US-Iran Military Strikes Mark One Week

The United States military has marked a week of continuous strikes on Iran as of Friday, aiming to weaken Tehran’s military capabilities. These operations, confirmed by U.S. Central Command, commenced at 3 p.m. EDT and have targeted multiple locations across the nation.

On Thursday, the U.S. focused strikes on Iran’s southern coast, notably around the significant port city of Bandar Abbas. Early Friday morning, strikes targeted both bridges and energy sites in Iran. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched attacks on U.S. installations in the Gulf region, notably in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. The IRGC claimed an assault on a U.S. command center at the al-Tanf garrison in Syria, though this was disputed by U.S. Central Command.

Further escalating tensions, Iran retaliated against Gulf allies, deploying drones and missiles targeting Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has maintained a naval blockade that resumed on Tuesday. The blockade included actions by U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit boarding the sanctioned oil tanker M/T Wen Yao on Thursday.

President Trump stated late Thursday that the U.S. is achieving significant progress in Iran, indicating that results will soon become apparent to the public.

In related news, a panel of federal judges ruled that the Pentagon’s policy requiring journalists to have escorts in the building will continue. The U.S. Court of Appeals supported that the escort policy did not represent illegal retaliation.

Additionally, there was no action taken against the low-altitude Blue Angels flyover at Pensacola Beach, as Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed no reprimands following an inquiry.

Other developments include a virtual discussion scheduled by the Center for Strategic and International Studies on the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy featuring Senator Tammy Duckworth.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has emphasized strong measures against states not collaborating with election security efforts, highlighting the potential for foreign interference in voter machines.