American forces attacked Iranian military sites for the twelfth consecutive night on Tuesday. A B-1 bomber, capable of carrying many bombs or missiles, was used for the first time since the fighting began again. This marks a more dangerous stage in the ongoing conflict.
The attacks targeted coastal posts, air defense systems, and drone storage areas. The US Central Command stated the goal is to reduce Iran's ability to threaten ships. American forces have already made nine ships change course and stopped one ship completely.
The cost of the military actions is very high. The US has spent $37.5 billion and is asking for another $67 billion. President Donald Trump warned that if Iran attacks any ship in the Strait of Hormuz, the US military will destroy Iranian infrastructure, like power grids or bridges, possibly in Tehran. Iran's Foreign Minister promised a strong response if their infrastructure is attacked.
More than 50,000 American troops are in the region. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked American bases in Jordan and Kuwait, claiming to destroy missile defense systems and drone facilities. In Jordan, they reported destroying radar systems and fuel depots.
Satellite images show that Iranian attacks have damaged buildings and systems at nine American military sites over two weeks. Sadly, two people were killed and eleven were injured in a missile strike in Iran near the Iraqi border.
The conflict is also affecting the Red Sea. The Houthi group in Yemen, supported by Iran, attacked oil tankers. They claim this has made about ten ships change their routes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Iran is using the Houthis and asked them to stop.
The global economy is affected because the Strait of Hormuz is important for oil and gas. Oil prices have increased. The World Bank warned that if the violence continues for six more months, global economic growth could significantly decrease.
US intelligence is investigating if Russia helped Iran with drone technology. Two intelligence facilities in Saudi Arabia and Iraq were hit earlier in March.
A peace deal brokered by Pakistan offered hope a month ago, but it failed. Now, with the ongoing fighting, peace seems unlikely.