Iran Launches Massive Military Operation Targeting Israel and US Assets
Tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical juncture following the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announcement of the launch of its “most intense and heaviest operation” since the conflict’s inception. The large-scale aerial assault involved successive long-range ballistic missiles targeting Israeli territory and US assets throughout the region.
According to reports from Iran’s state media outlet IRIB, the Khorramshahr ballistic missile was among the weapons deployed during the overnight strike. The IRGC asserted that the operation aimed to compel the enemy to surrender completely.
“We will continue our sustained attacks with purpose and strength, and in the continuation of this war we think only of the enemy’s complete surrender,” the IRGC stated formally. The force added, “War will only end when the shadow of war is removed from our country.”
Amid the wave of attacks, a suspected Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle struck a US diplomatic facility in Iraq on Tuesday local time. Two CNN sources indicated the strike targeted Baghdad’s Diplomatic Support Centre, a major logistics hub near Baghdad airport. The extent of damage and casualty figures from the strike near the observation tower remain unclear at present. This incident occurred merely a week after the US State Department ordered non-essential personnel to leave Iraq for safety reasons.
In response to this escalation, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated during a Pentagon briefing that the United States would not remain idle.
“The United States will not surrender until the enemy is defeated totally and decisively,” Hegseth said, adding that retaliatory measures would be undertaken according to a timeline determined by the US.
The impact of Iran’s strike has extended to neighbouring countries in the Gulf region. The United Arab Emirates issued warnings to its citizens to remain in safe locations after its air defences detected threats from missiles and drones.
Similar measures were undertaken by Saudi Arabia, which reported having intercepted six ballistic missiles directed at Prince Sultan Air Base, along with numerous drones in the eastern part of the country. Earlier, ballistic weapons were also reported to have targeted the Shaybah oil field.
In Bahrain, warning sirens sounded throughout the morning, prompting local authorities to urge residents to move immediately to the nearest shelter.
The situation in Israel remains unresolved. Sirens were reported still sounding in central Israel on Wednesday morning after the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) warned of follow-up missile launches from Iran. Nevertheless, no official reports of civilian casualties have been issued at present.