Frustrated Trump more seriously thinking of restarting combat operations in Iran, sources say

Key Points:

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will accompany President Trump on his upcoming China trip, where Iran tensions and ceasefire talks are key agenda items amid ongoing uncertainty about the conflict.
• Iran’s ambassador to China emphasized Beijing’s potential role as a mediator between the US and Iran, while rejecting the use of mediation as leverage against Tehran; Iranian officials are seeking to reshape diplomatic ties post-conflict.
• The US has blacklisted individuals linked to Iranian oil sales to China and estimates the Iran war’s cost at $29 billion, higher than previous Pentagon figures; Trump remains confident Iran will halt uranium enrichment despite stalled negotiations.
• Kuwait arrested four alleged Iranian IRGC operatives attempting to infiltrate the country for hostile acts, marking a significant escalation, while Iranian strikes have severely impacted UAE’s gas production and regional energy security.
• The Strait of Hormuz blockade continues to disrupt global oil markets, causing price spikes and economic strain, with Saudi Aramco warning normalcy may not return until 2027; the US has released oil reserves to stabilize markets as Trump considers resuming major combat operations.