The US military carried out air strikes on Sunday, aiming at Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in response to the deaths of American troops in Jordan. This action has further escalated tensions between the two nations as they continue to clash over the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes are part of a weeklong series of attacks, following Iranian assaults on US allies throughout the Middle East, and come after efforts for an interim peace deal aimed at ending the conflict with Iran have fallen apart. The US has been targeting bridges, electrical infrastructure, and other sites in Iran. In retaliation, Tehran has struck power and desalination facilities in Kuwait, disrupting daily life in that small oil-rich nation. Additionally, Iran has increased its threats to extend these strikes, prompting a warning from the United Arab Emirates, home to major cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Central Command of the US military stated that it also hit “Iranian military coastal surveillance and air defence facilities, maritime capabilities and missile and drone storage sites”. For the first time, it mentioned specifically targeting the Guard, which is a significant pillar in Iran’s government that oversees its ballistic missile stockpile. Footage released by the US military seemed to depict strikes executed by fighter jets as well as Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from naval vessels. One of the target locations appeared to be situated in a valley within a mountainous area. The Guard often positions missile bases and other military equipment concealed within mountain ranges. Iran has not disclosed any detailed information regarding its material losses during this ongoing American campaign which now enters its eighth day as both countries vie for control over the Strait of Hormuz-a critical passageway through which about one-fifth of all oil and natural gas trade occurs during peaceful times.
Source link
