The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a phase of continuous escalation, yet military pressure and diplomatic engagement are proceeding simultaneously.
On Thursday, July 16, local time, the US military launched a new round of airstrikes against Iran for the fifth consecutive night, with reports of explosions and attacks emerging from strategic areas including the port of Bandar Abbas and near Qeshm Island in southern Iran. Concurrently, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely depressed, with only 13 commercial vessels transiting that day, approximately one-tenth of the average pre-conflict level, keeping global energy supply risks firmly in market focus.
It is noteworthy that despite the escalating military conflict, the diplomatic channel has not been completely closed. The White House stated that Iran is still in communication with the United States and desires to reach an agreement. Meanwhile, Iran has reiterated its refusal to tolerate military actions targeting the Strait of Hormuz while simultaneously sending conciliatory signals to Gulf Arab states, emphasizing the absence of hostile relations with neighboring countries.
Furthermore, a report cited by Xinhua on Thursday, sourced from Reuters, indicated that Iran has instructed Yemen's Houthi forces to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb strait if the US attacks Iran's power grid. This development suggests regional shipping risks could potentially spread from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea.
Fifth Night of US Airstrikes; Attacks Persist Around Hormuz
According to reports from state broadcaster CCTV, on July 16 local time, US Central Command announced that the US military began a new round of strikes against Iran at 2 PM Eastern Time, marking the fifth consecutive night of airstrikes.
Multiple strategic locations in southern Iran reported successive explosions that day.
Citing Iranian sources, CCTV reported that on the 16th, three consecutive explosions were heard in the western area of Bandar Abbas port in southern Iran. Later that evening, around 18:10 local time, an area near Qeshm Island, a chokepoint in the Strait of Hormuz, was struck by projectiles launched by the United States.
Some US media reports suggest that recent US strikes continue to focus on Iranian military facilities, air defense systems, and critical infrastructure nodes related to energy and strategic transportation, with the administration maintaining military pressure on Iran while keeping diplomatic negotiation channels open.
White House Press Secretary Levitt stated on the 16th that Iran remains in communication with the US and hopes to ultimately reach an agreement, as Iran is currently suffering "devastating blows."
Levitt also stated that the reason for recent US military actions is Iran's violation of the memorandum of understanding, or preliminary ceasefire agreement, reached by both sides in June.
Iran Signals Conciliation but Warns Hormuz is a "Red Line"
In response to the escalating military pressure, Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the 16th, calling on neighboring countries on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf to take immediate measures to prevent their territory, waters, and airspace from being used for military actions against Iran, to avoid further escalation of the regional situation.
The statement emphasized that Iran harbors no hostile intentions towards Gulf littoral states, does not wish for the US and Israel to exploit the situation to sow distrust among regional nations, and believes regional security should be maintained through dialogue and cooperation among regional countries, not by relying on external military forces.
Iranian sources told Reuters that Iran's objective is to assert its control over the strait. However, the Iranian government does not wish for further escalation that could undermine the preliminary agreement reached in June, as Iran still believes that agreement addresses most of its demands.
Nevertheless, while signaling a conciliatory posture, Iran maintains a firm stance on the Strait of Hormuz issue.
According to Reuters, Iranian military spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia stated on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz is Iran's "red line," over which it maintains firm control.
The Iranian military stated it would "resist to the end" and thwart US military intervention in the region, while also warning that if the US attacks Iran's critical infrastructure, it will retaliate against infrastructure across the entire Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately one-fifth of global seaborne oil trade and is the sole maritime export route for Qatari liquefied natural gas, making its security situation a persistent focal point for global energy markets.
Only 13 Commercial Vessels Transited Hormuz on Thursday; Shipowners' Risk Aversion Persists
Despite previous US statements about restoring order to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the latest data shows commercial vessel traffic remains far below normal levels.
Citing data from international shipping analytics firm Kpler, CCTV reported that only 13 commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz throughout July 16; eight were exiting the Persian Gulf and five were entering. This traffic volume is only about one-tenth of the average level before the conflict erupted.
The report stated that on that day, only one bulk carrier entering the Persian Gulf opted for the southern route near the Omani coast, recommended by the US military; the vast majority of vessels continued to sail closer to the Iranian coast.
However, due to some vessels turning off their AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders, the actual number of transits might be slightly higher than the statistical count.
Previously, several international shipping companies had already suspended transits through the Strait of Hormuz, while insurance premiums and war risk surcharges continue to climb.
Report: Iran Instructs Houthis to Prepare for Bab el-Mandeb Blockade
Beyond the Strait of Hormuz, shipping risks in the Red Sea may also escalate further.
Citing multiple regional sources, Reuters reported that Iran has issued instructions to Yemen's Houthi forces: if the US further attacks Iran's critical infrastructure such as its power grid, the Houthis are to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Xinhua subsequently cited the Reuters report, stating this plan indicates Iran is preparing to extend its response to the US to another globally critical energy transportation chokepoint.
The Bab el-Mandeb strait connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, forming a vital part of the Suez Canal route and one of the most important maritime passages between Europe and Asia.
If both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb strait were impacted simultaneously, two of the world's most crucial energy transportation arteries would face risks, potentially leading to greater disruptions in international crude oil, LNG shipments, and the global shipping supply chain.
Currently, the US has not publicly commented on the Reuters report regarding the Houthi plan, and the Houthi side has not officially confirmed the related information.
Analysts believe that, given the limited diplomatic contact still maintained between the US and Iran, this threat is more likely viewed as a significant strategic option for Iran to increase its bargaining leverage in negotiations. However, it also signifies considerable remaining uncertainty and potential for further escalation in the Middle East situation.
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