As President Trump departs for Beijing and a high-stakes summit with President Xi Jinping, Iran is sending a clear message: it is ready for a new attack.
An Iranian commander, Brigadier General Hassan Hassanzadeh, said Tehran’s forces are at a “high level of comprehensive readiness” to confront the U.S. or Israel “at any place and at any time.” The declaration follows five days of military drills in and around the capital, dubbed “Martyr Commander.”
The 75-day conflict has already cost U.S. taxpayers at least $29 billion, according to acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst.
Trump said he expects a “long talk” with Xi about Iran, but downplayed the need for Beijing’s help. Still, China is growing impatient for peace as its economy struggles, and Beijing’s foreign minister urged Pakistan to step up mediation.
Meanwhile, consumer prices in the U.S. surged to an annual rate of 3.8% in April - the highest in nearly three years - driven largely by a 28.4% jump in gasoline prices as the war disrupts oil markets.
Australia has joined a French- and U.K.-led mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has come under threat from Iranian attacks.