White House issues response to reports of Iranian drone threats
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt disputed an ABC News report claiming the FBI warned California police departments in February that Iran could retaliate for a U.S. military operation by launching drone attacks in the state. Leavitt wrote on X that the outlet’s story “should be immediately retracted by ABC News for providing false information to intentionally alarm the American people.” Read more from The Hill here.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader reportedly issues his first message
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei — who assumed power after the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes killed his father — allegedly released his first public message March 12. In a statement read by an anchor on Iranian state television, Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz “must remain closed” and should be used as a “tool to pressure the enemy” by driving up energy prices. He also vowed Iran would “obtain compensation” from its enemy and specifically said his regime would avenge those killed in the strike on the girls’ elementary school in Minab.
The message came after an Iranian source reportedly claimed that Khamenei was actually in a coma. Read more from the New York Post here.
US Navy to escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz?
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Sky News March 12 that the U.S. Navy will escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as it is militarily possible.” Iran has continued targeting oil and energy tankers in the strategic waterway through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Oil prices hovered around $100 per barrel March 12 amid the tensions.
Earlier the same day, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC that U.S. military escorts for oil tankers “can’t happen now” but are “quite likely” to be in place by April. Read more from FOX News here.
Report: War cost exceeds $11.3B
The New York Times, citing three individuals familiar with a briefing, reported March 12 that Pentagon officials told lawmakers the estimated cost of the Iran war had already surpassed $11.3 billion during its first six days. The estimate reportedly does not include several expenses tied to the conflict, including the military buildup before the initial strikes. Read more from FOX News here.