U.S. announces military casualties: 7 dead, 140 injured! U.S. and Israel launch "most intense airstrikes" Trump sets "rules" for Israel

According to Xinhua News Agency, U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson Shawn Parnell said on the 10th that since the large-scale military operation launched by the United States against Iran on February 28, approximately 140 U.S. military personnel have been injured, with 8 seriously wounded.

Parnell stated that the majority of U.S. military injuries are minor, and 108 personnel have already returned to duty.

The U.S. Central Command previously confirmed that 7 U.S. soldiers were killed in the Iranian retaliatory actions.

U.S. and Israel Launch “Most Intense Strike”

Trump Warns Iran: Do Not Mine the Strait of Hormuz

According to CCTV News, reporters learned on the 10th local time that the U.S. and Israel launched a fierce attack on Iran that day. The U.S. Department of Defense and local Iranian sources described it as the “most intense round of airstrikes” in this conflict.

It is reported that the White House reiterated President Trump’s previous warning: if Iran attempts to block energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. will impose strong military strikes on Iran. The White House also stated that Trump has proposed a plan for the U.S. Navy to escort oil tankers safely through the strait.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on the 10th that the U.S. military would launch the “highest intensity” strike in this military operation against Iran. At a press conference, Austin said, “Today will again be the day of the highest strike intensity inside Iran,” and the U.S. military will use the largest number of fighter jets and bombers in this operation, targeting Iranian sites with intelligence described as “more precise and higher quality than ever before.”

On the 10th local time, Trump posted on social media that if Iran mines the Strait of Hormuz, they must be removed immediately, or face “unprecedented military consequences.” Trump also warned that the U.S. would use similar technology and missile capabilities used against drug traffickers to quickly destroy any ships attempting to mine the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier reports indicated that U.S. intelligence agencies had begun to detect signs that Iran was taking measures to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Officials Remove Post Claiming “Navy Escorts Oil Tankers Through Hormuz”

White House: U.S. Military Has Not Escort Any Oil Tankers Through the Strait

Deployment of Ground Troops Not Ruled Out

On the 10th local time, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry posted on social media that the U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the continuous flow of oil to global markets. However, this post was soon deleted.

A source said that the U.S. Navy has not yet provided escort services for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Over the past week, the U.S. government has been discussing the timing and conditions for launching naval escort operations.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy Commander responded to Perry’s statement, saying, “The so-called U.S. military escort of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz is pure lies. Any actions by the U.S. and its allies will be blocked within range of Iran’s missiles and drones.”

On the 10th local time, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a press conference that the U.S. military is “progressing far beyond expectations” with the “Epic Fire” operation against Iran. The military action will continue until President Trump determines that the set military objectives have been fully achieved.

Jean-Pierre stated that the “unconditional surrender” mentioned by Trump refers to Iran no longer having the capability to pose a credible threat to the U.S. and its allies, especially with its ballistic missile systems and nuclear weapons development capabilities being thoroughly weakened.

At the press conference, Jean-Pierre also said that the U.S. Navy currently has not escorting any oil tankers or other ships through the Strait of Hormuz. She added that “of course, this is an option,” and if necessary, President Trump “will definitely use it at the appropriate time.” Trump stated on the 3rd that if needed, the U.S. Navy would begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

Jean-Pierre also said that Trump “does not rule out” any options in the military action against Iran, including deploying ground troops.

Trump Administration Urges Israel to Stop Airstrikes on Iranian Energy Facilities

According to CCTV News, on the 10th local time, three informed sources revealed that the Trump administration has asked Israel to cease further airstrikes on Iranian energy facilities, especially oil infrastructure.

It is said to be the first clear restriction on Israeli military actions since the U.S.-Israel joint military operations against Iran began. The U.S. reasoned that such strikes could push up global oil prices and provoke Iran to retaliate massively against Gulf energy infrastructure.

Sources said the Trump administration considers attacking Iranian oil facilities a “last resort,” only to be taken if Iran first attacks Gulf energy infrastructure.

On the 7th, the Israeli military launched attacks on multiple fuel storage facilities in Tehran, Iran’s capital. There was also a rare weather phenomenon called “black rain.” Residents of Tehran reported breathing difficulties. The World Health Organization and the United Nations issued warnings on the 9th, stating that such attacks are causing serious environmental and health crises.

Affected by the conflict, energy facilities in Middle Eastern oil-producing countries have been impacted, causing significant fluctuations in global energy markets.

On the 8th, when asked whether attacking Iran’s oil industry is a new strategy for the U.S. and Israel, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry quickly distanced himself, saying, “No, we do not intend to attack any of Iran’s energy industries. These are all Israel’s actions.”

According to Reference News, citing Israel’s Channel 12, U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witterkoff and U.S. entrepreneur Jared Kushner canceled their planned visit to Israel on March 10. Previously, Axios reported that they planned to visit Israel and meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu on the 10th.

Zelensky: Ukraine Has Sent Military Personnel to the Middle East

Three Drone Expert Teams Arrive This Week

Ukrainian President Zelensky said on the 10th local time that Ukraine has dispatched teams including military personnel to assist Gulf countries with air defense.

In a video speech at night, Zelensky said that Ukraine’s team, including Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Umerov and military personnel, is heading to the Gulf region to help protect local civilians and stabilize the situation.

He also emphasized that countries seeking Ukraine’s assistance should support Ukraine’s defense, with the primary goal of enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

Earlier that day, Zelensky said Ukraine is experienced in dealing with drone attacks, and Ukraine has sent three drone expert teams to Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia to share experience in intercepting drones. The teams are expected to arrive this week.

Last week, Zelensky told the media that Ukraine is willing to cooperate with Middle Eastern partners, exchanging low-cost intercepting drones produced by Ukraine for Patriot missile defense systems. He said Gulf countries have consumed about 800 Patriot-3 missiles in a few days, even exceeding the total number of interceptors Ukraine received during the entire Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelensky also said Ukraine has received aid requests from the U.S. and is open to technical exchanges and weapons swaps.

(Article source: Daily Economic News)