The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated sharply following the deaths of two U.S. service members. In response to the fatalities, the U.S. has conducted airstrikes against Iran for the eighth consecutive day. Iran has announced it will cease compliance with the ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) and has threatened further attacks.
On July 18, U.S. Central Command stated, "Under the direction of President Donald Trump, we have initiated new airstrikes against Iran." The command explained that the strikes aim to weaken Iran's military capabilities and swiftly retaliate against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which attacked the U.S. forces stationed in Jordan.
Earlier, on July 17, two U.S. service members were killed and one went missing while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan. Four other service members were treated at a hospital and later released. With these latest casualties, the total number of U.S. military deaths since the outbreak of hostilities in late February has risen to 16, with over 420 injured.
The U.S. retaliatory airstrikes have expanded across southern Iran. On July 19, strikes targeted areas near the Strait of Hormuz, including Sirik, the inland city of Hazavand, and Qeshm Island. Explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas and near Shadegan in Khuzestan Province.
Negotiations for a ceasefire are effectively at a standstill. Kazem Garibabadi, Iran's deputy foreign minister and representative in ongoing talks with the U.S., stated, "The U.S. has repeatedly violated the agreement," announcing that Iran will halt its obligations under the MOU.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei also asserted in a written statement broadcast on state television that the U.S. presidential signature holds no value or validity. He referred to the U.S. as the 'Great Satan' and warned that Iran and the so-called 'Resistance Front' would deliver an unforgettable lesson to their adversaries. Khamenei emphasized that the enemy should not detect any signs of weakness from Iran and called for internal unity.
During the ceasefire period, Iran has significantly increased its oil exports, securing substantial foreign currency. The Wall Street Journal estimates that following the lifting of a U.S. maritime blockade in mid-June, Iran exported approximately 70 million barrels of oil over the past month, valued between $5 billion and $6 billion. The revenue from these oil sales is expected to assist Iran in sustaining its military efforts amid ongoing economic challenges.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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