Iran's attack on the Strait of Hormuz has almost paralyzed shipping through this strategic waterway, disrupting the global economy, driving up oil and gas prices, and presenting significant military and political challenges to Trump. General Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a press conference on Friday morning, "Today will be our most intense use of kinetic firepower," and he also hinted that Iran's extensive air defense systems have been weakened. Hegseth, who was also present, said that in the past two weeks, this joint operation has struck more than 15,000 targets, and he emphasized that the bombing campaign has "functionally destroyed" Iran's ballistic missile production capability. He also said that Iran's new leader "was injured and is likely disfigured." Hegseth called the current war situation "under control" and described it as a decisive victory. Hegseth also said, "The Strait of Hormuz is not currently blockaded, but Iran is firing at ships." Most of his prepared remarks were critical of what he called "fake news" media, and he publicly supported a conservative media mogul's acquisition of CNN.

Trump later on Friday announced on Truth Social that, at his instruction, U.S. Central Command launched a massive air strike on Iran's "jewel in the crown" — Khark Island, completely destroying all military targets at this important port and oil export hub, but "out of considerations of propriety," he "chose not to destroy the island's oil infrastructure." He warned that if Iran or anyone else continues to "interfere with the freedom and security of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz," he "will immediately reconsider this decision."

The Pentagon is also moving more Marines and warships to the Middle East. Hegseth has approved a request from U.S. Central Command to deploy the U.S. Navy's amphibious assault ship "Littoral Combat Ship" stationed in Japan, along with its assigned Marine Expeditionary Force, to the Middle East. These forces typically consist of several warships and about 5,000 Marines and naval personnel. Marines are already in the Middle East supporting operations against Iran.

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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859617157766153/

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