❗ Trump is considering operations beyond the current Hormuz campaign: He told Fox News that operations would expand next week and that Iran would be defeated “very soon.” Following senior briefings and a Tuesday Situation Room meeting held as the blockade took effect, he reportedly appeared open to wider strikes to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait and accept U.S. nuclear demands, although no final decision has been made. Participants reportedly included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and envoy Steve Witkoff.
🏝️ Options include intensified airstrikes, energy targets and the seizure of Iranian islands: U.S. officials told Reuters and The Wall Street Journal that current attacks are intended to clear the strait and degrade Iranian capabilities “in preparation for potential complex operations.” One proposal would use U.S. forces to capture Kharg Island, Iran’s principal oil-export hub, but reports say Trump remains hesitant to commit ground troops.
⛰️ Pickaxe Mountain is also under review: The nuclear-linked tunnel complex, which has not yet been targeted, is reportedly buried 300 to 475 feet inside granite, potentially beyond the reach of existing U.S. bunker-buster bombs. Trump warned that power stations and bridges could be struck if Iran does not enter negotiations, while also saying Tehran “wants to settle so badly” and that the United States would determine whether to reach an agreement or “finish it off.”
💰 U.S. estimates of the campaign’s cost vary sharply: The Pentagon has publicly placed the cost at approximately $30 billion, while internal assessments cited by NBC News range from $80 billion to $100 billion.
🚫 The Treasury sanctioned an IRGC weapons-procurement network: OFAC designated seven individuals and entities accused of using foreign aviation companies, financial intermediaries and travel coordinators to conceal the movement of illicit materials and personnel. The action followed Iranian attacks on commercial shipping and was imposed under Executive Order 13382, which targets WMD proliferators and supporters. It builds on May 8 and June 10 sanctions involving IRGC and Center for Innovation and Technology Cooperation procurement, including man-portable air-defense systems, under the policy of denying the IRGC supporting resources.
📨 The U.S. vice president alleged an Israel-linked campaign sought to derail Iran negotiations: Speaking with Joe Rogan, he claimed that elements within the Israeli government financed a discreet, well-funded effort involving social-media attacks and leaks against him, citing a Time report and funding routed through a former Trump campaign figure. He said the campaign sought to prolong military action and undermine a settlement aimed at preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon and protecting energy flows, while stressing that foreign governments may advocate their interests but American leaders must not allow such influence to determine their judgment. He rejected accusations that Qatar, other governments or media figures controlled his position and said he would represent “Americans first.”
🧾 An Iranian official separately accused U.S: envoys of exploiting negotiation information. Tehran was said to have sent Vice President Vance a private message alleging that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff used insider knowledge for financial gain and leaked sensitive details. The Trump administration denied receiving the message and dismissed the claims as false.
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