Iran has launched a three-day war games exercise, during which missiles will be fired at targets modeled after foreign bases.

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) has arrived in Guatemala on her fourth congressional trip in the past two years to spark progress on stalled adoption cases.

While U.S. adoptions from the Central American nation used to be commonplace, Guatemala banned the practice in 2008 following reports of corruption and other illegal practices. The ban has left some 350 adoptions in limbo, and Landrieu, the founding co-chairwoman of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, has taken the lead in trying to resolve them. 

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The administration hopes the move pressures Iran to "pursue substantive negotiations" over its nuclear program.

The White House offered condolences Saturday after the death of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir at 96.

“Yitzhak Shamir dedicated his life to the State of Israel.  From his days working for Israel's independence to his service as Prime Minister, he strengthened Israel's security and advanced the partnership between the United States and Israel,” said a statement from the White House press secretary. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of Israel."

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The White House withdrew the nomination of Timothy Broas, who was nominated by President Obama for the ambassadorship of the Netherlands.

Clinton says the talks could “provide an opportunity to make real progress,” but few in Washington expect a diplomatic breakthrough.

The Pentagon does not see Turkey's recent military buildup along its border with Syria as a precursor to war between the neighboring countries, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said on Friday. 

The confirmation of Derek Mitchell caps off the Obama administration's decision to restore full diplomatic relations with the country.