Breaking News! Major Announcement from the Strait of Hormuz! Israel Makes Major Statement!

The Strait of Hormuz situation stirs global energy markets.

According to the latest reports from CCTV News, the U.S. government plans to announce the formation of a so-called “Escort Alliance” for the Strait of Hormuz soon. Additionally, U.S. President Trump threatened on March 15 local time that if NATO allies do not take action to assist the U.S. in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, NATO will face a “very bad” future.

Currently, tensions in the Middle East remain high. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on the 15th that they are expanding their strikes against Iran. Iran responded by claiming that, for the first time in this round of conflict, they used “Mudstone” ballistic missiles to target Israeli sites. IDF spokesperson Efi Doflin stated that Israel’s military operations against Iran will continue for at least another three weeks.

Regarding international oil prices, after the Asian market opened today, WTI crude oil futures and Brent crude oil futures prices plummeted at first, then the declines narrowed. As of press time, WTI crude futures fell 0.52% to $96.35 per barrel; Brent crude futures rose 0.25% to $103.40 per barrel.

U.S. Plans to Announce Formation of “Escort Alliance” for the Strait of Hormuz

On March 16, CCTV News reported that, according to U.S. sources on the 15th, the U.S. government intends to announce the formation of a so-called “Escort Alliance” for the Strait of Hormuz soon.

U.S. officials familiar with the matter said that some countries have agreed to provide escort for ships passing through this critical international oil shipping route. These officials noted that whether the escort operations will begin before the U.S. and Israel halt large-scale military actions against Iran is still under discussion.

According to Xinhua News Agency, The Financial Times reported on the 15th that Trump, in a phone interview with the reporter, threatened that if NATO allies do not take action to help the U.S. keep the Strait of Hormuz open, NATO will face a “very bad” future.

Trump sent this message to European countries, urging them to join his military actions regarding Iran.

On the 15th, Qatar’s Al Jazeera reported responses from France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK regarding Trump’s call for multiple countries to send warships to escort in the Strait of Hormuz.

France stated it would not send ships. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on social media: “No, France’s aircraft carrier and its task force will remain in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Japanese officials told local media that Japan would not send ships solely because of Trump’s call, emphasizing that “Japan will decide independently, judgment is crucial.”

The South Korean presidential office said on the 15th that they will “carefully consider” Trump’s appeal and maintain “close communication” with the U.S.

A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson told U.S. media that the UK is “currently discussing a range of options with our allies and partners to ensure the safety of shipping in the region.”

The reports indicate that, so far, “no country has publicly responded to the escort call.”

Israel: Military Operations Against Iran to Continue for at Least Three More Weeks

As of March 15 local time, the military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran entered their 16th day. The IDF announced that they are expanding their strikes against Iran.

In a statement on the 15th, the IDF said they are currently targeting infrastructure in western and central Iran. Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli Air Force has attacked more than 200 targets in western and central Iran, including military command centers, air defense systems, and weapons production and storage facilities.

IDF spokesperson Efi Doflin also stated that Israel’s military operations against Iran will last at least another three weeks.

Early on the 16th, the IDF announced a large-scale attack on facilities in Tehran, Iran’s capital.

Additionally, on the 15th, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu posted a video on social media in response to online rumors about his personal health, confirming that he is still alive.

In the video, Netanyahu is seen in a café, stating that Israel is conducting strong strikes against Iran and Lebanon and will continue related military actions.

Iran Uses “Mudstone” Missiles to Strike Israel

According to a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran launched the 54th round of the “True Commitment-4” operation, targeting Israel’s aerial command centers, key military and defense facilities, and troop assembly areas. During the operation, Iran fired “Mudstone” ballistic missiles at Israel, marking the first use of these missiles in this round of conflict.

The “Mudstone” missile is a new medium-range ballistic missile developed by Iran, with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers, capable of covering the entire territory of Israel. It uses solid rocket engines, allowing quick launch preparation, high speed, and terminal maneuverability, making it difficult to intercept effectively.

The IRGC announced on the evening of the 15th that Iran’s Navy also launched precise and devastating strikes against four U.S. airbases early that morning.

The statement said that, during the operation, IRGC Navy missile and drone units used various ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and attack drones equipped with new warheads to attack U.S. military bases in Zayed Air Base in the UAE, Udayri Helicopter Base in Kuwait, Ali Salim Air Base, and Sheikh Eissa Air Base in Bahrain, targeting command centers, air traffic control towers, hangars, warehouses, and logistics facilities.

Recent satellite images show that Iran’s armed forces have destroyed over 80% of the strategic radar and critical facilities at U.S. bases.

Tasnim News Agency reported that a spokesperson from Iran’s Hatham Anbia Central Command said that facilities providing logistics and services for the U.S. Navy’s Ford aircraft carrier will be targeted.

The Ford carrier strike group is currently operating in the Red Sea as part of the large-scale military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

Layout: Luo Xiaoxia

Proofreading: Su Huanwen