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Trump issues a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran - The administration has threatened to bomb Iranian power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Tuesday, following the rescue of a downed US pilot.
“He said starting Tuesday, the US will bomb power plants and bridges if Iran doesn't open the Strait of Hormuz.”
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Energy markets face long-term disruption despite OPEC intervention - Even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, infrastructure damage and potential mining will cause slow recovery and sustained high gas prices for weeks.
“Reopening of the Straits will be slow because it may have been mined. Also, the logistics of getting all the ships that are trapped in out and the ones that are out in will be slow. Repair, there's been a lot of damage to infrastructure.”
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Domestic criticism mounts over the lack of a coherent war plan - Senator Tim Kaine characterized the administration's aggressive rhetoric as juvenile and dangerous, noting the absence of clear objectives or international alliances.
“This is all embarrassing and juvenile. And it's people trying to act like they're puffed up and tough when what we really see from the administration in this war is the absence of a plan, the absence of a clear rationale.”