【Iran Crisis】Mujtaba Statement: Resolute Retaliation (Continuously Updated)

Iran’s semi-official news agency Fars News Agency released a statement from Supreme Leader Khamenei, emphasizing:

Decisive Revenge: Vowing never to abandon revenge for the leader and all innocent martyrs (especially children and civilians, such as the Mina School incident). Each victim is an independent case for retribution until justice is fully served.

Strategic Deterrence: Firmly emphasizing the continued use of the “blockade of the Strait of Hormuz” as a key leverage against enemies.

Striking Neighboring Military Bases: Stating Iran has no intention of establishing hegemony or colonies in the region, but will continue precise strikes on military bases within neighboring countries that are exploited by enemies. Strongly urging neighboring countries to recognize the false peace promises of the U.S. and to close these bases promptly.

Call for Unity: During wartime and difficult periods, all sectors of the nation must set aside differences, maintain high unity, and prevent enemies from taking advantage.

Show of Power: Calling on citizens to actively participate in the “Quds Day” marches and to maintain “effective participation” across social, political, and security fields to crush the enemy.

Mutual Assistance: Encouraging the Iranian people to promote mutual aid, especially caring for compatriots in hardship.

Care for the Wounded: Committing to provide free medical services and dedicated benefits for military and civilians injured in attacks.

Enemy Compensation: Demanding reparations from enemies to compensate for private property losses; if refused, forcibly seizing or destroying enemy assets of equivalent value.

Thanks to the brave armed forces for successfully thwarting the arrogance bloc’s invasion and division plots.

Reaffirming that the “Resistance Front” (referring to non-state armed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, etc.) is an inseparable part of the Islamic Revolution, viewing it as the closest ally.

Expressing gratitude for the support and loyalty of religious authorities, government branches, and the broad populace, praying for Allah to grant the nation a decisive victory over enemies.

Gulf of Oman Oil Tankers Catch Fire and Explode, Brent Oil Surges Again, Reaching $100; Iran hints at sealing off the Red Sea entrance

According to reports from overseas agencies Faytuks Network and others, oil tankers caught fire and exploded in the Persian Gulf. Iraqi port officials said two foreign oil tankers were attacked within the past hour, with 25 crew members evacuated. Reports indicate the two ships on fire near the Iraqi coast are the Maltese-flagged ZEFYROS and the Marshall Islands-flagged SAFESEA VISHNU.

Brent crude oil surged 6%, reaching $97.64.

EXCLUSIVE: The 2 Tankers that are on fire off the coast of Iraq are the Malta-flagged ZEFYROS and the Marshall Islands-flagged SAFESEA VISHNU pic.twitter.com/rpWfoHw20C

— Stellar Man (@stellarman22) March 11, 2026

According to Al Jazeera, an unnamed senior Iranian military/security official warned that if the U.S. makes a strategic mistake, another strait could face a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz. This is widely interpreted as referring to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea, another critical oil transit route.

The official also added in an interview that “the Middle East may soon enter a regional war,” emphasizing that Iran still has “many cards to play.”

Trump responded to reporters, saying, “They have lost their navy, their air force, they have no air defense, no radar. Their leaders are gone. And we can do worse to each other. We left some things behind, or we can take them away this afternoon, in fact within an hour, and they will never be able to rebuild that country.”

Trump suggested that oil companies should use the Strait of Hormuz. “We almost destroyed all their mine-laying ships in one night. We’ve hit about 60 ships—I didn’t realize they had such a large navy. I’d say it’s big but ineffective. But nearly all their navy ships are sunk.”

He continued, claiming Iran does not have mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also said Spain is not cooperating at all, considering cutting trade with Spain.

$1 or less: Wednesday news====

Iran plans to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with thousands of stockpiled mines. Trump warns of unprecedented military consequences.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a global focus. According to CBS citing U.S. intelligence, Iran may be preparing to deploy mines in the strait, possibly using small boats capable of carrying two to three mines. Iran’s current mine stockpile is estimated at around 2,000 to 6,000.

CNN reports, citing two U.S. intelligence sources, that Iran has begun deploying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Only dozens of mines are believed to have been deployed so far, but Iran still has 80-90% of its small boats and minelaying vessels available.

Trump then posted on Truth Social: “If Iran has actually laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and we have no reports of it, we demand they remove them immediately! If they have laid mines and fail to remove them promptly, Iran will face unprecedented military consequences. Conversely, if they remove any mines they may have placed, that’s a big step in the right direction! Also, we are using the same technology and missile capabilities—originally used to target drug traffickers—to permanently eliminate any ships or vessels attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. They will be dealt with swiftly and forcefully. Warning!”

Trump added, “In the past few hours, we have hit and completely destroyed 10 inactive minelaying ships or vessels, and more will follow!”

U.S. Energy Secretary makes false claim

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright mistakenly claimed on social media that the U.S. Navy escorted a tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified: “The U.S. Navy is not currently escorting any tankers or ships.”

“I’ve seen the post, and I haven’t had a chance to speak directly with the Secretary about it,” Leavitt said. “However, I know the post was quickly deleted.”

Wright previously posted: “The U.S. Navy successfully escorted a tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the continuous global supply of oil.”

The International Energy Agency (IEA) will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss the possible release of emergency reserves. The organization’s 30+ member countries, mainly developed economies in Europe, North America, and Northeast Asia, collectively hold 1.2 billion barrels of oil reserves.

Hegseth: Most intense day of strikes

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said, “Today will again be the most intense day of strikes inside Iran.” He pointed out that in the past 24 hours, Iran launched the lowest number of missiles they have ever launched, and condemned Iran for unprovoked attacks on its Gulf neighbors, some of which were once allies.

He said the targets include destroying Iran’s missile stockpiles and manufacturing capabilities; “destroying their navy”; and “permanently depriving Iran of nuclear weapons capability.”

Russia does not share intelligence with Iran

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that Russian leaders denied sharing intelligence with Iran during a call with Trump on Monday.

$1 or less: Tuesday news====

Oil tankers hesitate before passing through the Strait of Hormuz, no ships have gone through. Trump at press conference: Iran’s war will end soon, but no promise on timing

Oil prices plunged nearly 10%, Brent crude fell 9% to as low as $90.3, and NYMEX crude dropped 8% to as low as $87. After Trump’s speech, shipping sources report dozens of tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, seemingly attempting to pass, led by a Gambian-flagged vessel FAREEDA 5, which briefly approached the strait but then retreated back into the sea. As of 1 p.m., no ships have passed.

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, a senior Iranian military officer warned, “Until further notice, we will not allow a single liter of oil to be exported to hostile parties and their allies in the region.”

CNBC reports that Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson also issued a warning, saying, “Oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz must be very cautious,” adding, “As long as the situation remains unsafe, I believe all tankers and all maritime navigation must remain highly vigilant.” He stated that targeting U.S. military bases and assets in the region is “legitimate” under international law, based on UN Charter Article 51.

🔴 One senior Iranian military official told Al Mayadeen: Until further notice, we will not allow a liter of oil to be exported in the region to hostile parties and their allies.

— Fars News Agency (@FarsNews_Agency) March 9, 2026

U.S. military transport aircraft appeared earlier today.

Trump states U.S. has deployed strong forces and mine-clearing equipment in the Strait of Hormuz, ready to provide “political risk insurance” and escort for commercial ships if necessary. He emphasized that Iran will not be allowed to cut off global oil supplies.

Trump held a press conference, refusing to promise an end to the war “within days or this week,” but stressing it will be “very quick.” He said that because Iran’s military assets (navy, air force, radar, leadership, etc.) have been almost entirely destroyed, it won’t take long. The current military progress is unprecedented; what was expected to take a month has already been achieved ahead of schedule.

He stated that the U.S. hopes Iran will nominate a new leadership willing to pursue peace. He expressed disappointment that Iran chose Hassan Khamenei’s son as the new supreme leader.

He said protecting the strait’s open passage is mainly to stabilize the global economy, explicitly noting that this actually helps countries like China that rely on the route. “I want to keep it open. I want to keep it good. You know, it doesn’t impact us as much as it does China. We’re actually helping China and other countries because they get a lot of energy from the strait. But we have a very good relationship with China’s President Xi. I plan to visit there soon. We’re protecting the entire world from these evil schemes. And I must say, we’re doing very well.”

Summary of the press conference:

“Over the past weekend, the U.S. military and Israeli Defense Forces continued to execute Operation Epic Fury with unprecedented success. Over the past nine days, we launched the most powerful and complex military strikes and tactical exercises ever seen. Combining these actions with others—such as Operation Midnight Hammer, which eliminated Iran’s nuclear threat, and major successes in Venezuela and elsewhere—we have achieved great victories everywhere.”

“Meanwhile, we have made significant progress toward military objectives. Some might say these goals are already quite close to completion. We have thoroughly and completely eliminated every armed force inside Iran. Most of Iran’s navy has been sunk, submerged. Just received reports of 51 ships. I didn’t even realize they had so many ships, but they didn’t last long. These are combat vessels, meant for fighting, but they are no match for us.”

“We continue to target Iran’s drone and missile capabilities. Their drone numbers have sharply decreased. Their drone manufacturing facilities are under full attack from today. We have seized all their drone production sites and are destroying them one by one. Their missile capability has dropped to about 10%, maybe less. We are also precisely striking their missile manufacturing and transportation facilities. So far, we have hit over 5,000 targets, including very strategic ones. But we are holding back some of the most critical targets for future use. If we strike those, they will need many years to rebuild, affecting the country’s power generation and many other vital infrastructures. So, unless absolutely necessary, we do not intend to go that far. These targets are easy to hit, but once hit, they would cause catastrophic consequences. We are watching what happens before deciding whether to strike them. We could destroy all of them in a day.”

“But all these actions have caused about 90% of the overall decline across sectors, especially Iran’s missile launchers. As you know, drone launchers have also fallen by 83%. Drone launchers are almost destroyed; Iran’s missile launchers have declined by over 90%. These are highly sophisticated, hard-to-replicate equipment. Usually, with our advanced gear and top-tier personnel, once they launch missiles from launchers, we can accurately and swiftly destroy the launcher within five minutes or less.”

“So now, we have low-cost interception systems that effectively counter Iran’s drones; our B-2 bombers recently dropped dozens of 2,000-pound bombs across Iran to destroy missile launchers, often penetrating deep into underground facilities that cannot withstand such penetrations. We are also destroying their industrial bases for drone and missile manufacturing at an unprecedented speed. We know their locations precisely and are rapidly erasing them. Our progress has far exceeded initial timelines. I dare say, we probably never thought we’d be this far in just a month.”

“Furthermore, we have eliminated their top leadership two or three times, as you know. We had to intervene. We don’t want a future president (if it’s someone else) to hesitate to do what I decisively did, risking us falling into the same quagmire in five or ten years. So, they should nominate a new president or leader capable of genuine change and peace. For 47 years, they’ve been killing. 47 years! Whether it’s military explosions or the USS Cole attack, they’ve been deeply involved, despite denials. They are complicit in all these tragedies caused by roadside bombs, the dead, and now veterans missing limbs or with severe facial injuries. This Iranian regime has been attacking Americans and spreading terrorism worldwide for 47 years.”

“Despite numerous opportunities to abandon nuclear ambitions—just recently, they clung to this ambition, even telling Witkoff that they want to continue building nuclear weapons. If we hadn’t launched Midnight Hammer, destroyed their nuclear capabilities, they would have nuclear weapons by now, and they would have used them. At least Israel would face annihilation. We’re very fortunate to have the courage to act, with talented pilots and excellent equipment. The B-2 bombers are incredible. (By the way, we’ve ordered 25 more upgraded, better versions.) We have the greatest military and top-tier gear in the world, far ahead of others. Wherever we go, you can see it. But you still need the best personnel to operate and use it, and that’s what we value most.”

“Even after thoroughly destroying their key nuclear facilities, during Midnight Hammer, they never genuinely negotiated. They still insist on making nuclear weapons, refusing to enrich uranium to unacceptable levels. They even rejected a generous offer to provide nuclear fuel for free for civilian purposes indefinitely. We proposed to supply free nuclear fuel, but they weren’t interested—they only want to make nuclear weapons.”

“So, this regime is trying to secretly rebuild its weapons program elsewhere. They can’t go back to the three sites we destroyed, so they are working in another location, in a different concealed terrain, protected by hard granite. They want protection, and granite is very strong, but they aim to go deeper underground. They have started this process, while rapidly developing conventional ballistic missiles. They plan to advance both projects simultaneously, directly threatening our overseas bases and even the U.S. mainland soon. Their evil intent is to use this exponential growth of ballistic missile threats to make it nearly impossible for the world to prevent their eventual acquisition of nuclear weapons.”

“So, as you can see, they once had an astonishing number of missiles, most of which are now expended or destroyed, and their use has been disastrous because we can intercept most of them. The Patriot missiles and other advanced systems perform astonishingly well. Our laser technology, which will soon be fully operational, will enable us to intercept targets with minimal cost. We will have laser weapons capable of precise strikes at very low cost.”

“The situation is rapidly approaching an irreversible point, and the U.S. considers this absolutely intolerable. Based on deep intelligence—yes, they are heavily involved—I thought they would attack us. I firmly believe that if we hadn’t preempted, they intended to attack the U.S. If you notice, they did something extremely foolish—they attacked their neighbors. And their neighbors are basically neutral or at least not involved in the conflict, yet they were attacked without reason. This caused a strong backlash; those neighbors immediately turned to us and began to fight back, and they are very successful. Look at Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other countries—they are strong and smart, but they were attacked. When I first heard this, I said no, someone must have misread the intelligence. But it’s not a mistake. The UAE was hit by over 1,000 missiles, yet they nearly shot them all down.”

“On my first day riding down the escalator in 2015, I said, ‘I will stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.’ What I’m doing now is just fulfilling that promise. Think about it—back in 2015, I issued that warning. It was a threat, which later became a bigger threat, but now it’s no longer a threat, at least for a long time. We want to keep this peace.”

“As we continue Operation Epic Fury, we are also highly focused on ensuring the smooth flow of global energy and oil. I will never allow a terrorist regime to hold the world hostage and try to cut off global oil supplies. If Iran takes any reckless action, they will face far harsher and more destructive strikes than now. I will destroy those vulnerable infrastructure targets I mentioned. We will do it very quickly. They will never recover. If they want to play this dangerous game, they’d better think twice. In the long run, without Iranian ships, drones, missiles, nuclear threats, or other threats, oil supplies will be much safer. The Strait of Hormuz will remain absolutely secure. We have deployed a large number of powerful naval vessels there, with the world’s most advanced mine-clearing equipment. Again, most of their ships are already sunk.”

“But we will strike them so fiercely that they or anyone trying to help them will never regain influence in that region, as long as they dare to act recklessly. Over recent years, this regime and its terrorist proxies have indiscriminately attacked hundreds of commercial ships. We are ending this threat thoroughly. The ultimate result will be a significant reduction in oil and natural gas prices for American families. We’ve already achieved that, bringing prices down very low. This is a necessary military action to address a grave threat. We are very close to fully accomplishing this goal.”

“Meanwhile, during this brief interruption, the U.S. will provide political risk insurance for any oil tankers operating in the Persian Gulf. We may also escort them personally if needed. I don’t think it will be necessary, but if it is, we will escort them safely through the strait. We have the world’s most powerful mine-clearing capabilities, the largest fleet, and know exactly where their minefields are. We will clear them rapidly. But we hope it won’t come to that. Again, if they do this, if they play that sneaky game, we will strike them with unprecedented severity. We are winning this victory decisively. Our progress is far ahead. Our military is the greatest in the world, equipped with the best gear and the most talented personnel—nobody surpasses us.”

“Iran was once a very powerful, threatening country. They planned to take over the Middle East entirely. If we hadn’t preempted, they would have taken over the Middle East. Since their last strike, they have hoarded thousands of missiles and other deadly weapons. Most of these have now been destroyed. But they intended to dominate the Middle East. These weapons were aimed at innocent Middle Eastern countries unrelated to this conflict. They wanted to take over the Middle East and destroy Israel. We stopped all this madness in time. We are very proud to be part of it, and it will end very soon. If they restart the conflict, they will face even harsher retaliation.”

“All of this affects other countries far more than the U.S. It doesn’t really impact us. We have abundant oil resources, far more than we need domestically. We now have Venezuela as a new strategic partner. They are doing very well, and we are working closely with their government and president. It’s a huge source of oil, natural gas, and other key resources. But we are in a very strong position, which is very unfair to other parts of the world, like China. I mean, we are essentially bearing this responsibility for the rest of the world, including China, because they get a lot of energy through this route. So, we are doing this great thing. We have a very good relationship with China’s President Xi. I plan to visit there soon. We are protecting the entire world from these evil schemes. And I must say, we are doing very well.”

“We are also actively easing some oil-related sanctions to help lower prices. We have imposed sanctions on some countries, but we will lift them once the market stabilizes. Who knows, maybe we won’t need sanctions anymore, and long-term prosperity and peace will follow.”

“But when that moment comes, the U.S. Navy and its allies will escort oil tankers safely through the strait if needed. I hope it won’t be necessary. But if it is, we will escort them directly. We have the best mine-clearing capabilities, the most advanced ships and equipment. We know exactly where their minefields are, and we will clear them quickly. But we hope it won’t come to that. Again, if they do this, if they play that game, we will strike them at an unprecedented level.”

“So we are winning decisively. Our progress is far ahead. Our military is the greatest in the world, equipped with the best gear and the most talented personnel. Nobody has seen anything like this. Iran was once a very powerful country. They tried to take over the Middle East. If we hadn’t struck them, they would have already taken over the Middle East. Since their last strike, they hoarded thousands of missiles and all kinds of weapons. Most have now been destroyed. But they tried to take over the Middle East. These weapons targeted countries unrelated to this matter. They want to take over the Middle East and destroy Israel. We stopped all this, and the pace is just right. We are very proud to be part of it, and it will end very soon. If they restart, they will face even harsher strikes.”

$1 or less: Monday news====

Iran: Will choose new leader within 24 hours, UK plans to send two aircraft carriers, Trump: No need to wait for victory to fight

Trump, speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, said unconditional surrender means “they surrender, or when they can no longer fight, and no one is around to surrender, that could happen because you know we have eliminated their leadership many times.” Regarding no ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, “That’s their choice. But we’ve cleared it out, we’ve destroyed their navy. Their navy is now sunk.”

He continued, “We expect oil prices to rise, and that’s expected. But they will also fall. They will fall very quickly.” Trump indicated that he would use strategic reserves when appropriate.

Regarding ground troops, Trump said, “There must be very strong reasons. If we really do that, they will face devastating strikes so they cannot fight on the ground.” He also said he does not want the Kurds involved, not wanting the war to become more complicated, “I told them very clearly, I don’t want them to go in.”

Trump said, “We’ve taken out one leadership layer, then a second, and now they are at the third or fourth layer, and they have leaders nobody even knows.”

According to Iranian semi-official Fars News Agency citing expert Ayatollah Mozafari, Iran plans to hold a meeting within 24 hours to elect a new supreme leader. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson said Iran is “completely prepared to continue intense, full-scale war for at least six months at the current pace.”

Additionally, Iran’s president said he has instructed the military not to attack any countries that have not attacked Iran, despite attacks on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others.

Dubai Media Office issued a statement saying that Dubai International Airport has temporarily suspended all operations for security reasons.

UAE President issued a rare warning to the country’s “enemies” not to mistake Dubai’s prosperity for weakness. As Iran’s attacks on this Gulf country continue, he visited a hospital where injured civilians are being treated, saying, “UAE is tough and resilient, not an easy target,” and met with those injured in Iran’s attacks.

Several European officials have revealed that Saudi Arabia has increased direct contacts with Iran, trying to curb Middle East war, which has caused serious turmoil and pressure on global markets.

On the oil production front, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, the largest oil producer in the UAE, said it is “managing” offshore oil output levels to meet storage demands. The company continues to utilize export routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and its international storage facilities to ensure supply reaches global customers.

Trump posted on Truth Social: “The UK, our former great ally—perhaps the greatest—is finally seriously considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. No problem, Prime Minister Sunak, we no longer need them—but we will remember. We don’t need to wait until we’ve won the war to come in!”

Trump also claimed that Iran, which is suffering heavy blows, has apologized and surrendered to neighboring Middle Eastern countries, promising not to fire on them again. This promise was made solely because of the relentless attacks by the U.S. and Israel. They originally intended to take over and dominate the entire Middle East. This is Iran’s first defeat by neighboring Middle Eastern countries in thousands of years. They said, “Thank you, President Trump.” I replied, “You’re welcome!” Iran is no longer “the bully of the Middle East”; instead, they are “the losers of the Middle East,” and will remain so for decades until they surrender or, more likely, collapse entirely! Today, Iran will face a heavy blow! Due to Iran’s malicious actions, some areas and populations that have not yet been targeted are being seriously considered for complete destruction and inevitable death.

$1 or less: Saturday news====

The U.S. provides $20 billion reinsurance for oil tankers, Trump: Weapons production tripled

After announcing the guarantee for insurance of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), CEO Ben Black, and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen announced that the reinsurance mechanism will provide up to approximately $20 billion in loss coverage, covering oil tankers and other maritime traffic, aiming to restore passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Due to Iran’s war causing a halt in Persian Gulf tanker traffic, U.S. crude oil prices surged over 13%, breaking above $91 per barrel. Some Gulf countries, unable to export oil via the strait, have begun reducing production.

Ben Black stated, “We are confident this reinsurance plan will allow oil, gasoline, LNG, aviation fuel, and fertilizers to pass smoothly through the Strait of Hormuz and flow back into the global market.”

Source: https://www.dfc.gov/media/press-releases/dfc-announces-20b-plan-maritime-reinsurance-gulf

Meanwhile, Qatar is loading liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Trump posted on Truth Social: “Had a very successful meeting with our top defense manufacturers, discussing capacity and production schedules. They agreed to increase production of the ‘Exquisite Class’ weapons by four times, as we want to reach maximum output as soon as possible.”

“Production expansion began three months ago, and many of these weapons’ factories are now under construction and operation. We have nearly unlimited supplies of mid- and upper-tier munitions, such as those used against Iran and recently in Venezuela. Still, we are increasing orders for these types of weapons.”

“Representatives from BAE Systems, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, L3Harris Missile Solutions, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon attended. Another meeting is scheduled in two months. All states are bidding for these new factories.”

Additionally, Yellen indicated that the U.S. might lift further sanctions on Russian oil supplies, “The Treasury has agreed to let our allies in India start purchasing Russian oil already at sea, to help alleviate the temporary global oil shortage. We are allowing them to receive this Russian oil. We may lift sanctions on other Russian oil.”

$1 or less: Friday news====

US visits White House, meets Trump; US Defense: B-2 bombers dropped dozens of 2,000-pound penetrating bombs; LOCUS drones indispensable

U.S. bombing Iran enters its seventh day. Trump met with Miami International FC champion, led by the U.S. military, and said, “Messi (cheering crowd) is… my son asked, Dad, do you know who’s coming today? I said, I don’t know, I have a lot to do. He said, Messi. I said, really? He’s your favorite.” “You might say I’m old, but I’ve watched Billy play. He plays for the Universe team. You might be better than Billy. Billy is pretty good. Who’s better? Him or Billy? (pointing at Messi, crowd laughs) Messi! I agree. But… Billy is also very good.”

Regarding Iran, Trump said, “I again call on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, military, and police to lay down their arms. Accept immunity, and we will give you immunity. Otherwise, you face absolute guaranteed death. I don’t want to see that.”

“He also urged Iranian diplomats worldwide to seek asylum and help us shape a new, better Iran. It’s a country with huge potential, alongside us.”

“Iran’s missiles target these countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and many others. Those who are not directly involved are targeted by their missiles long before the conflict started. They aimed at the entire Middle East. Then we came. We destroyed their party.”

The expansion of the Middle East conflict and supply disruptions have raised concerns over global supplies. U.S. benchmark crude (WTI) rose above $80 per barrel for the first time in over a year. U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Bernhardt, said the Biden administration is considering options to address soaring oil and gasoline prices during the Iran war, “all options are under consideration.” So far, the U.S. has not taken measures to deploy strategic petroleum reserves.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth said, “We are not short of ammunition. Our stockpiles of defensive and offensive weapons allow us to sustain this campaign as needed. Ammunition levels will only increase with advantage,” adding, “The combat power we can project over Iran, combined with Israel’s capabilities, is now several times greater.”

Joint Chiefs of Staff Commander, Admiral Cooper, said over 50,000 troops are executing the Epic Fury mission. In the past hour, B-2 bombers dropped dozens of 2,000-pound penetrating bombs targeting buried ballistic missile launchers, weakening Iran’s threat to Americans.

He responded to questions, saying Iran’s missile attacks have decreased by 90% compared to day one, drone attacks by 83%. About 30 ships have been sunk or destroyed. Recently, a drone carrier about the size of a WWII aircraft carrier was hit and is now on fire. The next phase involves systematically dismantling Iran’s future missile production capacity.

He also said he is adjusting Ukraine deployments to respond to Iran’s drones.

Regarding reports of F-15 being shot down, he said they are false; Iran claims 500 Americans killed, which is a lie.

Using $10,000 worth of weapons to shoot down $100,000 drones.

As for LOCUS drones, he said new capabilities have been deployed for interceptors. Over time, the cost curve for drones has been somewhat reversed. A few years ago, it was common to hear that a $2 million missile could shoot down a $50,000 drone. Now, it takes a $10,000 weapon to shoot down a $100,000 drone.

But LOCUS drones are indispensable. Originally designed by Iran, the U.S. has seized them, disassembled internal parts, sent them back to America, labeled them “Made in the USA,” and is now launching them back at Iran.

$1 or less: Thursday news====

White House: Complete control of Iran’s airspace in the coming hours; Spain agrees to cooperate with U.S. military

On the sixth day of U.S. bombing Iran, White House Press Secretary Leavitt said that so far, over 20 Iranian vessels have been destroyed, including the top submarine using torpedoes fired for the first time since World War II last night. Currently, no Iranian vessels are operating in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, or Oman Gulf.

Leavitt stated that the U.S. military has targeted over 2,000 targets, destroying hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers, and drones, and expects to fully and thoroughly control Iran’s airspace within hours.

When asked who is giving orders in Iran, Leavitt said intelligence agencies are closely monitoring and paying attention to this.

Spain, which initially refused to allow U.S. bases, agreed to cooperate after pressure from Trump to cut trade.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Leavitt said the U.S. Navy will begin escorting oil tankers through the strait at the “appropriate” time.

On increasing ammunition stocks, Leavitt said she has not heard the President considering this.

$1 or less: March 4 news====

Hamaney’s son reportedly elected as new supreme leader; IRGC: Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz

Senior cleric responsible for electing Iran’s next supreme leader held a meeting on Tuesday (March 3). Iranian media cited sources indicating that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is likely elected as the new supreme leader. Mojtaba, 56, is the second son of Khamenei and currently commands Iran’s Basij militia.

As Iran’s war enters its fifth day, it has become a contest over the Strait of Hormuz between the U.S. and Iran. Trump posted on Truth Social: “Effective immediately, I have ordered the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide very reasonable prices for financial security and political risk insurance for all maritime trade, especially energy, passing through the Gulf region. This service will be available to all shipping companies.”

“If necessary, the U.S. Navy will begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. In any case, the U.S. will ensure the free flow of energy exports worldwide. The U.S. military and economic strength are the strongest on Earth—more actions are coming.”

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement: “The IRGC Navy has sent a message to the global shipping network, clearly stating that the Strait of Hormuz is now in a state of war from start to finish, and ships may face any damage risks from missiles or uncontrolled drones; therefore, ships should not transit in this area.”

“Given the multiple warnings issued by the IRGC Navy that the Strait of Hormuz is unsafe, more than 10 ships ignoring these warnings have been hit by projectiles and caught fire.”

“As is evident, Iran has always pursued a policy of de-escalation, striving to create safety and stability in the Persian Gulf, region, and globally. However, the foolish actions of Trump and Netanyahu have triggered this war, causing regional turmoil and disrupting the global economic order.”

“Currently, the entire Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic Navy.”

“It is worth noting that this important and strategic action by Iran has caused a sharp rise in global oil prices, impacting economies worldwide—especially the U.S. and EU member states. Energy experts warn that if this situation persists for three weeks, the global economy could face a severe crisis.”

$1 or less: Tuesday news====

Trump: Four main objectives in striking Iran; U.S. Defense: Tens of thousands of shells fired in two days, including from U.S. launched penetrating bombs

U.S. President Trump and the Department of Defense held two press conferences overnight. Trump pointed out that after the recent destruction of Iran’s nuclear program through Operation Midnight Hammer, he warned Iran not to attempt reconstruction at different locations, but they ignored those warnings and refused to cease pursuit of nuclear weapons. Moreover, Iran’s conventional missile program is rapidly developing, posing a clear and significant threat to the U.S. and overseas troops. Iran already possesses missiles capable of striking Europe.

Trump’s clear goals: First, destroy Iran’s missile capability—constant strikes expected, and their missile production is quite good. Second, eliminate their navy—10 ships sunk so far. Third, ensure that the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism will never acquire nuclear weapons—never. Fourth, prevent the regime from arming, funding, and commanding its terrorist forces abroad.

Regarding the duration of the conflict, Trump said, “It has far exceeded our initial expectations, but it doesn’t matter how long it takes. Whatever is needed, we will do it.” “From the start, we expected to dismantle their military leadership within four to five weeks, but it was done in about an hour. So, we are far ahead of schedule.”

“Some say the President wants to finish quickly, that it’s too long and boring. I’m not bored. There’s nothing boring about this. If I were bored, I wouldn’t be standing here now, I guarantee you, after experiencing everything I have.”

U.S. Department of Defense: Action led by Admiral Cooper

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Cain attended the briefing.

Cain said that on Saturday, February 28, at 01:15 EST (09:45 Tehran time), under the orders of the President, the U.S. Central Command, commanded by Admiral Brad Cooper, began executing “Operation Epic Fury.”

“All branches of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and reserve units have coordinated on an unprecedented scale with Israeli forces.”

Thousands of personnel, hundreds of advanced fighters, two carrier strike groups, and ongoing ammunition and fuel supplies are supported by command, control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance networks, with troop movements still continuing today.

The USS Ford strike group has redeployed across the Atlantic to establish the theater, integrating reserve and National Guard units, including the Wisconsin Army National Guard in Kuwait and Iraq, and Air National Guard units from Vermont and Virginia. The Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing, originally mobilized for “Absolute Resolve,” was assigned to support this operation with F-35 fighters, not returning home but preparing for deployment. Similarly, Air National