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Tehran Signals Defiance as Supreme Leader Vows Retaliation and Strait Closure

  A man holds a picture of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, while people attend a funeral ceremony for the Iranian military commanders who were killed in strikes, in Tehran Iran’s Supreme Leader issued his first public remarks following the deaths of senior Iranian commanders, vowing that the country will “avenge the martyrs” and maintain the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz until what he described as “justice” is served. His comments, delivered during a nationally broadcast address, underscore a sharp escalation in rhetoric at a moment of heightened regional tension. The Supreme Leader framed the recent losses as sacrifices in the defense of Iran’s sovereignty, promising that those responsible “will face consequences.” He also reaffirmed Iran’s decision to keep the Strait closed, a move that has already disrupted global shipping routes and rattled energy markets. The strait, one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil transport, has long been a flas...

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IRS to Lay Off 6,700 Employees Amid Tax Season

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is set to lay off approximately 6,700 employees this Thursday, according to a source familiar with the matter. This significant reduction in workforce comes as part of a broader federal government directive aimed at reducing bureaucracy, spearheaded by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

The employees affected by the layoffs are primarily probationary workers who have been with the agency for less than one to two years. These workers typically have fewer job protections compared to their longer-term counterparts. The IRS has a total of roughly 17,000 probationary employees.

The timing of these layoffs is particularly challenging, as it coincides with the critical tax-filing season. The IRS remains busy processing returns and refunds for taxpayers well beyond the April 15 filing deadline. Concerns have been raised about the potential strain on the agency's resources and its ability to manage the substantial workload during this period.

Despite the layoffs, around 6,600 probationary IRS employees will be retained to work through the tax-filing season. The IRS has taken a more measured approach compared to other federal agencies, ensuring that essential operations continue during this crucial time.

The broader federal workforce reduction directive has impacted various agencies, with the Office of Personnel Management overseeing the dismissal of probationary employees across the government. The IRS's approach highlights the delicate balance between reducing bureaucracy and maintaining essential services for taxpayers.


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