This US Navy handout photograph released on August 4, 2026, by US Central Command Public Affairs shows an F/A-18E Super Hornet launching from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on July 31, 2026. Since the US president aunched a war against Iran in late February, Washington has killed the country's top leadership and attempted to cripple its economy with sanctions and military strikes. In retaliation, Tehran has virtually blocked the vital Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of the world's energy supplies normally pass and targeted US allies in the region. (Photo by various sources / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / US NAVY / NAVCENT PUBLIC AFFAIRS" - HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS Attention editors: AFP covers the war in the Middle East through its extensive regional network, including bureaus in Tehran, Jerusalem, and several neighboring countries. Since the start of the conflict, journalists have been working under increasingly restrictive conditions. Authorities in several countries have limited reporters' movements, photo and live video coverage from sensitive locations. Some governments and armed groups have banned images of missile or drone strikes and other security-related sites. /

Dr. Anthony Fauci departs after appearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing at the Capitol, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., talks to reporters following a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing with Dr. Anthony Fauci at the Capitol, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Dr. Anthony Fauci appears before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee at the Capitol, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

President Donald Trump reacts after receiving a helmet as Alex Palou, the reigning IndyCar champion, left, and Roger Penske, chairperson and founder of Penske Corp., right, watch on West Executive Drive at the White House during a showcase for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race, Monday, July 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump speaks at an event to promote the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race in August, Monday, July 13, 2026, on West Executive Drive at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

IndyCar Series driver David Malukas drives a race car down West Executive Drive during an event with President Donald Trump to promote the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race, Monday, July 13, 2026, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

US President Donald Trump walks toward his vehicle on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, DC, on August 5, 2026. Trump is returning to the White House after promoting the administration's tax-cut policies, including the "no tax on tips" in Las Vegas. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)