CNN: Iran and Oman have each signaled they are close to a deal on managing the key waterway, but Iranian officials insist the strait will not fully open until the US agrees to end the war, withdraw troops and make other long-sought concessions. Oman has also warned that ongoing attacks on shipping could derail progress.
Washington’s dilemma: Sources tell CNN the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has privately made clear that the US needs to find an off-ramp from the war with Iran, because the military options on the table to escalate the conflict could backfire…
Pentagon presses defense firms to build weapons as Iran war depletes stocks
Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg wrote to industry leaders on Wednesday, saying they had no more than 21 days to submit plans to “drive significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities,” according to the memo, which is previously unreported…
The U.S. Is Burning Through Weapons in Iran. Russia and China Are Taking Note.
The rapidly shrinking supply of air-defense missiles and other critical weaponry in Europe and Asia not only leaves the U.S. military less equipped, but could also leave Russia and China feeling emboldened should they contemplate a potential conflict with the United States, experts said…
Iran Issues List of Demands, Complicating Efforts to Reopen Strait
Yemen Teeters on Civil War as Regional Stability Hangs in the Balance
The escalation reflected how the stability of the Middle East now hangs in the balance across multiple fronts. Despite a lull in fighting between the United States and Iran, the region is waiting to learn whether a deal can be finalized to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and stave off another round of conflict. Iranian officials on Saturday issued a set of demands for reopening the waterway, saying the United States must meet these conditions…