The United States and Iran remain locked in a tense standoff as Tehran prepares to respond to a US peace proposal, even as hostilities continue in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he expects a reply from Iran, though no official response had been announced by late Friday. 'I'm getting a letter supposedly tonight,' Trump told reporters, adding, 'We'll see how that goes.'
Continued Military Actions
The US Navy struck two Iranian-flagged oil tankers on Friday, accusing them of breaching the American blockade. This followed an exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces overnight Thursday. Iran has accused the US of violating the ongoing ceasefire, which President Trump insists remains intact. In a post on X, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of consistently choosing 'reckless military adventure' whenever a 'diplomatic solution is on the table.'
Rubio Criticizes NATO Allies
During a visit to Italy, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized NATO allies for not doing enough to support the war effort. 'That's a problem and has to be examined,' Rubio said, emphasizing that the US expects the ability to project force from Europe as a NATO member.
Senator Mark Kelly's Criticism
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former naval officer, strongly criticized the Trump administration's handling of the Iran war. 'What I've seen so far has been a s*** show,' Kelly said at an event with veterans. He accused the US of shifting rationales for the conflict and lacking a clear path to victory. 'Now it seems the strategic goal is to open the Strait of Hormuz, which was open in February,' Kelly said. 'We've spent $25 billion at least on this and depleted our magazines of critical munitions.'
Iran's Resilience
Analysts suggest Iran could withstand the US naval blockade for months. Iran can use domestic capacities to find, refine, and consume oil, delaying the full impact of the blockade. Gregory Brew of the Eurasia Group noted that Tehran has experience scaling back oil production in response to sanctions. 'I don't think it's going to do tremendous damage to their infrastructure,' Brew said. New CIA analysis also casts doubt on Trump's claim that Tehran needs the war to end soon, indicating Iran retains 70% of its missiles.
Economic Impact
Gas prices in the US continue to hover near record highs, with the national average at about $4.55 per gallon on Friday, according to AAA. This is down slightly from Thursday but well above last week's average of $4.39 and last month's $4.16. Prices are at levels not seen since the Ukraine war-era spike in 2022.
International Reactions
China is closely studying US failings in the Iran war, according to defense officials. The prolonged conflict is revealing flaws in US defense efforts, putting Trump on the back foot ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. 'The Chinese would be well within their right to say, 'What do you have left to build deterrence with?'' a former defense official told Politico.
The US also announced sanctions targeting 10 individuals and companies involved in Iran's weapons supply, including those supporting Iran's Shahed-series UAVs and ballistic missile program. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, 'While the surviving IRGC leaders are trapped like rats in a sinking ship, the Treasury Department is unrelenting in our Economic Fury campaign.'
Humanitarian Crisis
A crew member on an oil tanker struck in the early stages of the war described the attack. 'There were immense shock waves and a fireball,' the sailor told The Guardian. The attack killed one crew member, Dixit Solanki, 32, from Mumbai. Meanwhile, Iran's internet blackout has entered its 70th day, the longest for any country in world history, according to NetBlocks. Most citizens remain cut off from the internet, making it difficult to contact family or stay informed.
In Lebanon, families displaced by the conflict are sheltering at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut, where the Red Cross provides learning activities for children.
Threats and Expectations
An Iranian lawmaker, Ali Khezrian, threatened a military response to the US blockade. 'From now on, US actions for naval blockade will be met with a military response from Iran,' he told state broadcaster IRIB. President Trump, meanwhile, said he expects Iran's response 'supposedly tonight,' though it remains unclear if a breakthrough is imminent.
