France and Britain are leading planning to have warships escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which officials say is farther along than has been revealed publicly.
The authorities have made a wave of arrests to stop people posting footage of strikes, citing security risks. Experts also see a fear of damage to the countries’ image as safe havens.
President Trump pivoted after escalating threats. Israel also announced it had killed an Iranian commander leading efforts to block the Strait of Hormuz to almost all shipping traffic.
A jumble of emissaries — a friend, a family member, a dove and a hawk — on the Iran crisis reflects President Trump’s improvisational approach.
Republicans and Democrats alike have criticized the Trump administration’s moves, taken to stabilize oil markets rocked by the war with Iran, warning that it is benefiting two U.S. adversaries.
The 2,000 paratroopers heading to the region may give President Trump more leverage in negotiations, but they also leave him with the option of doubling down on military force.
The Trump administration said the Middle East would “recede” in importance as the China challenge took priority. But the president started the war in Iran.
The order gives President Trump more military options as he considers diplomacy with Iran. It is unclear where the soldiers will go in the Middle East.
Some airlines and travelers, especially in the Middle East and elsewhere in Asia, are bearing the brunt of the pain, while others are doing better.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sees a “historic opportunity” to remake the region, according to people briefed by U.S. officials on the conversations.