President Trump stated in an interview with Fox News on Monday that the U.S. would retaliate against Iran following attacks on U.S. forces in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for targeting U.S. military bases in these countries in response to recent American strikes on Iranian positions. U.S. Central Command reported an attack on Sunday targeting Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation occurs amid a six-month conflict, coinciding with the Trump administration's recent strategy shift toward economic sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran.
In related developments, two women in Iran were sentenced to death for their involvement in anti-government protests that occurred in January, according to rights groups. The sentences were issued by Iranian courts as the country increases executions related to the protests. The women were sentenced in separate cases linked to protests in Isfahan, a city that saw significant unrest. So far, 29 men have been executed in connection with the protests, while no women have faced execution for these specific charges, although 16 women have been executed this year for other offenses.
Taraneh Rahimi, aged 20, received a death sentence alongside nine men for incidents during the protests that resulted in fatalities, including a security force member. Her sister, Romina, received a prison sentence of up to 36 years. In another case, Leila Abolhasani, a 43-year-old mother, was convicted of arson during the protests, a charge her family denies, claiming she was merely filming the incident.
Additionally, President Trump announced plans to meet with oil refiners and distributors to discuss strategies for increasing refining capacity and addressing high gas prices, which currently average $4.08 per gallon in the U.S. This meeting follows a recent U.S. deal with Venezuela to access its oil reserves, although experts have expressed skepticism about its immediate impact on gas prices. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the goal of the economic pressure campaign against Iran is to encourage negotiations regarding its nuclear program and regional activities.