Iran claims 19 ships destroyed in fresh Strait of Hormuz escalation
Iran says 19 ships have been destroyed in the Strait of Hormuz, though the claim remains unconfirmed, as tensions with the US resurface.
Israel and the United States had launched their war against Iran on the grounds that Iran was building a nuclear bomb. Israel had assured US President Trump that Iran could be brought under control within three days, its religious government toppled and replaced with a government of Israel's choosing. According to political observers, Netanyahu himself had given Trump a presentation on this war.
But the opposite happened. The war that was meant to end in three days has now continued for a full 212 days. In this war, Iran has suffered greater loss of life than Israel and the US. Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and his family were killed. A missile strike on a school for young girls killed 168 girls. Several of Iran's key political leaders, researchers and scientists were also killed.
During the war, Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz and laid underwater tunnels there, taking complete control of the strait. This brought nearly 20 percent of the world's maritime traffic to a halt. In response, the Houthis attacked Gulf nations along the Red Sea route, shutting that route as well. Iran began taking measures to increase pressure on the US, but the US imposed a blockade off Hormuz.
The US then secretly began searching for Iran's underwater tunnels. During this, Iran also captured two US drones. But the episode made clear that Iran controls Hormuz. Iran then issued a notice saying ships could exit Hormuz by paying a service tax.
The US, however, held firm and began taking action against such ships, leaving vessels stuck with nowhere to go. According to available information, there is a feeling among the Iranian public that the US has taken on an unelected guardianship over the world and held it hostage.
Iran recently sent the US a fresh proposal for seven days of peace, but Trump rejected it, saying he did not trust Iran. Trump said he would consider Iran's demands only after Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, Iran's president said he did not trust the US either, and added that it was now up to the US to decide whether to accept Iran's demands and restore peace, or fight a fierce war again, and that Iran was prepared for either outcome. The ball has thus been placed back in Trump's court. According to political analysts worldwide, Iran is not going to bow before the US under any circumstances, and it is now Trump who must decide which direction the war takes.
Iran says 19 ships have been destroyed in the Strait of Hormuz, but this has not yet been firmly confirmed. Some reports show only that fires broke out on the ships, and also say that the ships were fired upon after warnings were issued. According to available information, full clarity on this attack may emerge in the coming days.
