Overview
- Trump said on Wednesday that Iran has contacted the United States “directly” and that Tehran “very much” wants a deal, while also telling Axios he is facing a “big decision” about whether to order massive strikes.
- The House voted 220-204 this week to press the president to end hostilities, with seven Republicans joining Democrats in a move that seeks to constrain executive war powers.
- CENTCOM is maintaining an effective naval blockade and escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz to keep shipping lanes open while U.S. forces remain positioned for possible escalation.
- The Congressional Budget Office estimates the war cost more than $38 billion as of Aug. 1 and projects monthly costs of roughly $2 billion to $3 billion depending on fighting intensity, increasing pressure on policy choices.
- The White House is organizing a U.N. meeting with Gulf leaders next week to discuss a postwar “day-after” plan and to gauge whether regional allies will support diplomacy or back renewed military operations, a decision that will shape the conflict’s next phase.