Day 473
May 7, 2026
6 incidents
- Major Abuse of Power Military Overreach
Iran attacks three US destroyers in the strait
Iranian forces launch missiles, drones and small-boat attacks on USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta and USS Mason as they transit the strait. The US strikes Iranian sites at Bandar Abbas and Qeshm. The New York Times reports that the pause had followed Saudi Arabia's denial of airspace and base access.
- Major Abuse of Power Rule of Law
Legal experts condemn indictment ahead of arraignment
At a press call, Norm Eisen says 'we've never seen a case like this under a Democratic or a Republican administration in our history,' and former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance says many donors were likely aware of the SPLC's use of informants.
From: DOJ Indicts Southern Poverty Law Center Over Its Paid-Informant Program (April 2026)
- Major Abuse of Power Rule of Law
SPLC pleads not guilty at arraignment
The Southern Poverty Law Center, through interim CEO Bryan Fair, enters a not guilty plea to all 11 counts. Magistrate Judge Kelly F. Pate sets a tentative trial date of October 5. The SPLC accuses the Justice Department of political retaliation and of possibly making false statements to the grand jury.
From: DOJ Indicts Southern Poverty Law Center Over Its Paid-Informant Program (April 2026)
- International Crime (Rome Statute) Foreign Policy & War
Firefight in Strait; blockade explicitly maintained despite ceasefire
Iranian forces attack three US Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz; the US strikes Qeshm and Bandar Abbas in response. The naval blockade remains in effect despite the nominal ceasefire. One cargo vessel is struck and burning; one sailor killed. Iran declares the ceasefire violated.
- Critical Rights and Rule-of-Law Concern Foreign Policy & War
Iran attacks US destroyers; US strikes military sites at Qeshm and Bandar Abbas
Iranian forces attack USS Truxton, USS Mason, and USS Rafael Peralta with missiles, drones, and small boats as the destroyers transit the Strait. No US vessels are hit. CENTCOM launches 'self-defense strikes' on what it describes as missile and drone launch sites, command and control locations and ISR nodes on Qeshm Island and at Bandar Abbas. Iran says the strikes hit civilian areas in Qeshm, Bandar Khamir, and Sirik. Each side claims the other fired first. A cargo vessel struck in an overnight US strike catches fire, killing one sailor and injuring ten. Iran declares the ceasefire violated. Trump maintains the ceasefire is still in effect and calls the strikes a 'love tap.'
From: Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Global Energy and Food Security Catastrophe
- Major Abuse of Power Rule of Law
D.C. Circuit hears expedited appeal
The appeal of the preliminary injunction (No. 26-5070) is argued; the district court case is stayed pending the appeal, with the injunction in effect (Clearinghouse).