Donald Trump defends Iran strategy as tensions rise in the Gulf

President Donald Trump said he does not regret temporarily lifting the naval blockade on Iran and then responding with force after recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed he gave Iran “an opportunity” that it “shot first,” and announced plans for a new sanctions package in memory of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump also said a high‑profile press conference would address election‑integrity reforms.

Former U.S. diplomat Christopher Hill criticized Trump’s threats to bomb Iranian infrastructure such as bridges, power plants and desalination facilities, calling the approach “very problematic” and contrary to Geneva conventions. Hill warned that targeting essential civilian services would not resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported a missile and drone launch aimed at a U.S. logistics depot in Kuwait, heightening the risk of further escalation.