U.S.-Iran Conflict Surpasses 60-Day Mark Amid Stalled Diplomacy and Blockade Escalation

The U.S.-Iran conflict has officially surpassed the 60-day threshold outlined in the War Powers Resolution, prompting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine to testify before the House Armed Services Committee. Amid the mounting duration of the war, President Trump has reportedly directed aides to prepare for a prolonged naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea. This strategy is being positioned as a lower-risk alternative to direct kinetic bombing, specifically aimed at crippling Iran's oil export revenue. Direct diplomatic efforts via backchannels remain at a stalemate. President Trump utilized social media to issue new threats against Tehran and formally rejected a recent proposal from Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. While Iranian leadership asserts resilience against the blockade, U.S. intelligence suggests the Iranian regime is facing significant internal disruption. Tensions are further exacerbated by reports from the United Nations detailing a severe domestic crackdown within Iran, where over 4,000 citizens have been arrested and at least 21 executed on national security charges since the onset of hostilities. On the international stage, President Trump highlighted allied unity following a meeting with Britain's King Charles, stating that the U.K. remains aligned with the U.S. goal of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, regional powers like Pakistan continue to engage with Tehran, underscoring the complex diplomatic pressure mounting as the blockade enters its third month. No new cyber warfare incidents or significant shifts in energy markets were reported in the last 24 hours.