Trump Declares Victory Over Iran Amid Rising Tensions in the White House

A month after launching military operations against Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly declared that he had “already won” the war, while simultaneously deploying thousands of additional troops to the Middle East. 

According to MS NOW, citing sources within the administration, such controversial rhetoric is causing irritation among allies and senior officials. Senior advisers describe the president’s behavior as a desire to shift the focus as quickly as possible to domestic issues and the upcoming election, as the conflict has become “a bit boring” to him.

There is a rift within the White House over how to communicate military operations, particularly regarding the use of a flippant tone and entertaining content in official reports on strikes. At the same time, officials admit they are afraid to openly disagree with the president’s course of action for fear of being fired, opting instead for a strategy of complete loyalty. While the administration tries to project confidence in a swift conclusion to the mission, the actual situation in the region requires an increased military presence, which intensifies internal conflicts within Trump’s team.

Meanwhile, Iran is urging civilians to stay away from U.S. bases.

Yemeni Houthis are ready to side with Iran — CNN.

Six islands in the Persian Gulf could change the course of the war — Axios.

For the first time since the war began, Russia and India are discussing LNG.

Germany’s Left Party was hit by a Russian cyberattack

Israel threatens to intensify strikes against Iran.

Video: The Philippines on the brink of protests over rising fuel prices.

France is holding its ground and does not want war in the Middle East — Al Jazeera.

Oil prices rise slightly after Trump’s pause on Iran — CNN.

High oil and gas prices: who stands to gain from a war in Iran.

Seven ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the last two days — TRT.