New casualties in Iran following the latest U.S. raids. Tehran reports that seven soldiers from the 388th Brigade were killed and several others injured in the attack on a base in Bampour, in the southeast of the country. According to the Iranian army, thirteen missiles hit the garrison targeting accommodations, guard posts, and other barracks facilities. In a statement released by the Tasnim agency, the armed forces speak of a "cowardly aggression" and assure that the response will come "at the appropriate time".
On the political front, Donald Trump has backtracked on the proposal to impose a 20% toll on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. president explained that the measure will be replaced by trade agreements and investments from Gulf countries in the United States. However, the blockade of ships headed to Iranian ports or involved in trade with Tehran remains confirmed.
The Islamic Republic, however, continues to claim that traffic in the Strait is effectively halted and reiterates that Hormuz will remain closed until the cessation of American attacks. Meanwhile, Trump has increased pressure on Tehran, threatening new bombings against power plants, bridges, and other strategic targets if an agreement on the nuclear program is not reached.
Among the day's developments is also the confirmation, by Israeli sources cited by Reuters, of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United States scheduled for Saturday. According to reports published by Axios, the American president has also invited Israel to begin withdrawing its troops from Syria and Lebanon to avoid further escalation of the conflict.
Iranian authorities have finally announced the execution of a man convicted for attacks on public buildings during last January's protests in the province of Isfahan, while China, speaking at the UN Security Council, accused Washington of pushing the Middle East "to the brink of a dangerous precipice" with the continuation of military operations.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved