President Trump has announced that the U.S. will conduct "very big scale hitting" against Iran in response to a surprise missile attack on U.S. forces. This retaliation is expected to last for several weeks, potentially extending even longer. Six U.S. service members have died, and others wounded in the conflict so far.
Trump stated that much of Iran's military infrastructure, including its navy and air force, has already been "knocked out." However, Iran has responded with over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones, striking nearly a dozen countries in the region, including U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. QatarEnergy has halted liquefied natural gas production indefinitely after two facilities were hit, causing European natural gas prices to surge by 40%. The conflict has also targeted oil infrastructure, with an attack on Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery.
The U.S. State Department has advised citizens to leave the region and closed several embassies. Trump acknowledged that the conflict could lead to temporary oil price increases but believes prices will drop significantly after the conflict. The war's objectives include destroying Iran's missile capabilities, eliminating its navy, preventing nuclear weapon development, and stopping support for groups like Hezbollah. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reports 787 deaths in Iran, while Lebanese authorities reported 50 deaths, and 11 people were killed in Israel.
