The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, in a policy briefing published Monday, stated: “US forces in the Middle East are under attack and are defending Israel from Iranian-backed aggression. Iran’s leaders continue to threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz - a critical energy chokepoint.”

Two oil tankers collided and caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz Wednesday night. The tankers, located off the coast of Iran, were reportedly experiencing navigational problems. The ships involved were the Adalynn and Front Eagle.