German Media: Middle East War: US "Punishes" Iran

Following the Iranian attack that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers, the conflict between Washington and Tehran is facing a serious escalation. Both Washington and Tehran have stated that the previously signed framework agreement no longer holds any binding force.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest round of U.S. military operations aimed at delivering a "swift punishment" against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in retaliation for Iran’s prior strike on U.S. forces in Jordan. CENTCOM claimed that during the early hours of Sunday, U.S. forces successfully targeted Iran’s air defense systems and coastal defense infrastructure. The U.S. military also stated that the strikes were intended to further weaken Iran’s capability to threaten the safety of international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tasnim News Agency of Iran reported that multiple U.S. missiles struck areas near Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. In response, Iran launched attacks on two U.S. military bases within Kuwaiti territory.

The "Sad Incident" in Jordan

Since the outbreak of the Iran war nearly five months ago, the U.S. has again announced the deaths of soldiers in an Iranian attack.

According to U.S. sources, two American soldiers were killed last Friday when a U.S. military base stationed in Jordan was hit by Iranian missiles and drones. Additionally, one U.S. soldier remains missing in the incident. To date, a total of 16 U.S. military personnel have died in military operations against Iran.

For President Trump, news of the two soldiers’ deaths undoubtedly intensifies domestic political pressure. Within the United States, military action against Iran has already sparked growing public discontent. Trump described the deaths as "a very tragic event," while reaffirming once again that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.

Iran: Delivering America a "Memorable Lesson"

The Iranian Ministry of Health reported that since the recent escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions, at least 50 people have been killed nationwide, with over 500 injured. Iranian authorities typically disclose only civilian casualties, keeping military losses undisclosed.

Iran’s Supreme Spiritual Leader, Mojtaba Chamenei, issued threats of retaliation against the United States. In a statement, he declared: "Since America’s enemies are freely provoking war, willing to pay a heavy price and endure humiliation—then America should know that the Iranian people and the resistance front have prepared a lesson that will leave them unforgettable for life."

The Framework Agreement Is Now Worthless

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kassim Gharibabadi stated that Iran has suspended implementation of the framework agreement signed with the U.S. this past mid-June. In response, President Trump dismissed it outright, saying he “doesn’t care at all.”

Under the agreement reached by both sides in mid-June, they planned to finalize a peace deal within 60 days while ensuring the free passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Prior to this, a ceasefire had also been agreed upon in April, but Trump soon after announced its termination.

The UAE urged both sides to "immediately cease hostile actions and resume negotiations as soon as possible." The UAE emphasized that only through such steps can the risk of "further violence and instability across the entire region" be avoided.

Russia Supporting Iran?

Citing a U.S. government official, The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has now gained knowledge of the characteristics of U.S. air defense systems and has begun launching high-speed missiles capable of altering their flight paths during the dive phase. Given Iran’s rapidly improving precision strike capabilities, some U.S. officials are concerned that Iran may have received support from Russia in targeting capabilities.

Israeli Iran expert Danny Citrinowicz posted on X: "A growing trend is that the situation is spiraling out of control." He noted that with no mutual trust left between Washington and Tehran, mediators exhausted, and military strikes replacing dialogue, "the risk of escalation far outweighs any possibility of de-escalation." If no major breakthrough occurs in the near term, the U.S.-Iran conflict could enter a highly dangerous phase.

Sources: DW

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871208038662152/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.