With Iran ceasefire "over," Trump shifts to battle for Hormuz

According to Axios, the White House is bracing for a prolonged fight with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important energy chokepoint. President Trump declared the sixty-day ceasefire outlined in a memorandum of understanding was over after Iranian attacks on commercial ships, and U.S. officials say the war has shifted from degrading Iran's missile and nuclear capabilities to reopening the strait. The U.S. launched a second round of strikes, including targets inside Iran, and Iran retaliated by hitting American bases in Kuwait and Bahrain while insisting the strait would open only on its terms. One U.S. official told Axios the escalation could last a day, a week, or a month depending on Iran's next moves, adding that Washington feels it has room to press harder because hundreds of oil tankers have recently left the Gulf, easing fears of an immediate price spike. Iran's top negotiator accused the U.S. of bullying and breaking promises. Trump, meanwhile, said Iranian officials had called wanting a deal, though Iran did not confirm any outreach. Vice President Vance stated the U.S. position plainly: the strait must remain open, or the American military will respond.

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