American general and venture capitalist, 22nd chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2025)
President Donald Trump has told Axios the US is "low-keying" its approach to the war with Iran and is applying economic pressure through a naval blockade rather than new large-scale strikes. Mediators including Oman and Qatar are moving talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran denies direct US negotiations and shipping attacks continue to threaten the waterway.
President Donald Trump has met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing for two days of talks over trade, Taiwan, Iran and energy. The leaders have discussed reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Chinas oil purchases from Iran and military assistance; the White House has said Xi pledged not to send Iran military equipment.
France 24 reports that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied any use of kamikaze dolphins by Iran. AI-generated images circulated online, but analysts note the lack of credible evidence and point to existing Navy marine-mammal programs. The debate centers on whether the myth has traction in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional tensions.
The Pentagon has updated the cost of the war to $29 billion, up from $25 billion, citing refined repair and replacement costs and operational expenses. The update comes as a fragile ceasefire and shifting economic pressures shape public and political response.
The US president has praised Pakistan’s prime minister and army chief for helping secure a fragile April ceasefire between Iran and the US and is not reconsidering Pakistan as a mediator. Washington remains engaged in talks with Iran, while Tehran’s latest peace offer is deemed unacceptable.
Admiral Brad Cooper testifies on Capitol Hill, saying earlier reports of widespread civilian destruction are uncorroborated, while confirming ongoing investigations into a Feb. 28 strike on an Iranian school that killed at least 175 people. He notes tactical successes but acknowledges staffing cuts have affected civilian-harm oversight.
The US military has rescued two Apache pilots after their helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz. A drone boat located and recovered the crew, marking the first reported use of a drone in a rescue at sea amid ongoing US-Iran hostilities.
The US and Iran are pursuing diplomatic channels while monitoring the risk of renewed conflict. Indirect negotiations in Doha are ongoing, with Washington exploring options beyond the 60-day deadline. Officials emphasize that energy routes remain a focal point as talks continue.
The Times of Israel, Axios, Al Jazeera and other outlets report on a forthcoming White House meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, as they reaffirm shared goals on Iran. Trump has publicly asserted control over talks while Netanyahu emphasizes a strong US-Israel alliance. A NATO summit and ongoing ceasefire negotiations frame the context for possible joint actions and strategy.
The US has carried out repeated air and naval strikes across Iran to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases and Gulf allies, and the IRGC has warned civilians near US forces to stay away; the exchanges have closed much of the strait and pushed oil prices higher.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have renewed clashes over the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides have exchanged strikes as Iran seeks to maintain control of the strait, while the United States pushes for a return to free passage. Diplomats from Qatar and other Gulf states are attempting to de‑escalate, even as threats to regional stability persist.
The conflict between the United States and Iran remains volatile after a string of exchanges in the Gulf. Mediators are pressing to reopen talks, with Qatar and other parties seeking to restore a memorandum of understanding that aims to turn a ceasefire into a lasting peace. Washington says the ceasefire is over, while negotiators insist talks will continue.
The US has intensified strikes against Iran as defense stocks remain depleted. A Pennsylvania defense summit highlights vulnerabilities in the supply chain, with officials urging faster production and greater resilience as regional conflicts escalate.
Trump is rallying defense leaders and investors in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to spotlight a robust defense budget and U.S. industrial ties amid concerns over war funding, inflation, and a volatile security landscape. The event features top defense officials and corporate leaders as Republicans push for greater investment while critics warn of deficits.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carried out a surprise cabinet reshuffle that has removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, nominated Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister and named SBU head Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister. The moves have provoked mass protests in Kyiv and other cities, prompted at least one senior military resignation and raised questions about unity in Kyiv’s war effort.
Updated reporting shows Iran and Oman are negotiating management of the Strait of Hormuz while the US considers further strikes. Oil markets react as Gulf states pursue alternative export routes amid ongoing conflict with Iran.
Drones and missiles target Saudi energy infrastructure amid a broader surge in US-Iran hostilities. Riyadh says the attacks were launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed militias; Iraqi authorities condemn the strikes while Yemen’s Houthis claim to have attacked Saudi shipping. The lull in fighting is punctuated by new strikes across the region as mediators push for talks.
President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to respond "many times" over for every US soldier Iran kills, and US Central Command has launched repeated airstrikes on Iranian targets while Iran has struck US positions and allies in the Gulf. Seventeen US service members have been killed and roughly 430 wounded since February.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told the Senate Appropriations Committee the US-Israel war on Iran has cost $37.5bn so far and that the Pentagon needs an $87bn supplemental request, including about $67bn for the Iran campaign. Lawmakers have challenged the figures, criticised shifting rationales for the conflict and warned funding gaps will force cuts to training and readiness.
The United States has paused nightly airstrikes on Iran and Tehran has halted retaliatory attacks for at least two days while mediators from Qatar, Pakistan and Oman exchange messages. Advisers warned President Donald Trump that continued strikes risked depleting munitions and running out of targets; oil prices have fallen as markets price the lull.
Lawmakers have demanded accountability after reports show dozens of parents and spouses of active-duty service members are detained or deported as the administration tightens immigration enforcement, reversing decades of bipartisan shielding. The AP investigation highlights disruptions to readiness and family stability amid ongoing security commitments.
The US is considering an off-ramp from the Iran conflict as officials say air strikes alone may fail to meet goals. Discussions involve top advisers and notes of potential agreements with Iran and Oman over Hormuz shipping routes. Officials deny public discussion of confidential conversations.