The timeline for war remains unclear as diplomacy stalls as the US military continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports, intercepting and redirecting ships.
Peace talks between the United States and Iran were called off in Pakistan this week, but all eyes are now on Israel and Lebanon as they prepare for a second round of talks in Washington later today.
Here’s what you need to know on Thursday.
Diplomacy stalemate: The deadline for Iran to submit a peace plan to the United States remains undetermined, with US President Donald Trump vowing on Wednesday that there is “no end date” to the conflict. President Trump extended the ceasefire after diplomatic efforts with Iran stalled, but rejected speculation that political considerations were influencing his approach. A spokesman for President Trump said Iran’s claims that it had seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz were not considered a violation of the ceasefire. U.S. blockade maintained: Late Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command announced that it had redirected 31 ships to return to port or turn around as part of the ongoing blockade against Iran. Most of the ships were oil tankers. Navy reorganization: And as the standoff at sea continues, Navy Secretary John Phelan has been forced out of his job, six people told CNN. This is effective “immediately,” according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. Strait of Hormuz timeline: Pentagon officials briefed lawmakers on an intelligence assessment that found it could take up to six months to fully clear the Strait of Hormuz after the end of the war with Iran, officials said. A Pentagon spokesperson said a six-month closure was “unacceptable.” Israel and Lebanon: Later today, Washington is scheduled to host a second round of talks between Israel and Lebanon in hopes of extending the fragile ceasefire. The meeting took place a day after Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, Lebanese authorities said. FAIL AGAIN: For the fifth time this year, the Senate rejected a bill aimed at limiting President Trump’s war powers by requiring Congressional approval for future military action in Iran. The measure failed to move forward with a vote of 46-51.
CNN’s Tori B. Powell, Charbel Maro, Clay Voytek, Elise Hammond and Morgan Rimmer contributed reporting.
