Trump orders fresh strikes on Iran after peace deal talks fail

On Wednesday, the United States launched a second wave of airstrikes against military targets in Tehran and the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump authorized the escalation after an American Apache helicopter was downed, claiming Iran was using stalled peace talks to play the U.S. for "suckers." The conflict has already caused global oil prices to jump by nearly $2 as traders fear a total naval blockade of the world’s most vital energy waterway. While Iran vowed to turn the region into "hell" in retaliation, Trump insisted that the Iranian military is nearly wrecked and has lost 80% of its missile capacity.

The White House warned that strikes on bridges and power plants will continue today unless Iranian officials immediately sign a final peace agreement.