The White House stated that President Trump does not view Iran's seizure of the cargo ships MSC Francesca and Epaminodes as a ceasefire violation, as the vessels were not U.S. or Israeli; Press Secretary Leavitt referred to the seizures as piracy.

The White House stated that President Trump does not view Iran's seizure of the cargo ships MSC Francesca and Epaminodes as a ceasefire violation, as the vessels were not U.S. or Israeli; Press Secretary Leavitt referred to the seizures as piracy.

Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command, held townhall meetings with staff in Tampa last week, highlighting mission achievements against ISIS and Iran in the first half of 2026 and thanking the team for their dedication.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the United States has established a mechanism to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, which has contributed to reduced oil and gasoline prices. Additionally, Vance noted that Iran has permitted the entry of nuclear and weapons inspectors for the first time in a long while, and the U.S. will strengthen this inspection regime to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.