Trump says Cuba is next for take over after Iran. “On the way back from Iran we'll have maybe the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, the biggest in the world, we'll have that come in.”

Speaking at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches in Florida, President Donald J. Trump commented on recent U.S. Navy interdictions of Iranian cargo ships and oil tankers, saying the U.S. had “taken over the cargo” and “the oil,” calling it “a very profitable business.” He added, “Who would have thought we’re doing that—we’re like pirates. We’re sort of like pirates.”

According to Barak Ravid of Axios, Iran has sent an unspecified counter-proposal, through Pakistani mediators, to the U.S. in response to the most recent changes made by the U.S. to past proposals on a lasting ceasefire deal. Iran has made 2 main demands since the nominal ceasefire started and negotiations began, continued enrichment and the cessation of hostilities between Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel, but has yet to realize points of convergence on these issues with both the U.S. and Israel.

Trump: [Iran] is asking for things I can’t agree to.

Trump says that he’s not sure a deal with Iran will ever be made. “The leadership is very disjointed, it’s got 2 to 3 groups, maybe 4”

Reporting from indicates that U.S. Donald J. Trump is seriously mulling renewed combat operations against Iran, as Israeli media also reports that U.S. Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper is set to brief President Trump on military options for Iran.

Playback data from MarineTraffic over the past 24 hours shows that some vessel traffic has resumed through the Strait of Hormuz, with most ships following the Iranian traffic separation scheme. However, overall transit levels remain extremely low—at less than 10% of pre-war volumes, which averaged around 130 vessels per day.

Sen. Lindsey Graham: "Continue the blockade, but blockade plus, try to open up a lane in the Strait of Hormuz to take Iran's leverage away. If they continue to be provocative, let Admiral Cooper finish his target list."

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has wished Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi success as he works to form a new government following a prolonged political deadlock. According to the Iraqi prime minister’s office, Trump spoke with Al-Zaidi today to discuss bilateral cooperation and extended an invitation for him to visit Washington. The developments come as Iraq continues to navigate competing U.S. and Iranian interests within the country.

USAF B-1B Lancer taking off from RAF Fairford on a training mission today. The fleet of heavy bombers remains forward deployed in England as tensions with Iran continue.