U.S.–Iran War and Strait of Hormuz

President Trump again signaled the Iran war was effectively won while publicly pressuring allies to send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, issuing a 48‑hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the waterway and threatening strikes on Iranian power plants before announcing a conditional five‑day pause and saying “very good and productive” indirect talks—claims Tehran has denied. At the same time the Pentagon moved thousands more forces to the region (including some 2,200 Marines and elements of the 82nd Airborne and additional warships), U.S. strikes around Kharg Island continued, Iran threatened mine‑laying and attacks on regional energy and water infrastructure, and markets reacted with a rally on hopes the contacts might ease the crisis.