Iran Targets U.S. Regional Assets in Attrition Strategy as Conflict Enters Day 13

As of March 12, 2026, the conflict between the United States and Iran has entered its 13th day with a notable shift in Iranian military tactics. Tehran has begun focused strikes on U.S. radar and air defense infrastructure in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. According to Pentagon assessments, this strategy aims to deplete American Patriot and THAAD interceptor stockpiles while Iran retains approximately 50% of its missile inventory. Tehran has also issued a direct warning to President Trump, threatening "everlasting consequences" for continued U.S. strikes. Domestically, the Trump administration faces increasing scrutiny from Congressional Democrats. Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee Adam Smith (WA) argued that the U.S. is making "no progress" in permanently altering the Iranian government. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has challenged the administration over a defeated War Powers Resolution, as senators demand more transparency regarding the White House's long-term objectives and legal justifications for the ongoing operations. In Tehran, a new Supreme Leader has been appointed following the confirmed deaths of Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials in previous U.S.-Israeli strikes. This transition signals a commitment to maintaining a hardline theocratic stance. On the economic front, Canada joined a historic global release of emergency oil reserves to mitigate supply disruptions caused by Iranian barrages on regional energy infrastructure. Despite the military pressure, internal dissent persists within Iran, as protesters recently released footage condemning the regime despite the ongoing war.