As U.S. forces escort over a billion barrels of crude through the strait
under Operation Epic Fury, Hegseth shifted responsibility to Europe, drawing
sharp criticism from figures like Andrew Neil who said America broke it and
should fix it.
Iran, via Qatari mediators, laid out firm conditions for ending the conflict: halt all military actions, release frozen assets, and lift the U.S. naval blockade, with officials warning of decisive action if unmet.
Trump signals a potential end soon after Gulf meetings, while unreported U.S. service member deaths raise questions about the human toll, and the House advances new sanctions on Russia and Iran.