The United States launched a third consecutive night of strikes against targets in Iran, with attacks commencing around 8:45 p.m. on 13/7, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM). This escalation occurred even as President Donald Trump maintained that a diplomatic agreement to end hostilities in the Middle East "can still be reached."

"Tonight we will strike them very hard and tomorrow we will continue to do the same," President Trump stated on 13/7, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the operations. CENTCOM added that these attacks "will continue to inflict severe losses on Iran and undermine its ability to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz." The US military reported striking dozens of targets.

In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced fresh attacks targeting US interests and bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman. The White House confirmed that President Trump had informed Congress on 7/7 of the resumption of attacks on Iran, granting the Pentagon an additional 60 days to operate in the region without congressional approval.

Despite the escalating conflict, President Trump reiterated his belief on 13/7 that a deal with Iran to end regional hostilities "can still be reached." He told reporters in the Oval Office, "I think a deal is possible. Absolutely. We had a deal with them two days ago and then they said 'Oh, we can't reach that deal. We need to negotiate more'."

However, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei countered that the June memorandum between the two countries, which formed the basis for negotiations and the lifting of US sanctions, was "in crisis." Baqaei indicated that Iran would disregard its obligations under the agreement if the US did the same. He also noted that Tehran was continuing negotiations with mediators from Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman to prevent further escalation.

CENTCOM posted images targeting sites in Iran on 13/7. Photo: AFP

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)