PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 28th, 2026: Iran Is Losing Control of the Strait of Hormuz & Laser Warfare Comes to the U.S.-Mexico Border

U.S. declares victory in Strait of Hormuz0:55

• Trumpclip

  The battle for the Strait of Hormuz is won and Iran's response is mild.

• Admiral Brad Cooperclip

  U.S. forces successfully cleared Iranian mines from the traffic separation scheme.

• U.S. officialsclip

  Iran has lost control of the waterway while the U.S. now controls most of it.

Strait of Hormuz traffic and insurance reality4:34

• U.S. officialsclip

  Between 20 and 30 tankers are now moving through the Southern Channel each night.

• Maritime intelligence analystsclip

  At least three tankers have recently been turned around rather than complete their transit.

Diplomatic efforts to manage the Strait6:25

• U.S. officialsclip

  Iran-Oman negotiations are largely irrelevant given the American blockade.

• Trumpclip

  The Iranian regime is begging to make a deal.

U.S. military uses laser against cartel drones10:43

The U.S. military used a high-energy laser system called AmpHell to destroy three cartel-linked drones along the southern border with Mexico. The drones were classified as hostile for supporting activities threatening American troops and CBP personnel, though details on armament and location remain undisclosed.

Laser warfare limitations and border deployment13:28

The AmpHell laser system offers a cost-effective alternative to missiles but requires clear line of sight and is hindered by weather conditions. Its deployment near populated areas previously caused FAA concerns, and its expanded use now covers a mission involving 8,000 service members along the border.