US President Donald Trump said Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports has been “successful” and called on Tehran to “just give up,” signaling a hardening stance as tensions escalate over sanctions and energy routes.
Iranian leadership pushed back, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissing the US pressure campaign as ineffective and describing the remarks as “junk advice.” Iranian military officials said their restraint so far is “intended to give diplomacy a chance,” indicating that escalation remains conditional.
The conflict, now in its third month, has imposed significant financial and political strain in Washington. The administration has informed lawmakers that the war effort has already cost $25 billion in munitions, while seeking an additional $1.5 trillion defense allocation to sustain operations.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in his first appearance before Congress since the February 28 US-Israeli strikes, said internal dissent poses a challenge to the administration’s strategy. He described lawmakers critical of the war as the “biggest adversary,” highlighting divisions within the US political system.
Diplomatic efforts to end hostilities remain uncertain. Talks between the United States and Iran have shifted from in-person engagement in Pakistan to indirect communication channels. While Trump said negotiations have “come a long way,” his recent public warnings urging Iran to “get smart” suggested a mixed messaging approach. Pakistan is expected to receive a revised Iranian peace proposal later this week.
In a parallel development, Trump held a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the leaders discussed both the Ukraine and Iran conflicts. According to remarks attributed to Trump, Putin offered assistance in addressing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, though Trump emphasized prioritizing an end to the Ukraine war.
Tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, where US forces continue a blockade of Iranian ports and are preparing for a prolonged presence. Iran has warned of “swift action” if US forces advance further, raising concerns over disruption to global oil supplies through the critical maritime route.
The humanitarian toll is also mounting. A US-based rights group, Human Rights Activists News Agency, reported that more than 3,500 people, including women and at least 244 children, have been killed in strikes since the conflict escalated. Incidents under scrutiny include a US Tomahawk strike that reportedly killed 170 people at an Iranian girls’ school, as well as reports of lost contact with aid boats in international waters.
Beyond Iran, the conflict’s regional spillover continues. Israel has sustained its bombardment of southern Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the presence of Israeli forces is aimed at security concerns and not territorial expansion, even as strikes persist. [KNT]
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