Conflict Enters Day 17 as US Prepares to Announce Formation of Hormuz "Escort Coalition," Iran Warns of Strikes Against "Ford" Carrier Logistics

Xinhua News Agency Reporter | Xinhua International Headlines

The military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran entered their 17th day on the 16th. The U.S. plans to announce the formation of a “Maritime Escort Alliance” in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran issued a military report warning against targeting the logistics of the “Ford” aircraft carrier. Iran’s foreign minister stated that Iran has never requested a ceasefire from the U.S. and has not even requested negotiations.

US Media: US Plans to Announce Formation of Strait of Hormuz “Escort Alliance”

According to an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal on the 15th, the US government intends to announce the formation of a so-called Strait of Hormuz “Escort Alliance” soon. US officials familiar with the matter say some countries have agreed to provide escort for ships passing through this critical international oil shipping route.

These officials said discussions are still ongoing about whether the escort operations will begin before the US and Israel cease their large-scale military actions against Iran.

On March 15, a cargo ship navigates in the Arabian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz, photographed in the United Arab Emirates. (Xinhua/Associated Press)

Iran Issues Military Report Warning Against Targeting “Ford” Carrier Logistics

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson released a military report on the 15th, stating that Iran has destroyed four US missile defense systems (“THAAD”) and has not yet used many of its missile stocks.

Tasnim News Agency quoted the report, saying Iran has hit 18 US and Israel-related ships and oil tankers so far, and has included 200 key strategic targets in its strike plans, costing the US and Israel $1.5 billion daily in war expenses.

The IRGC spokesperson said that Iran has launched approximately 700 missiles and 3,600 drones targeting US and Israeli targets, most of which were produced about 10 years ago. Many newer missiles developed after Israel’s “12-Day War” against Iran last June have not yet been used.

Tasnim reported that the spokesperson for Iran’s Hatem Abiy Central Command stated that facilities providing logistics and support to the US Navy’s “Ford” aircraft carrier will be targeted.

The “Ford” carrier strike group is currently involved in large-scale military operations against Iran in the Red Sea.

On March 12, in Tehran, Iran, citizens stand in front of building ruins. Xinhua reporter Shadati photo

Iran’s Foreign Minister: Never Requested a Ceasefire from the US; Returning to Negotiations Has Limited Meaning

Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian told CBS on the 15th that Iran has never requested a ceasefire from the US, nor has it requested negotiations. Iran will continue to defend itself “for as long as it takes,” until President Trump recognizes that this is an “illegitimate war that cannot be won.”

Abdollahian pointed out that the US and Israel provoked this war, and Iran is only defending itself. He emphasized that previous negotiations with the US have been unsuccessful, and returning to the negotiating table is of limited significance. “We see no reason to talk with the US because when they decided to attack us, we were already negotiating with them. This is the second time.”

This statement was a response to Trump’s remarks. On the 14th, Trump told NBC that Iran is ready to negotiate a ceasefire but he is not yet ready to reach an agreement “because the terms are not good enough.”

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Abdollahian also said in the interview that Iran only targets US objectives, while the US uses neighboring countries’ territories to attack Iran, which Iran cannot ignore.

Regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Abdollahian disclosed that some countries have contacted Iran, hoping their ships can pass safely through the strait. He said Iran is willing to negotiate with these countries, but the final decision will be made by the Iranian military.

On Iran’s nuclear program, Abdollahian stated that before the US and Israel launched the war, Iran had already made significant concessions in indirect nuclear negotiations with the US, offering to dilute uranium to 60% enrichment to demonstrate that Iran has no intention of seeking nuclear weapons.

He said Iran’s nuclear materials are currently buried under nuclear facility ruins, and Iran does not plan to extract them for now. If needed in the future, extraction will be carried out under IAEA supervision.

This is a photo taken on March 13 in the border area between northern Israel and Lebanon, showing Israeli troops assembling. Xinhua/ Gil Cohen Magen

Israel’s Attacks on Lebanon Have Caused 850 Deaths

According to a statement from Lebanon’s Ministry of Health on the 15th, since March 2, Israel’s ongoing attacks on Lebanon have resulted in 850 deaths and 2,105 injuries.

The statement said that among the victims are 107 children.

(Edited by: Wen Jing)

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