Trump’s Pressure Campaign Has Iran Reeling. America Can’t Hesitate Now
US Central Command struck three Iranian tankers on September 5 and, after the IRGC targeted a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles, said it destroyed five more tankers. The strikes are part of Operation Epic Fury, alongside a naval blockade and sanctions, which the article says has crippled Iran’s ability to harm the United States and its allies. Iranian officials claim the regime is confident and considering escalation.
Why it matters: This bears on the briefing theme of sanctions, showing that Washington is pairing economic restrictions with military strikes to degrade Iran's position.