Trump: 'Operation Warp Speed' Might Be Revived

The situation between the US and Iran has taken a sharp turn for the worse in the past 24 hours.

From the evening of the 7th to the early morning of the 8th local time, the US and Iran suddenly launched attacks on each other surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides accusing each other of being the first to provoke.

The Iranian Armed Forces alleged that the US violated the ceasefire agreement and attacked Iranian vessels first, while US Central Command confirmed that the naval vessels retaliated after being attacked, and US media also reported that the US military launched airstrikes on Iran's Qeshm and Bandar Abbas ports among other places.

Trump warned on social media that if Iran does not "sign an agreement as soon as possible," the US will strike with "more intense and violent" means, but at the same time insisted that the ceasefire agreement "is still in effect."

He also said at the White House on the 8th that he expected to receive Iran's reply to the US proposal that night, and Secretary of State Rubio also expressed hope for a "serious proposal" during his visit to Italy.

At the same time, Trump mentioned the possibility of reinstating the "Freedom Plan" which had been briefly activated and then suspended - the plan aims to free trapped ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which was activated on the 4th and suspended in the evening of the 5th.

Analysts generally believe that the reason for the suspension was the operation running into difficulties, not diplomatic considerations as the official statement claimed. Trump said that if there is no progress, he would relaunch the "Enhanced Freedom Plan," adding other measures on top of the original plan.

The actual impact of the blockade is further deepening. Vessel tracking data shows that as of the morning of the 8th local time, it has been the second consecutive day without large merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee revealed that the parliament is discussing legal drafts related to the Strait of Hormuz with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies, and will submit them for review immediately after the meeting resumes. This move is interpreted by the outside world as Iran trying to solidify control of the strait through legislation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Al-Arqiqi wrote on the 8th, criticizing that "every time diplomatic solutions are on the table, the US always chooses reckless military adventures."

International analysts generally believe that the exchange of fire between the two sides is more about mutual pressure and testing before negotiations, but it significantly increases the risk of misjudgment. Tonight's content of Iran's reply will be a key observation point for whether negotiations can get back on track.