Overview
- President Donald Trump said the U.S. is very close to meeting its objectives against Iran and is considering winding down operations, while rejecting a ceasefire and urging other nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Pentagon is sending three amphibious assault ships and about 2,500 Marines to the region, taking the U.S. presence to more than 50,000 personnel.
- U.S. Central Command reports thousands of Iranian targets struck under Operation Epic Fury and says over 120 Iranian naval vessels, including submarines, have been damaged or destroyed.
- Iran reportedly fired two ballistic missiles toward the U.S.-UK base at Diego Garcia, according to U.S. officials cited by news outlets, as missile and drone activity continued across Israel, Lebanon and the Gulf.
- To ease fuel prices, the administration temporarily waived sanctions on Iranian oil already at sea through April 19, even as officials pursued an additional $200 billion in war funding from Congress.