Despite the blows to the leaders, Iranian forces are not retreating. They are showing adaptability and resilience, based on the experience of recent years. The strategy seems clear: Gradually consuming the opponent in a long battle. On the other hand, Trump has mentioned a deadline of “four or five weeks” for the completion of Operation “Epic Fury”. How realistic this deadline is, the coming weeks will show
Spear against shield. Part of the conflict is being waged with this logic, but with the most modern version of weapons. The United States and Israel strike from long distances with advanced systems against hundreds of targets, while Iran responds with surface-to-surface missiles and suicide drones. Both sides are consuming large amounts of weaponry, reducing reserves and raising questions about how long this pace of war can be sustained. The Western axis has continued to strike Tehran, its military bases, missile launchers and command centers, with two clear objectives: Destroying the arsenal and eliminating key leaders.
In recent hours, Israel has announced the assassination of Iranian intelligence chiefs. It is suspected that nuclear laboratories have also been hit. The goal is to weaken defenses, disable the military industry and neutralize equipment. A difficult mission, given that the territory is vast, the targets are scattered, many of them well protected or camouflaged. For example, Shahed drones can be transported in ordinary civilian trucks, covered with simple tents.
objectives
The US Chief of Staff, General Dan Caine, has stated that in the first hours about 1 thousand targets have been hit. The Israel Defense Forces has announced that since the beginning of the offensive, 600 sites have been destroyed, including 20 of the security forces, 150 ballistic missiles and launchers, as well as 200 anti-aircraft batteries. Over 2 thousand 500 bombs have been dropped. Although control of the airspace has been claimed, incidents show that superiority does not eliminate the risks. In Kuwait, three American F-15 aircraft were shot down, according to the official version by “friendly fire”. The crews have escaped. The incident is under investigation, but shows the complexity of the situation. The Pentagon has launched reinforcements to the Gulf and has guaranteed that it has sufficient resources.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ruled out sending ground troops for the time being, but has not closed the door on the future. The same position has been expressed by Donald Trump, with the proviso that “if necessary.” He has stated that ammunition is abundant.
Meanwhile, six other soldiers have lost their lives in the Kuwait Region, probably killed by enemy bombing. Iran has expanded the conflict to include the US, Israel and Washington’s allies in the Region. One of the most sensational episodes occurred in Cyprus, where a drone reached the runway of the British base in Akrotiri. The involvement of the Lebanese Hezbollah, which has entered the conflict, is suspected. The action is seen as a response to the use of the island by Anglo-American forces and intelligence services.
THE PASDARAANS AND THE EXPANSION OF THE FRONT
Heavy strikes have been reported on Saudi oil facilities at Ras Tanura and on gas facilities in Qatar, which have been shut down, with potential consequences for European supplies. Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces have increased their intensity, switching to barrages of 9 to 30 missiles at a time, often combined with drones. The United Arab Emirates claims to have shot down 161 of 174 missiles and 645 of 689 drones. Qatar has announced that it has shot down two Su-24 aircraft and neutralized seven missiles. Their defense systems include Western, Israeli and Russian technology.
DEFENSE WALL AND RESERVE CONSUMPTION
The figures show that the defense works partially, but at a high cost. Experts estimate that for each incoming missile, 2-3 interceptors are needed, which cost millions of dollars. Drones, which cost about 35-40 thousand dollars, require much more expensive means to shoot down. Systems like Patriot, Arrow 3 or Thaad are essential, but their number is a state secret.
According to Bloomberg, Qatar could run out of Patriot missiles within four days and the Emirates within seven. The defense industry is struggling to quickly replace its reserves, and the conflict could also affect other fronts such as Ukraine, Taiwan, and the Korean Peninsula.
Despite the blows to the leaders, the Iranian forces are not retreating. They are showing adaptability and resilience, based on the experience of recent years. The strategy seems clear: gradual consumption of the opponent in a long battle. On the other hand, Trump has mentioned a deadline of “four or five weeks” for the completion of Operation “Epic Fury”. How realistic this deadline is, the coming weeks will show.(CNN)