Following a drone and missile attack in Jordan that killed two American service members and injured four, the U.S. military launched new airstrikes against Iran. These strikes aimed to degrade Iran’s capacity to restrict oil tanker traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s supreme leader responded with warnings of “unforgettable lessons” if U.S. attacks continue, and Iran declared it was suspending commitments to an interim deal. The conflict, which has resulted in 16 U.S. service members killed and over 430 wounded, has increasingly targeted civilian infrastructure, including desalination plants, as the battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz intensifies.
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Commander Gabe Edwards, a decorated leader with 20 years of service, was tragically lost during an incident currently under investigation. While the Navy has stated the cause was not a hostile act, his death occurs amidst escalating tensions and renewed conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. president has recently nullified all deals with Iran following significant exchanges of fire, including attacks on tankers and U.S. bases.
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US-Saudi relations have significantly deteriorated following Washington’s war against Iran, which has caused regional blowback and led the US to consider withdrawing troops from the Gulf kingdom. Saudi Arabia’s refusal to allow the use of its bases for a key operation to clear the Strait of Hormuz, along with its concerns about the war’s destabilizing effects and the US’s subsequent threats, has strained the alliance. This animosity is further evidenced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s snub of the G7 summit and the kingdom’s push for a diplomatic resolution to de-escalate tensions, even as the UAE maintained a hardline stance. A memorandum of understanding, brokered last month, established a 60-day ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a timeframe for a permanent resolution, though Israeli officials remain opposed to its terms.
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It’s becoming increasingly clear that a significant clash is brewing between Netanyahu and Trump, with the United States and Iran apparently agreeing to a pause in hostilities. The question on everyone’s mind is what exactly Donald Trump will do if Israel doesn’t fall in line with this developing situation. The escalating oil situation suggests that the endless “deal or no deal” back-and-forth is no longer a sustainable strategy for much longer. We’re seeing direct confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah, a stark reminder of the ongoing volatility in the region. It’s becoming harder and harder to ignore the predictable nature of Trump’s actions, which often seem driven by greed and a willingness to betray alliances when it suits him.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood