Overview
- The US–Israeli offensive against Iran has passed three weeks with continued air and naval strikes and reciprocal attacks across the Gulf.
- President Trump rejected calls for a truce, castigated NATO allies as “cowards,” and argued that countries reliant on the Strait of Hormuz should take the lead in securing it.
- The White House said US forces can neutralize Iran’s Kharg (Jark) Island if ordered, while media reports describe planning to seize or block the oil hub and additional Marine deployments.
- Washington authorized, through April 19, the sale and delivery of Iranian oil loaded before March 20 and Trump said he may gradually scale down operations as part of efforts to cool energy shocks.
- Analysts warn early wartime consumption of thousands of precision munitions and hundreds of interceptors could take years to replace, even as Iran’s leadership claims victory and threatens attacks beyond the region.