Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami claimed Iranian forces launched a comprehensive attack on US troops in Isfahan during a US operation to rescue a downed pilot, amid the ongoing 2026 conflict. The market for US forces entering Iran by April 30 is at 100% YES. Market reaction All active sub-markets are already at 100% YES, so Hatami’s announcement produced no price movement. Markets for US ground operations are also fully priced at YES, consistent with the reported events in Isfahan. No new trading volume has appeared, which suggests traders had already priced in these developments before the announcement. Why it matters The rescue operation reported by US sources confirms the presence of US ground forces inside Iran. Trump’s announcement about ending military operations against Iran remains unresolved, and the market reflects skepticism about a swift conclusion to hostilities. Hatami’s claim of an all-out attack on US forces, if accurate, would represent a direct escalation against American personnel on Iranian soil, complicating any path toward de-escalation. What to watch Further statements from CENTCOM or the Pentagon on US troop movements and operational objectives in Isfahan. Any updates on ceasefire negotiations or diplomatic channels would be the most likely catalysts for movement in related markets, though with odds already at 100%, the main question is whether new contracts covering later dates or different scenarios begin trading.

According to a report by Fox News, on Friday April 17, 2026, a longtime Fox News host Sean Hannity has publicly announced his decision to leave the Catholic Church, citing deep-seated concerns over systemic corruption and a departure from biblical teachings.

While reaffirming his identity as a Christian, Hannity delivered a blunt critique of the Church’s hierarchy, ranging from local parishes to the highest levels of leadership in the Vatican.

The announcement marks a significant personal shift for the commentator, who has frequently discussed his faith on air.

Hannity’s grievances appear centered on what he describes as a failure of the institution to address internal scandals and maintain its original theological foundations.

“As of today I no longer consider myself a Catholic,” Hannity stated. “While I am a Christian, I left the Catholic Church in large part because of institutionalized corruption and it was at the parish level, to the bishop level, cardinals, all the way to Rome.”

Hannity did not hold back in his assessment of the Vatican’s handling of controversies, suggesting that the institution has allowed terrible behavior to persist without sufficient accountability.

He expressed a belief that the modern leadership has drifted away from the core tenets of the faith.

“The top scandals, terrible behavior frankly wins not only unchecked but they never fully corrected it or dealt with it and others at the Vatican have totally lost sight of the true meaning of the Bible and its teachings,” Hannity said.

Beyond issues of modern corruption, Hannity pointed to historical shifts in Church law as a point of contention specifically the mandate of clerical celibacy.

He argued that the prohibition on marriage for priests was a later deviation from the Church’s earlier history.

“For the first 1200 years of the church the priests were allowed to marry, they change that law,” he noted, highlighting a long-standing debate regarding the evolution of Roman Catholic traditions.