The Latest
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Trump Options: Kharg Island Seizure, Sea Blockade
Energy researcher Petras Katinas indicates that while seizing the island would disrupt oil exports, Iran could use alternate ports, though less efficiently.
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President Donald Trump is considering deploying U.S. ground troops to take control of Iran’s Kharg Island to impact its oil infrastructure, though experts caution this could endanger American lives without ensuring conflict resolution. Kharg Island is crucial to Iran’s oil industry, managing 90% of its exports due to its suitable deepwater docks.
Military analyst Michael Eisenstadt warns the operation not only risks U.S. troops but could invite significant Iranian retaliation. Iran, through the Strait of Hormuz, has already restricted oil flow, elevating global prices. Danny Citrinowicz of Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies suggests capturing the island might provoke further hostilities from Iran and its allies like Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The U.S., currently facing Iranian attacks on its bases in the region, has already targeted air defenses, airports, and radar stations on the island.
As diplomatic negotiations continue, Trump hinted at considering multiple strategies, including not using force. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated diplomacy as a preferred option but remained open to various approaches. The American military build-up in the region includes deployments from the 82nd Airborne Division and Marines for potential operations but specific missions remain undeclared.
Eisenstadt proposes a less confrontational sea blockade against Iranian oil shipments as a safer strategy. Energy expert Clayton Seigle advises against destroying the island’s oil infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of supporting Iranian protestors seeking a better future.
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Haiti Cuts Spending as Iran Conflict Elevates Oil Prices
Countries worldwide have also introduced measures like shifting to a four-day work week in response to the ongoing conflict.
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Haiti announced new austerity measures Tuesday in response to the war in Iran, which has disrupted oil supplies and increased global prices.
The Haitian government has implemented a ban on purchasing new vehicles, reduced fuel allocations for public institutions, and limited foreign travel to missions approved by the prime minister. Security escorts are now restricted to one vehicle amid escalating control by gangs over 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and several rural areas.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated that these steps are essential to prevent severe impacts on Haiti’s fragile economy and public finances, noting, “The government has no choice but to further reduce state spending.”
The economic situation in Haiti has worsened due to increased gang activity since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.
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Italy Denies US Military Landing at Sicily Air Base
Spain has similarly restricted U.S. military access, denying base use and airspace for operations related to the Iran conflict. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles called the war “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”
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The U.S. military’s request to land aircraft at Sigonella Air Base in Sicily, Italy, was denied, according to an Italian government source. This request, made after the aircraft departed from the United States, did not receive necessary parliamentary approval, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported.
Italy usually allows U.S. military flights under a longstanding agreement, but else, parliamentary authorization is required.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated in parliament, “The bases used by the U.S. in Italy derive from agreements signed in 1954 and updated by various governments. According to these agreements, there are technical authorizations when it comes to logistics and non-kinetic operations that do not involve, put simply, bombing.”
Meloni emphasized that any other use requires parliamentary approval. She reassured that U.S.-Italy relations are “solid and characterized by full and loyal cooperation” in a statement Tuesday.
This refusal is seen amidst growing unease within the Italian government, which opposes the Iran conflict. Meloni, addressing Italy’s parliament, stated that Italy is not at war and criticized the U.S. action in Iran as “outside the perimeter of international law.”
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Trump Criticizes Allies Amid Rising Fuel Costs, Iran Escalation
Trump’s comments followed U.S. airstrikes on an Iranian city housing a major nuclear site. Tehran subsequently attacked a Kuwaiti oil tanker.
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President Donald Trump criticized allies Tuesday for not supporting the U.S. in its conflict with Iran, suggesting they should rely on their oil supplies as tensions continued over the Strait of Hormuz, raising U.S. gas prices above $4 per gallon.
The conflict, initiated in February by the U.S. and Israel, has resulted in over 3,000 deaths and disrupted global oil and natural gas supplies.
Global Brent crude oil prices reached $107 per barrel, surging more than 45% since the conflict’s onset. Trump’s remarks were aimed at allies like the United Kingdom and France, which have declined involvement in the conflict. France denied U.S. planes access to its airspace, while Spain and Italy restricted U.S. military operations.
The escalating situation includes suspected U.S. and Israeli strikes on Isfahan, Iran, where analysts believe Iran stores highly enriched uranium. Iran’s control of the Strait and attacks on regional energy infrastructure have further increased global oil prices and affected markets.
Trump cautioned that if a ceasefire is not reached soon, the U.S. might expand its military campaign, potentially targeting Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refrained from confirming U.S. ground troop deployment, stating, “We don’t want to do more militarily than necessary.”
Iranian forces attacked a Kuwaiti tanker near Dubai, leading to explosions and casualties, while incidents were reported in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the West Bank. Iran has reported over 1,900 deaths, with significant casualties also in Lebanon and the Gulf states.
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Pentagon Prioritizes Hardened Bunkers in Middle East
it remains unclear why such measures weren’t prioritized sooner given persistent regional threats.
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Enhancing hardened shelters at U.S. military bases in the Middle East is a top Pentagon priority amid Iranian attacks, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced. These developments have raised questions about why more investments in infrastructure weren’t made earlier, despite longstanding threats from Iranian drones and missiles.
Hegseth, speaking at a Pentagon press conference, lauded the ongoing improvements in bunker use and highlighted efforts to increase dispersal of personnel and assets across the region. He emphasized that fielding and upgrading bunkers, alongside air defenses, is essential, with systems like Patriots, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, and other technologies.
In a recent Iranian attack, an E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft was destroyed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The incident has cast doubt on current dispersion strategies and highlighted vulnerabilities of parked aircraft.
Additionally, U.S. military plans include contracting notices for quick-deploy shelter systems in Jordan and a long-term project for facilities in Qatar.
Hegseth’s remarks also touched on potential Iranian targeting assistance from Russia and China, though additional intelligence sources in Iran might render such assistance non-essential. The military’s focus has shifted toward deploying counter-drone defenses and other protective measures for more rapid field use.
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Hegseth Confirms Iran Negotiations are Progressing
Operation Epic Fury, now in its second month, has significantly impacted Iran’s military capabilities, but Iran retains control over the Strait of Hormuz. This key waterway’s closure has driven up oil and gas prices globally, with U.S. gas prices surpassing $4 per gallon.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Tuesday that negotiations to end the conflict with Iran are advancing. Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth, alongside U.S. Special Envoys Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and others, described the negotiations as ‘ongoing’ and ‘active.’
President Donald Trump conveyed a firm stance, stating the U.S. will intensify military efforts if Iran does not negotiate. Trump urged U.S. allies facing oil shortages to either purchase from the U.S. or assert control over the crucial waterway.
Recent U.S. military actions included strikes on Isfahan, while Iran attacked a Kuwaiti oil tanker. Hegseth emphasized the importance of international support in securing the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the role of allied navies, including the UK’s Royal Navy.
Regarding NATO, Hegseth suggested that commitments rely on presidential decisions, as European allies have not supported the U.S. in the Iran conflict. Hegseth and Air Force General Dan Caine met with reporters for the first time since March 19 but did not comment on recent reports involving U.S. military actions and financial investments linked to the conflict.
Hegseth shared experiences from his Middle East visit, relaying service members’ resolve to ‘finish the mission.’ The Pentagon is considering deploying an additional 10,000 troops to the region. Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, recently met with Israeli defense officials and awarded medals to U.S. service members.
President Trump has not dismissed the possibility of deploying ground troops to Iran, a move that experts say could escalate the conflict significantly. Hegseth stated all military options remain under consideration, noting that U.S. adversaries believe multiple strategies are available to the U.S.
Thirteen service members have died since the conflict began on February 28. Casualties include airmen and soldiers in several incidents, with 300 others injured—many of whom have returned to duty.
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UAE Markets Lose $120B Amid US-Israel Conflict with Iran
The cancellation of tens of thousands of flights has disrupted Dubai’s international airport, a significant hub.
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United Arab Emirates’ financial markets have been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Stock markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have collectively lost approximately $120 billion in value since the conflict began on February 28. Dubai’s benchmark index has dropped 16%, while Abu Dhabi’s has decreased by 9%.
Other Gulf nations, such as Qatar and Bahrain, experienced market declines of 4% and 7%, respectively. Conversely, Saudi Arabia and Oman’s markets have recorded gains. In the United States, the S&P 500 has fallen by about 7%, influenced by President Donald Trump’s varied statements on the war’s duration and objectives.
Despite being less affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz compared to some neighbors, the UAE’s travel industry has suffered.
Tourism and travel, which contributed $70 billion or 13% to the UAE’s gross domestic product last year, have been affected.
Though small globally, UAE markets have grown through investment in financial services, with listed stocks exceeding $1 trillion in value in 2024. Dubai ranks seventh in the Global Financial Centres Index, aiming to become a top-four global financial center by 2033.
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Israeli Plant Hit by Iranian Missile or Debris
The incident follows previous missile strikes by Iran on the southern Israeli cities of Arad and Dimona last weekend, which resulted in dozens of injuries.
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Israeli pesticides manufacturer ADAMA reported that its Makhteshim plant in southern Israel encountered damage from either an Iranian missile or debris from an intercepted missile on Sunday. No injuries were reported.
ADAMA, a company under Chinese-owned Syngenta Group, stated that the full extent of the damage remains unknown.
Israel’s fire and rescue service reported a fire in the Ne’ot Hovav industrial area, which houses several chemical plants, following an Iranian missile attack. It is believed that missile debris caused the fire.
Authorities urged the public to avoid the area due to “hazardous materials,” and 34 firefighting crews worked to control the blaze. There was no public danger beyond 800 meters from the site.
Images and videos from the scene showed a large fire and thick black smoke. “The situation is now under control,” the fire and rescue service stated, highlighting images of a destroyed building. Firefighters remain on site to extinguish hotspots and prevent reignition.
Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli military detected multiple missile launches from Iran. Despite several waves of attacks throughout the day, no other damage or injuries were immediately reported.
Ne’ot Hovav is located about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Beer Sheva, southern Israel’s largest city. There are multiple Israeli military bases in the vicinity.
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Iranian Strike Hits Kuwait Plant, Killing Worker
The Kuwaiti Defense Ministry reported detecting 14 missiles and 12 drones in its airspace recently, with injuries reported at a targeted military camp.
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An Iranian attack on a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait resulted in the death of one Indian worker and significant damage to a building at the site, according to Kuwaiti authorities. This incident comes amid rising regional tensions due to ongoing U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran. Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity reported the incident on Monday, stating a service building at the plant was targeted.
Technical and emergency response teams responded swiftly to manage the aftermath and ensure continued operations. While Iran has not officially commented, its state media quoted Kuwaiti sources detailing extensive damage.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned what it termed “heinous Iranian aggressions” and affirmed solidarity with Kuwait. This statement underscores regional concerns about infrastructure vulnerability.
The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has caused over 2,000 deaths, including Iranian officials, and disrupted critical infrastructure. Iranian retaliations have targeted regional countries’ infrastructure and increased energy prices following actions like blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause on attacks on Iranian energy sites last week, aiming for a tentative resolution. Iran warned it would retaliate if its energy infrastructures are targeted.
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Pentagon Requests $200B to Fund Iran Conflict
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The Pentagon is requesting an additional $200 billion for the Iran war, a proposal that requires congressional approval and is likely to face scrutiny.
The requested funding would increase the Defense Department’s budget, which is already over $800 billion for the current fiscal year. This follows a previous allocation of $150 billion from last year’s tax cuts, which focused on specific projects and upgrades.
Congress has not officially authorized the Iran war and shows increasing concern over the military operation’s strategy. While the president’s Republican Party controls Congress, conservative lawmakers show limited interest in increased military spending. Many Democrats are likely to oppose the request and seek further clarification on military strategies and goals.
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A-10 Warthogs Target Iran’s Naval Assets in Hormuz
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A-10 Warthog jets, known for land missions, are now aiding in dismantling Iranian naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the A-10’s expected retirement, its maritime role continues, targeting Iranian fast boats. U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine confirmed this action as part of Operation Epic Fury, aiming to reopen this vital waterway.
Caine noted that AH-64 Apache helicopters are also being used by the U.S. and allies against maritime threats and incoming Iranian drones.
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Gabbard Faces Questions on Iran Threats, War Decision
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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Thursday, addressing U.S. intelligence on Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Accompanying her were CIA Director John Ratcliffe, FBI Director Kash Patel, acting NSA Director Lt. Gen. William J. Hartman, and DIA Director Lt. Gen. James H. Adams. This followed a Wednesday session with the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Gabbard did not endorse or reject the views of former aide Joe Kent, who resigned, citing opposition to the war with Iran and alleging Israeli influence on the decision. When pressed by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Gabbard emphasized that the president bases decisions on available intelligence.
In response to Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Gabbard identified differing U.S. and Israeli objectives in the conflict. She noted U.S. aims to disable Iran’s missile capabilities, whereas Israel focuses on Iran’s leadership. Gabbard expressed uncertainty about Israel’s stance on potential U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.
Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) inquired about Gabbard’s previous assertion that Iran was not pursuing nuclear weapons. Gabbard maintained the complexity of the issue, correlating her stance with intelligence assessments rather than personal views.
Gabbard confirmed confidence in tracking Iran’s enriched uranium, while Ratcliffe noted Iran possesses 440 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium. Gabbard agreed with Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) about the hard-line nature of Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Ratcliffe revealed intelligence indicating a likely Iranian attack on the U.S. if conflict with Israel arose, aligning with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s rationale for U.S. military actions. Rubio’s statement that an imminent threat justified the strikes has faced criticism.
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Gabbard Reports Iran’s Government Intact Despite Degradation
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Iran’s government remains intact despite facing significant degradation since the conflict began on Feb. 28, according to U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. In her statement to the Senate Intelligence Committee on Worldwide Threats to the United States, she noted that Iran and its allies still have the capacity to attack U.S. and allied interests in the Middle East.
The House Intelligence Committee will hold a separate Worldwide Threats hearing on Thursday.
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U.S. Navy Minesweepers Relocate From Middle East to Singapore
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The U.S. Navy’s USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara, Littoral Combat Ships designed for minesweeping, have been repositioned to Singapore from their primary assignment in the Middle East. This movement comes despite ongoing tensions with Iran and the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, which continues to be closed to standard maritime commerce. The presence of these vessels in Singapore is part of planned maintenance and logistical stops, according to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), reflecting the strong defense relationship between the U.S. and Singapore.
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Joe Kent Explains Iran Resignation on Tucker Carlson
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Joe Kent, a former senior intelligence official in the Trump administration, detailed his resignation over U.S. military operations in Iran during a podcast interview with commentator Tucker Carlson. Kent, who previously led the National Counterterrorism Center, stepped down this week and criticized the U.S. involvement, attributing the push for action to Israel.
“The Israelis drove the decision to take this action,” Kent told Carlson, arguing there was no imminent threat from Iran.
The Trump administration, including President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, maintained that the decision to attack Iran was necessary due to an immediate threat and Iran’s history of proxy wars.
Kent, affiliated with officials like Tulsi Gabbard opposed to foreign military interventions, has faced criticism. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed his remarks as “insulting.”
Kent’s resignation highlights a divide within the MAGA movement between supporters of Trump’s military strategies and those opposing U.S. entanglement in international conflicts. Critics like Carlson and pundit Megyn Kelly have also opposed the war effort, criticizing Israel’s influence.
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US Eases Sanctions on Venezuelan Oil Amid Iran Conflict
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The U.S. Treasury Department has relaxed sanctions on Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), allowing sales to U.S. firms and global markets.
The broad authorization, issued on Wednesday, marks a significant policy shift. For years, the United States largely restricted dealings with Venezuela’s government and oil sector.
President Donald Trump has also waived the Jones Act’s U.S.-flagged vessel requirement for 60 days to address rising gas prices. The 1920s law aims to protect American shipbuilding but is often criticized for increasing gas costs.
These actions underscore the pressure on the Trump administration to curb escalating oil prices, which have soared as Iran halts traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for global oil shipments.
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EU Relaxes Gas Import Rules Amid Iran Crisis
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The European Commission has instructed EU governments to adopt flexibility in implementing gas import rules to ensure deliveries aren’t hindered during the Strait of Hormuz closure. Customs authorities should expedite non-Russian gas import clearance within 12-24 hours of request. These adjustments, intended to stabilize supply, allow companies to use a single document for multiple cargoes under one contract and exempt them from seeking new authorization if rerouting occurs due to the strait’s closure.
These measures do not alter the EU’s plan to phase out Russian gas.
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Navy E-2D Hawkeyes Deployed to Middle East Amid Tensions
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A group of U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control planes arrived in the Azores after traveling from the U.S., as part of a deployment strategy possibly focused on countering threats in the Middle East. The Azores, located in the Atlantic, frequently serves as a stopover for U.S. military aircraft heading to the Middle East.
The E-2D is one of the most advanced radar platforms, essential for identifying low-flying threats such as drones. Recent movements suggest an urgent need to enhance surveillance capabilities in response to Iranian missile and drone attacks in the region.
This deployment mirrors a similar decision by the Royal Australian Air Force, which has sent an E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to the Middle East for defensive operations. Both aircraft types are capable of detecting various airborne and maritime threats, providing critical support in the current regional conflict.
The arrival of E-2D Hawkeyes at Lajes on the island of Terceira was tracked online, highlighting their ability to refuel in-flight. Accompanied by U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus tankers, the planes initiated their journey from Norfolk, Virginia, first stopping in Bangor, Maine, before crossing the Atlantic.
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Counterterrorism Director Kent Resigns Over Iran Strikes
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Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned Tuesday, citing disagreements with the Trump administration’s military actions in Iran. Kent expressed concerns online, stating Iran was “no imminent threat” and suggested the pressure from Israel and its U.S. lobby influenced the conflict.
Appointed as director in July with a 52-44 Senate confirmation, Kent led the agency responsible for assessing terrorist threats.