Conflict enters its 17th day, the US plans to announce the formation of the "Hormuz Escort Alliance."

The military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran entered their 17th day on the 16th. On the 15th, U.S. media disclosed that the U.S. plans to announce the formation of a “Maritime Escort Alliance” in the Strait of Hormuz. On the same day, Iran issued a combat report warning against striking the logistics of the “Ford” aircraft carrier. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that Iran has never requested a ceasefire from the U.S., nor has it requested negotiations. Iran’s Supreme Leader reiterated that “we will seek compensation from the enemy.”

On March 15, a cargo ship navigated the Arabian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz, photographed in the United Arab Emirates. (Xinhua/Associated Press)

U.S. Media: U.S. Plans to Announce the Formation of a “Maritime Escort Alliance” in the Strait of Hormuz

According to The Wall Street Journal on the 15th, the U.S. government intends to announce the formation of a so-called Strait of Hormuz “Escort Alliance” soon. U.S. officials familiar with the matter said that some countries have agreed to provide escort services for ships passing through this critical international oil shipping route.

These officials said that whether the escort operations will begin before the U.S. and Israel halt large-scale military actions against Iran is still under discussion.

Iran Warns Against Striking “Ford” Aircraft Carrier Logistics

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson issued a combat report on the 15th, stating that Iran has destroyed four U.S. missile defense systems (“THAAD”) in the high-altitude terminal phase, and has not yet used many of its missile stocks.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the report states that Iran has hit 18 U.S. and Israel-related ships and oil tankers so far, and has targeted 200 strategic objectives, with daily war expenses for the U.S. and Israel reaching $1.5 billion.

The IRGC spokesperson said that Iran has launched approximately 700 missiles and 3,600 drones targeting U.S. and Israeli targets, most of which were produced about 10 years ago. Many newer missiles developed after Israel’s “12-Day War” against Iran in June last year have not yet been used.

Tasnim reports that the spokesperson for Iran’s Hatem Abiyah Central Command said that facilities providing logistics and support for the U.S. Navy’s “Ford” aircraft carrier will be targeted.

The “Ford” strike group is currently involved in large-scale military operations against Iran in the Red Sea.

On March 12, in Tehran, Iran’s capital, citizens stand in front of building ruins. (Xinhua/Shadati)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Reiterates “We Will Seek Compensation from the Enemy”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei posted on his Telegram account late on the 15th that Iran will “demand compensation from the enemy no matter what.” If the enemy refuses to pay, Iran will seize assets of equivalent value; if it cannot seize assets, Iran will destroy assets of equal value.

Iranian Foreign Minister: Never Requested a Ceasefire from the U.S., Returning to Negotiations Has Limited Meaning

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi told CBS on the 15th that Iran has never requested a ceasefire from the U.S., nor has it requested negotiations. Iran will continue to defend itself “for as long as it takes,” until U.S. President Trump recognizes that this is an “illegitimate war that cannot be won.”

Araghchi pointed out that it was the U.S. and Israel that provoked this war, and Iran is only defending itself. He emphasized that previous negotiations with the U.S. were unsuccessful, and returning to the negotiating table is of limited significance. “We see no reason to negotiate with the Americans because when they decided to attack us, we were already in negotiations with them—this is the second time.”

This statement was a response to Trump’s remarks. On the 14th, Trump told NBC that Iran was ready to negotiate a ceasefire, but he was not yet ready to reach an agreement “because the terms are not good enough.” Trump also confirmed that U.S. forces had attacked Iran’s Halek Island during the interview.

Regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi disclosed that some countries have contacted Iran, hoping their ships can pass safely. Iran is willing to negotiate with these countries, but the final decision will be made by the Iranian military.

On Iran’s nuclear program, Araghchi said that before the U.S. and Israel launched the war, Iran had made significant concessions in indirect nuclear negotiations with the U.S., offering to dilute uranium to 60% enrichment to demonstrate that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons.

He stated that Iran’s nuclear materials are currently buried beneath nuclear facility ruins, and Iran has no immediate plans to retrieve them. If needed in the future, retrieval will be conducted under IAEA supervision.

On March 13, in the border area bordering Lebanon in northern Israel, Israeli troops are assembled. (Xinhua/Jill Cohen Magen)

Iran and French President Talk Again After a Week

Iranian President Raisi spoke again with French President Macron on the 15th, emphasizing that insecurity and instability in the Middle East stem from hostile actions by Israel and the U.S. Macron called for the resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Macron posted on social media about the call, saying that the current disorderly escalation is dragging the entire Middle East into chaos and will have long-term consequences. The people of Iran and all regional peoples are victims.

He told Raisi that France’s military actions in the Middle East follow “defensive principles,” aimed at protecting its interests, regional partners, and freedom of navigation. Attacks on France are “unacceptable.”

German Foreign Minister: No Need to Participate in Strait of Hormuz Escort

German Foreign Minister Baerbock expressed skepticism on the 15th about expanding EU escort operations to the Strait of Hormuz, believing Germany does not need to participate.

Israel Attacks Lebanon, Causing 850 Deaths

According to a statement from the Lebanese Ministry of Health on the 15th, since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have resulted in 850 deaths and 2,105 injuries.

The statement said that among the victims are 107 children.

Related Reports

• German Foreign Minister: Germany will not participate in escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz
• UK Prime Minister and U.S. President discuss the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz
• Japan releases about 80 million barrels of oil reserves; Trump “names” South Korea for escorting through the Strait of Hormuz; Blue House responds: “First, we need to ‘study’”

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(Source: Xinhua)