The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appears to be on ‘life support,’ as indicated by President Donald Trump on Monday. Trump’s warning of a potential return to active hostilities followed the U.S. rejection of Iran’s latest peace proposal, which the president dismissed as a ‘piece of garbage’ that he ‘didn’t even finish reading.’
Reports suggest a significant divide between the two nations, with Washington advocating for substantial nuclear concessions, while Tehran seeks a more limited agreement. Iran’s proposal reportedly aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the existing blockade as a prerequisite for further negotiations.
Meanwhile, the ongoing tensions continue to impact consumers, with gasoline prices holding steady above $4.50 per gallon and diesel fuel exceeding that by more than a dollar, according to AAA’s latest figures. In response, Trump has signaled support for a plan to alleviate some of the financial burden by suspending the federal gasoline tax. Such a measure, which would affect the current 18 cents per gallon for gas and 24 cents per gallon for diesel, would require congressional approval.
Here are the latest developments:
**Hegseth Interrupted by Protester**
*1:18 p.m. ET:* During his testimony before Congress on Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was interrupted by a woman who stood up behind him and began shouting. Security promptly escorted her out of the room as she continued her protest.
**Hegseth: Military Fights to Ensure ‘Iran Never Has a Nuclear Weapon’**
*12:10 p.m. ET:* Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testified before a U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Tuesday morning. Beyond discussing the $1.5 trillion budget request aimed at maintaining the U.S.’s ‘most capable military,’ Hegseth reiterated a core objective echoed by President Trump: ‘We fight to win in every scenario, to include ensuring Iran never has a nuclear weapon.’
**Iran War Cost to US Reaches $29 Billion**
*11:22 a.m. ET:* A new estimate from the Pentagon comptroller now places the cost of the U.S. war against Iran at approximately $29 billion. Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst stated, ‘The joint staff team of the comptroller team are constantly looking at that estimate. And so now we think it’s closer to 29.’ This figure represents an increase from a previous estimate of $25 billion in April.
**Hegseth to Testify Before Appropriations Committee**
*7:22 a.m. ET:* Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is scheduled to face questions from lawmakers Tuesday morning as he appears before the House Appropriations Committee. Key topics are expected to include the massive $1.5 trillion budget request, which proposes a nearly 50 percent increase in defense spending from 2026 levels, and the military’s strategy concerning Iran amidst stalled peace talks.
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