Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high as Washington continues its naval blockade while facing rising costs and shifting military dynamics in the region.

Iranian naval commander Shahram Irani said on Wednesday that Tehran would soon unveil a "terrifying weapon" for use at sea, in remarks reported by Iranian media. He warned that Iranian forces would respond swiftly to any further US action, underscoring what officials describe as growing deterrence capabilities. 

On the US side, President Donald Trump said Washington will maintain its naval blockade until Iran agrees to a nuclear deal addressing US concerns. Trump rejected proposals to first lift restrictions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling the blockade more effective than direct military action.

USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to leave Middle East, return to US

US media, citing officials, reported on Wednesday that the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is expected to leave the Middle East in the coming days and return to the United States. The exact timing remains unclear, but a US official said the carrier is expected to arrive in Virginia by mid-May.

Currently, the US military has three carrier strike groups deployed in the Middle East: the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS George H.W. Bush. The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush are conducting maritime operations in waters near the Arabian Sea.

The USS Gerald R. Ford has been deployed since June last year, taking part in US operations linked to Venezuela and Iran and setting a record for the longest carrier deployment since the Vietnam War era. In March, a fire onboard injured several sailors and led to more than 200 cases of smoke inhalation. The carrier was later moved to ports in Greece and Croatia for maintenance before returning to operations in the Red Sea area in April, according to US officials.

US says Iran war costs reach $25 billion, defense chief faces criticism

The conflict is also placing a growing financial burden on Washington. US Defense Department officials said on Wednesday that spending on the war with Iran has reached an estimated $25 billion. Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst III said most costs were related to munitions, operations and equipment replacement, though lawmakers questioned how the figure was calculated.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced criticism at his first congressional hearing on the conflict, where Democratic lawmakers accused the administration of mishandling the war and raising costs. He dismissed the criticism as "political" and declined to provide cost or timeline estimates. Lawmakers described the conflict as a "quagmire" and raised concerns over rising military costs and declining stockpiles.

Diplomatic contacts amid standoff

Despite the tensions, diplomatic contacts between the two sides seem ongoing. Iran's Assembly of Experts said on Wednesday that the country's negotiating team is acting under the directives of the supreme leader and continuing diplomatic efforts.

Trump said that ongoing talks with Iran are now being conducted by phone. "We are having talks with them now, and we're not flying anymore with 18-hour flights every time we want to see a piece of paper. We are doing it telephonically," Trump told reporters at the White House. He reiterated that any agreement would depend on Iran fully abandoning nuclear weapons ambitions.