BREAKING: Iran Begins Laying Mines in Strait of Hormuz
Iran has begun placing naval mines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a major disruption to global oil shipments and escalating tensions in the ongoing war with the United States. U.S. intelligence officials say small Iranian vessels have been used to deploy the mines in recent days, though the mining activity appears limited so far. The narrow waterway carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it one of the most critical shipping routes on earth. U.S. forces are reportedly targeting Iranian mine-laying vessels, while President Donald Trump warned Tehran that failure to remove the mines could trigger severe military consequences
White House Won't Rule Out Draft and Boots On The Ground
WASHINGTON — As the U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran enters its second week, the White House has declined to rule out deploying American ground troops or reinstating a military draft if escalation demands it.
President Donald Trump "wisely keeps all options on the table," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News, emphasizing no current plans exist for boots on the ground or conscription. Trump has privately shown interest in limited ground forces for strategic goals, while publicly stating he lacks "yips" about such action "if necessary."
Critics, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, blasted the ambiguity, vowing opposition to foreign entanglements.
The administration stresses the war remains air-focused for now.
Who's "Holding The Cards" Now?
Russia is providing Iran with intelligence on the locations and movements of U.S. troops, warships, aircraft, and other assets in the Middle East, according to multiple U.S. officials familiar with intelligence reports. This marks the first clear sign of Moscow's indirect involvement in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, primarily through satellite imagery to aid Tehran in targeting American forces.
U.S. officials note no evidence Russia is directing Iranian strikes, though the sharing could enhance Iran's capabilities amid degraded local tracking.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has confirmed the United States is accepting anti-drone technology and weaponry from Ukraine.
Trump on Strait of Hormuz: FAFO
TEHRAN — Iran has threatened to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz as fighting with U.S. and Israeli forces intensifies. Iranian officials say the blockade will continue unless attacks stop, raising fears of a major disruption to global energy supplies. In response, President Donald Trump warned that any attempt to halt shipping would trigger much stronger U.S. strikes. The strategic waterway handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil trade, making it a critical pressure point in the conflict. Markets reacted nervously as tensions escalated and the risk of a wider regional war increased.
Trump: 'War is Over' Hegseth: 'Just Getting Started'
President Donald Trump told reporters late Monday that the U.S. war with Iran may be nearing its end, declaring the campaign “very complete” and far ahead of schedule. The comments came during a hastily arranged White House news conference in which Trump praised U.S. and allied airstrikes for crippling Iran’s military infrastructure. However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struck a sharply different tone earlier in the day, warning that the conflict is “just the beginning” and that additional operations are likely in the weeks ahead. The conflicting messages from the administration have raised questions in Washington about the war’s timeline and the White House’s overall strategy.
ROLLING HEADLINES
TRUMP: IRAN WAR COULD END “VERY SOON”
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump told reporters Monday the U.S. campaign against Iran may conclude sooner than expected, claiming American strikes have severely weakened Iranian military capabilities. Officials offered mixed signals, however, suggesting the conflict could still escalate.
HEGSETH WARNS CONFLICT JUST BEGINNING
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned that U.S. operations against Iran are entering a new phase and could expand in the coming weeks. Military planners say additional strikes and troop deployments remain under consideration.
IRAN THREATENS TO BLOCK STRAIT OF HORMUZ
TEHRAN — Iranian leaders say shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could be halted if U.S. and allied attacks continue, raising fears of a major disruption to global oil supply.
OIL MARKETS SWING WILDLY ON WAR NEWS
Global crude prices surged and then fell after Trump suggested the war could end soon. Traders say energy markets remain highly volatile as tensions persist across the region.
MISSILE ATTACKS REPORTED ACROSS REGION
Explosions were reported overnight in multiple locations as Iranian forces launched new missile attacks targeting U.S. allies across the Middle East.
PENTAGON WEIGHS EXPANDING AIR CAMPAIGN
Military officials say the U.S. may increase air strikes on Iranian military infrastructure if retaliation continues.
LAWMAKERS DEMAND WAR BRIEFING
Members of Congress from both parties are pressing the administration for classified briefings on the scope and timeline of the Iran conflict.
GLOBAL ALLIES URGE DE-ESCALATION
European leaders called for immediate diplomatic talks, warning that the war risks spreading across the wider Middle East.
Is Trump In Late-Stage Dementia?
Concerns about President Donald Trump’s cognitive health are mounting as political observers and medical experts note increasingly erratic behavior. Sources close to the White House say the president has shown signs of memory lapses, confusion, and impulsive decision-making. While no official diagnosis has been made, some former aides and specialists warn these patterns could be indicative of early-stage dementia. Critics argue that his unpredictable actions—ranging from contradictory statements to sudden policy reversals—pose serious risks for governance. Supporters dismiss the claims as politically motivated attacks. The debate intensifies as the nation watches the president’s behavior closely.
Trump Panics About Tumbling DOW
Says 'War Nearly Over' to Recover Skyrocketing Oil Prices
NEW YORK — Global oil markets surged and then dropped sharply after President Donald Trump suggested the war with Iran could end soon. Crude prices initially spiked amid fears the conflict would shut down Middle East shipping routes, but they fell after Trump reassured investors that the campaign might conclude quickly. Financial markets rallied on the prospect of reduced tensions. Still, analysts warned the situation remains volatile as Iranian forces continue attacks across the region and threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Economists say prolonged instability could still drive energy prices higher in the weeks ahead.