President Trump appointed former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to a White House advisory committee focused on artificial intelligence policy, according to Axios. Bondi is also scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Brent crude jumped more than 6% to $118 per barrel; its highest since June 2022, after Trump told Axios the blockade would remain until Iran agreed to a nuclear deal, with Citi warning prices could reach $150 if the Hormuz disruption continues through June. The World Bank separately warned the war has triggered the largest oil supply shock on record, projecting a 24% surge in energy prices in 2026.
President Trump told Axios, that he would not lift the naval blockade on Iranian ports until Tehran agreed to a comprehensive deal ending its nuclear program, formally rejecting Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while deferring nuclear talks. "The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig", Trump said, adding that CENTCOM had also prepared a plan for a new wave of strikes if Iran remained intransigent.
