Conflict Enters Day 16, Trump "Ambiguous" on Hormuz Escort, Iranian Missile Strikes US Military Base

The military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran entered their 16th day on the 15th. On the 14th, U.S. President Trump was "vague" regarding whether U.S. forces would escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz, only stating that "it is possible." He posted on social media that multiple countries, especially those affected by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, would send warships to escort alongside the U.S. That night, Iran launched the 51st wave of its "Real Commitment-4" operation, targeting U.S. fighter jet equipment bases.

Trump's "vague" stance on Hormuz escort

According to U.S. media reports, regarding whether U.S. forces would escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated on the 14th in an interview that he was "vague," only saying "it is possible."

According to NBC News, Trump, during the interview, said regarding the aforementioned issue, "I don’t want to tell you anything about that," and then added, "it is possible."

Trump stated that he is asking multiple countries to help ensure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, and several countries have committed to assist. However, he refused to disclose which specific countries are involved.

He also mentioned that it is still unclear whether Iran has deployed mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has been almost completely interrupted. The U.S. has repeatedly stated that it is prepared to conduct escorts in the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, but has yet to take action.

Earlier on the 14th, Trump posted on social media that multiple countries, especially those affected by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, would send warships to escort alongside the U.S. He also stated that the U.S. would heavily bomb the Iranian coastline, "and soon the Strait of Hormuz will be open."

Iran strikes U.S. fighter jet bases

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran launched the 51st wave of its "Real Commitment-4" operation late on the 14th, firing liquid and solid fuel missiles at U.S. fighter jet equipment bases located in Ha'il City, Saudi Arabia.

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that U.S. forces launched airstrikes against Iran from the Prince Sultan Air Base located in Ha'il. This base is an equipment base for U.S. F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, as well as a major base for U.S. refueling and early warning aircraft.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated on social media that six ballistic missiles launched towards Ha'il City were intercepted and destroyed.

U.S.-Israel airstrikes on the 15th caused damage to over 40,000 civilian facilities in Iran

According to the Tasnim News Agency, Iranian government spokesman Mohajerani stated on the 14th that during the 15 days of large-scale airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, nearly 43,000 civilian facilities have been damaged, of which over 36,000 are residential.

Israeli media: Israel and Lebanon may hold direct talks in the coming days

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on the 14th, citing sources, that representatives from Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold direct talks in the coming days.

The report stated that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has appointed former Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer to handle "Lebanon affairs" and to hold direct talks with Lebanese representatives.

Haaretz stated that the talks may take place in Cyprus or Paris, with a higher likelihood of being held in Cyprus.

Hezbollah: Engaging in direct fire with Israeli ground forces

Hezbollah issued a statement on the evening of the 14th, stating that its armed personnel began direct fire with the Israeli army in the town of Shiyam, near the Lebanon-Israel border, starting at 21:20 that evening.

The statement said that Hezbollah armed personnel are using light weapons, medium weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades. The fighting is still ongoing. (Comprehensive report from Xinhua News Agency)