Overview
- Mr. Trump told Axios on Sunday that he is “low‑keying it” with Iran and is letting economic pressure and limited negotiations play out instead of large‑scale strikes.
- Vice President J.D. Vance said the administration has “made some progress” and likened the conflict to being in the middle of a game while using diplomatic, economic and military tools.
- Iran’s top security official Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr issued firm conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including an end to U.S. threats, a withdrawal of forces, lifting the naval blockade, and reparations.
- Reporting says the U.S. recently walked back plans for a massive strike after facing missile and munitions shortages and that Mr. Trump privately discussed prioritizing the strait’s reopening over a nuclear deal.
- Disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz have raised fuel and food costs and created urgency for Gulf mediators to convert a short diplomatic window into a lasting arrangement that restores shipping.