Conflict enters day 17, US plans to announce formation of Hormuz "escort coalition," Iran warns of strikes against "Ford" carrier logistics

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The military conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran has entered its 17th day on the 16th. The U.S. plans to announce the formation of the Strait of Hormuz “Escort Alliance.” Iran has issued a combat report warning against striking the logistics of the “Ford” aircraft carrier. The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that Iran has never requested a ceasefire from the U.S., nor has it requested negotiations.

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

According to an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal on the 15th, the U.S. government intends to announce the formation of the so-called Strait of Hormuz “Escort Alliance” soon. U.S. officials familiar with the matter say some countries have agreed to provide escort 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.

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

Iran Releases Combat Report Warning Against Striking “Ford” Aircraft Carrier Logistics

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson released a combat report on the 15th, stating that Iran has destroyed four U.S. missile defense systems (“THAAD”) and has not yet used many of its missile stocks.

According to the Tasnim News Agency, the report states that Iran has hit 18 U.S. and Israeli-related ships and oil tankers so far, and has targeted 200 strategic key targets, costing the U.S. and Israel about $1.5 billion daily in war expenses.

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 last June have not yet been used.

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

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

On March 12, in Tehran, Iran, citizens stand in front of building ruins. Xinhua reporter Shadati photo

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

Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian said in an interview with 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 “illegal war that cannot be won.”

Abdollahian pointed out that the war was provoked by the U.S. and Israel, and Iran is only defending itself. He emphasized that previous negotiations with the U.S. have been unsuccessful, so returning to the negotiation table is of limited significance. “We see no reason to talk with the Americans because when they decided to attack us, we were already negotiating 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 agree “because the terms are not good enough.”

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Abdollahian also said in the interview that Iran only targets U.S. objectives, while the U.S. uses neighboring countries’ territories to attack Iran, which Iran cannot ignore.

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

On Iran’s nuclear program, Abdollahian pointed out that before the U.S. and Israel launched the war, Iran had already made significant concessions in indirect nuclear negotiations with the U.S., offering to dilute uranium to 60% enrichment to demonstrate that Iran has no intention of seeking nuclear weapons.

He said that Iran’s nuclear materials are currently buried under nuclear facility ruins, and Iran has no plans to extract them for now. If needed in the future, extraction will be carried out under IAEA supervision.

This is a photo taken on March 13 of Israeli military forces assembling at the border area bordering Lebanon in northern Israel. Xinhua photo (Gil Cohen Magen)