Ryan Morgan

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington and Tehran are close to a deal, but he warned that progress is slowed by fractures in Iran’s leadership.

Trump has been steadily raising pressure on Havana in recent months and has hinted at a military action against the communist-led state.

‘For too long, the security of this region has rested disproportionately on American military power,’ Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said.

The attack marked the fifth instance of U.S. forces utilizing disabling fire on a commercial vessel since the start of the Iran blockade.

These U.S. troops join others already in the region, amid continuing counter-drug operations and mounting diplomatic pressure on Havana.

The U.S. military issued its highest force protection alert on Feb. 28, as U.S. forces entered combat with Iran.

The 60-day agreement awaits final approval by Trump, a U.S. source said.

The president said, ‘When they behave properly, and when they do what’s right, we’ll let them have their money.’

Trump had repeatedly pressured the international community to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz.

The May 23 operation was the first U.S. military exercise in Venezuela since the Jan. 3 raid to capture then-leader Nicolás Maduro.