CAIRO — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tried Thursday to entice Egypt into a new alliance that could reshape the turbulent Middle East, speaking of forging “comprehensive” and “unfettered” relations after decades of distrust.

A warming of ties between the two regional heavyweights could have uncomfortable repercussions for the U.S. and its wealthy Gulf allies, giving Iran a foothold to spread its influence in Egypt. In turn, Egypt could gain an avenue to influence the fate of Syria, a key ally of Iran, as well as economic benefits.

LOS ANGELES — Thousands of police officers throughout Southern California and neighboring states hunted Thursday for a disgruntled former Los Angeles officer wanted for going on a deadly shooting rampage that he warned in an online posting would target those on the force who wronged him, authorities said.

LEESBURG, Va. — President Barack Obama predicted a tough road ahead as he urged House Democrats on Thursday to stick to their principles on guns, immigration and the economy in legislative fights with Republicans.

He told lawmakers at their annual retreat in suburban Virginia that one fundamental question will guide his second-term policies: Do they give everyone a fair shot at success.

“It won’t be smooth. It won’t be simple. There will be frustrations. There will be times when you guys are mad at me, and occasionally I’ll read about it,” Obama said.

WASHINGTON — Nominated to head the CIA, John Brennan told a protest-disrupted Senate confirmation hearing Thursday the United States employs drone strikes only as a deterrent against imminent terrorist threats, not as punishment for previous actions, firmly defending the controversial attacks that have killed three Americans and an unknown number of foreigners.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said of the idea that the U.S. uses the strikes by unmanned aircraft as retaliation in the broad fight against terrorism.