Escalation in Gulf: IRGC Targets Regional Bases as U.S. Forces Strike Tehran
The IRGC launched a 77th wave of strikes against regional targets as leaked reports suggest U.S. plans for a troop surge near Kharg Island.
The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified over the last 24 hours as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) executed its 77th wave of missile and drone strikes. The operation, dubbed "Operation True Promise 4," targeted U.S. military installations in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, alongside Israeli sites. In response, U.S. and Israeli forces conducted retaliatory strikes against military and regime targets within Tehran. Iranian officials have dismissed President Trump’s recent diplomatic overtures as "psychological warfare," claiming successful deployment of their advanced Kheibar Shekan and Zolfaghar missile systems.
The regional volatility has triggered significant economic and strategic fallout. A leaked report details a U.S. plan to deploy 5,000 troops, Marines, and amphibious units near Kharg Island to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor. Amid these developments, global oil markets remain volatile. In Southeast Asia, the Philippine Senate convened an emergency hearing on March 24, 2026, to assess the risks the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict poses to migrant workers, energy supplies, and national trade.
On the domestic front, U.S. lawmakers remain divided over President Trump’s strategy. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has urged the administration to demand the collapse of the Iranian regime as a prerequisite for any negotiations, citing Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Conversely, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) questioned the administration's transparency, labeling the President's claims regarding potential talks and military halts as a "smokescreen" to mask ongoing operations.
Key Points
- IRGC launched its 77th wave of missile and drone strikes against U.S. bases in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
- U.S. and Israeli forces conducted retaliatory strikes against military and regime targets in Tehran.
- Leaked reports suggest a secret U.S. plan to deploy 5,000 troops and amphibious units near Kharg Island to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Philippines convened an emergency Senate hearing to assess the impact on energy, trade, and migrant workers.
- Senator Ted Cruz called for Iranian regime collapse as a condition for any deal, while Senator Chris Van Hollen questioned Trump's credibility.