Iran War Update: Strait of Hormuz Shutdown Sends Gas Prices Soaring as Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution

In today’s White House Briefing Room update, Jon Decker breaks down the latest developments in the escalating U.S.–Iran conflict and its growing impact on global energy markets, American politics, and international security. The Pentagon reports significant progress in the U.S.-led military campaign, with Iran’s missile launches down 86% and drone attacks reduced by 73% in just four days. U.S. forces have sunk more than 20 Iranian vessels, and in a historic moment, a U.S. Navy submarine fired a torpedo in combat for the first time since World War II, sending an Iranian frigate to the bottom of the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz—responsible for roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply—remains effectively shut down, triggering a surge in U.S. gas prices and raising concerns about global energy stability. As the conflict expands across the region, the State Department is working to evacuate American citizens from Israel and several Middle Eastern countries. Back in Washington, the Senate rejected a War Powers Resolution that would have limited President Trump’s authority to continue military operations against Iran. The vote largely followed party lines, with Senator Rand Paul breaking with Republicans and Senator John Fetterman siding with the GOP. Also in this episode: A federal judge moves toward more than $100 billion in potential tariff refunds after the Supreme Court struck down the administration’s global tariffs. Tensions grow between the U.S. and European allies after Britain and Spain criticize the legality of the Iran strikes. And the Texas Senate primary heads to a runoff, with President Trump signaling he will soon issue a decisive endorsement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.