The ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran has now entered its fifth day as of Wednesday.
The war has resulted in more than 900 fatalities, with most casualties reported in Iran.
Here are the key updates on the situation since the fourth day of hostilities.
US Military Objectives
The United States military has stated its primary aim in this conflict is to eradicate enemy forces or weaponry that pose a threat to US troops.
In a video statement, Major General Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), noted that the first 24 hours of the joint operation were nearly double the scale of the shock-and-awe campaign that initiated the US-led conflict in Iraq in 2003.
Cooper revealed that US forces have attacked over 2,000 targets in Iran since they commenced operations on Saturday.
In response, Iran has fired more than 500 ballistic missiles and launched over 2,000 drones against US positions.
Additionally, Cooper reported that the US military has successfully eliminated 17 Iranian ships, emphasizing that operations aimed to neutralize any potential threats to American assets.
In total, over 50,000 US troops, along with 200 fighter jets, two aircraft carriers, and additional bombers, are involved in what Cooper referred to as the most substantial military deployment by the US in the Middle East in several decades. The US initially disclosed that six American soldiers have died as a result of the conflict, while Iranian officials claim that US casualties are substantially higher.
Simultaneously, the Israeli military has conducted a series of extensive strikes against Iranian targets while also engaging Hezbollah in Lebanon, claiming to intercept multiple missiles launched from both Iran and Lebanon.
Recent attacks by Iranian missiles in Israel prompted air raid alerts across numerous regions, resulting in the Israeli military urging citizens in Jerusalem and nearby areas to seek shelter, although the order was lifted shortly afterward without any confirmed impacts reported.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz
Claims surrounding the control of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil and gas shipping, have led to conflicting statements from the US and Iran.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced that they have taken command of the Strait, advising that any vessels passing through could face missile attacks or drone strikes.
They stated, "The Strait of Hormuz is now completely controlled by the Islamic Republic’s Navy," directing ships to avoid crossing the area. However, CENTCOM’s earlier communications contradict this assertion.
Cooper stated that the US military has effectively sunk the Iranian navy and destroyed 17 ships, asserting that there are no Iranian naval operations active in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, or Gulf of Oman, claiming that international shipping has faced harassment from Iran for decades.
In light of ongoing tensions, President Trump has indicated that the US Navy may escort oil tankers through this vital waterway as necessary.
The conflict has already had significant effects on global oil prices, with Brent Crude escalating to approximately $84 on Wednesday, a rise from $72 just before fighting commenced.
Satellite Imagery Reveals Conflict's Scope
Recent satellite images have depicted the consequences of strikes by the US and Israel in Iran, as well as Iran's retaliatory measures throughout the region. Reports confirm that an Iranian drone damaged the US AN/FPS-132 early- warning radar system stationed in Qatar, which is valued at over a billion dollars, marking it as one of the most significant military assets in the Middle East.
While earlier reports indicated this system had been rendered completely destroyed or neutralized, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director Rafael Grossi stated that inspections found no clear evidence of a coordinated Iranian effort to develop nuclear weapons, despite claims from the US and Israel. He confirmed that Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity, a level exceeding civilian energy needs and characteristic of nuclear weapons programs.
Pushback Against War Criticism
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has rebuffed criticism over the justification for the military actions in Iran. He asserted that Trump saw a “unique opportunity” to execute a successful military strategy against Iran.
Rubio explained that Trump was convinced Israel was poised to act, necessitating a preemptive strike by the US to avert retaliation against US military bases.
“We need to ensure American troops are not endangered. The president was resolute that we would not be struck first. It’s as straightforward as that,” he stated, emphasizing that under Trump's administration, Iran would not possess nuclear weaponry.
Legislative Movements on Military Action
Reports indicate that the Senate plans to vote on legislation aimed at contesting President Trump’s decision to engage militarily with Iran under the War Powers Act on Wednesday. The proposed legislation would require the president to seek congressional approval for any additional military strikes.
Lawmakers aim to consider the resolution in the Senate, with a similar proposal anticipated in the House shortly. Nevertheless, these initiatives face an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled Congress, and even if passed, they would likely face a veto from Trump.
Democratic representatives have expressed discontent regarding Trump’s decision to initiate hostilities without legislative consent, with Senator Bernie Sanders accusing Trump of capitulating to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's demands for war.
“Netanyahu sought conflict with Iran, and Trump acquiesced,” Sanders stated. He insisted that American foreign and military strategies ought to rest with the American populace without external influences.
Disparities Between the US and Israel
Despite their collaborative military effort against Iran, emerging discrepancies between the US and Israel have been noted. Initially, when airstrikes began, both Trump and Netanyahu characterized regime change in Iran as an essential goal.
However, in a Pentagon press briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that the operation does not aim to establish a change in governance. Trump has also shifted his focus from overthrowing the Iranian government to targeting its missile capabilities and naval forces, while striving to prevent Iran's development of nuclear weapons.
In the meantime, the UK government is facilitating the evacuation of British citizens in Oman, prioritizing vulnerable groups for the flights. The US State Department has permitted non-essential personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia and Oman. President Trump has criticized UK and Spanish leaders for their lack of support for the war effort, vowing to cease Spanish trade with the US if necessary.
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