Trump Makes Major Hormuz Move That Could Ripple Through World Markets
Esper's comments highlighted the complexities of the situation, as the US and its allies seek to balance the need to maintain freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz with the risks of escalating tensions with Iran. The Strait, a vital waterway for global oil trade, has been a focal point of tensions between the US and Iran in recent months. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has continued to respond to attacks from Hezbollah, with the Israeli Defense Forces reporting that they have struck multiple targets in southern Lebanon in recent days. The exchange of fire has raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict in the region, despite the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hezbollah on Friday. As the US and Iran engage in negotiations in Switzerland, diplomats from multiple countries are working to support the talks and find a lasting solution to the region's conflicts. The involvement of Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner in the negotiations underscores the high stakes and the commitment of the US to finding a peaceful resolution.
Vice President JD Vance stated that the Trump administration has not seen evidence of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, with approximately 16 million barrels of oil passing through the waterway in the last 24 hours.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper expressed concern over Iran's continued threats to commercial shipping, which could deter insurance companies, ship owners, captains, and crews from operating in the area.
Esper noted that as long as Iran poses a threat and acts on it, it will scare away insurance companies, ship captains, owners, and crews.
US officials are still working to clear sea mines from the area, and commercial traffic may take time to recover, with 55 ships transiting the strait on Saturday, compared to the pre-war average of 135 to 150 vessels per day, according to CENTCOM.
Esper said it will become clearer in the next few hours how the situation develops, and upcoming talks in Switzerland may provide insight into Iran's intentions to honor the ceasefire and proceed with negotiations.
Israel's Foreign Ministry identified two IDF soldiers killed in fighting in southern Lebanon amid renewed clashes with Hezbollah, as Staff Sgt. Yoav Klein, 21, and Sgt. First Class Nir Ben Ari, 21, were named as the victims.
The ministry expressed condolences, stating that their hearts are with the families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers.
The announcement comes as violence has intensified along the Israel-Lebanon border, despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.
A senior Israeli official reported that Hezbollah launched over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, resulting in the deaths of five IDF soldiers over the past 48 hours.
Israeli forces are operating near Tebnit, targeting extensive Hezbollah infrastructure, including underground tunnels, as the area serves as a major stronghold for Hezbollah's Badr Unit.
IDF troops continue to operate against threats in the area, with updated directives from Israel's political leadership regarding the ceasefire, acting in a defensive manner within the security zone.
Any Israeli response is being carried out under directives from the political echelon, with the IDF maintaining the right to respond if Hezbollah continues targeting Israeli troops or civilians.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to President Donald Trump's accusation that her country is not helping the US in the war against Iran, stating that she always acts to defend Italy's national interest.
Trump had written on Truth Social that Meloni's popularity in Italy may be suffering due to her decision to turn down the US request for help in denying Iran a nuclear weapon.
President Trump's remarks on the negotiations with Iran come as the US and Iran are working to implement the memorandum of understanding. Trump emphasized that the agreement is, in effect, an unconditional surrender by Iran, given the significant damage inflicted on their military capabilities. The US operation to wipe out Iran's ships was carried out covertly, with the US knocking out Iran's radar and defensive systems, allowing for the destruction of 159 ships.
A senior US defense official stated that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims to have closed the Strait of Hormuz are unfounded, as the US controls the waterway. This assessment is supported by the fact that 55 merchant ships transited the strait on Saturday, carrying large amounts of cargo and over 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.
In related developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military to respond forcefully to any further attacks by Hezbollah. The IDF has already struck 300 terrorist targets and killed approximately 100 militants in response to recent attacks by the Iran-backed group. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached on Friday, Israel remains prepared to strike back if Hezbollah launches another attack.
US Central Command has confirmed that commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has increased, with US forces continuing to operate in the area to support freedom of navigation. The command emphasized that US forces remain present and vigilant to ensure that all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to and enforced.
President Trump's comments on Iran's missile capabilities have sparked a debate, with some senior administration officials previously arguing that Tehran's ballistic missile arsenal was a key concern. However, Trump's recent remarks suggest a shift in stance, with the president implying that Iran having missiles may not be a significant issue if other countries in the region also possess them.
The president's comments were made during a news conference at the G7 in Évian-les-Bains, France, where he discussed the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously stated that Iran cannot be allowed to hide behind its missile inventory, emphasizing the need to address the country's conventional weapons capability.
Meanwhile, the president has continued to criticize Democrats over their stance on the Iranian regime, claiming that they are misguided in their assessment of Iran's current position. Trump has argued that Iran is no longer a significant military power, having been defeated and lost its navy and air force.
In related developments, the Israel Defense Forces have reported fresh clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement. The IDF has responded to attacks by the terrorist organization, striking dozens of targets in southern Lebanon, including rocket launch positions and command centers.
Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence in the US position ahead of the latest round of US-Iran negotiations, set to take place in Switzerland. The talks will focus on implementing the 14-point memorandum signed by President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, aimed at ending the war between the two countries.
Vice President JD Vance emphasized that the US has significant leverage in the negotiations with Iran, citing the country's weakened military position and the economic pressure applied by the US. He noted that the Iranians have committed to destroying their stockpile of enriched material, and that the US is willing to relieve economic pressure if Iran meets its obligations.
The vice president also provided an update on the upcoming talks in Switzerland, stating that the principals from the Iranian, Qatari, and Pakistani governments are expected to arrive soon. He mentioned that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have been on the ground, addressing technical aspects of the negotiation, and that things are progressing well.
In a message to Christians in Lebanon who have been displaced due to fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, Vance urged them to "keep the faith" and assured them that the US government is working to promote peace in the region. He attributed the violence faced by Christians in Lebanon to the presence of the terrorist organization Hezbollah, which has led to conflict with Israel.
Vance acknowledged that achieving peace takes time, but expressed optimism about the progress made in the region over the past couple of weeks. He emphasized the administration's goal of changing the way business is done in the region, highlighting the potential for economic growth and peaceful coexistence among Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
The vice president also shared the perspective of US allies in Israel and the Gulf Coast, who believe that a successful deal with Iran could have a transformative impact on the Middle East. Vance expressed his intention to travel to Switzerland to join the next round of US-Iran negotiations, which is expected to take place in the coming days.
Regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Vance stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the Iranians are still attempting to close it down. However, he noted that clearing the mines from the strait will take some time.
The significant increase in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, with 16 million barrels passing through in the last 24 hours, indicates that the waterway is now operating at pre-war levels. This development comes as tensions between the US and Iran continue to evolve, with the US having recently signed a 14-point memorandum with Iran aimed at ending the war between the two countries.
Meanwhile, a rift has emerged between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with Trump accusing Meloni of attempting to rekindle their friendship for political gain. Trump claimed that Meloni had "begged" him for a photo opportunity during the G7 summit, which Meloni and Italian diplomats have strongly denied.
The US President also criticized Meloni's decision not to allow the US to use Italian landing strips or runways, despite the significant financial contributions the US makes to NATO. Trump believes that Meloni's actions were driven by a desire to boost her popularity in Italy, which has reportedly been struggling.
In a separate development, the Swiss foreign ministry has confirmed that it is providing a neutral setting for talks between the US, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan, with diplomats from various countries working to maintain dialogue. Although scheduled talks were postponed on Friday, White House envoy Steve Witkoff is now expected to join Jared Kushner in Switzerland for the next round of negotiations.
President Trump has also taken to social media to criticize his predecessors, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, for their handling of Iran. He accused them of being "weak and ineffective" and claimed that his own administration has been successful in defeating Iran militarily. The comments come after Trump signed a memorandum with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, aimed at ending the war between the US and Iran.
In related news, the Israel Defense Forces have reported striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, in response to fresh aggression from the terrorist organization. Despite a ceasefire agreement being reached on Friday, Hezbollah launched over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces overnight, prompting a response from the IDF.
Yechiel Leiter stated that Israel remains committed to an immediate ceasefire with Hezbollah, provided the agreement is honored and hostilities cease. He emphasized that Israeli forces will maintain a security buffer zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah's infrastructure is dismantled, allowing the people of Lebanon to have a future free from the organization's grip.
Administration officials are reportedly exploring communication channels with Israeli opposition leaders, including potential challengers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This outreach effort aims to establish relationships with opposition figures, with leading candidates to replace Netanyahu including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.
Iranian Foreign Minister Sayed Abbas Araghchi is expected to participate in the next round of US-Iran talks, aimed at reaching a potential nuclear agreement. Araghchi is scheduled to travel to Switzerland on Sunday for the negotiations, although his travel plans remain fluid and subject to change. White House envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner are also expected to be involved in the talks, with Kushner already in Switzerland ahead of the anticipated negotiations.
The upcoming talks follow the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the initial aim of negotiators to reach an agreement within 60 days. Vice President JD Vance had previously planned to travel to Switzerland for the negotiations but scrapped those plans on Friday. The US and Iran are now moving forward with the next round of negotiations, with multiple high-level officials involved in the process.
Vice President JD Vance stated that the Trump administration has not seen evidence of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, with approximately 16 million barrels of oil passing through the waterway in the last 24 hours.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper expressed concern over Iran's continued threats to commercial shipping, which could deter insurance companies, ship owners, captains, and crews from operating in the area.
Esper noted that as long as Iran poses a threat and acts on it, it will scare away insurance companies, ship captains, owners, and crews.
US officials are still working to clear sea mines from the area, and commercial traffic may take time to recover, with 55 ships transiting the strait on Saturday, compared to the pre-war average of 135 to 150 vessels per day, according to CENTCOM.
Esper said it will become clearer in the next few hours how the situation develops, and upcoming talks in Switzerland may provide insight into Iran's intentions to honor the ceasefire and proceed with negotiations.
Israel's Foreign Ministry identified two IDF soldiers killed in fighting in southern Lebanon amid renewed clashes with Hezbollah, as Staff Sgt. Yoav Klein, 21, and Sgt. First Class Nir Ben Ari, 21, were named as the victims.
The ministry expressed condolences, stating that their hearts are with the families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers.
The announcement comes as violence has intensified along the Israel-Lebanon border, despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.
A senior Israeli official reported that Hezbollah launched over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, resulting in the deaths of five IDF soldiers over the past 48 hours.
Israeli forces are operating near Tebnit, targeting extensive Hezbollah infrastructure, including underground tunnels, as the area serves as a major stronghold for Hezbollah's Badr Unit.
IDF troops continue to operate against threats in the area, with updated directives from Israel's political leadership regarding the ceasefire, acting in a defensive manner within the security zone.
Any Israeli response is being carried out under directives from the political echelon, with the IDF maintaining the right to respond if Hezbollah continues targeting Israeli troops or civilians.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to President Donald Trump's accusation that her country is not helping the US in the war against Iran, stating that she always acts to defend Italy's national interest.
Trump had written on Truth Social that Meloni's popularity in Italy may be suffering due to her decision to turn down the US request for help in denying Iran a nuclear weapon.
President Trump's remarks on the negotiations with Iran come as the US and Iran are working to implement the memorandum of understanding. Trump emphasized that the agreement is, in effect, an unconditional surrender by Iran, given the significant damage inflicted on their military capabilities. The US operation to wipe out Iran's ships was carried out covertly, with the US knocking out Iran's radar and defensive systems, allowing for the destruction of 159 ships.
A senior US defense official stated that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims to have closed the Strait of Hormuz are unfounded, as the US controls the waterway. This assessment is supported by the fact that 55 merchant ships transited the strait on Saturday, carrying large amounts of cargo and over 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.
In related developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military to respond forcefully to any further attacks by Hezbollah. The IDF has already struck 300 terrorist targets and killed approximately 100 militants in response to recent attacks by the Iran-backed group. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached on Friday, Israel remains prepared to strike back if Hezbollah launches another attack.
US Central Command has confirmed that commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has increased, with US forces continuing to operate in the area to support freedom of navigation. The command emphasized that US forces remain present and vigilant to ensure that all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to and enforced.
President Trump's comments on Iran's missile capabilities have sparked a debate, with some senior administration officials previously arguing that Tehran's ballistic missile arsenal was a key concern. However, Trump's recent remarks suggest a shift in stance, with the president implying that Iran having missiles may not be a significant issue if other countries in the region also possess them.
The president's comments were made during a news conference at the G7 in Évian-les-Bains, France, where he discussed the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously stated that Iran cannot be allowed to hide behind its missile inventory, emphasizing the need to address the country's conventional weapons capability.
Meanwhile, the president has continued to criticize Democrats over their stance on the Iranian regime, claiming that they are misguided in their assessment of Iran's current position. Trump has argued that Iran is no longer a significant military power, having been defeated and lost its navy and air force.
In related developments, the Israel Defense Forces have reported fresh clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement. The IDF has responded to attacks by the terrorist organization, striking dozens of targets in southern Lebanon, including rocket launch positions and command centers.
Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence in the US position ahead of the latest round of US-Iran negotiations, set to take place in Switzerland. The talks will focus on implementing the 14-point memorandum signed by President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, aimed at ending the war between the two countries.
Vice President JD Vance emphasized that the US has significant leverage in the negotiations with Iran, citing the country's weakened military position and the economic pressure applied by the US. He noted that the Iranians have committed to destroying their stockpile of enriched material, and that the US is willing to relieve economic pressure if Iran meets its obligations.
The vice president also provided an update on the upcoming talks in Switzerland, stating that the principals from the Iranian, Qatari, and Pakistani governments are expected to arrive soon. He mentioned that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have been on the ground, addressing technical aspects of the negotiation, and that things are progressing well.
In a message to Christians in Lebanon who have been displaced due to fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, Vance urged them to "keep the faith" and assured them that the US government is working to promote peace in the region. He attributed the violence faced by Christians in Lebanon to the presence of the terrorist organization Hezbollah, which has led to conflict with Israel.
Vance acknowledged that achieving peace takes time, but expressed optimism about the progress made in the region over the past couple of weeks. He emphasized the administration's goal of changing the way business is done in the region, highlighting the potential for economic growth and peaceful coexistence among Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
The vice president also shared the perspective of US allies in Israel and the Gulf Coast, who believe that a successful deal with Iran could have a transformative impact on the Middle East. Vance expressed his intention to travel to Switzerland to join the next round of US-Iran negotiations, which is expected to take place in the coming days.
Regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Vance stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the Iranians are still attempting to close it down. However, he noted that clearing the mines from the strait will take some time.
The significant increase in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, with 16 million barrels passing through in the last 24 hours, indicates that the waterway is now operating at pre-war levels. This development comes as tensions between the US and Iran continue to evolve, with the US having recently signed a 14-point memorandum with Iran aimed at ending the war between the two countries.
Meanwhile, a rift has emerged between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with Trump accusing Meloni of attempting to rekindle their friendship for political gain. Trump claimed that Meloni had "begged" him for a photo opportunity during the G7 summit, which Meloni and Italian diplomats have strongly denied.
The US President also criticized Meloni's decision not to allow the US to use Italian landing strips or runways, despite the significant financial contributions the US makes to NATO. Trump believes that Meloni's actions were driven by a desire to boost her popularity in Italy, which has reportedly been struggling.
In a separate development, the Swiss foreign ministry has confirmed that it is providing a neutral setting for talks between the US, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan, with diplomats from various countries working to maintain dialogue. Although scheduled talks were postponed on Friday, White House envoy Steve Witkoff is now expected to join Jared Kushner in Switzerland for the next round of negotiations.
President Trump has also taken to social media to criticize his predecessors, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, for their handling of Iran. He accused them of being "weak and ineffective" and claimed that his own administration has been successful in defeating Iran militarily. The comments come after Trump signed a memorandum with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, aimed at ending the war between the US and Iran.
In related news, the Israel Defense Forces have reported striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, in response to fresh aggression from the terrorist organization. Despite a ceasefire agreement being reached on Friday, Hezbollah launched over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces overnight, prompting a response from the IDF.
Yechiel Leiter stated that Israel remains committed to an immediate ceasefire with Hezbollah, provided the agreement is honored and hostilities cease. He emphasized that Israeli forces will maintain a security buffer zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah's infrastructure is dismantled, allowing the people of Lebanon to have a future free from the organization's grip.
Administration officials are reportedly exploring communication channels with Israeli opposition leaders, including potential challengers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This outreach effort aims to establish relationships with opposition figures, with leading candidates to replace Netanyahu including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.
Iranian Foreign Minister Sayed Abbas Araghchi is expected to participate in the next round of US-Iran talks, aimed at reaching a potential nuclear agreement. Araghchi is scheduled to travel to Switzerland on Sunday for the negotiations, although his travel plans remain fluid and subject to change. White House envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner are also expected to be involved in the talks, with Kushner already in Switzerland ahead of the anticipated negotiations.
The upcoming talks follow the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the initial aim of negotiators to reach an agreement within 60 days. Vice President JD Vance had previously planned to travel to Switzerland for the negotiations but scrapped those plans on Friday. The US and Iran are now moving forward with the next round of negotiations, with multiple high-level officials involved in the process.
News, Global