Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, arguing that the military campaign lacks a clear objective and has increased economic pressure on American families. Schumer stated that the administration entered the war without a plan to end it, putting U.S. troops at risk as the campaign enters day 136.

Schumer Slams Trump’s Strategy

Schumer took to X to accuse Trump of failing to develop a strategy for ending the conflict. He stated that the administration had no plan and no exit strategy on the first day of the war and that the situation remains unchanged. The Democratic leader also criticized Trump for ignoring bipartisan legislation passed by Congress aimed at ending U.S. involvement.

"Our service members are in harm’s way. Working families are forking over a fortune for gas and groceries," Schumer wrote.

Democrats Cite Rising Costs

Sen. Adam Schiff said the conflict has added billions in costs for Americans, including an estimated $56 billion increase in gas spending. He argued that Trump has failed to bring the war to an end despite the financial burden on citizens.

Sen. Tim Kaine criticized any potential expansion near the Strait of Hormuz, calling it reckless and warning of higher prices and further risks to U.S. troops. Sen. Chris Murphy said previous administrations avoided war with Iran because of the potential for chaos and economic damage, accusing Trump of ignoring those consequences.

Trump and Iran Clash

President Trump said U.S. strikes on Iran would continue, warning of further attacks if Tehran refused to negotiate. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Trump’s proposed 20% Strait of Hormuz cargo fee, arguing that Iran was the rightful guardian of the strategic waterway.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces launched a new wave of strikes against Iran at 6 A.M. ET, continuing operations designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The latest strikes mark a continued intensification of hostilities following President Donald Trump's formal notification to Congress that military operations resumed on July 7, 2026, after Iran violated a memorandum of understanding involving attacks on commercial vessels transiting the strait. Trump stated the military action was consistent with his responsibility to protect Americans and U.S. national security interests, initiating a fresh 60-day period under the War Powers Act for continued operations without additional congressional authorization. A blockade remains scheduled to be effective at 4 PM ET.

Military Operations and Incident Overview

CENTCOM had previously announced a third consecutive night of strikes beginning at approximately 4:45 P.M. ET, with the latest 6 A.M. ET wave representing a further escalation in the pace of operations. CENTCOM stated the operations aim to impose a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack commercial shipping and civilians in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump noted in his communication to Congress that he had previously ordered a ceasefire which was later extended while pursuing a diplomatic resolution, but accused Iran of violating the agreement, prompting the resumption of military action despite Congress previously passing a resolution urging the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities.

Reports from Iranian media detailed a widening pattern of explosions across southern Iran. The following table summarises the affected locations based on information from the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iran State Television, Mehr News Agency, and Tasnim News Agency:

Market Reaction

The escalation and confirmation of active airstrikes triggered immediate volatility in global financial markets. Dow futures fell 143.00 points, or 0.27%, to 52,621.00, while S&P 500 futures declined 11.00 points, or 0.15%, to 7,552.00. Nasdaq 100 futures slipped 7.25 points, or 0.02%, to 29,468.50. Asian markets also reflected the tension, with South Korea's KOSPI falling 0.99% to 6,739.81 and Japan's Nikkei 225 declining 0.70% to 66,774.82.

In commodities, WTI crude oil rose 2.21% to $79.87 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed 2.11% to $85.06 per barrel. Natural gas futures fell 0.28% to $2.889 per MMBtu. The U.S. dollar index stood at 101.245, down 0.03% on the day.