Trump Declares War on Iran and Targets Nuclear Sites

President Donald Trump formally notified Congress that the United States is back at war with Iran, triggering a 60-day window for military action. This declaration follows five consecutive days of U.S. Central Command strikes against Iranian military infrastructure and the reimposition of a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz after a temporary ceasefire collapsed. Trump announced plans to target Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified site used for covert nuclear work, and warned of intensified strikes on power plants and bridges.

U.S. officials are considering further escalations, including the seizure of Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub, and the occupation of strategic territories. While Trump claims Iran wants to compromise and predicts the regime will be defeated "very soon," Vice President JD Vance has ruled out deploying 150,000 ground troops for regime change, emphasizing that the conflict cannot be won by military means alone.

Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz a "non-negotiable red line" and claimed responsibility for strikes on U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Jordan. Iranian officials warned that attacks on their infrastructure would trigger superior responses across the Gulf region and suggested using Houthi allies to shut the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, potentially driving global oil prices up to $200 per barrel. Trump dismissed these economic concerns, suggesting crude prices could eventually drop to $55 per barrel.