The U.S. is waiting for Iran to respond to its 15‑point plan to end the war, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed confidence after attending a G‑7 foreign ministers meeting that the conflict could be over soon.
Rubio said Iran “was already weak. When we are done with them over the next couple of weeks, they will be weaker than they’ve been in recent history, and they will not be able to hide behind those weapons to break out and get a nuclear weapon,” adding that such an outcome would be “crazy.”
Pentagon figures and strikes
– CBS News reported the U.S. has used more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles since the war began — roughly nine times the number the Pentagon buys each year on average — raising production questions. Sources told CBS the maximum production capacity could be about 2,300 a year, though current annual production has been closer to 230.
– The Pentagon reported 303 U.S. service members injured in operations, with 273 returned to active duty and 10 remaining seriously wounded. About a week earlier, at least 13 U.S. service members had been reported killed in attacks on bases in the region.
Negotiations and deadlines
– U.S. and Iran remain at odds in messaging: President Trump said Iran is “begging” to make a deal, while Iranian officials argued the U.S. is negotiating with itself and not offering reasonable terms.
– The administration tied a deadline extension to Iran allowing ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Iran let 10 ships through, and he granted another extension on his deadline to abandon all nuclear operations; the White House and Iran have continued a back‑and‑forth over deadlines and concessions.
Regional impact
– In the Gulf, UAE officials accused Iran of targeting civilian areas. An intercepted Iranian missile caused debris that reportedly killed two people and injured others in the UAE.
– The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passage, has become congested; reports said roughly 20,000 seafarers remain trapped aboard vessels there with dwindling resources amid fears of transit.
Status
– While Rubio predicted a near‑term end to U.S. operations in Iran, analysts and officials described the situation as stalemated: intense military action continues even as diplomats talk, and major operational, production and casualty issues remain as the U.S. weighs further steps and Iran assesses offers.