Naval Blockade

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters the naval blockade on Iran will continue and vowed to stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He predicted Iran’s economy would collapse and said the U.S. expects to receive 60% enriched uranium; Pete Hegseth said escalation plans are ready, while Iran warned it could go to 90% enrichment.

Tehran sent Washington a 14-point proposal to end the war, demanding security guarantees, a U.S. troop pullback from neighboring states, an end to the naval blockade, the release of frozen assets, compensation, lifting sanctions, a new mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz, and a halt to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon. The U.S. floated a two-month cease-fire; Iran pushed to resolve the issues within 30 days. Trump said he’ll review the plan but cast doubt and raised the option of renewed strikes.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the Pentagon’s budget, saying Iran and Lebanon are holding their positions as the U.S. keeps pressure on Tehran.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Navy Secretary John Phelan amid mounting Pentagon frustration over shipbuilding delays and priorities. The shake-up lands as the U.S. Navy enforces a sweeping naval blockade of Iran with more than 15 warships.

At a Monday cabinet meeting, the prime minister said fighting around Bint Jbeil continues, claimed U.S.–Iran talks collapsed over Iran’s “blatant” violations, voiced full support for a U.S. naval blockade on Iran, and vowed “there will not be another Holocaust.”