The Trump administration says its military mission in Iran has changed as the conflict enters a new stage. Instead of focusing on diplomatic efforts, officials now say the priority is to keep oil and gas moving through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes. The change comes as fighting continues and the number of American military deaths rises. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright explained the new strategy during a television interview on Sunday. He said the administration first tried to reach an agreement that would allow ships to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Wright, Iran did not accept that plan, leading the United States to shift its approach. Wright said the current goal is to make sure oil, gas, and other goods continue moving through the waterway with or without Iranian support. He also said US forces are working to weaken Iran's military ability to threaten shipping in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global energy supplies. A large share of the world's oil passes through the narrow waterway every day. Any disruption can quickly affect energy prices and international trade. As military activity has increased, concerns over global oil supplies have also grown. The administration's updated strategy has drawn strong criticism from Democratic leaders. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia questioned whether the military campaign has achieved its original goals. He argued that the conflict has become a long and costly operation without clear success. Warner said Iran still has important military capabilities and that key concerns, including its nuclear program, remain unresolved. He warned that continuing the war at its current pace could create even greater risks for the United States and the wider region. The debate comes after the US military confirmed the deaths of three more American service members. Two troops were killed in Jordan, while another died in northern Iraq during the controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance linked to an Iranian attack drone. The latest losses bring the total number of US military deaths in the conflict to 17, according to officials. Following the latest casualties, the United States launched new strikes against Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Military leaders said the attacks were intended to reduce Iran's ability to carry out future operations against US forces and commercial shipping. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the recent deaths would not change the administration's commitment to the campaign. He stated that the military would continue operations and described the fallen service members as heroes whose sacrifice strengthened the country's resolve. President Donald Trump also increased pressure on Iran through economic measures. He called on Congress to include Iran in pending sanctions legislation linked to Russia. The proposal would add more pressure on Tehran even as earlier diplomatic efforts struggled to reduce tensions. Trump said stronger sanctions would support the administration's broader strategy and increase pressure on Iran's leadership. The proposal reflects the White House's growing focus on combining military operations with economic action. The ongoing conflict has also affected global energy markets. Investors continue to watch developments around the Strait of Hormuz because any interruption to shipping could reduce oil supplies and push prices higher. Governments and businesses around the world are closely monitoring the situation as military activity continues. The latest statements from US officials suggest that protecting energy routes has become a central part of the military campaign. At the same time, political debate in Washington continues over the cost, goals, and long-term impact of the conflict. With fighting still underway and diplomatic progress limited, the situation remains one of the most closely watched international crises.