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Trump Says Iran War Will ‘Be Over Quickly’ as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the conflict with Iran will “be over quickly,” even as Tehran seeks to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil shipping chokepoint. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said military operations are progressing well and fighting is not expected to last long. However, Iran has claimed sovereign rights over the strait, which handles approximately one-fifth of global crude oil transportation. ...

Trump threatens military strikes against Iran while simultaneously claiming great progress in negotiations, sending mixed signals to the markets and allies.

The Trump administration has paused Project Freedom, the U.S. military operation designed to guide commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran. The decision comes as the ceasefire between the two nations continues to hold, providing a window for expanded diplomatic engagement. Officials indicated the pause is intended to create a more favorable environment for ongoing negotiations. Oil prices dropped on the news, with traders interpreting the move as a substantive de-escalation rather than a tactical pause. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil consumption, making any reduction in tension immediately impactful on energy markets. ...

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Monday that the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran is holding, marking a critical early success in the Trump administration’s diplomatic push. The ceasefire, which came after weeks of escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, has allowed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to resume normal operations. In a significant follow-up, the White House announced a pause to “Project Freedom” — the controversial military operation to escort commercial vessels through the strait — as the administration pivots toward diplomatic negotiations. ...

[Flash] Trump has again criticized Pope Leo’s stance on the Iran conflict, accusing the pope of “endangering lives,” AP News reported. The comments could complicate Secretary of State Rubio’s planned visit to the Vatican this week, highlighting a divergence between the US administration and the Vatican on Iran policy.

GOP lawmakers propose $1B in an immigration bill for a Trump ballroom construction project, drawing criticism for mixing policy with personal construction funding.

Trump publicly criticized Pope Francis’s stance on Iran, claiming his comments could endanger Catholics worldwide. The remarks have sparked widespread international discussion.

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to explain its plan to remodel the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington DC raising questions about federal land use.

Multiple new polls show President Trump’s disapproval rating reaching a historic high with more than two-thirds of Americans saying the country is headed in the wrong direction

Trump announced that the United States will begin providing naval escorts for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to ensure shipping security in the Gulf region. The move is seen as the latest pressure measure against Iran.