▲ Strait of Hormuz
Tensions between the United States and Iran surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are once again escalating to a peak.
The U.S. military has conducted nighttime airstrikes on Iran for three consecutive days, while Iran has launched counterattacks against U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including those in Bahrain.
U.S. President Donald Trump has personally announced the resumption of a maritime blockade against Iran and stated that attacks on the country will continue.
As both sides effectively return to the state of confrontation that existed before the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war, concerns over a resumption of hostilities are growing.
The U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, announced on July 13 (U.S. local time) that it had carried out nighttime airstrikes on Iran for three consecutive days, following instructions from President Trump, the commander-in-chief.
The strikes, which began at 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time (12:15 a.m. on July 14, Iran time), lasted for more than five hours.
Central Command explained, "We successfully struck military targets across Iran, including in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas," adding that "precision-guided munitions were used against Iran's coastal defense systems, missile and drone bases, and naval assets."
It further emphasized, "Currently, more than 50,000 U.S. troops are deployed across the Middle East, and the U.S. military remains vigilant, maintaining lethal strike capabilities and a high state of readiness."
In addition, the U.S. military announced that it would resume a blockade of Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz starting at 4:00 p.m. on July 14 (5:00 a.m. on July 15, Korea time).
This comes just one month after the maritime blockade was lifted following the signing of the war-ending MOU on June 18.
With this, the U.S. military is now simultaneously conducting military strikes and a blockade against Iran, effectively returning to the confrontational landscape that existed prior to the MOU.
Furthermore, there are concerns that the U.S. may be taking steps toward a full-scale resumption of war.
According to reports from U.S. broadcaster CBS and Reuters, President Trump officially notified Congress in a letter sent on July 10 that military action against Iran had resumed on July 7.
Under the War Powers Act enacted in 1973, the U.S. president is required to notify Congress within 48 hours of initiating military action.
Even without congressional approval, the president is authorized to continue military action for up to 60 days.
Amid these developments, President Trump has announced that he will deliver an address to the nation at 9:00 p.m. on July 16 (10:00 a.m. on July 17, Korea time), fueling speculation that a major announcement regarding the war with Iran may be imminent.
Appearing on the conservative radio program The Hugh Hewitt Show that day, President Trump signaled further attacks on Iran, stating, "We will hit them hard tonight, and we will hit them hard tomorrow."
Regarding the resumption of the U.S. blockade, President Trump emphasized, "Anyone doing business with Iran cannot pass through there (the Strait of Hormuz)," adding, "I believe the combination (of blockade and attacks) is effective."
Furthermore, on his social media platform Truth Social, President Trump even floated the idea that in exchange for the U.S. military guaranteeing the safety of civilian vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. would collect 20 percent of the cargo on board as a transit fee.
As the conflict between the U.S. and Iran intensifies and now impacts transit through the Strait of Hormuz, uncertainty regarding the future situation continues to grow.
Iran is also continuing its counterattacks, targeting U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including those in Jordan and Bahrain.
The semi-official Fars News Agency reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck a U.S. military base in Jordan with ballistic missiles.
During this process, the IRGC issued a statement to the people of Jordan, engaging in a battle for public opinion.
In the statement, the IRGC claimed, "You are well aware that we are not in a hostile relationship with Jordan and that we deeply love the noble people of Jordan," asserting that the airstrikes were a legitimate counterattack against U.S. forces that had killed innocent Iranian citizens.
It continued, "Your actions in strongly demanding the removal of U.S. occupying forces' bases in the region will contribute significantly to restoring security in the Middle East," urging Jordan to join in the demand for the withdrawal of U.S. military bases.
The IRGC also struck U.S. military bases, weapons depots, and satellite communication centers in Bahrain, according to a report by Iran's Nour News.
Attacks by Iran targeting general vessels also continued in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defense announced on July 14 that two oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz were attacked by Iran, resulting in one crew member killed and eight others injured.
The UAE Ministry of Defense emphasized, "This blatant attack is a serious act that threatens regional security and violates international law, and we strongly condemn it," adding, "The UAE reserves the full right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens, and residents."
Typically, Gulf nations do not specifically identify the perpetrator when attacks occur in the Strait of Hormuz, but in this instance, the UAE publicly took a hardline stance by directly naming Iran.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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