President Trump signals Iran is not yet ready for a ceasefire as the administration continues a 13-night aerial onslaught.
The administration announced that the U.S. military has completed another wave of strikes against Iran, marking the 13th consecutive night of military action. President Trump stated that Iran is not yet ready to negotiate a new ceasefire, noting that the country "needs more of the same" following the recent escalation. While the New York Times reported that Iran rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal presented by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, Tehran characterized the report as misleading, citing a desire for a deal that addresses the control of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has caused global oil prices to surge, with Brent crude settling above $100 per barrel for the first time in two months. Meanwhile, the administration faces internal pressure regarding dwindling stockpiles of advanced air-defense interceptors and precision-guided weapons. Military officials warned that the rapid expenditure of munitions in the Middle East may impact U.S. readiness for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific. Despite these logistical concerns, the administration maintains that the military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect national interests.