Middle East tensions flare as Iran broadens retaliation; Hormuz Strait reopening still in doubt

BlockBeats reported on July 15 that the Middle East saw another sharp escalation overnight and into early morning. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched "Operation Nasr 2" and claimed the United States had entered a "state of formal war." Iran said it struck U.S. military assets in Bahrain and Jordan, claiming it destroyed Patriot radar systems, the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet's air-traffic-control radar and CRAM early-warning radar systems. Tehran also asserted it hit the headquarters of the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet. Separately, Iran reported an explosion at a U.S. base in Kuwait and said it attacked and destroyed two vessels, describing the actions as violations of international norms. U.S. officials said Washington has completed a fresh round of strikes on Iran. About 50,000 U.S. troops are currently deployed across the Middle East, according to the U.S. side. Officials added that American forces carried out further strikes on Iranian military targets on Tuesday to remove emerging threats. Reports of explosions or attacks have emerged from multiple locations across Iran, including western Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Bandare Bongah, Chabahar and Hengam Island. Air defenses near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant were reported to be activated. Jordan said it intercepted and shot down four missiles that entered its airspace from Iranian territory. On the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's military said the waterway will not reopen while U.S. military actions continue. The IRGC said reopening will remain delayed as long as U.S. operations persist. France said it is prepared to take part in mine-clearing operations in the strait if needed. Oman reiterated its intention to continue mediation aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. position on potential tolls for passage through the strait has also shifted. White House officials previously said Donald Trump was seriously considering a 20% toll, but Trump later said no one should charge fees for the strait. U.S. Energy Secretary Wright confirmed the U.S. has dropped the 20% toll idea. In parallel, Lebanon and Israel are holding talks in Rome to discuss implementing an agreement to end the conflict, including buffer-zone demarcation and a timeline for Israeli troop withdrawals. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the United Kingdom for designating the IRGC as a national security threat. Iran's deputy foreign minister also said Iran currently has no commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.