesla Inc, which has for years used smartphone-style over-the-air upgrade technology to change the function and feel of its vehicles overnight. Earlier this month, for example, Tesla responded to reports about its vehicles catching on fire by pushing out an over-the-air update for battery management software.

Storm chaser gets caught up in forming Nebraska tornado: VIDEO

"I was unable to get back to the vehicle and couldn't see it, so I just turned my back to the wind and hoped for the best until it passed," Reed Timmer said.

Nothing Beats These Compact Handheld Egg Weights For Working Out While Traveling

As a short person, I’ve often been told that good things come in small packages. It may be true, but it's even better, as far as I’m concerned, when those small things also pack a hefty punch.Egg Weights are one example of just this sort of combination, literally: little but mighty, Egg Weights are highly portable, easier on sensitive wrists, and add numerous benefits to boxing, running, or any other workout.Coming in dense metal weights ranging from 1 to 5 pounds, the ergonomic Egg Weights slip comfortably around your middle finger and into your grip, making it easier to build muscle, tone, and burn extra calories while you punch the air, run, or even keep your arms straight in Warrior 2. They fit into your palms surprisingly naturally (even with my very little hands), and add a noticeable extra intensity to any workout. Used by certain Olympic athletes to train, Egg Weights says their product is scientifically proven to increase the intensity of any movement from 28-62 percent according to their site. It certainly feels that way.What I also like is that Egg Weights can reduce stress and risk of injury compared to dumbells, taking some of the pressure off certain joints. Unlike dumbells, you aren’t using your already-taxed-from-typing wrists to grip the weights — instead, you're engaging your shoulders and arms more fully. If you get sore wrists from lifting weights as I do, these will help. Egg Weights Hand Dumbbell Sets, $30-$50 on AmazonAnother huge added bonus for me is the fact that Egg Weights are so compact. They come with a nice carrying case, smaller than most toiletry bags, and though they’ll add some extra weight to your suitcase, they won’t take up much space at all. I pack them whenever I’m going somewhere where I might not be able to hit a gym but still want to be able to tone or amp up a quick home workout. The most common way I use them is to get on the floor in Boat Pose, boxing diagonally as I twist my abs. It quickly gets my heart rate up and works out multiple parts of my body at once. I’ll also use them to punch the air when I need to get some aggression out or to add toning as I dancercise alone in my room. It helps to have a solid beat playing in your wireless headphones to egg you on as well. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)It’s definitely worth the investment for this small-but-punchy fitness tool — and if you want to get one as a gift for the knockout in your life, you can even purchase a monogrammed pair.Scouted is internet shopping with a pulse. Follow us on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter for even more recommendations and exclusive content. Please note that if you buy something featured in one of our posts, The Daily Beast may collect a share of sales.Read more at The Daily Beast.Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

Trump tweets threat: 'If Iran wants to fight, that will be the end of Iran'

Incendiary message follows disavowals of intent from both sidesOpinion: Trump supporters don’t want war with Iran In a picture released on Friday, the USS Abraham Lincoln sails in the Arabian Sea near the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge. Photograph: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian M Wilbur/AP Donald Trump has issued one of his most direct threats yet to Tehran, warning that “if Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran”. The US president emerged from his golf club in Sterling, Virginia, on Sunday to tweet belligerently at around 4.30pm, thereby risking a quickening of tension that is already rising. “Never threaten the United States again!” he wrote. The tweet will do little to assuage jitters in the Middle East and in Washington about aggressive language coming out of the White House. Concern is already running high that Trump’s hawkish national security adviser, John Bolton, who played a key role in instigating the invasion of Iraq under George Bush, might be nudging the administration towards military action. In 2015, Bolton wrote a New York Times op-ed entitled “To stop Iran’s bomb, bomb Iran”. Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal last year. On the other hand, Trump has a way of blowing hot one minute and cold the next. As with so many of his social media missives, the precise import of his Sunday tweet was hard to read. It directly conflicted with reports of just three days ago that the president had been telling the Pentagon he did not want to go to war and wanted to find a way to wind down tensions. Those reports were also subject to qualification. In response to reports about a draft plan for the deployment of 120,000 troops, Trump said that though he did not want war, if it came to it he would send “a hell of a lot” more soldiers than that. Earlier on Sunday, the Utah senator and former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney had joined the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards in dismissing the threat of war. “Going to war with Iran?” Romney asked on CNN’s State of the Union. “Not going to happen.” According to the Fars news agency, Maj General Hossein Salami followed foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif by saying Iran was not pursuing war either. But both men offered caveats. Romney, a member of the Senate foreign relations committee, said the threat to US interests was “real” and added: “We’re going to make sure they understand that if they take action against our people, against our allies and against our friends, there will be consequence and it will be far more severe than the initial action taken by Iran.” Salami said Iran was ready to fight, as the difference “between us and them is that they are afraid of war and don’t have the will for it”. The White House has not said what is behind its claim of an increased threat. Romney said the “intelligence community says there’s a great deal of risk” but did not elaborate. It has been reported that US intelligence believes Iranian commercial vessels have carried missiles and ammunition, which some analysts say indicates preparations to defend against a US attack. Saudi Arabia is the major US ally in the region. Four oil tankers, two of them Saudi, were attacked off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Iran-allied rebels in Yemen claimed a drone attack on a Saudi oil pipeline. Adel al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, told reporters on Sunday his country also “does not want war … but at the same time, if the other side chooses war, the kingdom will fight this with all force and determination”. The US has sent an aircraft carrier strike group and cautionary moves include an evacuation of personnel by the oil firm ExxonMobil and a warning from the US to commercial air traffic of increased risk in the region. The Associated Press reported on Sunday that Democrats in Congress will be briefed by former CIA director John Brennan, a stringent Trump critic, and Wendy Sherman, a former state department official who helped negotiate the Iran deal. Among Democratic presidential hopefuls on Sunday, the presumption was that Trump either wanted war or was behaving irresponsibly. The Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a military veteran, told ABC’s This Week Trump was “leading us down this dangerous path towards a war in Iran”. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, another veteran, said war with Iran would be “exactly what John Bolton wants”. But David Petraeus, a retired general who led US troops in Iraq in 2003 and later led the CIA, told ABC it was “pretty clear” Trump “doesn’t want to go to war with Iran. He’s not after regime change”. Romney agreed. “I don’t believe for a minute,” he said, “that either the president or John Bolton or anyone else in a serious senior position of leadership in the White House has any interest in going to the Middle East and going to war. That’s just not going to happen … barring some kind of attack from Iran or something of that nature which I don’t think anyone anticipates. “Look, the president made it very clear that he thinks the greatest foreign policy mistake probably in the modern age was the decision by President Bush to go into Iraq. The idea that he would follow that by going after Iran, a more difficult enemy if you will, that’s just not going to happen.” Famously, Trump said at the time that he supported George W Bush’s invasion of Iraq. He has since vehemently denied that he did so.