Sam Halpern

Sam is a breaking news desk manager at The Jerusalem Post where he has worked since June 2023. He is a James Madison University alumnus where he graduated cum-laude with a degree in English and minors in Creative Writing and Environmental Studies.


US President Donald Trump seen in the Oval Office in the White House in Washington, DC, US, January 14, 2026

Qatar, Saudi Arabia lead efforts to influence Trump against US strike in Iran, sources tell 'Post'

A currency dealer poses for a photo with a U.S one dollar bill and the amount being given when converting it into Iranian rials in an exchange shop in Tehran, Iran December 25, 2022

Ayatollahs moving millions out of Iran as they 'abandon ship,' US Treasury chief says

UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) and Lebanese military vehicles patrol in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, January 8, 2026

IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, citing repeated ceasefire violations


Israel's Dead Sea area trembles as 4.2 magnitude earthquake felt

"Immediately go out into the open," the Home Front Command advised those in the area. "If not possible, enter [a] protected room or stairwell."

People enjoy a sunny day at the beach in the Dead Sea, on June 6, 2025.

Free Iran would immediately recognize Israel, normalize US ties, Pahlavi declares

Iran will eventually “rise again from [the] ashes” of the Islamic Republic, exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi said.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah of Iran, poses after an interview with Reuters about the situation in Iran and the need to support Iranians, in Paris, France, June 23, 2025.

US military signaled imminent Iran intervention, European officials say

The US has ramped up diplomatic moves, including sanctions on Iranian officials.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026.

Trump expected to announce Phase II of Gaza ceasefire despite conditions not being met - exclusive

This comes despite the return of all the hostages held in Gaza being a key tenet of the first phase of the ceasefire. The remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili remain in captivity.

US President Donald Trump takes questions from the members of the press aboard Air Force One on January 11, 2026 en route back to the White House from Palm Beach, Florida.

'You do not have much time': Crown Prince urges Iranian Army members to abandon regime

“You are the national military of Iran, not the military of the Islamic Republic. You have a duty to protect the lives of your compatriots," Pahlavi wrote.

Iranian opposition leader and son of the last shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Reza Pahlavi holds a press conference in Paris on june 23, 2025.

Israeli MMA fighter Shimon Smotritsky earns unanimous decision win at 559 Fights 120 - interview

"When I fight like myself, freely, and without trying to entertain someone or try to hype the crowd up and do all this nonsense, I’m the best version of myself," Smotritsky says.

Shimon Smotritsky (left) and James Porter at the weigh-ins ahead of their match at the 559 Fights 120 event in Porterville, California.

Germany’s Merz: I believe we are witnessing final days, weeks of Iran’s regime

“If a regime can only cling to power through violence, then it's effectively over anyway,” Merz said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Bosch's facility in Bengaluru, India January 13, 2026.

Footage shows bodies of hundreds of slain Iranian protesters piled up at forensic center - HRANA

HRANA estimated there were some 250 bodies at the facility, and published a video on X/Twitter that appears to show deceased people, in open body bags, lying in rows.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026.

UN Secretary-General Guterres 'shocked' by Iran regime's violence against protesters

"The secretary-general is shocked by the reports of violence and excessive use of force by the Iranian authorities against protesters," Dujarric stated.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reacts during a press conference at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on November 21, 2025, ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit.

IDF strikes Gaza after terror rocket aimed at Israel falls near hospital

The military noted that it detected the launch coming from Gaza City and that it quickly responded by striking the source of the fire.

IDF graphic showing the trajectory of the rocket that landed short in Gaza on January 8, 2026.