A rescue mission is underway after a US military refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq, according to the US Central Command.
A US official told AP the aircraft had at least five crew members aboard. It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties.
The KC-135 refuelling aircraft went down in western Iraq after an “incident” involving another US plane. The second aircraft landed safely at the Ben Gurion Airport in Israel yesterday evening, Centcom said, claiming the incident was “not due to hostile fire or friendly fire”.
"The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury," it said in a statement, using the military name of the US operation against Iran.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump said the situation in Iran was “moving along very rapidly” as he hailed the US military as “unsurpassed”.
Iran has warned that it will not back down despite sustaining heavy damage to military and civilian infrastructure.
It also threatened to set the region’s oil and gas “on fire” if there were further attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Read MoreRescue mission underway after US military plane crashes in western Iraq
Newsom trolls Trump as Putin’s pup after US lifts sanctions on Russian oil during Iran war
Israel threatens to take Lebanese territory as it ramps up Beirut bombing in escalating war
Key Points
- Rescue mission underway after US military plane crashes in western Iraq
- US eases sanctions on Russian oil amid Iran war
- Emmanuel Macron announces death of French soldier in Iraq
- Trump: Iran situation 'moving very rapidly'
- IRGC threatens to set region's oil and gas 'on fire'
- Khamenei vows to 'avenge martyrs' and keep Strait of Hormuz closed
US lawmakers react in disgust to White House video on Iran war
05:10 , Rachel DobkinUS lawmakers have reacted in disgust to the White House splicing clips of strikes on Iran with the Nintendo Wii sports video game series.
The video making light of the Iran war has generated more than 48 million as of early Friday morning.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat and Iraq War veteran, wrote on X in response to the video, “War is not a f***ing video game”, adding, “Seven Americans are dead”.
Representative Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat who is an Iraq War and Afghanistan War veteran, wrote, “This is sick and morally bankrupt. Our servicemembers deserve so much better than this”.
White House splices Iran strike footage with Wii game in bizarre video
Both sides trade words and strikes
04:50 , Stuti MishraIran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut and avenge "the blood of your martyrs," as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a veiled threat to kill him, with both sides striking each other overnight.
Netanyahu, holding his first news conference since strikes on Iran began on 28 February, said Israel was "creating the optimal conditions for toppling the regime" without ruling out killing Khamenei directly.
Overnight, a US refuelling aircraft went down in Iraq in an incident involving another aircraft, with the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq claiming responsibility. France said one soldier was killed and several wounded in an attack in northern Iraq, hours after an Italian base in Erbil was also struck.
The death toll has now risen to more than 2,000 people, most in Iran. Nearly 700 have died in Lebanon, where Israel has targeted central Beirut and ordered residents out of a swathe of the south in its offensive against Hezbollah. Drones have been reported flying into Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain and Oman.
Rescue mission underway after US military plane crashes in western Iraq
04:27 , Stuti MishraA rescue mission was underway after a US military refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq, US Central Command said.
The KC-135 refuelling aircraft went down in western Iraq after an “incident” involving another US aircraft. The second aircraft landed safely at the Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on Thursday evening, Centcom said, claiming the incident was “not due to hostile fire or friendly fire”.
"The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury," it said in a statement, using the military name of the US operation against Iran.
Read more -
Rescue mission underway after US military plane crashes in western Iraq
US issues 30-day sanctions waiver on Russian oil in bid to ease energy crisis
04:00 , Stuti MishraThe United States has issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea, without any repercussions of US tariffs, as part of the latest attempt by the Trump administration to calm energy markets jolted by the Iran war.
Oil prices eased in Asia on Friday morning following the announcement.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measure was "narrowly tailored" and "short-term" and would not significantly benefit the Russian government.
"The temporary increase in oil prices is a short-term and temporary disruption that will result in a massive benefit to our nation and economy in the long-term," he said.
The licence covers Russian crude loaded on vessels as of 12 March and is valid through 11 April. The US had previously issued a similar 30-day waiver specifically for India, which had been buying Russian oil after its supplies from the Gulf got stuck.
The IEA said on Thursday the Iran war was creating the biggest oil supply disruption in history. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen cautioned that now was not the time to relax sanctions on Russia.
Trump official says on US attacks on Iran: 'There has never in history been a more total asymmetric one-sided annihilation of the enemy'
03:30 , Rachel DobkinWhite House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has said, “There has never in history been a more total asymmetric one-sided annihilation of the enemy than what is unfolding right now in Iran”.
“The United States, under President Trump’s leadership, has annihilated their Navy, has annihilated their missile capabilities, has dealt devastating strikes to the IRGC and their command structure, has taken out in collaboration and coordination with Israel, their nation’s sinister leadership and command structure”, Miller told Fox News early Friday morning.
US lawmaker says Americans 'can live with' higher gas prices
03:00 , Rachel DobkinUS Representative Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, told CNN Thursday Americans “can live with” higher gas prices amid the Iran war.
“I think the American people have common sense, and I think they understand that to stop this regime that for 47 years has killed Americans, killed Israelis, killed others and killed a number of their own people — to stop them from getting a nuclear weapon is a worthwhile objective,” Jordan told CNN host Kasie Hunt.
“And, President Trump is committed to achieving that goal, and if that means prices go up for a short time, I think Americans understand, we can live with that. But in the end, we want all that to happen, and we want it all to happen in as quick a time as it possibly can”, the congressman added.
Oil jumped to $100 per barrel Thursday as Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil.
IDF posts 'aesthetic' video of troops in Lebanon
02:30 , Rachel DobkinThe Israel Defence Forces has posted to social media what they called an “aesthetic” video of troops in Lebanon.
IDF soldiers protecting our civilians but make it aesthetic: pic.twitter.com/wmOnUTURPe
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 13, 2026
Israel has hit Lebanon hard during its fight against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah as part of the wider Iran war.
The Associated Press reports that more than 800,000 people have been displaced in the conflict.
Israel has joined the US in sharing light-hearted videos online about the deadly war.
US eases sanctions on Russian oil amid Iran war
02:00 , Rachel DobkinThe US Treasury Department announced late Thursday night that it is temporarily allowing countries to buy Russian oil “currently stranded at sea.”
“This narrowly tailored, short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote on X.
.@POTUS is taking decisive steps to promote stability in global energy markets and working to keep prices low as we address the threat and instability posed by the terrorist Iranian regime.
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) March 12, 2026
To increase the global reach of existing supply, @USTreasury is providing a temporary…
The decision comes as oil jumped to $100 per barrel Thursday amid the Iran war. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to attack any ship that passes through the waterway vital to the global oil supply.
Emmanuel Macron announces death of French soldier in Iraq
01:35 , Rachel DobkinFrench President Emmanuel Macron announced early Friday morning the death of a French soldier in Iraq.
“Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins from Varces died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq”, Macron wrote on X. “To his family, to his brothers in arms, I want to express all the affection and solidarity of the Nation”.
L’adjudant-chef Arnaud Frion du 7ème bataillon de chasseurs alpins de Varces est mort pour la France lors d’une attaque dans la région d’Erbil en Irak.
À sa famille, à ses frères d’armes, je veux dire toute l’affection et la solidarité de la Nation.
Plusieurs de nos militaires…
France’s army said Thursday six French soldiers were wounded in a drone attack in the Erbil region during a counter-terrorism training.
“This attack against our forces engaged in the fight against Daesh since 2015 is unacceptable”, Macron said, using another name for ISIS. “Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks”.
Five crew members aboard US plane lost in 'friendly airspace": report
01:15 , Rachel DobkinFive crew members were aboard a US refueling plane lost in what the military called “friendly airspace,” the Associated Press has reported, citing a US official.
The KC-135 plane “went down in western Iraq”, US Central Command said earlier.
“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the military added.
Operation Epic Fury is the name of the US military campaign against Iran.
Saudi Arabia strikes down nearly 30 drones
00:59 , Rachel DobkinSaudi Arabia has struck down nearly 30 drones, the country’s defence ministry announced late Thursday night.
Trump said Mojtaba Khamenei is 'probably' alive but 'damaged'
00:23 , Rachel DobkinUS President Donald Trump has said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is “probably” alive but “damaged.”
When Trump was asked on Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade’s radio show if he thinks Khamenei is alive, the president said, “I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form”.
The Associated Press reported on the pre-taped interview set to air Friday.
Iranian state TV aired a statement they claimed was from Khamenei, who took over after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in the U.S.-Israeli military strikes.
“I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” the statement said.
Khamenei has not appeared in public since the Iran war started nearly two weeks ago.
Joe Rogan attended UFC fights alongside Trump. Now he thinks it’s ‘weird’ to hold fight at the White House amid Iran war
00:01 , Rebecca Whittaker Joe Rogan thinks it’s ‘weird’ to hold UFC fight at the White House amid Iran war
Rescue mission underway after US military plane crashes in western Iraq
Thursday 12 March 2026 23:40 , Rebecca Whittaker Rescue mission underway after US military plane crashes in western Iraq
US fired at Iranian vessel that approached aircraft carrier
Thursday 12 March 2026 23:24 , Rebecca WhittakerThe US fired at an Iranian vessel that sailed too close to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, two US officials briefed on the matter told CBS News.
They said during the incident that occurred earlier this week, a US Navy vessel attempted to fire on the Iranian vessel using its 5-inch, 54-caliber Marck-45 gun.
But officials said it missed multiple times and the status of the Iranian ship and its crew is not known.
Watch: Iran: Trump says conflict 'moving rapidly' as Tehran threatens to set region's energy sites 'on fire'
Thursday 12 March 2026 23:10 , Rebecca WhittakerWHO confirms 18 attacks on healthcare sites in Iran
Thursday 12 March 2026 22:54 , Rebecca WhittakerThe World Health Organization said it has verified 18 attacks on healthcare centres in Iran since the start of the US and Israel war on Iran on February 28, which has resulted in 8 deaths among health workers.
"These attacks not only cost lives but deprive communities of care when they need it most. Health workers, patients and health facilities must always be protected under international humanitarian law," the WHO said in a statement.
US navy will escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz despite Iran threats
Thursday 12 March 2026 22:40 , Daniel KeaneThe US navy will escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz with the help of an “international coalition” in the face of threats from Iran, the US treasury secretary has said.
Relentless attacks on tankers in the Persian Gulf have caused oil prices to skyrocket above $100 a barrel as Tehran attempts to block passage through the critical waterway.
"My belief, that as soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through," Scott Bessent told Sky News.
Read our full story here.
US navy will escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump official
Question Time audience applauds guest's criticism of 'illegal' war in Iran
Thursday 12 March 2026 22:30 , Alex CroftPakistan PM discusses regional tensions with Saudi crown prince
Thursday 12 March 2026 22:13 , Alex CroftPakistan's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday, where the two leaders discussed regional developments, the prime minister's office said.
The meeting comes as the Middle East grapples with escalating conflict, including tensions involving Israel, the United States and Iran.
"The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan's full solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in these challenging times," Mosharraf Zaidi, a spokesman for Sharif, shared a press release from his office on X, adding that the two leaders held an in-depth exchange of views on recent regional developments and agreed to work together for peace and stability.
Sharif also assured the crown prince that Pakistan would always stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, the post read.
US military aircraft crashes in 'friendly airspace', Centcom says
Thursday 12 March 2026 21:54 , Alex CroftThe US Central Command is was carrying out rescue efforts after it lost a military aircraft in "friendly airspace" in Iraq during the ongoing conflict with Iran, it has announced.
"Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely," the military said.
It added that the incident was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire.
Six French soldiers wounded in drone attack in Iraq, says army
Thursday 12 March 2026 21:53 , Alex CroftSix French soldiers engaged in counter-terrorism training with Iraqi partners were wounded after a drone attack in the Erbil region of Iraq, France's army said on Thursday.
The six were immediately taken to the nearest medical centre, the army said in a statement, without elaborating.
Oil jumps above $100 a barrel once again
Thursday 12 March 2026 21:46 , Alex CroftThe price of a barrel of Brent crude oil briefly topped $100 a barrel early Thursday, just days after it spiked near $120 in the latest jolts to financial markets and the global economy as a whole.
Oil prices initially shot more than 9% higher as supply concerns worsened with Iranian attacks on commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. campaign of airstrikes in Iran is now in its 13th day.
U.S. benchmark crude oil jumped 6.5% to about $93 a barrel. Brent, the international standard, was trading 6.6% higher at about $98 per barrel.
Here’s the latest on oil prices:
Brent crude oil briefly tops $100 a barrel as Iran attacks on shipping worsen supply concerns
IRGC threatens to set region's oil and gas 'on fire'
Thursday 12 March 2026 21:45 , Alex CroftIran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard have warned that it will set oil and gas in the Middle East “on fire” if Iranian energy infrastructure is attacked.
“We warn the aggressor government and all its allies that the slightest attack on (Iran’s) energy infrastructure and ports will be followed by our crushing and devastating response,” the IRGC said in a statement cited by the official Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, according to CNN.
“In the event of such aggression, all the region’s oil and gas infrastructure in which the United States and its Western allies have a vested interest will be set on fire and destroyed,” it added.
Trump: Iran situation 'moving very rapidly'
Thursday 12 March 2026 21:34 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has said the situation in Iran is “moving along very rapidly”.
"The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It’s doing very well,” the US president said, speaking during a Women’s History Month event at the White House.
He added: “Our military is unsurpassed, there's never been anything like it, nobody’s ever seen anything like it.
"They really are a nation of terror and hate, and they’re paying a big price right now."
British troops in Iraq shoot down Iranian drones after base attacked
Thursday 12 March 2026 21:12 , Alex CroftBritish troops in Iraq shot down two Iranian drones after their base came under attack, it emerged on Thursday, as defence secretary John Healey refused to rule out deploying warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
Bases in Erbil – where UK and allied troops are stationed – and Baghdad were struck “a number of times” on Wednesday night, according to Brigadier Guy Foden, in what was the third attack on British forces since the conflict began.
It follows a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, and a missile landing 400 metres from UK personnel in Iraq.
No British troops were harmed in the latest incident, but US personnel sustained some light casualties.
Our political editor David Maddox reports:
British troops in Iraq shoot down Iranian drones after base attacked
Saudi oil giant says claims it is in talks to procure drones from Ukraine are inaccurate
Thursday 12 March 2026 20:55 , Alex CroftSaudi oil giant Aramco said on Thursday that claims it is in discussions with Ukrainian companies to buy interceptor drones are inaccurate, after a report said it was seeking them to defend its oilfields against aerial attacks.
Iran has responded to the US-Israeli assault against it by targeting energy and other facilities across the region and effectively shuttering the Strait of Hormuz oil transit chokepoint, through which a fifth of the world's oil flows.
"Aramco is aware of recent media reports regarding the company being in discussions with Ukrainian companies regarding the procurement of interceptor drones. These claims are inaccurate," Aramco told Reuters in a statement.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that Aramco was in talks with at least two Ukrainian companies to buy interceptor drones to safeguard its oilfields.
White House Posts Bizarre Nintendo-themed Video Showing Bombing Of Iran
Thursday 12 March 2026 20:27 , Alex CroftTrump says it is not appropriate for Iran to participate in World Cup
Thursday 12 March 2026 20:02 , Alex CroftDonald Trump said on Thursday the Iranian men's national soccer team was welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup - but that he believed it was not appropriate
"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," the US president said in a post on Truth Social.
Iran's sports minister said on Wednesday that it was not possible for his nation's athletes to participate after the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran. The attacks triggered a region-wide conflict that has shown no signs of abating.
The 48-team World Cup will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, with Iran scheduled for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
An official withdrawal by Iran from the showpiece event, which has not yet happened, would be a first in the modern era and would leave soccer's global governing body FIFA with the urgent task of finding a replacement team.
Iran no longer the same after US-Israeli attacks, says Netanyahu
Thursday 12 March 2026 19:31 , Rebecca WhittakerIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran was no longer the same after nearly two weeks of joint US-Israeli attacks and had suffered blows to its elite forces, as he appeared in his first press conference since the start of the war.
Netanyahu said he spoke with Donald Trump nearly every day "openly".
US Navy to escort ships through Strait of Hormuz, says US Treasury Secretary
Thursday 12 March 2026 19:24 , Rebecca WhittakerThe US Navy could escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz when it is militarily possible, US Treasury Secretary told Sky News.
"My belief, that as soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through," Scott Bessent said.
Artificial intelligence has brought a new way of war to the Middle East – and it makes crimes harder to hide
Thursday 12 March 2026 19:23 , Alex CroftThe staggering pace of air attacks by the US and Israel against Iran has been driven by artificial intelligence systems that contributed to the indictment of Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for crimes against humanity.
According to arms industry insiders and the US Department of War, more than 2,000 targets were hit by American forces in just four days of the ongoing Iran conflict.
The speed of the “kill chain” has been drastically accelerated with the use of an AI system known as Maven Smart System. Sold to the Pentagon and developed with the Department of War by Palantir, the AI company signed a major deal with the UK’s Ministry of Defence last December.
Israeli attacks have been on a similar scale – also using AI – although insiders say that Palantir is not involved in targeting by the Israel Defence Force in Iran and was not involved in Gaza.
Our world affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
AI has brought a new way of war to the Middle East – and makes crimes harder to hide
QatarEnergy cuts workforce on major LNG project due to 'security reasons'
Thursday 12 March 2026 19:05 , Alex CroftWork at QatarEnergy's massive North Field Expansion LNG project has slowed and workforce presence onsite has been cut to below 50 per cent, according to Reuters news agency.
A source speaking to the news agency cited security reasons for the cut, as the US-Iran conflict heads to its third week.
Qatar, the world's second-largest exporter of LNG, announced a production halt at its current 77 million ton-per-annum facility last week and declared force majeure on LNG shipments.
Bel Trew Dispatch | Beirut suburbs under heavy bombardment from US-Israel strikes
Thursday 12 March 2026 18:46 , Alex CroftIsraeli military says it has struck Basij checkpoints in Tehran
Thursday 12 March 2026 18:25 , Alex CroftWe’re hearing reports from the Israeli military that its aircraft struck Basij checkpoints in Tehran.
"The IDF (Israel Defence forces) recently identified that soldiers of the Basij Unit had established roadblocks in several locations across Tehran,” the military said in a statement.
“After identifying the deployment, over the past day, the Israeli Air Force, acting on IDF intelligence, has targeted the Basij roadblocks and operatives," the military said.
We’ll bring you more on the strikes as we get it.
Ships can pass through Strait of Hormuz if they cooperate with Iranian navy, says Tehran
Thursday 12 March 2026 18:20 , Alex CroftMany ships can still pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with the Iranian navy, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has claimed.
"After the current events, generally we cannot return to conditions before February 28 (start of current Iran war)... as we have understood how important the safety of the Strait of Hormuz is, and so did the others," Bahgaei said according to the Mehr news agency.
It comes despite repeated attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf.
Modi speaks to Iranian president Pezeshkian
Thursday 12 March 2026 18:07 , Alex CroftIndian prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian, he said in a post on X.
"The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India’s top priorities," he said in the post.
Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 12, 2026
Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The safety and security of…
French oil company Total will lose 15 per cent of global production
Thursday 12 March 2026 17:44 , Alex CroftFrench oil major TotalEnergies will lose 15 per cent of its global production due to shutdowns in the Middle East related to the Iran war, it has announced.
The company has shut down, or is in the process of shutting down, its production in Qatar, Iraq and offshore United Arab Emirates due to the crisis, it said.
TotalEnergies also said that a higher oil price, which has occurred as a consequence of the US-Israeli war with Iran, would more than offset the loss of production in the Middle East.
Israel threatens to take Lebanese land as it ramps up Beirut bombing in escalating war
Thursday 12 March 2026 17:29 , Alex CroftIsrael has threatened to take Lebanese land as it ramped up airstrikes in the heart of Beirut, amid growing fears the Middle East conflict is spiralling out of control.
Later Israeli jets bombed the busy Bachoura neighbourhood multiple times on Thursday, claiming it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
The latest strikes came just hours after Israel launched its heaviest night of bombing on the capital since the conflict with Hezbollah began 10 days ago.
Aircraft roared above Beirut and fiery explosions lit up the sky overnight, with Israel saying it struck nearly a dozen locations in the southern suburbs in half an hour alone.
Our chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports direct from central Beirut:
Israel threatens to take Lebanese land after pounding Beirut in worst bombing so far
US has organised 50 return flights for citizens in the Middle East, Washington says
Thursday 12 March 2026 17:16 , Alex CroftWashington has organized nearly 50 flights to return US citizens from the Middle East since the war with Iran erupted a State Department official said on Thursday.
The State Department was criticised in the days after the conflict began on February 28 for its late preparations to relocate diplomats and offer assistance to US citizens as Iran's strikes led to airspace closures and flight cancellations across the region.
"By the end of today, we'll have completed approximately four dozen flights and safely evacuated thousands of Americans from the Middle East on those flights," said the official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity.
The department, which waived the cost of government-assisted flights, has declined to give detailed numbers for how many people benefited from them.
The official said that, as of Thursday, a total of 47,000 US citizens had returned from the region to the US since 28 February, mostly on commercial flights, and that the State Department had provided guidance or assistance to thousands of Americans.