Transcript (en)

Now to the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump is insisting the U.S. is in control of the waterway right now by virtue of its naval blockade of Iranian ports. The president has indicated he is prepared to allow economic pressure on Iran to mount as opposed to ordering a new military offensive. Iran meantime remains defiant, even demanding the U.S. make concessions such as lifting economic sanctions, compensating for war damage, paying to transit the Strait, and ending its naval blockade. Chief Washington correspondent Mike Emanuel reports tonight live from the North Lawn of the White House. Good evening, Mike. Brett, good evening. In the war of words between the Iranian regime and President Trump, the Iranians now say they want compensation for damages. Late today, President Trump fired back saying he will demand compensation from the regime, too. Well, we're going to ask for money for the damage they've done over a 50-year period, whether you go SS Cole or whether you go all of the people that were so badly hurt, so badly wounded or killed, many thousands of people. The president also told reporters in the Oval Office the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is working. Look the only one that has control of the Strait of Hormuz right now is the United States Navy We have a blockade that been infallible It a steel wall IN Charleston South Carolina today Secretary of War Pete Hegseth participated in the renaming of a base there to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham While there, Hegseth urged Congress to approve a sharp increase in the Pentagon budget. This department pays tribute to Lindsey Graham in the naming of this base. but there could be no greater tribute than Congress could give than to invest in our warriors for the full $1.5 trillion. Over the weekend, the president telling Axios about Iran talks, quote, we are low-keying it. We are only semi-negotiating with them. Vice President J.D. Vance warned the Iran conflict may not wrap up anytime soon. We're really in the middle of the game here. This thing is not over. It's obviously not at the beginning. Democrats note the American people are paying a price for this conflict. Donald Trump may be saying that oil companies are making too much money, but what Donald Trump is doing is starting a reckless war on Iran. With midterm elections 85 days away, there is domestic political pressure on Republicans, particularly those in the House and Senate, on the ballot. Also today, Todd Blanch was sworn in as the second Trump AG of the Trump second term. Brett. Mike Emanuel, Love of the North Lawn. Mike, thanks.