Today we're covering several developing stories with national and international implications. We'll start with recent expressions of gratitude toward President Trump from Iranians who see his policies as a turning point after decades of regime oppression—this in the context of ongoing operations against Iran's missile and naval capabilities. Next, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has addressed the status of U.S. actions against Iran, stating the mission to neutralize short-range ballistic missiles and naval threats—including risks to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz—is proceeding on or ahead of schedule, following years of buildup under prior administrations. On the economic side, Treasury actions under maximum pressure sanctions have significantly impacted Iran's funding sources, contributing to broader U.S. energy dominance and domestic economic positioning. Finally, the first 2026 midterm primaries took place this week in Texas and North Carolina. In Texas, Proposition 10 banning sharia law received over 95% of voter support while the Republican Senate primary heads to a May runoff between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, while State Rep. James Talarico won the Democratic nomination over Rep. Jasmine Crockett. In North Carolina, former Gov. Roy Cooper secured the Democratic Senate nod while former GOP Chairman Michael Whatley handily won the nomination. To break all this down—elections, Iran developments, NATO burden-sharing, peace prospects, and the economy—we're joined again by veteran TV news producer, Substack host at The Analyst, former diplomat, and current anchor for Real American Sunrise Early Edition plus The NewsHour Weekend Edition on 77 Talk Radio WABC: Jake Novak.