U.S. Navy airstrikes on the first day of the conflict near Qeshm Island have heavily damaged the IRGC Navy’s Shahid Mahdavi support ship, which appears to be nearly sinking.
The United States Marine Corps has deployed 12 F/A-18C/D Legacy Hornets from VMFA-312 to the Middle East, indicating readiness for potential amphibious operations near the Strait of Hormuz, specifically targeting Iranian islands. These aircraft are positioned to provide close air support for forces aboard the USS Tripoli (LHA-7).
After 45 days of searching, the Indian Navy has recovered the body of Iranian sailor Emad Hormozi in the Indian Ocean, one of the 32 crew members missing following the sinking of IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate of the Iranian Navy, by a U.S. Navy Los Angeles-class submarine. The incident resulted in the deaths of more than 100 Iranian sailors, and the vessel was returning from an exercise in India at the time of the attack.
President Trump threatens military action against Iran, stating, "If the ceasefire expires, a lot of bombs will start going off," referring to potential renewed US military operations if the current ceasefire between the US and Iran ends.
In a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the normal passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and emphasized the need for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the Middle East, advocating for resolution of disputes through political and diplomatic means.
BREAKING: We assess these are what is left of the IRGC Navy’s Shahid Mahdavi support ship following U.S. Navy airstrikes on the first day of the war near Qeshm Island. The vessel appears heavily damaged and is nearly sinking. #OperationEpicFury #OperationLionsRoar
