President Donald Trump has praised Iran's 'gesture of goodwill' after an American citizen was released following more than a year and a half in detention. The commendation came even as the United States continued military strikes against Iranian targets, escalating the months-long conflict between the two nations.
American Citizen Released
The American citizen, who was wrongfully detained in December 2024 under the administration of former President Joe Biden, is now safely outside Iran and in good condition, Trump announced on Truth Social on Wednesday, July 15. 'The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran,' he wrote.
US Strikes Continue
Despite the release, the US military conducted strikes on Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities on Wednesday. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strikes aimed to 'further degrade Iran's ability to threaten innocent mariners crewing commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.' Precision munitions were used 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,' CENTCOM said in a statement on X. 'The U.S. military is holding Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief's direction.'
Failed Ceasefire
The conflict between the US and Iran has been ongoing since February 28, when the US and Israel conducted joint strikes on several key Iranian sites. Iran retaliated by striking sites across the region and closing the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway. One month ago, the US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to end the war within 60 days, but lasting peace has not been achieved.
Earlier this week, Iran announced its full withdrawal from the MoU, citing American violations. Deputy Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran will exercise 'full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, no matter the costs,' including taking over Oman's half of the waterway.
President Trump declared the ceasefire 'over' at a NATO summit in Türkiye last week, telling reporters, 'I don't want to deal with them anymore. They're scum.'
