President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that the ongoing war with Iran would conclude “very soon,” although he offered no specific timeline or details regarding the cessation of hostilities. Speaking amid the conflict, Trump also asserted that Iran would not succeed in acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The U.S. president’s comments came as Iran’s national security establishment pushed back against the war. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, characterized the situation as a “quagmire” for Trump, arguing that the U.S. leader is unable to pursue either effective negotiations or military victory.
Despite continued attacks, global energy markets showed signs of stabilization. Data from Kpler indicated that oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have risen to approximately 13.2 million barrels per day over the past week, approaching pre-war volumes.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration expanded its sanctions regime, adding a group of ten individuals and companies to its list of global entities sanctioned for alleged ties to the Iranian military.
On the ground in the occupied West Bank, violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians intensified. Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin condemned a raid by more than 100 settlers in the town of Beitunia, stating they attacked Palestinian vehicles under military protection. She also cited incidents at Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate, describing the events as intimidation facilitated by state force and calling for an end to impunity.
In response to the escalating violence, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen announced he had forced a Senate vote on a landmark resolution addressing Israeli conduct in the occupied territories. Highlighting the death of nine Americans since 2022 and the wrongful detention of others, Van Hollen criticized the lack of accountability from both the U.S. and Israeli governments.
At least three American citizens—Sama Safi, Abdalkareem Safi, and Adam Karakah—remain held in Israeli prisons without charge. Separately, Yemeni armed forces reported carrying out 414 precision strikes against Houthi positions in the past 24 hours.
Calling the Iran conflict a ‘quagmire’ is bold. Hope the analysts on that side of the Strait know what they’re talking about.
I find it hard to believe Van Hollen could force this vote without significant party pushback. What’s the actual political strategy here?
Focus on Iran while nine Americans are detained in Israeli prisons. The priority list here is quite telling, don’t you think?
Oil shipments rising back to pre-war levels? That’s surprising given the recent escalations. Maybe the market isn’t as panicked as the headlines suggest.
Trump says it ends soon but offers zero details. Classic non-answer from someone who loves the sound of his own voice.