Overview of U.S.-Israel Military Strikes Against Iran (Afternoon Edition, 21st)

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, March 21 - The military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran entered their 22nd day on the 21st. Here is the latest overview of the conflict:

——Iran

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, delivered a written New Year message on the occasion of the Iranian New Year Nowruz, congratulating on Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz, and setting the slogan for the new year as "Achieving economic resilience under the protection of national unity and security."

Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that Iran does not seek conflict or war with Islamic countries. He said, "We have no intention of having any disagreements with Islamic countries. We do not seek conflict or war with Islamic countries. They are our brothers."

Iran's Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian stated that Iran does not accept a temporary ceasefire but demands a complete end to the war, including ensuring that Iran is no longer attacked and compensation for the damages suffered by Iran. He also mentioned that he does not believe the United States is prepared for negotiations.

The public relations department of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the launch of the 70th wave of Operation "Real Commitment-4," targeting over 55 Israeli military facilities and U.S. bases in the Middle East.

According to the Iranian Nour News Agency, Iran's Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has formally lodged a complaint with UNESCO regarding the historical site of Farak Ol Afrak Castle being attacked by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Ata Hasampour, director of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Bureau of Lorestan Province, stated that the airstrikes on Farak Ol Afrak Castle caused approximately $760 million in damages.

According to the Iranian Fars News Agency, following two explosions reported in the eastern part of Tehran, airstrikes also occurred in Isfahan, Karaj, and Shahre Rey.

——Israel

The Israel Defense Forces issued a statement saying that the military is targeting "Iranian regime objectives" located in Tehran. Saudi Arabia's Al Arabiya television reported, citing Israeli sources, that the commander of Iran's security forces, Ahmad-Reza Radan, has become a target of the Israeli military's airstrikes on Tehran.

——United States

U.S. President Trump stated on social media that the U.S. is "very close" to achieving its goals and is considering a gradual de-escalation of military actions against Iran. He also stated that the Strait of Hormuz must be defended by the countries that use the strait.

According to U.S. media reports, the U.S. military is deploying three additional warships and approximately 2,500 Marines to the Middle East. Among them, the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship is currently located on the Pacific East Coast, about 12,000 nautical miles from the Gulf of Oman, which means it will take at least three weeks to reach the combat zone, indicating that the military has planned for a longer-term military presence of the Navy and Marines in the region.

According to U.S. Axios news website, the Trump administration is considering occupying or blockading the Iranian oil export hub of Khark Island to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The report stated that if approved, such actions would require more troops, and the White House and Pentagon are considering sending more troops soon.

The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources, that Iran launched two medium-range ballistic missiles at the "U.S.-UK Joint Military Base" Diego Garcia located in the central Indian Ocean, one of which malfunctioned during flight. A U.S. warship fired an interceptor missile at the other, but it could not be determined whether the missile was intercepted. Iran's Mehr News Agency later confirmed the reports of the missile launch.

U.S. CBS News reported, citing sources, that the U.S. is developing strategic plans to seize Iran's "nuclear reserves."

——United Arab Emirates

The UAE Ministry of Defense stated that its air defense systems intercepted four ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran. Since February 28, its air defense systems have intercepted a total of 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,740 drones.

——Russia

In response to the attack on Anzali Port located on the northern Caspian Sea coast of Iran, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova harshly criticized the action, pointing out that it puts the coastal countries of the Caspian Sea at risk of being dragged into military conflict.