News covering military tensions involving Iran, regional proxy conflicts, nuclear program developments, and Iran's role in Middle East security.
President Trump confirmed he was secretly moved to a different plane during a trip to Turkey last month due to an Iranian assassination threat, downplaying the danger. He said he followed Secret Service and military advice, hiding in an airport catering container to board another aircraft while Air Force One served as a decoy. The operation was revealed by The Washington Post, prompting calls for a congressional inquiry.
Oil prices spiked to $90 per barrel on Tuesday before easing to $87, after President Trump's Truth Social post demanding Iran pay war reparations dimmed hopes for a peace deal. West Texas Intermediate rose to $82.32, while Brent reached $87.74. The national average gas price rose about 2 cents to $4.01 per gallon, up 87 cents from a year ago.
Iran is reorganizing its military to be more aggressive abroad, adopting an 'offensive doctrine' as talks with the US remain stalled. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei made top military appointments, and IRGC general Mohammad Reza Naqdi said the shift signals Tehran is preparing for a protracted era of regional conflict.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been warned that GDP growth could be as low as 0.3% in 2027 if Strait of Hormuz disruption continues until end of 2026. Treasury modelling projects 0.9% growth for 2026 under a reasonable worst-case scenario, with inflation peaking at 4.3% in early 2027. The conflict has driven energy prices higher since February and pressed down on consumer sentiment.
Iraq is facing a cash crunch due to the Iran war, delaying salaries for public sector workers. Teachers and doctors report delays of over 10 days, causing anxiety and reduced spending. Small protests have erupted over the delays. Iraq's oil exports, which fund most of its budget, are blocked by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A senior Revolutionary Guards adviser said Iran could prolong the conflict until Trump leaves office to wear down adversaries. Mohammad Reza Naghdi also defended attacks on civilian ships in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting Iran's right to control routes during wartime.
Jonathan Lemire argues that President Trump's new strategy in the Iran war is to do nothing, relying on economic sanctions and a naval blockade to pressure Tehran, rather than military action or diplomacy. He contends this approach requires patience Trump lacks and may not yield quick results before the midterms.
The author argues that the US war in Iran has not achieved a decisive victory, despite initial operational dominance, and that this outcome indicates the limits of America's high-tech, long-distance style of warfare. The piece contends that the conflict's costs, including casualties, equipment losses, and economic strain, suggest a need to reassess US military strategy.
An Iranian Revolutionary Guard spokesman warned that if US strikes resume, global internet, power plants, and US computer systems will be at risk. The threat follows recent hacks on US water systems and comes amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The editorial argues that Iran's attempts to assassinate President Trump, including a recent incident where he was secretly moved due to a threat, underscore the seriousness of the Iranian threat and justify U.S. actions against Iran. It contends that these longstanding efforts explain the ongoing conflict.