U.S. Admiral: The United States is undertaking the largest submarine construction program since World War II

¬ Foreign Media: The White House has ranked NATO members based on their contributions to NATO

¬ Iran will use diplomatic means to resolve U.S.-Iran tensions, provided it deems such action beneficial

¬ Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims intercepting two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz

+

Admiral Houston, Director of the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program, stated that the United States is currently building the largest submarine fleet since World War II, with annual construction tonnage surpassing levels seen during the Cold War peak.

Speaking at a conference hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Houston said: "What we are doing now is actually the largest submarine fleet expansion since the end of World War II. We are implementing a truly massive construction program. The tonnage we build each year exceeds that of the Cold War's peak."

Houston emphasized that the United States is currently accelerating construction under the Navy's nuclear propulsion program.

U.S. Energy Secretary Wright stated on April 15 that the number of new nuclear weapons being delivered to the military and the number of warhead modernization projects underway are both higher than at any time since the Cold War. He pointed out that the budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 plans to allocate a record $27.44 billion toward modernizing the U.S. nuclear arsenal.

+

According to foreign media citing three European diplomats and one Pentagon official, amid President Donald Trump’s threats to allies, the White House has compiled a "good and bad" ranking of NATO members based on their contributions to NATO.

The media reported: "The White House has drafted a list akin to 'good and bad' NATO members because the Trump administration is seeking to penalize allies that refuse to support a war against Iran."

According to foreign sources, this list was developed prior to recent visits by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Washington. The document categorizes NATO members according to their level of contribution to NATO operations.

Trump claimed on April 1 that, following NATO’s refusal to assist Washington in taking action against Iran, he is seriously considering withdrawing from NATO. He described allies’ responses to related requests as an indelible stain and stressed that the U.S. does not need help from NATO countries, which—according to him—are doing everything they can to avoid providing assistance.

+

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bagae stated that Iran will pursue diplomatic means to end its conflict with the United States, provided it believes such diplomacy serves national interests.

Previously, U.S. President Trump, at the request of Pakistani leadership, announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, delaying the resumption of attacks until Iran submits a comprehensive conflict resolution plan.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry cited Bagae’s remarks stating: "Diplomacy is a means to ensure national interests and security. As long as we see a reasonable basis for using this method to safeguard our national interests, we will adopt it."

Bagae also thanked Pakistan for its mediation efforts toward the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. In commenting on the ceasefire proposal, Bagae noted that Iran is closely monitoring developments in regional and political spheres and that the Iranian military will respond firmly to any threats.

+

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' naval forces stated that they intercepted two vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without authorization.

Citing a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, Tasnim News Agency reported: "The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy intercepted the vessel 'MSC Francesca,' linked to the Israeli regime, and another vessel named 'Epaminodes,' escorting both back to shore. Neither vessel had proper authorization and posed a threat to maritime safety."

The Iranian military stated regarding the incident: "Disturbing the order and security of the Strait of Hormuz is Iran's red line."

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1863196693829899/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone