Mutual attacks between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to escalate, with the United States demanding Iran's unconditional surrender while Tehran vows ultimate revenge.
The Trump administration sharply criticized CNN for reporting that the United States underestimated Iran's capability to disrupt shipping activities through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump stated that the objectives of the US and Israel in the Iran campaign "may be slightly different", as the conflict entered its third week.
Trump says he is no longer interested in winning the Nobel Peace Prize, and is unsure if the campaign in Iran will help him "score points" with the Nobel Committee.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims Iran's newly elected Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been unable to make a public appearance following his election and the release of his first message.
Iranian forces have sustained heavy damage to their missile, naval, and air defense systems due to US-Israel operations, yet they retain formidable retaliatory capabilities.
Shipping data indicates Iranian crude oil is still transiting the Strait of Hormuz at near-normal rates, exceeding one million barrels per day, despite recent attacks by Israel and the U.S. and Iran's retaliatory strikes.
