The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on the Turkish bank Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi Anonim Sirketi. This move is part of the Trump administration's effort to cut financial ties with Iran. Last week, the administration launched "Operation Economic Outcast" to isolate Iran from global trade partners. The U.S. has also resumed military strikes, signaling a dual approach of economic pressure and potential military escalation. Despite these efforts, Iran has not yielded to the sanctions or the intermittent bombing campaign. Meanwhile, diesel prices in the U.S. hit a record high as the conflict disrupts fuel supplies.

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy says he’ll back Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general, likely paving the way for Blanche to be confirmed to lead President Donald Trump’s Justice Department. Blanche’s prospective confirmation appeared threatened earlier Friday, when Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced her opposition. Murkowski cited concern that the administration could proceed with a $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies, despite Blanche formally terminating it. Also, an appeals court has ruled Trump must seek approval from Congress to build his proposed White House ballroom, saying construction must stop. The U.S. Court of Appeals sided with historic preservationists who sued to stop construction.

A Senate committee has voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress and refer him to the Justice Department for potential prosecution over his refusal to answer questions at a hearing last week on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times at the hearing. Also, Iran said Wednesday it’s in the “final stage” of drafting an agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. President Donald Trump has said a deal could be announced this week. The agreement is likely to be contingent on the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iran’s ports.