Iran's missile campaign is putting growing pressure on US military operations across West Asia, while Washington weighs its next move and President Donald Trump turns increasingly toward economic pressure and sanctions.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has become a central focus of the conflict, with questions emerging over resupply, deployment pressures and the ability of US forces to sustain extended operations in the region.

The conflict has also placed major pressure on American logistics infrastructure. Following attacks on key regional facilities, US forces have reportedly had to rely on alternative supply routes, including facilities farther from the Gulf.

Iranian missile attacks have forced US commanders to protect military bases, naval vessels and logistics hubs across the region, while American warships continue moving through strategically important waters.

Iran Missiles Pressure US War Machine As Trump Weighs Exit, Sanctions And Hormuz Crisis Deepen

Tensions between Iran and the United States have taken another sharp turn after U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks about the Strait of Hormuz.

Senior Iranian parliament member Ibrahim Azizi mocked Trump over his comments, warning the U.S. president to focus on his own security and referring to Trump's reported secret plane switch in Ankara as he travelled after the NATO summit.

Trump had confirmed that he switched aircraft in Ankara in July after the U.S. Secret Service and military advised him to do so because of what officials described as an imminent threat from Iran.

The controversy intensified after Trump said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of the United States. Iran strongly rejected the claim, with its foreign ministry insisting that the strategic waterway is Iranian and will remain under Iranian control.

Iran also said that decisions over the opening or closure of the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Tehran's authority.

Trump's Strait of Hormuz Claim Sparks Iran Fury | Iranian Lawmaker Mocks Trump Over Secret Plane Switch

The Strait of Hormuz crisis is emerging as one of the biggest challenges for global energy security, with Iran claiming it now holds the upper hand over the vital waterway.

Iranian officials say Washington may have to accept Tehran’s terms for managing maritime traffic through the strait. The development comes after months of disruption and growing tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel.

The Strait of Hormuz has historically carried roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day, representing around a fifth of global oil consumption. Any prolonged disruption could therefore have major consequences for energy markets, shipping and the global economy.

At the same time, Gulf countries are exploring alternative routes. Saudi Arabia is considering expanding its east-west pipeline toward Yanbu on the Red Sea, while Kuwait is discussing expanded pipeline connections through Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The UAE already operates the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, allowing crude to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraq is also examining alternative routes toward the Red Sea and Mediterranean, while Iran itself has developed infrastructure intended to reduce its dependence on Hormuz.

But experts warn that existing alternatives can absorb only a portion of the oil normally transported through the strait, while constructing major new pipelines could take years.

Iran Tightens Grip on Hormuz | Trump Faces Tough Choices as Gulf States Seek Alternative Oil Routes

The United States has carried out its eighth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, targeting IRGC military facilities, missile sites, coastal surveillance systems, and drone storage locations after two American service members were killed in an Iranian missile and drone attack in Jordan. The US Central Command says the strikes are aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities. Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a fresh warning to Washington, declaring that the US will face "unforgettable lessons" if the attacks continue. Senior Iranian military officials have also warned that Tehran is prepared to launch a full-scale offensive if American strikes persist.
As tensions rise across the Middle East, Iran has reportedly targeted US military assets in Kuwait and warned Gulf nations over continued US operations. The conflict has also resulted in dozens of casualties, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Watch the latest developments in the escalating US-Iran conflict, military strikes, regional reactions, and the growing crisis in West Asia.

 US launches eighth round of strikes on Iran after deadly Jordan attack | Middle East crisis | US-Iran

Iran has unveiled a new military strategy by deploying coordinated drone and ballistic missile swarm attacks designed to overwhelm advanced US-allied air defense systems across the Gulf. As the US-Iran conflict intensifies, Tehran has launched fresh retaliatory strikes targeting American military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, while the IRGC claims its precision attacks damaged key US military infrastructure. Meanwhile, the United States has expanded its air campaign, striking Iranian coastal defense systems, missile launch sites, and military facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has warned that Washington is prepared to intensify attacks, including targeting Iran's power plants and bridges, unless Tehran returns to the negotiating table. With both sides escalating military operations, concerns are growing that the conflict could widen into a broader regional war. Watch the full report for the latest updates, expert analysis, and key developments from the rapidly evolving US-Iran crisis.

Iran vs US escalation: Iran's new drone strategy overwhelms air defenses 

Top headlines:
1) Iran launches drone attacks targeting US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation for recent American strikes.
2) Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim ballistic missile strikes on a US airbase in Jordan following US attacks inside Iran.
3) US military releases official footage of its latest wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian command centers, missile sites, air defenses, drone infrastructure and coastal military facilities.
4) Israel confirms it will maintain military forces inside security zones across Lebanon, Syria and Gaza to counter regional threats.
5) Russia launches fresh ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv, killing civilians and injuring several others, including a child.
6) UK economy returns to growth in May despite continuing geopolitical uncertainty and elevated energy prices.

Watch the latest international news updates, geopolitical analysis and breaking headlines from around the world.

Iran strikes US bases | Russia bombards Kyiv | Israel holds security zones | UK economy grows 

United States President-elect Donald Trump's close ally Elon Musk allegedly held a meeting with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, just one day before the Republican appointed him as the head of the new US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

According to a report by The New York Times, two Iranian officials familiar with the matter said that Musk met with Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani on November 11. During the meeting, which lasted over an hour, the two leaders discussed ways to ease tensions between Iran and the US.

One of the officials said Musk had requested the meeting, while the ambassador selected the location. The Iranians called the meeting “positive” and “good news,” according to The New York Times.&nbsp;

When asked if this meeting happened, Steven Cheung, communications director for Trump, told NYT, “We do not comment on reports of private meetings that did or did not occur.”

Relations between the US and Iran during the previous Trump presidency were tense, to say the least. Trump, who previously served as the US president from 2017 to 2021, imposed new sanctions on Iran in 2018 after pulling out of a 2015 nuclear deal that had eased economic restrictions on Tehran in return for limits on its nuclear programme.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/so-humanity-can-grow-elon-musk-allegedly-offered-his-sperm-to-a-very-famous-politician-776412">'So humanity can grow,' Elon Musk allegedly offered his sperm to a very famous politician</a>

In another blow to Iran, Trump also ordered the drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian military official, in January 2020 in Iraq. In a speech in New York last September, Trump indicated openness to new nuclear negotiations. “We have to make a deal because the consequences are impossible. We have to make a deal,” the Republican had said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Important &amp; straightforward talks with DG <a href="https://twitter.com/rafaelmgrossi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelmgrossi</a> this morning. 
 
As a committed member of NPT we continue our full cooperation with the IAEA. Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue. We agreed to proceed with courage and good will. 
 
Iran has never… <a href="https://t.co/bwLLzrKzwE">pic.twitter.com/bwLLzrKzwE</a>
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/1856968838711067009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday, (Nov 14)&nbsp;Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, shared a post on X, stating, “As a committed member of NPT we continue our full cooperation with the IAEA. Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue. We agreed to proceed with courage and goodwill. &nbsp;Iran has never left the negotiation table on its peaceful nuclear program. The ball is in the EU/E3 court. Willing to negotiate based on our national interest &amp; our inalienable rights, but NOT ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation.”

Araghchi’s post followed a meeting he held with Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President-elect Donald Trump's close ally Elon Musk allegedly held a meeting with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, just one day before the Republican appointed him as the head of the new US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

United States President-elect Donald Trump's close ally Elon Musk allegedly held a meeting with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, just one day before the Republican appointed him as the head of the new US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to a report by The New York Times, two Iranian officials familiar with the matter said that Musk met with Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani on November 11. During the meeting, which lasted over an hour, the two leaders discussed ways to ease tensions between Iran and the US. One of the officials said Musk had requested the meeting, while the ambassador selected the location. The Iranians called the meeting “positive” and “good news,” according to The New York Times. When asked if this meeting happened, Steven Cheung, communications director for Trump, told NYT, “We do not comment on reports of private meetings that did or did not occur.” Relations between the US and Iran during the previous Trump presidency were tense, to say the least. Trump, who previously served as the US president from 2017 to 2021, imposed new sanctions on Iran in 2018 after pulling out of a 2015 nuclear deal that had eased economic restrictions on Tehran in return for limits on its nuclear programme. Also read: 'So humanity can grow,' Elon Musk allegedly offered his sperm to a very famous politician In another blow to Iran, Trump also ordered the drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian military official, in January 2020 in Iraq. In a speech in New York last September, Trump indicated openness to new nuclear negotiations. “We have to make a deal because the consequences are impossible. We have to make a deal,” the Republican had said. Important & straightforward talks with DG @rafaelmgrossi this morning. As a committed member of NPT we continue our full cooperation with the IAEA. Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue. We agreed to proceed with courage and good will. Iran has never… pic.twitter.com/bwLLzrKzwE — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) November 14, 2024 × On Thursday, (Nov 14) Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, shared a post on X, stating, “As a committed member of NPT we continue our full cooperation with the IAEA. Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue. We agreed to proceed with courage and goodwill. Iran has never left the negotiation table on its peaceful nuclear program. The ball is in the EU/E3 court. Willing to negotiate based on our national interest & our inalienable rights, but NOT ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation.” Araghchi’s post followed a meeting he held with Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). (With inputs from agencies)

'Good news,' Trump ally Elon Musk met with Iran’s UN ambassador, discussed ways to defuse tensions: Report

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi had vowed to take revenge against Trump over Soleimani's killing. Iran released an animated video of former US President Donald Trump being targeted by a drone on a golf course. The video was showcased on Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's offcial site.

Iran's mock video of drone strike on Donald Trump

He may be out of office, But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump </a>is certainly not out of troubles.

The cloak of protection afforded by the presidency is largely gone.

It has been just two days and his rivals seem to be lining up for a shot.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is insistent on Trump's impeachment trial with the proceedings beginning on December 25 in Senate.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-to-be-sent-to-senate-on-january-25-358667">Trump impeachment to be sent to Senate on January 25</a>

Attorneys in New York are investigating his business dealings and add that they will stop at nothing in pressing charges against private citizen Trump.

The district attorneys in Manhattan are reportedly investigating Trump's hush-money payout to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-account-linked-to-khameneis-website-clarifies-its-fake-and-not-his-358646">Twitter suspends account linked to Khamenei's website, clarifies it's fake and not his</a>

Several commercial banks, including Trump's biggest lender Deutsche Bank have indicated that they no longer want to do business with him.

In Georgia, prosecutors are planning to open a criminal investigation against the former president over his attempts to overturn the results of the presidential election in the state.

<h2>Threat to life</h2>

There seems to be a threat to his life as well from Iran.&nbsp;

Last year, Trump had said that the US has killed the "number one terrorist" in the world after Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike in Iraq.&nbsp;

Iran has not forgotten its revered general's assassination and wants to take revenge against now civilian Trump.&nbsp;

The official Twitter account of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted an image which showed a golfer, resembling Trump playing golf and a drone is hovering over him.&nbsp;

The caption said: "revenge is certain".&nbsp;

There has been no comment from Iran, but the threat cannot be downplayed.

This is not the first time that something similar to this has happened and two weeks back, the Chief Justice of Iran Ebrahim had warned, saying: "those who had a role in this assassination and crime will not be safe on earth".&nbsp;

"Do not presume that someone, as the president of America, who appeared as a murderer or ordered a murder, may be immune from justice being carried out," he had said.&nbsp;

Trump has extended secret service protection to his family as well, including his four adult children and two of their spouses.&nbsp;

Right before he left office, the former Republican president issued a directive to extend post-presidency secret service protection to his children.

Under the country's federal law, Trump, his wife Melania and their 14-year-old son Baron are the only people entitled to secret service protection.

But Trump wanted everybody covered, and given the threats from iran, the high-security makes sense.&nbsp;

He may be out of office, But Donald Trump is certainly not out of troubles. The cloak of protection afforded by the presidency is largely gone. It has been just two days and his rivals seem to be lining up for a shot.

He may be out of office, But Donald Trump is certainly not out of troubles. The cloak of protection afforded by the presidency is largely gone. It has been just two days and his rivals seem to be lining up for a shot. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is insistent on Trump's impeachment trial with the proceedings beginning on December 25 in Senate. Also read | Trump impeachment to be sent to Senate on January 25 Attorneys in New York are investigating his business dealings and add that they will stop at nothing in pressing charges against private citizen Trump. The district attorneys in Manhattan are reportedly investigating Trump's hush-money payout to porn star Stormy Daniels. Also read | Twitter suspends account linked to Khamenei's website, clarifies it's fake and not his Several commercial banks, including Trump's biggest lender Deutsche Bank have indicated that they no longer want to do business with him. In Georgia, prosecutors are planning to open a criminal investigation against the former president over his attempts to overturn the results of the presidential election in the state. Threat to life There seems to be a threat to his life as well from Iran. Last year, Trump had said that the US has killed the "number one terrorist" in the world after Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike in Iraq. Iran has not forgotten its revered general's assassination and wants to take revenge against now civilian Trump. The official Twitter account of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted an image which showed a golfer, resembling Trump playing golf and a drone is hovering over him. The caption said: "revenge is certain". There has been no comment from Iran, but the threat cannot be downplayed. This is not the first time that something similar to this has happened and two weeks back, the Chief Justice of Iran Ebrahim had warned, saying: "those who had a role in this assassination and crime will not be safe on earth". "Do not presume that someone, as the president of America, who appeared as a murderer or ordered a murder, may be immune from justice being carried out," he had said. Trump has extended secret service protection to his family as well, including his four adult children and two of their spouses. Right before he left office, the former Republican president issued a directive to extend post-presidency secret service protection to his children. Under the country's federal law, Trump, his wife Melania and their 14-year-old son Baron are the only people entitled to secret service protection. But Trump wanted everybody covered, and given the threats from iran, the high-security makes sense.

Donald Trump is out of office, but his troubles keep on piling up