Conflict Enters Day 16, Trump Says Multiple Countries Will Send Warships to Escort in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran Launches 51st Wave of Offensive

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 stated 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 United States. Meanwhile, late on the 14th, Iran launched the 51st wave of its "Real Commitment-4" operation, targeting U.S. fighter jet equipment bases.

Trump stated, "We will soon open the Strait of Hormuz."

U.S. President Trump stated on social media on the 14th that the U.S. would heavily bomb the Iranian coastline, saying, "We will soon open the Strait of Hormuz."

Trump also mentioned that multiple countries, especially those affected by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, would send warships to escort alongside the United States. However, he did not elaborate further.

Trump reiterated that the U.S. has "destroyed 100% of Iran's military capability." However, he also acknowledged that Iran could pose a threat by sending out one or two drones, deploying a mine, or launching a short-range missile at some point in the waterway.

Trump stated that the U.S. would heavily bomb the Iranian coastline and continuously sink Iranian vessels. "In any case, we will soon open the Strait of Hormuz, making it safe and unobstructed!"

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime passage for global energy. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued his first statement since taking office on the 12th, saying that Iran would continue to use the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a means to counter the U.S.

Iran strikes U.S. fighter jet bases; Saudi Arabia intercepts 6 ballistic missiles

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps 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, Saudi Arabia.

According to the Iranian Islamic Republic Broadcasting and Television, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the U.S. military launched airstrikes against Iran from the Prince Sultan Air Base located in Ha'il. This base is equipped with U.S. F-35 and F-16 fighter jets and is also a major base for U.S. refueling and early warning aircraft.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated on social media that the 6 ballistic missiles launched towards Ha'il were intercepted and destroyed.

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

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

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

Israel's 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 engage in direct talks with Lebanese representatives.

Haaretz noted 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 have been engaged in direct fire with the Israeli military in the town of Khyam, near the Lebanon-Israel border, since 21:20 that evening.

The statement indicated that Hezbollah's armed personnel are using light weapons, medium weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades. The fighting is still ongoing.

Comprehensive report from Xinhua News Agency