Pentagon Says Iran Attacks Don’t Rise to Level of Restarting War

The Wall Street Journal's What's News PM edition covers escalating tensions in the Middle East, China's regulatory defiance against US sanctions, and a range of US business and policy developments, with the Pentagon signaling restraint amid Iran's attacks on Gulf targets.

Iran Escalates Attacks Amid US Restraint

Iran has intensified its military actions this week, launching missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates alongside attacks on commercial ships and American warships. Defense Secretary Mark Esper stated during a press conference that President Trump will decide on any escalation violating the ceasefire, urging Iran to act prudently. WSJ Chief Foreign Affairs correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov explained that Iran interprets the US response as a rush to exit the conflict, with Washington willing to overlook Iran's attacks on other nations. This perception alarms US allies in the Gulf, who view the Trump administration as transactional—committed to treaty allies in Europe and Asia only if there's clear US benefit. One Gulf official described it as the US "throwing the Gulf under the bus," reinforcing fears that Trump prioritizes perceived self-interest over consistent support.