U.S.-Israel Target Iran's Strait of Hormuz Assets as European Allies Assert Independence

U.S. military operations against Iran are entering a critical phase, with Pentagon assessments suggesting that Tehran's missile, drone, naval, and nuclear capabilities could be severely degraded within the next two to three weeks. Officials emphasize that sustained pressure is necessary to prevent the Iranian regime from recovering and using the Strait of Hormuz as economic leverage. Concurrently, U.S. and Israeli forces have intensified their focus on neutralizing Iranian attempts to blockade or harass maritime traffic in the region. On the diplomatic front, tensions have surfaced between Washington and its European allies. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin has publicly defended UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following criticism from President Donald Trump. Martin asserted that European leaders are capable of coordinating on the Iran crisis independently, responding to threats from the U.S. administration regarding a potential withdrawal of support for NATO allies in securing the Strait. Despite public refusals from several nations to join an official military alliance, U.S. officials are reporting behind-the-scenes progress in forming a multinational coalition to escort commercial shipping. This effort is being supported by an influx of American military assets designed to protect international trade routes while active strikes continue to target Iran's offensive infrastructure.