Iran War

We are now watching as the war between the U.S. and Iran enters its 37th day this Sunday. This comes as fighting continues despite President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran had been "completely decimated." Reports indicate that Iranian officials have warned that further attacks could have catastrophic regional consequences, raising fears of a broader crisis in the Middle East. LiveNOW’s Andy Mac is speaking with Ahmad Sharawi, a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who focuses on Middle East affairs. 

We are learning more this Sunday after a social media post from President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. service member who had been missing since Iran shot down a fighter jet has been rescued. President Trump wrote that the "respected colonel" is injured but "will be just fine," adding that he took refuge "in the treacherous mountains of Iran." A second crew member was rescued earlier. LiveNOW’s Andy Mac is speaking with Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Jason O. Harris as Trump and members of the military are expected to hold a press conference at the White House on Monday. 

We are learning more as Iran has attacked several commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz that connects the Persian Gulf to the ocean. Traffic has dropped 94% over the past month, according to the Lloyds List intelligence shipping data firm. Reports indicate that no country is planning on attempting to reopen the strait by force while the conflict there is ongoing. LiveNOW’s Austin Westfall is speaking with National Security Analyst, Hal Kempfer, as there is a concern that Iran may continue to limit traffic through the strait. 

We are now hearing that President Donald Trump believes the U.S. military is close to accomplishing its goals in Iran. This comes as oil prices rise again, reportedly topping $109 per barrel. According to Fox Business, drivers on the West Coast are seeing the highest costs, with prices reaching $5.89 per gallon in California and $5.35 in Washington. LiveNOW’s Andy Mac is speaking to Matt McClain from GasBuddy who has more on how the Iran conflict is impacting gas prices. 

We are getting the latest updates after President Donald Trump used his address to the nation this week to speak about potential negotiations with Iran. This comes after he previously threatened to target Iran's energy infrastructure if access to the Strait of Hormuz isn't restored. Oil prices have recently surged more than 6%, with Brent crude topping $106 per barrel. LiveNOW’s Mike Pache is speaking with economic strategist, Dan Varroney, as concerns continue to grow surrounding the broader impacts on consumer goods.