xUS conducts 13th night of strikes on Iran as new import tariffs take effect
The x United States conducted its 13th consecutive night of airstrikes in Iran as new double-digit import tariffs on dozens of countries took effect today. President Donald Trump is scheduled to address a rescheduled White House Correspondents Dinner tonight at the Waldorf Astoria under heavily increased security.
The Pentagon estimates that military operations in Iran have cost the United States $37.5 billion so far. Simultaneously, new import taxes ranging from 10% to 12.5% went into effect at 12:01 a.m. today for nearly 60 countries, including the European Union. These developments follow a recent Supreme Court ruling and the expiration of a previous 10% global tariff policy.
U.S. Central Command confirmed that last night marked the 13th consecutive night of airstrikes. The recent operations targeted Iranian military sites including a Revolutionary Guard naval base and drone facilities located on Keshem Island. Strikes were also reported throughout several provinces across Iran.
Iran has responded by targeting military facilities linked to the United States in Jordan and Kuwait. Local reports indicated that explosions occurred near a U.S. military base in Erbil, located in northern Iraq. Amid the conflict, a mandatory stop on all boating was implemented today in Doha, Qatar, where regional mediators continue to advocate for a ceasefire.
President Trump spoke on Thursday regarding the current capabilities of Iranian forces. “Everyone is gone,” Trump said. “They have no radar. They've no anti aircraft. They know nothing other than they're mean and they're smart and they still have some capability. But four months ago, trust me, they were much, much stronger.”
The ongoing conflict has impacted global markets, causing oil prices to surge above $100 a barrel before pulling back today. Iran-backed Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and have threatened to block shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. These actions have caused shipping insurance costs to increase significantly. Trump suggested that Iranian funds frozen by the United States could be used to pay for damages to commercial vessels.
In Washington, lawmakers remain divided over the president's authority to conduct military operations. A war powers resolution passed the House on Thursday largely along party lines, though four Republicans joined Democrats in support of the measure. A joint war powers resolution, which would have carried the force of law, failed to pass in the Senate.
Beyond the military engagement, the administration's new trade policy includes a 50% tariff on billions of dollars worth of Canadian imports. The tax applies to items ranging from maple syrup to hockey sticks. This specific measure is scheduled to take effect in less than one month.
Sen. Welch, a U.S. Senator from Vermont, expressed concern regarding the potential impact on border commerce. “We had very, very close relations with our Canadian neighbors,” Welch said. “They're neighbors. Their friends. We've had commerce back and forth, the tourism industry, skiing, but a lot of manufacturing.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the country is prepared to respond with retaliatory measures if the tariffs are implemented.
Security has been heavily increased for tonight's Correspondents Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria. Former FBI Agent Dennis Franks said the enhanced protocols are a necessary response to previous security breaches. “It is necessary and I think it's already ramped up probably threefold just based on what's there already,” Franks said. He noted that the event will feature a single access entrance, magnetometers and a requirement for attendees to present a unique electronic QR code along with a government ID.
The Waldorf Astoria venue was selected after the original event in April was disrupted by a gunman. Investigators identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Allen, who allegedly traveled from California and checked into the hotel one day before the shooting. Allen now faces charges including the attempted assassination of the president. Franks noted that during the April incident, the suspect was stopped approximately 120 yards from the stage.
The Secret Service is currently managing an unprecedented volume of threats. The agency's director reported that more than 10,000 investigations have been opened this year involving threats against protected people and locations. Franks attributed the increase to a “proliferation of grievances” in society and noted that the agency has become more proactive in interviewing individuals who post threats online.
Tonight's festivities will also recognize the staff of the Washington Hilton for their actions during the April security breach. Employees were lauded for helping guests evacuate safely during the police response. Following the cancellation of the original dinner, the hotel staff reportedly donated the prepared meals to a local food shelter.
President Trump is slated to deliver a speech at the Waldorf Astoria shortly before 9 p.m. Eastern time tonight. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the president has invited him to visit the White House next Tuesday.