- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied claims that Iran possesses "kamikaze dolphins" capable of attacking U.S. forces, dismissing the notion as absurd during a Pentagon briefing.
- Hegseth announced "Project Freedom," a new U.S. operation to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing it is "separate and distinct" from the ongoing war against Iran and is defensive in nature.
- The operation will deploy 15,000 troops, over 100 aircraft, and guided-missile destroyers to ensure the free flow of commerce, with U.S. forces instructed not to enter Iranian airspace or territorial waters.
- This initiative follows the 60-day mark of the war against Iran, Operation Epic Fury, which triggers the War Powers Resolution, despite Trump's assertion that hostilities have "terminated" while the U.S. maintains an "ironclad blockade."
- Amid plummeting approval ratings for Trump's handling of the Iran war and the economy, particularly rising fuel prices, he has dismissed these concerns and stated he would repeat his actions if given the chance.
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