GOP Sen. Ted Cruz told Aaron MacLean on the "School of War" podcast that President Trump should heap more pressure on Iran — including by arming Iranians to "let them overthrow their own government."

Iran has made a concerted diplomatic push with Gulf states, warning them explicitly that Tehran will hit their oil, power and water plants unless they convince Donald Trump to end U.S. strikes on Iran and instead seek a negotiated end to the war.

Iran’s parliament is reviewing a draft plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to Fars, an Iranian news site. The proposal reportedly includes banning vessels from America, Israel and “hostile” countries from transiting the waterway,

Khamenei has not been seen publicly since taking up the role, most notably failing to attend his own father’s public funeral proceedings in Tehran last month.

A proposed deal between Iran and Oman would give Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s leaders have perplexed several American presidents, perhaps none more than President Trump. By Michael Crowley Michael Crowley covers the State Department and U.S. foreign policy. He has reported from nearly three dozen countries.

The conflict is broadening across the region, with Gulf energy infrastructure and key shipping chokepoints under renewed threat.

Retired Gen. Jack Keane accuses Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia of being compromised mediators who steer Trump away from military pressure on Iran.