Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) defended President Donald Trump’s assertion that the US military mission in Iran is accomplished, stating the initial objective to degrade Iranian military capacity has been met.

Cruz told NBC’s "Meet the Press" on Sunday that the answer is "unequivocally a yes." He claimed the US has almost entirely destroyed Iran’s drone and ballistic missile supply, with its air force in rubble and navy sunk.

Military Assessment Divergence

Independent assessments offer a more qualified view. The Associated Press reported that while US strikes significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities, the broader conflict remains unresolved. The Iranian regime remains in power, and the Strait of Hormuz is still a major flashpoint.

Fresh strikes highlighted continuing risks on Sunday when US forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island near the strait. This marked their first military action in about a month. Iran later said it launched missiles at US sites in Jordan.

Cruz acknowledged combat has largely ceased but noted occasional skirmishes. He identified the major operation now as the blockade, estimating Iran faces $500 million a day of economic cost from it, though he did not identify the source of that figure.

Economic Warfare Escalates

The Trump administration has shifted toward economic warfare. Treasury launched Operation Economic Outcast on Aug. 24, targeting nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, individuals and vessels. Facilitators face exclusion from the US financial system.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington expects new secondary sanctions every week as it tries to isolate Tehran financially. Cruz stated this distinction makes Trump’s claim defensible regarding military objectives.

What the Numbers Show

The divergence between declared military success and ongoing economic pressure highlights a strategic shift. While Cruz cites the destruction of specific military assets (air force, navy) as proof of mission completion, the Treasury’s launch of Operation Economic Outcast targeting 60 entities indicates the conflict has transitioned from kinetic strikes to sustained financial isolation. The $500 million daily cost estimate underscores the reliance on sanctions as the primary lever for further regime pressure.

Shipping Disruptions Persist

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the conflict. Before the war, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil moved through the waterway, Reuters reported. Shipping remains heavily disrupted despite recent US mine-clearing operations.

President Donald Trump claimed his administration's tariffs have revived the US auto industry, citing improved profitability at Ford Motor Co (NYSE: F) as evidence of the policy's success.

Revival of Auto Manufacturing

In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump stated that before his tariff announcement, Ford had planned to shut down a Detroit plant. He asserted that the plant is now running 24/7 and is one of the most profitable car plants worldwide. Trump attributed this turnaround to his leadership, noting that political polling influenced the company's decision to keep the facility open initially.

Trump extended these claims to other manufacturers, including General Motors Co (NYSE: GM), though he provided no specific details on their performance. He declared, "I’ve revived, and indeed saved, the Automobile Business in our America."

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supported this narrative, stating that tariffs have brought back auto manufacturing jobs in the US. He highlighted investments by Ford and Toyota Motor Corp (NYSE: TM) as proof of the administration's impact.

Trade Tensions with Canada

Trump delivered sharp criticism of Canada, calling it "one of the worst abusers" of trade. He stated he does not want Canadian cars, parts, or any other goods, accusing the country of "ripping us off for decades." He criticized the Mark Carney-led government, saying Canada wants to be treated like a state without being one.

The President threatened to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, which prompted reciprocal tariffs from Canada. He compared the situation to his stance on Iran, arguing that action against Canada should have happened long ago.

Disputes Over Trade Talks

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Canadian government was offered the best deal in the world. He clarified that talks on medium- and heavy-duty truck tariffs were separate from the Section 232 tariffs under consideration for relief.

Lutnick accused Carney of walking away from negotiations for political reasons ahead of upcoming elections in Canada. He disputed Canadian officials' claims regarding French-language issues and maintained that medium- and heavy-duty trucks were not part of the negotiations until the final hours, a claim contested by Canada's chief negotiator.