U.S. Developing Plans for Bombing Campaign on Strait if Talks Fail

This episode of Erin Burnett OutFront explores escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict, with a third U.S. aircraft carrier arriving in the Middle East and 15,000 troops now deployed. The fragile ceasefire hangs by a thread as diplomatic efforts through Pakistan, Oman, and Russia unfold amid conflicting messaging from both sides. The U.S. is reportedly preparing for a major bombing campaign on the Strait of Hormuz if negotiations fail, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declaring the U.S. 'locked and loaded' and asserting American control over the strait. Meanwhile, domestic political fallout grows for President Trump, with consumer sentiment at a record low, disapproval ratings soaring, and even former allies like Megyn Kelly declaring he has 'cratered.' The episode also covers the controversial firing of Navy Secretary John Phelan and Stars and Stripes ombudsman Jacqueline Smith, who claims she was silenced for warning about Pentagon interference in media independence. In a separate segment, the Justice Department drops its investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, raising concerns about political weaponization of the DOJ. Former special counsel Jack Smith’s top deputy, J.P. Cooney, argues this is part of a broader pattern of targeting political enemies and announces his run for Congress to pursue accountability for Trump’s alleged crimes.