1. New Tariff Arrangements Activated – The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on the 23rd that, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, it would impose tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on dozens of countries and regions under the pretext of so-called “forced labor,” replacing the expiring global import tariffs. The new tariffs will take effect on the 24th (12:00 PM Beijing time).
2. US to Hold Iran Accountable if Houthi Attacks Ships Again – Trump stated on social media that the Houthis fired on two Saudi ships. If they do this again, the US will hold Iran accountable because the Houthis are proxies and/or affiliated forces of Iran. The US will launch a major military strike against Iran, and of course, against the Houthis as well.
3. Close to Decision on “Mass Strike” Against Iran – According to Axios, US President Trump stated that he is seriously considering launching a large-scale military operation against Iran, including a strike even more intense than during Operation Epic Fury. Trump did not give a deadline for the decision. Two other U.S. officials confirmed that no orders have been received and no new instructions have been issued to the military. Trump stated, "I am considering a massive attack, unprecedented in scale. I am close to making a decision, and we are prepared for it."
4. Clarifying the US-Saudi nuclear agreement: civilian-only, no enrichment involved; Saudi Arabia must first join the Abraham Accords
—U.S. President Trump posted on social media that "the civilian nuclear agreement reached between the U.S. Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia (which will not involve enrichment of materials!) is for non-military purposes only, but is entirely contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the respected and successful Abraham Accords. The United States is not opposed to civilian (non-enriched) nuclear facilities."
5. Claims Iran is not ready to reach an agreement
—According to Axios, U.S. President Trump indicated that Iran "wants to negotiate," but is not yet ready to reach an agreement. "They haven't suffered enough," he said. Two regional sources familiar with the mediation efforts stated that the Iranian leadership has not accepted the latest proposed solution. "We are trying, but the Iranian side is not cooperating." “One of them said.
6. Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons – US President Trump: Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Iran is weaker than it was four months ago.
7. Iranian funds will be used to compensate for ship damages
—US President Trump stated: “Unless otherwise notified, effective immediately, any and all damage to ships, cargo, or anything related will be compensated by Iranian funds currently held and controlled by the United States. While such compensation may be substantial, it is a fair and reasonable practice.”
8. Frustrated by the protracted war with Iran
—According to sources, at a recent Oval Office meeting, Trump lashed out at Iranian leaders, calling them “scum” and “lunatics,” and unleashing a string of profanities. As the war with Iran enters its fifth month, Trump is increasingly frustrated; the conflict he once thought would end in weeks is now dragging on with no end in sight.
