Iran, US trade threats after escalation in fighting
President Donald Trump claims the US has "almost total control" of the Strait of Hormuz and threatens to strike Iran at a "much harder and higher level." While Vice President JD Vance rejects the term "war" to describe the conflict, he states that economic, military, diplomatic, and covert options remain available. Economic pressure has intensified as oil blockades and sanctions drain Iranian revenue, causing the rial to lose over half its value. These developments follow recent missile and drone attacks by Tehran against US bases in Kuwait and the UAE.
What changed
The US has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military targets and asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Live updates
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Trump claims control of Hormuz as US considers options against Iran
President Donald Trump claims the US has "almost total control" of the Strait of Hormuz and threatens to strike Iran at a "much harder and higher level." While Vice President JD Vance rejects the term "war" to describe the conflict, he states that economic, military, diplomatic, and covert options remain available. Economic pressure has intensified as oil blockades and sanctions drain Iranian revenue, causing the rial to lose over half its value. These developments follow recent missile and drone attacks by Tehran against US bases in Kuwait and the UAE.
Why it matters
The escalation follows Iranian strikes intended to avenge a US attack on a wedding that killed five people. Washington is currently investigating that incident. The conflict threatens global energy stability due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.
What is confirmed
- President Donald Trump claims the US has "almost total control" of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Vice President JD Vance states that the US has economic, military, diplomatic, and covert options available to deal with Tehran.
- US strikes on Iranian military targets prompted retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf and Jordan.
Still unconfirmed
- President Donald Trump is considering declaring the Iran war over.
- The Iranian rial has lost more than half its value due to oil blockades and sanctions.
What to watch next
- Results of the US probe into the wedding strike that killed five people
- Confirmation of whether President Trump declares the conflict over
- Further US military action in the Strait of Hormuz
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.timesnownews.com — US-Iran War LIVE: Iran Seizes Vessel Carrying 382,000 Litres Of Smuggled Fuel, 11 Arrested
- www.livemint.com — US-Iran war news LIVE: JD Vance says all options against Iran on the table, Trump to decide which to use
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — US-Iran War Live Updates: 'Looking at various scenarios' - US probes Iran wedding strike that killed five
- www.theguardian.com — Trump threatens to halt trade with some countries unless the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates – US politics live
- wtop.com — Vance says Iran fight isn’t a ‘war’ as Trump tries to navigate unpopular conflict as election nears
- www.outlookindia.com — US Pressure On Iran Tightens As Oil Blockade Drains Revenue, Sanctions Hit Trade
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Iran strikes US bases in Kuwait and UAE following wedding attack
Iran launched missile and drone attacks against US military bases in Kuwait and the UAE on Thursday. Tehran claims these strikes avenge a US attack on a wedding and signals a "new strategy" intended to "shatter your foundations." US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington is investigating the wedding strike and will only resume talks once Iran stops targeting commercial shipping. Kuwait's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as a violation of sovereignty that threatens regional stability.
Why it matters
Tensions escalated after US airstrikes hit Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz. This follows a previous incident where four people died at a wedding in Iran. The conflict threatens global energy supplies and has caused travel disruptions.
What is confirmed
- Iran fired missiles and drones at Kuwait.
- Iran targeted US military bases in Kuwait and the UAE on Thursday.
- Vice President JD Vance said the US is investigating the strike on a wedding.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran has adopted a new strategy in the war that will shatter US foundations.
- The current conflict is not a war, according to Vice President JD Vance.
What to watch next
- Results of the US investigation into the wedding strike
- Iranian response to JD Vance's conditions for resuming talks
- Further US military movements in the Strait of Hormuz
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.foxnews.com — Iran retaliates against US by firing at Kuwait in 'blatant' aggression
- www.channelnewsasia.com — Iran attacks US targets despite Trump threats
- www.aa.com.tr — Kuwait condemns new Iranian attacks as violation of sovereignty
- www.thestar.com.my — Iran hits US targets as Washington says probing wedding strike
- www.nation.com.pk — Iran targets Kuwait as US VP advises Tehran to stop Hormuz attacks
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Iran Targets US Gulf Allies Following US Airstrikes
Iran has launched drone attacks against Kuwait and Bahrain after US airstrikes killed four people at a wedding in Iran. Tehran has vowed to continue attacks on the US until they "regret their crime" and warns it will use all capabilities to win the war. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump claims the US has "almost total control" of the Strait of Hormuz, even suggesting the waterway be renamed "Trump Strait" as tensions threaten global energy supplies and oil prices rise.
Why it matters
The escalation follows weeks of relative calm between the two nations. The conflict now involves regional allies and allegations of Russian assistance with Iranian missile technology.
What is confirmed
- US airstrikes in Iran killed four people at a wedding.
- Iran launched drone attacks against Kuwait and Bahrain.
- The US and Iran are trading military strikes.
Still unconfirmed
- Khatam al-Anbiya warned regional countries against helping US forces.
What to watch next
- Evidence of Russian involvement in Iranian missile technology
- Official White House response to the proposed renaming of the Strait of Hormuz
- Further drone or missile strikes against US allies in the Gulf
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (9)
- Yahoo — Iran threatens tougher strategy after US strikes kill 4 at wedding
- Middle East Eye — Iran says attacks on US will continue 'until they regret their crime'
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — US Iran War Updates: Iran seizes vessel with 382,000 litres of fuel, detains 11 foreigners
- Arab News — Iran FM accuses Israel’s Netanyahu of tricking US into war
- Iran International — Iran will use all its capabilities to win war, official says
- iranwire.com — Khatam al-Anbiya Warns Regional Countries Against Helping US Forces
- www.newsx.com — ‘Trump Strait’ For Strait Of Hormuz? Trump Floats New Name As US-Iran Rages On, White House Reacts
- www.news4jax.com — Iran targets US allies in Gulf after overnight attacks, and other Mideast news
- okcfox.com — US, Iran trade strikes as report details Russian help on Iranian missile technology