The conflict enters its 24th day, intense explosions reported in Tehran, Iran proposes complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Trump's threats.

The military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran entered their 24th day on the 23rd. On the evening of the 22nd, intense explosions were heard in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and the air defense system was activated to continuously intercept unidentified flying objects. On the same day, Iran stated that if U.S. President Trump carried out his threat to attack Iranian power plants, Iran would immediately take four "punitive" measures, including completely closing the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran proposes four measures in response to Trump's threat

According to a report by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on the 22nd, the Iranian armed forces issued a statement saying that if U.S. President Trump carried out his threat to attack Iranian power plants, Iran would immediately take four "punitive" measures, including a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement indicated that Iran has repeatedly declared that the Strait of Hormuz is only closed to enemies and for "harmful passage," and has not been completely blocked; it is currently under Iran's "intelligent control." "Under specific rules, harmless passage is still conducted while ensuring our safety and interests."

The statement warned that if the U.S. threat to attack Iranian power plants is implemented, Iran will immediately take four "punitive" measures: the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed until the damaged power facilities are rebuilt; there will be extensive strikes against all Israeli power facilities, energy, and communication infrastructure; all U.S.-owned companies in the Middle East will be completely destroyed; and the power facilities of all countries with U.S. military bases in the region will become legitimate targets for attack.

Iran's Foreign Minister writes to the UN condemning U.S.-Israeli attacks on nuclear facilities

According to a report by the Tasnim News Agency on the 22nd, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif has written to the UN Secretary-General and members of the Security Council, strongly condemning the recent blatant violations of international law by the U.S. and Israel, which have repeatedly attacked Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, and calling for immediate action from the Security Council.

The report stated that Zarif pointed out in his letter that the attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility and the Bushehr nuclear power plant buildings seriously violate the UN Charter, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Statute, and fundamental principles of international law. He emphasized that the special nature of nuclear facilities means that such attacks could lead to large-scale leaks of radioactive materials, which would have immeasurable catastrophic consequences for the health and lives of surrounding populations and the regional ecological environment, with a scope and impact far exceeding that of ordinary military conflicts.

Zarif called on the international community to jointly condemn this violation of international law, demanding an immediate cessation of attacks on Iran and full compensation.

Iranian Speaker warns of strikes against financial institutions funding U.S. military actions

According to a report by the Tasnim News Agency on the 22nd, Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly Speaker Ghalibaf stated on social media that, in addition to U.S. military bases, financial institutions that provide funding support for U.S. military expenditures are also legitimate targets for Iran.

Ghalibaf said that Iran is monitoring the flow of relevant financial assets and stated that this is a "final warning."

Israeli military announces expansion of offensive in Lebanon, advancing ground operations

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement on the 22nd saying that IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi approved the expansion of military operations in Lebanon on the 21st, including advancing ground operations within Lebanese territory.

The statement quoted Halevi as saying that actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon "have just begun," and the IDF is preparing to advance ground operations according to established plans and is ready for long-term operations.

The statement also noted that any threats against Israeli civilians will be met with a response. The two battlefields of Iran and Lebanon are interconnected. After military actions against Iran conclude, Hezbollah in Lebanon will be "isolated and helpless."

Intense explosions heard in downtown Tehran

On the evening of the 22nd, around 8:20 PM local time, intense explosions were heard in downtown Tehran, and the air defense system was activated to continuously intercept unidentified flying objects.

Xinhua reporters in downtown Tehran observed multiple flashes of light in the night sky over the eastern and western districts.

Iranian President: The Strait of Hormuz welcomes no invaders

Iranian President Raisi stated on social media on the 22nd that the Strait of Hormuz is open to everyone, but it does not welcome those invaders who violate Iranian territory.

Raisi stated that the so-called fantasy of "wiping Iran off the map" is merely a reflection of despair in the face of the will of a nation that is making history. "Threats and terror will only further strengthen our unity... We will firmly respond to these crazy threats on the battlefield."

Comprehensive report from Xinhua News Agency