Iran says renewed conflict with US "possible" after Trump rejects latest peace proposal

Key Points:

• The US Pentagon announced a planned withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year, reducing troop levels by nearly 15%, a move described by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as "anticipated" and part of Europe taking greater responsibility for its own security.
• The troop reduction follows tensions between the US and Germany amid the ongoing Iran conflict, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticizing US handling of peace talks and President Trump threatening further troop cuts in Europe, including Italy and Spain.
• Iran has declared a firm stance on controlling the Strait of Hormuz despite US demands for freedom of navigation, with Iranian military officials warning of possible renewed conflict and the US Treasury issuing sanctions warnings to shipping companies paying tolls in the region.
• The Iran conflict has caused a severe disruption in oil and gas flows through the Gulf, leading to a dramatic drop in tanker traffic through Hormuz and contributing to rising global inflation and economic hardship, including increased fuel prices impacting consumers worldwide.
• Public opinion in the US is divided on military action against Iran, with a majority viewing the war as a mistake and mixed views on whether to pursue a peace deal or continue military pressure; meanwhile, Iranian human rights activist and Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi has been hospitalized amid deteriorating health conditions.