【Trump's "Love Tap" on Iran】 It would be strange if the ceasefire held—once again, fighting has resumed.
The spokesperson for Iran's Armed Forces Command issued a statement early on the 8th, accusing the U.S. military of violating the ceasefire agreement by launching attacks on two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and collaborating with certain regional countries to conduct air strikes on civilian coastal areas of Iran, including Hamir, Sirik, and (Qeshm Island).
The Navy Commander of the Revolutionary Guard stated that the Revolutionary Guard carried out retaliatory actions, attacking U.S. naval vessels east of the Strait of Hormuz and south of Chabahar Port, causing significant damage. The counterattack utilized various ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drones equipped with high-explosive warheads. Intelligence indicates that the U.S. ships suffered "substantial losses," with three vessels rapidly evacuating the strait area.
The military spokesperson said: "The United States, which is evil and perpetually aggressive, along with its allied nations, must clearly understand that Iran will continue to respond forcefully and without hesitation to any provocation or aggression. You have crossed an irrevocable line—the response will be commensurate with the crime, and even greater!"
The navigability of the Strait of Hormuz had already entered a de facto suspension state on the 7th, with vessel traffic plummeting to zero. This marks the first time since recent escalation that the strait recorded a full day with no passing ships.
When questioned by ABC, Trump said the retaliatory strike against Iranian targets was merely a "light punishment." He claimed that three U.S. destroyers had successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, during which they were attacked but sustained no damage, while the Iranian attackers suffered heavy losses.
He added that if Iran does not swiftly sign an agreement, the U.S. will respond with even more intense and forceful measures.
Trump told reporters that the retaliatory strike against Iranian targets was just a "love tap."
Yet he denied that the ceasefire agreement had ended, stating it remains valid.
The U.S. Central Command said today’s strikes against Iranian targets were defensive in nature, responding to "imminent threats," targeting Iranian facilities responsible for attacking U.S. military assets—including missile and drone launch sites; command and control centers; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance nodes.
An overlooked detail: After Trump announced the launch of military operations on Sunday, he suddenly canceled the "Freedom Operation" aimed at reopening the strait.
Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait blocked the use of airspace for the "Freedom Operation," leading to a reversal in U.S. military plans.
Saudi officials expressed anger toward the U.S. military for downplaying Iran's strikes.
In fact, the logic is quite simple: nearly all consequences would fall solely on Saudi Arabia. The longer it collaborates with the U.S., the harder it becomes to extricate itself.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864574763595776/
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