U.S. Military Strikes Iran for the Tenth Consecutive Night, Mediators Propose a Ten-Day Ceasefire Between the U.S. and Iran

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, July 21 - According to reports from Xinhua's foreign correspondents: The U.S. Central Command issued a statement on the 20th, stating that U.S. forces completed a new round of strikes against Iran at 9 PM Beijing time (21:00 Eastern Daylight Time) on the 20th. This marks the 10th consecutive night of U.S. strikes against Iran. The Iranian side also issued a statement claiming to have targeted U.S. forces in Bahrain and Kuwait. Additionally, foreign media reported that mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Pakistan have proposed a 10-day ceasefire to both the U.S. and Iran.

The U.S. Central Command stated on the 20th that this round of military operations targeted Iranian military command centers, maritime combat capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defense systems, aiming to "weaken Iran's ongoing ability to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz." Commercial vessels continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran released multiple statements on the 21st, claiming to have launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. targets located in Bahrain and Kuwait, "destroying" some U.S. radar facilities and "Patriot" air defense systems.

The statement claimed that the IRGC Aerospace Force "completely destroyed" a U.S. radar system located in Muharraq, Bahrain, and that the U.S. "Patriot" air defense system in Rifa, Bahrain, was also simultaneously attacked by missiles and drones and was "destroyed."

Furthermore, the IRGC used missiles and drones to "destroy" multiple U.S. radar and defense facilities located in Kuwait, including missile defense radar at Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base and "Patriot" air defense systems, and targeted an MQ-9 drone hangar at Ali Al-Salem Air Base, "destroying or severely damaging" several drones.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy issued a statement on social media on the 21st, stating that several power generation and seawater desalination plants in the country were attacked on the evening of the 20th. This marks the fourth consecutive day of Iranian attacks on Kuwait, resulting in multiple fires.

The Jordanian Armed Forces issued a statement on the 21st, stating that Jordan's air defense systems intercepted and shot down three missiles from Iran that day, and shot down five Iranian drones the night before and that day. The operations did not result in casualties or property damage.

The U.S. Axios news website reported on the 20th, citing sources, that mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Pakistan have proposed a 10-day ceasefire to the U.S. and Iran. The Trump administration is considering the possibility of a ceasefire while also preparing for a full-scale war.

Reports indicate that U.S. forces may continue bombing Iran for several days before seriously considering the proposal. While the Trump administration is studying the 10-day ceasefire proposal, it is also urging Israel not to take actions that would "close the diplomatic window."

It was reported that if the U.S. and Iran reach a 10-day ceasefire agreement, both sides will negotiate long-term arrangements regarding the Strait of Hormuz during this period. One negotiation proposal would allow Iran to charge a "reasonable service fee" for maritime security, environmental protection, and other services. Another proposal would involve depositing the relevant fees into a joint fund managed by the International Maritime Organization.

Reports indicate that President Trump believes the conflict with Iran is approaching a decisive turning point. U.S. and Israeli officials have envisioned two scenarios: one is ceasefire negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the other is a large-scale joint military operation by the U.S. and Israel to "force Iran to surrender." Recently, the U.S. has deployed dozens of fighter jets and refueling aircraft to the Middle East, gathering forces to respond to the escalating situation.