\nEscalating, USIsrael, Strikes, Target, Iranian<\/span>
\nEscalating US-Israel Strikes Target Iranian Heartland.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n
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US-Israel Intensify Strikes on Iran as Trump Warns of Weeks-Long War<\/strong><\/p>\n The joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury<\/strong> by the Pentagon, has struck over 1,250 targets in Iran since its launch on February 28. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reports the destruction of key Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command centers, air defense systems, ballistic missile and drone launch sites, and at least 11 Iranian naval vessels. Israel has conducted parallel operations, including simultaneous strikes on military targets in Tehran and Hezbollah positions in Beirut, while advancing ground forces deeper into southern Lebanon.<\/p>\n The campaign began with a devastating blow: precision strikes on a high-level leadership meeting in Tehran killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with Iran\u2019s defense minister, chief of staff of the armed forces, IRGC commander, and other senior officials. Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei\u2019s death, triggering 40 days of national mourning and a seven-day holiday. Additional strikes have targeted nuclear-related facilities, missile production sites, and IRGC infrastructure, achieving air superiority over Tehran according to assessments from the Institute for the Study of War.<\/p>\n President Donald Trump has framed the operation as the \u201clast best chance\u201d to eliminate threats from Iran\u2019s ballistic missiles, navy, nuclear program, and support for militant groups. In public statements and interviews, he outlined four core objectives:<\/p>\n \u2022 Destroy Iran\u2019s missile arsenal<\/p>\n \u2022 Annihilate its navy<\/p>\n \u2022 End its nuclear ambitions<\/p>\n \u2022 Cut off funding and arms to proxy forces like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and others<\/p>\n Trump has repeatedly warned that the campaign is projected to last four to five weeks but emphasized U.S. forces have the \u201ccapability to go far longer than that.\u201d He has not ruled out ground troops if needed, stating in one interview that the U.S. is \u201csubstantially ahead of schedule\u201d yet prepared for escalation. \u201cHarder hits\u201d are coming, he said, as the \u201cbig wave\u201d of intensified operations approaches.<\/p>\n Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this optimism, assuring that the war \u201cis not going to take years\u201d and is progressing faster than anticipated.<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s Aggressive Retaliation Spreads Across the Region<\/strong><\/p>\n Iran has mounted fierce counterattacks, launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. allies in the Gulf. Key incidents include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Drone strikes on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh<\/strong>, Saudi Arabia, causing limited damage and a fire. The U.S. State Department has closed the embassy, along with others in Kuwait, and urged immediate departure from 14 Middle Eastern countries.<\/p>\n \u2022 Attacks on energy infrastructure and bases in Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, and Oman, with explosions near ports and military sites. Qatar\u2019s air force reportedly downed Iranian Su-24 fighter jets in aerial engagements.<\/p>\n \u2022 Continued rocket and drone barrages by Hezbollah against Israeli positions, prompting Israeli retaliatory bombings in Beirut\u2019s southern suburbs and ground advances in Lebanon.<\/p>\n The most economically disruptive move came when a senior IRGC commander declared the Strait of Hormuz<\/strong> closed on March 2, vowing to \u201cset ablaze\u201d any vessel attempting passage. This narrow waterway carries roughly 20% of global oil and substantial liquefied natural gas. While technically open, the threat has caused shipping to halt almost entirely\u2014tankers are anchoring offshore or rerouting, crews are demanding hazard pay, and oil prices have surged sharply. Asia, heavily reliant on Gulf imports, faces the greatest immediate impact, with fears of prolonged energy shortages and market turmoil.<\/p>\n Casualty figures are mounting: Iran\u2019s Red Crescent reports at least 787 deaths from strikes (earlier counts cited 555\u2013787), while Israeli sources note 11 fatalities from Iranian attacks. U.S. military losses stand at six service members.<\/p>\n International Reactions and Shifting Global Landscape<\/strong><\/p>\n The conflict has sparked sharp divisions worldwide. Russia has accused the U.S. and Israel of plunging the Middle East into chaos. China has called on Gulf states to unite against \u201cexternal interference.\u201d Domestically in the U.S., a CNN poll shows 59% disapproval of the strikes, with protests erupting in major cities highlighting deep political rifts.<\/p>\n In Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron announced France will increase its nuclear warhead stockpile for the first time in decades, citing the need for \u201cstrict sufficiency\u201d amid rising threats. He proposed enhanced nuclear cooperation with allies, including joint exercises and potential forward deployment of French nuclear assets.<\/p>\n Airspace closures, airport shutdowns, and financial market volatility continue as the war shows no signs of immediate de-escalation. Historic sites, including reported damage to Tehran\u2019s UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace, highlight the broader cultural and humanitarian toll.<\/p>\n Outlook: Prolonged Campaign or Path to Negotiation?<\/strong><\/p>\n With explosions ongoing in Tehran, Beirut, and Gulf locations, the conflict risks further widening. Trump has hinted at regime change possibilities while also leaving room for renewed nuclear talks \u201cmuch easier\u201d now due to military pressure. However, shifting messaging\u2014from immediate threats to longer-term objectives\u2014has raised questions about end goals.<\/p>\n The human and economic costs are already severe, and the coming weeks could determine whether this becomes a contained operation or a transformative regional crisis reshaping alliances, energy security, and global stability.<\/p>\n By Joseph for Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1977\/2026\/03\/IMG_3419.jpeg\")
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