Traci Mumford

The question of how much of a threat Iran poses has been an open one.

U.S.

intelligence agencies flagged the fact earlier this month that Iran's military is not as diminished as President Trump has repeatedly said, especially along the Strait of Hormuz.

Confidential intelligence assessments showed that Iran had restored operational access to almost all its missile sites along the narrow waterway.

As recently as last week, American military forces were poised to resume an intensive bombing campaign along the strait, including those missile sites, to try and loosen Iran's grip.

All of this has been happening while negotiations to get the strait open have also been underway.

The news strikes came just as Iranian officials were arriving in Qatar for talks to end the war.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this morning those talks will continue.

President Trump has said a few times that a deal is close, but yesterday both sides downplayed any hopes of a quick breakthrough.

According to Iran's state broadcaster, the country's foreign ministry spokesman said, It is true that we have reached conclusions on a large portion of the issues, but no one can claim that the signing of an agreement is imminent.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country plans to intensify its attacks on Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon.

Despite an American-brokered ceasefire there, Israel and Hezbollah have continued to clash.

And Netanyahu said in a video statement last night, quote, we are not removing our foot from the pedal.

On the contrary, I said to press on the pedal even more.

In recent days, Israeli airstrikes damaged a hospital in southern Lebanon and killed multiple paramedics.

The death toll in Lebanon has now reached more than 3,100 people since March, according to the country's health ministry.

And renewed fighting could add yet another complication to peace talks between the U.S.

and Iran.

Iran has insisted it wants any agreement to cover Lebanon as well.

Now, two quick updates for you from over the weekend in Washington.