NEW EASTERN OUTLOOK 🌐 (@NEO_Journal)

🇮🇷💥New escalation around Iran 🟢A new round of escalation began following attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated that Tehran attacked three tankers: the Marshall Islands–flagged M/T Al Rekayyat, the Saudi Arabia–flagged M/T Wedyan, and the Liberia–flagged M/T Cyprus Prosperity. 🟢On July 7, the United States carried out a series of strikes against Iran, hitting more than 80 targets with precision-guided munitions. The targets reportedly included air defense systems, command networks, coastal radar stations, and anti-ship systems. More than 60 IRGC fast attack craft in the Strait of Hormuz area were also targeted. Washington stated that the purpose of the operation was to reduce Iran's ability to attack international shipping in the strategically important maritime corridor. 🟢Following the strikes, Washington revoked the temporary license that had permitted Tehran to sell oil, petroleum products, and petrochemical products. The license, issued in June, was valid until August 21. However, after the attacks on the tankers, the White House ordered the relevant operations to wind down by July 17. 🟢The main damage from the US strikes was recorded in southern Iran. Explosions occurred in and near Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Chabahar, and Konarak. Power outages were reported in Chabahar. 🟢In Bandar Abbas, one of the strikes hit the fishing harbor area, setting several fishing vessels on fire. 🟢In Chabahar, the strikes targeted two port piers and the maritime traffic control tower. The Imam Ali Hospital building was damaged by shrapnel. 🟢Explosions were also reported on Abu Musa Island in the Persian Gulf. The island is of military significance for Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz. 🟢In Bushehr Province, there were reports of explosions near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. However, it was noted that the nuclear facility itself sustained no damage. 🟢The US strikes in southern Iran killed eight Iranian Air Force and Navy servicemen. 🟢In response, the IRGC announced strikes against 85 US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. The Iranian military also reported a drone attack on US forces at the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Additionally, Iran announced that it had shot down a US MQ-9 drone over southern Iran. According to Tehran, the aircraft was downed in the Hormuz area of Bushehr Province. 🟢Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump said he considers the temporary agreement with Iran "over." He said that he "does not want to deal" with Tehran. Trump also warned that the United States could launch additional strikes against Iran if the attacks continue. 🟢NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed support for US actions, describing the latest American strikes on Iran as "absolutely necessary." He added that if a ceasefire is in effect and Iran violates it, the United States must "respond forcefully." 🟢In response, the Iranian military command described the US actions as "a blatant act of aggression" and stated that the Iranian armed forces would deliver a "crushing response." Tehran also stressed that it would not allow the United States to interfere with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 🟢As is, the negotiations process, which was expected to continue after July 9, is now at risk. The primary risks in the coming days are Iranian retaliatory strikes against US facilities in Persian Gulf states, further restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and rising tensions in the oil market. #CSAI #MENA #Iran