- Jul 27
Trump pauses Iran strikes for talks as Pakistan warns of ground offensive
After 13 days of US airstrikes, President Trump ordered a pause on Friday 24 July to allow diplomacy over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran denies any talks are under way, while Pakistan's intelligence service sees a growing likelihood of a limited US ground offensive.
- Jul 26
US CENTCOM chief urged halt to Strait of Hormuz bombing, prompting Trump pause
Admiral Brad Cooper argued the two-week campaign had exhausted its targets and limited Iran’s ability to attack ships. Trump stopped strikes on Friday.
- Jul 26
Trump says he will declare Strait of Hormuz US territory as Iran rejects the claim
President Donald Trump told a rally in Garden City, New York, that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, prompting Iran's deputy foreign minister to insist the waterway 'will remain Iranian.' The 60-day memorandum of understanding expires on Monday 17 August.
- Jul 22
Pentagon puts Iran war cost at $37.5 billion, seeks up to $95 billion more as Senate Democrats push back
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told the Senate Budget Committee the conflict has cost $37.5 billion since February, with 17 US troops killed in July alone, as the White House pushes a $95 billion package that includes military, agriculture and election-law spending.
- Jul 22
Pentagon puts Iran war cost at $37.7 billion, seeks $68 billion more as Hegseth clashes with Senate
The Pentagon has spent $37.7 billion on the four-month-old conflict with Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed to senators, as the administration asked for $68 billion in fresh funding and faced sharp questions over war aims and foreign support for Tehran.
- Jul 22
Hegseth tells Congress Iran war has cost $37.5 billion, Trump threatens to strike underground nuclear site
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed a $37.5 billion price tag for the Iran war and requested $67 billion in emergency funds, while President Trump threatened to strike an underground nuclear site.
- Jul 21
US launches new wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Hormuz attack capabilities for the tenth consecutive day
American forces began a new round of strikes on Iranian military command centres, naval infrastructure, missile sites and air defences at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, CENTCOM announced, aiming to degrade Tehran's ability to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
