New York Times

1. U.S. Troops in Middle East Wait for the Next Big Moment

   The U.S. military is essentially on standby as officials give contradictory signals about the status of the Iran war effort.

2. War and Energy Shortages Boost China’s Influence in Asia

   The war in Iran has left China’s neighbors appealing for help, handing Beijing the kind of sway it has long sought.

3. Trump’s Gyrations on the War Leave Even Rubio Out of Sync

   The administration’s latest shifts on the status of the conflict show how treacherous it is to speak for a president who cultivates an erratic style.

4. Iran Is Reviewing a U.S. Peace Proposal

   Also, Ted Turner died at 87. Here’s the latest at the end of Wednesday.

5. Trump’s Indiana Victory Shows His Enduring Grip on Core Republican Supporters

   Low approval ratings? MAGA divisions? The president was able to turn out party loyalists in an Indiana primary to help him oust Republican state lawmakers who had crossed him.