White House Press Secretary Leavitt has announced that Iran will be a featured topic in Trump's speech scheduled for tonight. The announcement was made by Leavitt without additional details regarding the specific nature or scope of the Iran-related remarks to be delivered.

Key Announcement

No further information was provided regarding the broader agenda or additional topics to be addressed in the speech.

The White House confirmed that Iran continues to engage the United States in talks and wants to make a deal, even as U.S. forces launched a second wave of strikes against Iranian military targets. The development lifted oil prices amid fears of further disruption in the Middle East. The escalation follows President Donald Trump's warning that military action would intensify if Tehran refused to engage in talks, with Brent crude rising above $85 per barrel as markets reacted to the renewed conflict.

Diplomatic Developments

Trump stated in an interview with Fox Business, "We received a call just as I was coming here that they want to meet," adding that Iran's military capabilities had been significantly weakened. The White House subsequently confirmed that Iran continues to engage the U.S. in talks and wants to make a deal. Despite the diplomatic signals, Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf maintained a defiant stance, stating Iran had never sought war but remained prepared for battle while supporting diplomacy.

Military Escalation and Targets

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it had launched a second round of strikes against Iranian military targets within 12 hours. The operation targeted military assets used to threaten commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, specifically coastal defense systems and cruise missile infrastructure on Greater Tunb Island. This latest wave followed an earlier round of strikes. Trump confirmed that strikes would persist until he deemed it "enough" and noted that a ground campaign had not been ruled out. CENTCOM also confirmed that a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains in effect.

Market Reaction and Oil Prices

Financial markets reflected the heightened geopolitical tension. U.S. stock futures were mixed, while oil prices climbed on supply disruption concerns. Asian markets declined sharply in response to the escalating conflict.

Sanctions and Policy Shifts

The U.S. Treasury announced new sanctions targeting an international network accused of procuring weapons for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps following attacks on commercial vessels. On the question of transit fees, Trump confirmed he has abandoned an earlier proposal for a 20% fee on vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he suggested that Gulf state allies could make "record" investments in the U.S. as an alternative arrangement, clarifying that any payments discussed were intended as reimbursement for U.S. efforts to secure the strategic shipping route rather than a transit fee.