Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced early today that it conducted three waves of missile and drone attacks targeting US military installations in the region, marking the 49th wave of its ongoing Operation True Promise 4. The strikes reportedly hit Al Dhafra Air Base, Sheikh Isa Air Base, and Al-Adairi Helicopter Base, though independent verification remains pending.
The IRGC Navy simultaneously declared full operational control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Authorities warned that commercial vessels and tankers affiliated with "aggressor nations and their allies" would be barred from transit through the strategic waterway as of March 2026.
This escalation comes amid heightened regional tensions, with analysts noting increased military posturing across Middle Eastern theaters. Business leaders are monitoring potential impacts on energy markets, while security experts highlight risks to maritime trade routes accounting for 21% of global petroleum transit.
