In the Gulf, the war Trump cannot end — and the cracks it is opening in his alliance with Netanyahu
Trump's unilateral Project Freedom safe-zone in the Strait of Hormuz collapsed after 50 hours, leaked CIA assessments put Iran's surviving stockpile at 70 percent of missiles and 75 percent of launchers, and a US intelligence estimate gave Tehran three to four months. The Pentagon disabled two Iranian tankers, sanctioned a network in Iran, China, Belarus and the UAE, and the public Trump-Netanyahu alliance showed visible strain. Marco Rubio left the door open to Ukraine mediation as the May 9-11 ceasefire took effect; border data again contradicted the zero-crossings claim.
Recent events
us95Trump's 'Project Freedom' safe-zone in Strait of Hormuz collapses after 50 hours as Iran retains 70% of missile stockpile
Donald Trump's unilateral Project Freedom — a safe-shipping zone on the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz protected by more than 100 fighter jets and several naval destroyers — collapsed after 50 hours, defeated by Saudi objections, an absence of consultation with the shipping industry, and the fact that only two merchant vessels used it. Leaked CIA assessments put Iran's surviving capability at 70 percent of its missiles, 75 percent of its launchers and roughly half of its Shahed attack drones, while a leaked US intelligence estimate, published this week by the Washington Post, gives Tehran three to four months before more severe economic hardship sets in.
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Trump's 'Project Freedom' safe-zone in Strait of Hormuz collapses after 50 hours as Iran retains 70% of missile stockpile
Donald Trump's unilateral Project Freedom — a safe-shipping zone on the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz protected by more than 100 fighter jets and several naval destroyers — collapsed after 50 hours, defeated by Saudi objections, an absence of consultation with the shipping industry, and the fact that only two merchant vessels used it. Leaked CIA assessments put Iran's surviving capability at 70 percent of its missiles, 75 percent of its launchers and roughly half of its Shahed attack drones, while a leaked US intelligence estimate, published this week by the Washington Post, gives Tehran three to four months before more severe economic hardship sets in.
Donald Trump's unilateral Project Freedom — a safe-shipping zone on the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz protected by more than 100 fighter jets and several naval destroyers — collapsed after 50 hours, defeated by Saudi objections, an absence of consultation with the shipping industry, and the fact that only two merchant vessels used it. Leaked CIA assessments put Iran's surviving capability at 70 percent of its missiles, 75 percent of its launchers and roughly half of its Shahed attack drones, while a leaked US intelligence estimate, published this week by the Washington Post, gives Tehran three to four months before more severe economic hardship sets in.
us90US disables two Iranian oil tankers near Strait of Hormuz, awaits Tehran response on peace plan
The U.S. military on Friday struck and disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz to prevent them from reaching an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman. U.S. Central Command commander Brad Cooper said forces are enforcing a blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iran. Washington is awaiting Tehran's response to the latest U.S. peace proposals, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying he hopes for a serious offer.
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US disables two Iranian oil tankers near Strait of Hormuz, awaits Tehran response on peace plan
The U.S. military on Friday struck and disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz to prevent them from reaching an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman. U.S. Central Command commander Brad Cooper said forces are enforcing a blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iran. Washington is awaiting Tehran's response to the latest U.S. peace proposals, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying he hopes for a serious offer.
The U.S. military on Friday struck and disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz to prevent them from reaching an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman. U.S. Central Command commander Brad Cooper said forces are enforcing a blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iran. Washington is awaiting Tehran's response to the latest U.S. peace proposals, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying he hopes for a serious offer.
us80Netanyahu-Trump alliance shows strain over Iran war strategy and ceasefire
Benjamin Netanyahu insisted this week he has “full coordination” with Donald Trump, speaking “almost daily,” amid weeks of reports that Israel was excluded from US-led peace talks with Iran. Analysts and former officials say the public reassurances mask deep tension, as the war has failed to achieve its original goals and Trump has publicly rebuked Israel. The conflict has bound the two leaders together, but both face political risks at home as the war drags on.
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Netanyahu-Trump alliance shows strain over Iran war strategy and ceasefire
Benjamin Netanyahu insisted this week he has “full coordination” with Donald Trump, speaking “almost daily,” amid weeks of reports that Israel was excluded from US-led peace talks with Iran. Analysts and former officials say the public reassurances mask deep tension, as the war has failed to achieve its original goals and Trump has publicly rebuked Israel. The conflict has bound the two leaders together, but both face political risks at home as the war drags on.
Benjamin Netanyahu insisted this week he has “full coordination” with Donald Trump, speaking “almost daily,” amid weeks of reports that Israel was excluded from US-led peace talks with Iran. Analysts and former officials say the public reassurances mask deep tension, as the war has failed to achieve its original goals and Trump has publicly rebuked Israel. The conflict has bound the two leaders together, but both face political risks at home as the war drags on.
us75US intelligence says Iran's Supreme Leader actively shaping war strategy despite injuries
US intelligence agencies believe Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is involved in shaping Tehran's wartime strategy and negotiations with Washington despite remaining out of public view following injuries sustained during the war, according to a CNN report on Friday. Uncertainty remains about how much authority Khamenei currently exercises within the Iranian leadership structure after attacks killed several senior officials, including his father. Iranian officials insisted he is recovering well, with head of protocol Mazaher Hosseini saying Friday that Khamenei's condition has improved.
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US intelligence says Iran's Supreme Leader actively shaping war strategy despite injuries
US intelligence agencies believe Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is involved in shaping Tehran's wartime strategy and negotiations with Washington despite remaining out of public view following injuries sustained during the war, according to a CNN report on Friday. Uncertainty remains about how much authority Khamenei currently exercises within the Iranian leadership structure after attacks killed several senior officials, including his father. Iranian officials insisted he is recovering well, with head of protocol Mazaher Hosseini saying Friday that Khamenei's condition has improved.
US intelligence agencies believe Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is involved in shaping Tehran's wartime strategy and negotiations with Washington despite remaining out of public view following injuries sustained during the war, according to a CNN report on Friday. Uncertainty remains about how much authority Khamenei currently exercises within the Iranian leadership structure after attacks killed several senior officials, including his father. Iranian officials insisted he is recovering well, with head of protocol Mazaher Hosseini saying Friday that Khamenei's condition has improved.
us35US sanctions global network aiding Iran's missile and drone programs
The United States imposed new sanctions on over a dozen individuals and entities in Iran, China, Belarus, and the UAE for allegedly supporting Iran's ballistic missile and UAV programs. Three Chinese firms were sanctioned for providing satellite imagery of US facilities to Tehran. The sanctions are part of an ongoing campaign to pressure Iran amid a 10-week conflict and stalled negotiations over a proposed 14-point deal that includes a nuclear enrichment moratorium and lifting of blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.
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US sanctions global network aiding Iran's missile and drone programs
The United States imposed new sanctions on over a dozen individuals and entities in Iran, China, Belarus, and the UAE for allegedly supporting Iran's ballistic missile and UAV programs. Three Chinese firms were sanctioned for providing satellite imagery of US facilities to Tehran. The sanctions are part of an ongoing campaign to pressure Iran amid a 10-week conflict and stalled negotiations over a proposed 14-point deal that includes a nuclear enrichment moratorium and lifting of blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States imposed new sanctions on over a dozen individuals and entities in Iran, China, Belarus, and the UAE for allegedly supporting Iran's ballistic missile and UAV programs. Three Chinese firms were sanctioned for providing satellite imagery of US facilities to Tehran. The sanctions are part of an ongoing campaign to pressure Iran amid a 10-week conflict and stalled negotiations over a proposed 14-point deal that includes a nuclear enrichment moratorium and lifting of blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.
us33US ready to mediate Ukraine-Russia peace talks if opportunity arises, says Rubio
Background: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated Washington is reassessing global military commitments and described US mediation in the Ukraine war as stagnated. Today, Rubio reiterated that the US remains prepared to mediate Ukraine-Russia peace talks if a productive opportunity emerges, noting both sides are paying a heavy economic and human price. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed readiness for trilateral talks with the US and Russia. Russian aide Ushakov conditioned further talks on Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas. A three-day ceasefire from May 9-11 was brokered by Washington, including a prisoner exchange of 1,000 each. Russia demands Ukrainian recognition of occupied territories, which Kyiv rejects. The EU sees potential for future negotiations but notes no Russian willingness for serious talks. Broader diplomatic deadlock persists.
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US ready to mediate Ukraine-Russia peace talks if opportunity arises, says Rubio
Background: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated Washington is reassessing global military commitments and described US mediation in the Ukraine war as stagnated. Today, Rubio reiterated that the US remains prepared to mediate Ukraine-Russia peace talks if a productive opportunity emerges, noting both sides are paying a heavy economic and human price. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed readiness for trilateral talks with the US and Russia. Russian aide Ushakov conditioned further talks on Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas. A three-day ceasefire from May 9-11 was brokered by Washington, including a prisoner exchange of 1,000 each. Russia demands Ukrainian recognition of occupied territories, which Kyiv rejects. The EU sees potential for future negotiations but notes no Russian willingness for serious talks. Broader diplomatic deadlock persists.
Background: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated Washington is reassessing global military commitments and described US mediation in the Ukraine war as stagnated. Today, Rubio reiterated that the US remains prepared to mediate Ukraine-Russia peace talks if a productive opportunity emerges, noting both sides are paying a heavy economic and human price. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed readiness for trilateral talks with the US and Russia. Russian aide Ushakov conditioned further talks on Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas. A three-day ceasefire from May 9-11 was brokered by Washington, including a prisoner exchange of 1,000 each. Russia demands Ukrainian recognition of occupied territories, which Kyiv rejects. The EU sees potential for future negotiations but notes no Russian willingness for serious talks. Broader diplomatic deadlock persists.
us30Data contradicts Trump administration's claim of zero border crossings
Despite the Trump administration's assertions that the southern border is sealed, data from local law enforcement and Border Patrol shows continued illegal crossings, with a 15% increase in encounters in March 2025 compared to the previous year. Officials warn that cartels remain active and that vulnerabilities persist, challenging the administration's political narrative.
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Data contradicts Trump administration's claim of zero border crossings
Despite the Trump administration's assertions that the southern border is sealed, data from local law enforcement and Border Patrol shows continued illegal crossings, with a 15% increase in encounters in March 2025 compared to the previous year. Officials warn that cartels remain active and that vulnerabilities persist, challenging the administration's political narrative.
Despite the Trump administration's assertions that the southern border is sealed, data from local law enforcement and Border Patrol shows continued illegal crossings, with a 15% increase in encounters in March 2025 compared to the previous year. Officials warn that cartels remain active and that vulnerabilities persist, challenging the administration's political narrative.
us28Trump Media and Technology Group reports $406 million loss in Q1 2026
Trump Media and Technology Group, parent company of Truth Social, reported a net loss of $406 million in the first quarter of 2026 on revenue of just $870,000. The losses are largely attributed to a $3.5 billion bitcoin investment made in 2025, whose value has since dropped by about a third. The company is pursuing a merger with nuclear fusion firm TAE Technologies.
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Trump Media and Technology Group reports $406 million loss in Q1 2026
Trump Media and Technology Group, parent company of Truth Social, reported a net loss of $406 million in the first quarter of 2026 on revenue of just $870,000. The losses are largely attributed to a $3.5 billion bitcoin investment made in 2025, whose value has since dropped by about a third. The company is pursuing a merger with nuclear fusion firm TAE Technologies.
Trump Media and Technology Group, parent company of Truth Social, reported a net loss of $406 million in the first quarter of 2026 on revenue of just $870,000. The losses are largely attributed to a $3.5 billion bitcoin investment made in 2025, whose value has since dropped by about a third. The company is pursuing a merger with nuclear fusion firm TAE Technologies.