Operation Epic Fury Day 7
Iran continues to strike US military bases in the Persian Gulf region slowly and methodically. The American bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are among the largest military facilities in the entire world. Iran has been able to significantly damage US bases in the region.
Iran is attacking US and Israeli Kurdish proxy groups in Iraq. Bahrain’s hated Al-Khalifa family has reportedly left the country to stay with their cousins that run Saudi Arabia. Bahrain has been hit particularly hard.
It is reported that Bahrain plans to withdraw from bilateral treaty, corridor, and Defense agreement with Trump. If true this is a significant development changing US posture in the region.
CENTCOM has stated that ballistic missile attacks are down 90% and drone attacks are down 83%. Despite that statement videos continue to show ballistic missiles pummel Israel (As seen here and here).
They continue to strike Iran heavily as seen here and here and here. The videos are endless as usual.
We are left with the impression that the US and Israel are flying the sky of Iran with impunity but it appears they are flying to the border and launching their AGM-158 cruise missiles and glide munitions then going back to their bases. There are plenty of these types of missiles in inventory to cause significant damage. Air to air refueling is a critical component of the operation.
Yemen has yet to enter the war. They can control a critical choke point at the Red Sea which could isolate Saudi ports. They have the ability to attack Saudi oil infrastructure as well. Iran’s allies are not stepping in to protect their ally. They are offering words of support and probably some military equipment.
It is reported that Israels air defenses appear to faltering. The Iron dome was not designed to protect against ballistic missiles. Iran has moved to using a more sophisticated missiles that launch cluster munitions which threaten air refueling operations launched from Ben Gurion Airport. The Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missiles are difficult to defend against.
It is reported that Israel has ordered Beirut to be evacuated. They are hitting targets in Lebanon’s capital.
Some airports in the region are starting to open allowing limited flights even with some sections being hit. Amazon and Microsoft data centers and information infrastructure have been targeted. In modern warfare these sites have become critical components as AI is driving war targeting. War is becoming augmented reality where whole city blocks are destroyed because one cell phone holder is targeted for death.
It is reported that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar are discussing withdrawing from contracts with the U.S. and canceling future investment commitments in the U.S. to alleviate some of the economic strain imposed upon them by the Iran war.
President Trump
President Trump appears delusional with this statement:
There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).” Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
He is mixing his MAGA message with his Zionist policy directed by the Israeli leadership and their political component in the United States. Taking this statement literally the US will be bombing Iran for decades.
His Board of Peace, launched a mere few weeks before this war, has started to unravel as the first Muslim nation has suspended participation. Bringing this type of peace and development to Gaza was a great idea. Some of these ideas are contrary to Israel’s policies. Especially the idea of outside Muslim nations like Turkey and Pakistan patrolling Gaza to keep the peace.
He continues to say Iran is eager to end the war but Iran is stating publicly that they are not seeking a ceasefire.
Energy Markets
The energy markets are starting to crack. Brent crude has passed $90 a barrel with estimates of it going up to $150 in 2 weeks or less. Everyone is closing out their long term energy contracts due to the war. The US has given sanctions relief to India so they can buy Russian oil again.
Production is being cut in the region as storage is full and outlets are not available to most of the Gulf nations. The Saudis are able to send out some of their oil Red Sea Port but traffic there appears low. Once production facilities shut down it takes weeks to restart them back to full production. Repairs to damaged facilities are long term projects and very expensive.
Conclusion
Some are calling this war Operation Epstein Fury. It leaves many wondering if that blackmail operation achieved its goals and was shut down. The fog of war and propaganda is very heavy. We are doing our best to cut through the propaganda but no one can be 100% successful.