Trump: May Resume "Operation Freedom"; Iran: Drafting Legislation on the Strait of Hormuz
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Trump Says "Operation Free Passage" May Resume
On the 8th, U.S. President Trump stated to the media at the White House that the United States might resume the "Operation Free Passage", which aims to assist vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, and expected to receive a response from Iran regarding the US-Iran agreement proposal that evening.
Trump said he believes "Operation Free Passage" is a good idea, but "there are other solutions". If no progress is made, the U.S. side may restart "Operation Free Passage". However, "it will be an upgraded version, that is, in addition to the original plan, additional measures will be included."
The U.S. military launched "Operation Free Passage" in the Middle East on the morning of the 4th local time, but Trump announced on the evening of the 5th Eastern Time that the operation would be temporarily suspended, citing reasons including observing whether a US-Iran agreement could eventually be finalized and signed. However, most analysts believed the suspension was due to the operation encountering obstacles.
On the 8th, when asked whether a response had been received from Iran regarding the proposed agreement, Trump said, "In theory, we should get their message tonight."
When pressed about whether he thought Iran was deliberately stalling the negotiation process, Trump replied that he did not know, saying "We will know soon."
Earlier that day, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated during his visit to Italy that the U.S. expected a response from Iran on the 8th and hoped to receive a "serious proposal."
Source:Xinhua News Agency
Iranian Media: Iran Drafting Legislation on the Strait of Hormuz
Xinhua News Agency, Tehran, May 8 – According to a report by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency on the 8th, Iran is drafting legislation related to the Strait of Hormuz.
The chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Committee stated that the parliament has held multiple meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ports and Maritime Organization, and other relevant bodies to discuss the content of the draft. The draft will be submitted for review as soon as parliament resumes session.
Source:Xinhua News Agency
No Large Commercial Vessels Passed Through Strait of Hormuz in the Past 24 Hours
On the 8th, a correspondent from the main broadcaster reported that, according to ship tracking data, as of the morning of the 8th local time, no large ships had passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours. Reportedly, this is the second consecutive day since the 7th that no large commercial vessels have passed through the strait.
Source:CCTV News
Conflicting Claims, Stalled Peace Talks, and U.S.-Iran Clashes in the Strait of Hormuz
From the night of the 7th to the early morning of the 8th local time, the United States and Iran suddenly launched attacks on each other in the area surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns among the international community, which had hoped for an agreement between the two sides.
A spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Armed Forces said on the 8th that, due to the United States violating the ceasefire agreement with attacks on an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel entering the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian forces struck U.S. warships in response.
Subsequently, the U.S. Central Command confirmed that U.S. naval vessels were attacked and responded in kind. According to U.S. media, the U.S. military launched airstrikes the same day on Iran’s Qeshm and Abbas ports. President Trump posted on social media that if Iran "does not sign the agreement soon," the U.S. side "will take even more fierce and violent measures" against it.
However, he also stated that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement "remains in effect." Regarding the renewed clashes, some international analysts believe this is both sides applying pressure and testing each other before negotiations, but it greatly increases the risk of miscalculation.
On the 8th, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi posted on social media: "Whenever a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. always chooses reckless military adventurism."
Source:Global Times
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