Iran attacks U.S. troops across the Gulf while Pakistan offers to host U.S.-Iran talks in week five of the war. President Trump claims progress in negotiations while threatening to obliterate Iran's energy infrastructure, creating confusion about actual strategy. Meanwhile, TSA workers finally receive partial back pay after 40+ days without income, but Congress hasn't funded the Department of Homeland Security. Trump's mixed messaging—simultaneously touting negotiation progress while threatening massive escalation—leaves unclear whether the administration prioritizes diplomacy or military action in Iran. Iran continues daily missile and drone attacks on Gulf targets despite thousands of U.S. and Israeli strikes, suggesting military pressure alone hasn't forced concessions on the Strait of Hormuz.