The United States has destroyed nine Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating military operations significantly. President Donald Trump confirmed the expanded strike count and warned that "a lot more" action is expected.

Escalation Near Strait of Hormuz

Trump described the military action as direct retaliation for Iran's failed attempt to mine the strait and an attack on a US base in Jordan. He stated that all previously placed mines have been removed or detonated, leaving the waterway clear.

According to Axios, the US military struck around 100 targets on Tuesday. Officials noted that roughly 40 ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday under US military guidance. The strikes targeted Iranian government tankers parked north of the US naval blockade line.

i24NEWS reported that an American official confirmed the US is currently striking Iranian oil tankers.

On Wednesday, the Trump administration’s official Rapid Response handle on X shared a video of Trump speaking to the press in Dallas, Texas. "We’ve knocked out nine of their ships... Many of them are gone-zo," Trump said, reaffirming the count and hinting at further attacks.

Civilian Casualties and Iranian Response

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the strikes, alleging that an attack on a wedding celebration in Kuhestak killed or injured more than 50 people. However, the New York Times reported at least four deaths, including one child, and 53 injuries based on local officials and the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

Baqaei also referenced a previous strike on a girls' school in Minab that killed more than 150 civilians. He warned that Tehran would respond firmly to the attacks.

Refinery Capacity and Political Blame

Amid record-high gas prices, Energy Secretary Chris Wright slammed the former President Joe Biden administration for drawing down refineries in the US. "The bigger problem is refining capacity," Wright said. "Under the Biden administration, they closed over a dozen refineries" in America.

Wright also criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom. "Gavin Newsom has closed two more large ones in the last 12 months in California," Wright said. He stated that the US is expanding its refining capacity and predicted that gasoline prices will reduce in the coming weeks.

Earlier, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan had warned that US refineries were operating at 95% capacity during the summer, limiting room for additional crude imports. Trump had touted Venezuelan oil to offset high energy costs.

Iran War Context

Trump had earlier said that he expected the Iran war to end right after the midterm election, after the US and Iran exchanged missile strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed attacks on US vessels, while CENTCOM says Iranian attacks on US warships have failed to hit them.

Economist Peter Schiff called Trump’s promise to end the Iran war after the midterm election a lie, also questioning Trump’s claims about declining oil prices. Schiff had also warned against the declining US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), saying that oil prices could be impacted by the depleting reserve.

SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci argued that the United States’ two-party political system has failed to address voter concerns. He warned that continuing to shift power between Democrats and Republicans will deepen national problems.

Critique of Political Duopoly

In a post on X on Wednesday, Scaramucci stated that neither major party offers a lasting solution to political challenges. He described the situation as a result of the "Great Party Duopoly" and argued that swinging back and forth within this structure worsens outcomes.

Scaramucci specifically targeted the Republican Party, asserting it no longer exists as a party with no hope of restoration. He wrote, "Parties die. The GOP already has. It’s time for the funeral."

He also cautioned against assuming that returning Democrats to power would resolve broader issues. He noted that people are looking for something else beyond the current Democratic Party leadership.

Broader Dissent and Midterm Context

This criticism aligns with recent comments from other figures. In July, former Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the two-party system for dividing Americans while serving elite interests. She argued the system has left Americans burdened by roughly $40 trillion in debt, threatened Social Security and Medicare, and weakened the dollar.

Long-time Donald Trump supporter Tucker Carlson also signaled a break from the traditional structure. Carlson stated he would work to create a "new political party," arguing the U.S. has become a "one-party state."

Election Outlook

Despite these critiques, Trump used his Labor Day message on Monday to predict a significant Republican victory in the 2026 midterm elections. He accused the "Radical Left" of trying to destroy the country and claimed Democrats would make "one last shot at ruining America."

Trump stated Republicans would "win the Midterms, BIG, and SAVE AMERICA." He also signaled plans to campaign for Republican candidates ahead of the midterms.