US President Donald Trump has praised Iran's 'gesture of goodwill' after a US citizen was released following 19 months of detention. Trump's commendation came despite a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nations this week.
Details of the Release
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, July 15, Trump wrote: 'Iran has allowed an American Citizen, who was wrongfully detained in December of 2024 under the "presidency" of Sleepy Joe Biden, to leave the Country. She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition. The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!'
Ongoing US Strikes
On the same day, Iran was hit by new US strikes. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on X: 'U.S. forces struck Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten innocent mariners crewing commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.'
CENTCOM used precision munitions to hit targets in multiple locations, including Bandar Abbas. 'Earlier this morning, American forces struck coastal defense and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island during a 90-minute wave. The U.S. military is holding Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief's direction,' the statement added.
Background of the Conflict
The US and Iran have been in on-and-off conflict since February 28, when the US and Israel carried out joint strikes on several key Iranian sites. Iran retaliated by striking sites across the region and closing the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway, a vital passage for global oil shipments.
On June 17, the US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the conflict within 60 days. Both sides had been working toward a lasting peace agreement to restore international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and address Tehran's nuclear programme.
Collapse of the Ceasefire
However, the ceasefire collapsed. Iran announced its full withdrawal from the MoU, citing American violations. Deputy Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran would exercise 'full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, no matter the costs.'
At a NATO summit in Türkiye last week, Trump declared the ceasefire 'over.' He told reporters: 'I don't want to deal with them anymore. They're scum.'
