CNN: US forces intercepted missiles and drones launched by Iran toward the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region as sirens were activated in Kuwait and Bahrain. The US military also struck coastal sites in Iran. Tehran had fired shots as a “warning measure” that “may have been related” to US naval vessels in the area, according to Iranian media.
Israeli offensive emboldens Hezbollah as it claims mantle of Lebanon’s defender
“What the Israelis have done is completely revitalize Hezbollah’s resistance rationale,” Nicholas Blanford, an analyst with the Atlantic Council based in Beirut, told CNN.
“Hezbollah is taking a lot of hits, they’re taking a lot of casualties on the front lines, but my understanding is that morale is high and they’re prepared for a long fight.”…
The Strait of Hormuz Is Getting Less Dire by the Day
But with every passing day, the world is learning to live without the Gulf’s seaborne exports.
Just as the Covid-19 pandemic and President Trump’s tariffs forced a significant rewiring of global supply chains, the Strait’s closure has prompted a similar adjustment. You might be part of it. When gas prices rise rapidly, people start to limit their driving. Walmart just reported that customers are now buying less than 10 gallons of gas at a time on average at its filling stations…
Trump’s ‘crazy’ rebuke undercuts Netanyahu at a critical moment
Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the call was among the most heated the premier has had with Trump. One of the officials said the leak had damaged Netanyahu politically ahead of this year’s national election…
Russia’s Sechin says U.S. companies benefit from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is an attempt to reshape global energy market regulations to benefit the United States. The measures taken to block the strait were aimed at Iran, but backfired on the entire world. The strategic risks were underestimated,” Sechin said…
Iran Demands Cash for Peace. That’s a Political Minefield for Trump.
For Tehran, access to tens of billions of dollars frozen by U.S. sanctions is a critical demand for any deal, offering immediate relief to its deeply damaged economy. Iran wants some $12 billion up front and $24 billion during the 60-day negotiation that would be opened by an initial agreement.
…Washington says Iran eventually could access some seized assets but the U.S. won’t deliver any money upfront or commit to specific amounts. It is also ruling out broader sanctions relief, like a waiver that would allow Iran to export oil sanctions-free…