Strategic Distance
The renewed war between the United States and Iran has again placed American and Israeli military interests on apparently common ground.
The renewed war between the United States and Iran has again placed American and Israeli military interests on apparently common ground.
Fresh statements from Tehran and Washington point to deepening confrontation, with both sides hardening their public positions even as the US says it remains open to diplomacy.
The Pentagon told lawmakers the conflict has already cost $37.5 billion and warned of readiness shortfalls without additional funding, while also alleging Russia and China are enabling Iran's military operations.
Explosions were reported across southern and central Iran after the US announced a new military offensive, while Kuwait activated air defences and regional tensions continued to spread.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it received intelligence from individuals in Jordan to strike US military targets, as Washington continued air strikes and regional tensions spread across the Gulf.
US issues fresh advisory highlighting attack and kidnapping risks in Iraq, asks citizens to avoid key locations and use land routes as airspace remains closed.
Trump’s address blended military claims, economic concerns and global oil tensions, while signalling both a possible endgame and the risk of sharper escalation in the coming weeks.
Earlier today, Trump claimed that Iran had sought a ceasefire, but added the US would consider the request only when the Strait of Hormuz is "open and free".
Iran moves to tighten control over Hormuz with new rules, while Israel pushes alternative energy routes and the US links tanker movement to ongoing diplomatic engagement.
When the mercurial Donald Trump announces a deadline, the instinct is to read it as a countdown to action.
