US Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency overseeing US military operations in the Middle East, announced on 20/7 that it launched airstrikes against Iran at 16h ET (3h today, Hanoi time) "as directed by the Commander-in-Chief", referring to President Donald Trump.
CENTCOM explained, "The operation aims to further degrade Iran's military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz."
Iranian media reported multiple explosions in areas including Qeshm island, the southern coastal cities of Chahbahar, Konarak, Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Isfahan in central Iran.
Early on 21/7, the Iranian military announced it had launched a series of missiles targeting US military HIMARS systems at Arifjan base, Kuwait, in retaliation. Arifjan base, located south of Kuwait City, hosts US navy, air force, marine corps, and coast guard units.
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US F/A-18F fighter jet landing on the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush in the Arabian Sea on 25/6. Photo: AFP |
These developments mark the tenth consecutive day of clashes between the US and Iran, representing the most serious escalation of tensions since a ceasefire collapsed on 8/7.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on 20/7 that the country is engaged in "total war" with the US, adding that Tehran "must be realistic and accept the inevitable consequences."
Iran's Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reiterated this stance, asserting that military actions demonstrate Washington does not genuinely seek to de-escalate with Tehran.
"The US continuously deploys more assets to the region while claiming it wants to end the war", Ghalibaf wrote on X. "They think our intelligence capabilities are as poor as their IQ. We can identify their 'tricks' and are prepared. Words must be accompanied by actions, not saying one thing and doing another."
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Location of the Strait of Hormuz and ports in the Gulf region. Graphics: WSJ |
The US and Iran signed a temporary ceasefire agreement in mid-june, which brought three weeks of peace to the Gulf region. However, tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have led to a resumption of hostilities in recent days.
The tensions stem from Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for the Gulf's energy exports that Tehran seeks to control. In response, the US has reimposed a blockade on Iranian seaports and conducted airstrikes.
The Pentagon stated on 20/7 that nearly 100 US service members have been injured since 7/7, with most suffering mild concussions. The US recently reported three additional military fatalities, raising the total number of deaths in the conflict with Iran to 17.
"Each time Iran kills a US soldier, they will pay a price many times over for that action!", Trump wrote on social media. "This directive has been conveyed to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Daniel Caine, and all military commanders."
The White House announced that airstrikes would continue until President Trump issues a different directive, while affirming that negotiations between Washington and Tehran are still ongoing.
Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)
