SerpApi.Org
Donald Trump has delayed honoring slain US troops as leaked intelligence warns Tehran is unlikely to cave to his demands even after a fresh round of strikes.
The President had been scheduled to receive the remains of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, and Private Isabella Gonzales, 19, who were killed in an Iranian attack on a US air base in Jordan.
The dignified transfer was set to take place at Dover Air Force Base on Tuesday but was abruptly postponed, with no new time announced.
The Pentagon also identified Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, who was killed during the controlled detonation of an Iranian drone.
US troop death toll rises to 18
American troop deaths in the war have risen to 18 as nearly 100 US troops have been injured in Iranian strikes on bases across the Middle East over the past two weeks.
US intelligence analysts are also warning Trump that Iran is unlikely to soften its stance or make nuclear concessions, despite renewed strikes on the regime's military and civilian infrastructure, according to the Washington Post.
Current and former intelligence officials warn that Tehran and Washington are stuck in an indefinite limbo between peace and war, as American casualties mount and critical munitions grow scarce.
Iran has also stepped up its threats against the President and his family as billboards depicting their deaths spring up across Tehran.
US launches ten consecutive nights of strikes
Fighting reignited two weeks ago after ceasefire talks between the US and Iran broke down that triggered ten consecutive nights of strikes on regime targets.
The US is trying to cripple Tehran's ability to menace commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries one-fifth of all global oil.
America accused Iran a few weeks ago of violating the Memorandum of Understanding by attacking oil tankers passing through the Persian Gulf.
The US Navy has also hit back at Iranian aggression, reimposing a blockade on all of the regime's ports and seizing several of its ships.
Iran targets Gulf water and power plants
Iran, meanwhile, has responded by launching missile and drone attacks at Gulf nation water and power plants.
US bombardments so far have targeted Iranian command centers, air defenses, naval assets, coastal surveillance posts and missile, drone and communications sites.
More than 400 troops have been injured in the conflict since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28.
The President, speaking at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday night after attending the World Cup final, said the US had 'hit them very hard again' in a fresh barrage launched to avenge the fallen soldiers.
Share your thoughts with us in the comments
Read more
