What to know
- The U.S. military began its blockade of Iranian ports this morning. President Donald Trump said Sunday on Truth Social, “Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!” after peace talks in Pakistan on the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran broke down yesterday.
- Iran countered Trump’s call for a U.S. naval blockade by threatening key ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. “NO PORT in the region will be safe,” the Iranian military said.
- Pope Leo XIV had strong words over the weekend for Trump’s decision to begin the war. After the president blasted the American pope’s criticism, Leo responded today, “I have no fear of the Trump administration.” Last night, Trump posted an illustration of himself as Jesus healing the sick.
- Markets opened down this morning, with the Dow Jones Industrial average dropping close to 0.8% and the S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq dipping about 0.3%.