Middle East Crisis Iran War

Trump: Let Iran bomb Los Angeles and San Diego

Donald Trump has sparked outrage with a statement regarding the Iran war, *The Guardian* reports.

During a campaign speech in the Republican stronghold of Nebraska, he said that the high costs are worth paying to protect the world and the US from the Iranian threat.

"They can wipe out a city. Let them wipe out Los Angeles. Let them wipe out San Diego," he said, drawing applause from the crowd.

California is a Democratic stronghold and a frequent target of Trump’s anger and scorn. A number of leading politicians in the state are furious over the statement.

"Let’s be clear: The President is advocating for an attack on ten million American citizens in two of our largest cities. This is not normal, and we will continue to remind people of that every day," says Governor Gavin Newsom.

Million-kronor salaries and status for captains in the Strait of Hormuz

Salaries and bonuses are skyrocketing for risk-taking ship captains willing to transport oil through the Strait of Hormuz, the *Financial Times* reports.

The captains earn an average monthly salary of 150,000 kronor, and receive double that amount when sailing in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman. However, when crossing the Strait of Hormuz, they can receive bonuses equivalent to a monthly salary of one million kronor. Among seafarers, captains who dare to sail through the strait have gained status and are "seen almost as mercenaries," says a source.

At least 14 ships have been attacked in the strait over the past two weeks. However, the volume of oil transported through the strait has nearly returned to pre-Iran War levels, according to the Wall Street Journal.