Iran’s military arsenal is decreasing at a faster rate than anticipated in the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, according to Western intelligence agencies. The US military’s Command Center (CENTCOM) reported an 86% reduction in ballistic missile launches by Iran compared to the first day of the conflict. US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley also stated that there has been a 73% decrease in Iranian drone attacks during the same period. According to the BBC, Iran had over 2,000 short-range ballistic missiles and 10,000 Shahed kamikaze drones before the conflict began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that members of the Revolutionary Guard who surrender their arms will not be harmed.
The US has confirmed the death of its seventh soldier in the war. In response, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has challenged US President Donald Trump, saying, “If you have the courage, show it by providing security for Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz using US warships.” Although exact numbers are not available, Western officials say that the intensity of attacks has decreased, from hundreds of attacks earlier to dozens.
Military experts believe that it is not necessary for Iran’s arsenal to be depleted, as the country may be storing its arms to be used in a protracted war. Reports indicate that the next phase will involve targeting mobile missile launchers, arms depots, and facilities for producing weapons under Operation Dawn of Hope. Iran’s geography also poses a significant challenge, as the country is three times larger than France, making it difficult to completely destroy its arsenal and launch sites. Historical examples also suggest that air strikes alone cannot completely eliminate a country’s arsenal, as seen in Israel’s operations in Gaza and the US-led bombing campaign in Yemen, which failed to completely neutralize the military capabilities of the Hamas and Houthi groups, respectively.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated on its Twitter account, “You won’t get rid of a snake just by taking away its head.” Israel’s media reported that several passengers were stuck at Ben Gurion Airport as the country evacuated several Israelis. The US Tomahawk cruise missile targeted the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s naval base, which was located near a school. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the goal of US attacks is to destroy Iran’s missile program.
The UAE reported that a military helicopter crashed, killing two Emirati soldiers. In the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran, there have been 1,255 casualties and over 12,000 wounded in Iran in the past nine days. US President Donald Trump said that the price of oil will plummet once Iran’s nuclear threat is eliminated, which is a small price to pay for the peace and security of the United States and the world.
The Brent and WTI crude oil prices reached $117 per barrel, prompting the G7 countries to take action to reduce oil prices. Saudi Arabia condemned Iranian aggression against the kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council states, announcing a 60% reduction in government vehicle usage.
