Expert analyses and reviews
Pete Hegseth stated that Mojtaba Khamenei had no choice but to agree, describing the U.S. military operation codenamed "Epic Wrath" as a "historic and decisive victory on the battlefield" that was "a complete military victory in every respect."
Regime officials and government-affiliated experts in Iran have warned of potential operations by American supporters in Iran, despite a ceasefire between the Islamic Republic and the United States, indicating that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will continue its conflict with the Iranian people. (Report by Mojtaba Pourmahsoun)
During the two-week ceasefire, Iran has requested that shipping companies pay tolls in digital currency for oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with a fee of one dollar per barrel of oil, and ships must email cargo details to Iranian authorities prior to passage. Ships are warned they will be targeted if they pass without permission, causing delays and caution among international shipping companies.
China and Russia have vetoed a draft resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, indicating their opposition to international efforts to keep the vital energy route open. This action is seen as support for the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Politico reported that the Pentagon is reviewing its list of targets in Iran to include energy facilities with dual-use applications, which supply fuel and electricity to both civilians and military forces, amid disagreements over the legality of such attacks. This comes as President Trump had threatened to target key infrastructure in Iran if no agreement is reached.
Donald Trump reposted a Washington Post analysis on Truth Social titled "No, Donald Trump Has Not Lost His Resolve on Iran," which dismissed reports of his intention to end the war and reach an agreement with Tehran. The analysis, citing retired Army General Jack Keane, stated that the U.S. military needs three more weeks to achieve all assigned objectives, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and eliminating nuclear enrichment through military operations.
The Deputy for Cultural and Artistic Affairs of the Greater Tehran IRGC has called on individuals aged 12 and above to join the "Mujahideen Defenders of the Homeland for Iran" campaign, aimed at organizing citizen involvement in defense, support, and relief activities such as intelligence, tourist, and operational patrols.
In recent days, banners featuring an image of Mojtaba Khamenei placed next to Adolf Hitler have been spotted in some cities in Iran, with inscriptions beneath Hitler's image that are not found in credible historical sources. The composite image appears to be digitally fabricated.
Goldie Ghamari joined i24NEWS_EN to discuss the conflict between the USA/Israel and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran, emphasizing the desire for the collapse of the Islamic regime and support for HRH Reza Pahlavi in transitioning to a democratic society.
Morad Vaisi, Senior Analyst at Iran International, stated that evidence suggests a decreased likelihood of an agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, increasing the probability of a severe naval battle in the Persian Gulf to open the Strait of Hormuz and halt missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on neighboring Arab countries.
Morad Vaisi, Senior Analyst at Iran International, stated that the likelihood of escalating attacks on IRGC military positions in coastal areas and regions near the Persian Gulf is very high, aimed at reducing missile and drone attacks against regional countries and opening the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. has deployed at least 2,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, bringing the total number of U.S. forces in the region to approximately 5,000. Discussions are underway regarding potential operations to control the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island.
