Tehran, March 4, 2026 – In response to devastating US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has unleashed multiple waves of its retaliatory campaign, “Operation True Promise 4.” The IRGC reports launching over a dozen phases involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and Shahed drones against more than 60 US and Israeli-linked targets across the region.

Strikes have hit US military installations in Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, as well as Israeli cities and Lebanese border areas. Iranian drones reportedly damaged facilities near US embassies in Dubai and Riyadh, while missile barrages penetrated defenses to cause casualties in Israel. Tehran claims over 500 military units affected, vowing continued operations until “aggressors pay the price.”

A critical escalation came with Iran’s partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil flows. IRGC warnings to shipping have halted tanker traffic, prompting US Navy escorts and international alarm. This move, framed as defensive, has amplified economic pressure on the West.

Iranian officials describe the operation as justified retaliation for Khamenei’s assassination and civilian deaths. “The blood of our leader and innocents demands justice,” an IRGC statement read. However, critics argue the asymmetric attacks risk broadening the war, potentially involving more Gulf states or NATO allies.

Casualties from Iranian strikes include at least six US service members (four in Kuwait drone attacks) and several in Israel. The campaign demonstrates Tehran’s remaining missile reach despite degraded defenses, but sustained US-Israel air dominance may limit long-term effectiveness.

Broader implications include heightened proxy involvement—Hezbollah clashes in Lebanon and militia actions in Iraq—threatening a multi-front conflict. Global powers watch anxiously as diplomacy falters, with the risk of miscalculation pushing the region toward wider war.