Israel Strikes IRGC Sites Near Tabriz as Trump Threatens Iranian Power Grid

Military tensions between the U.S.-led coalition and Iran escalated over the last 24 hours as the Israeli Air Force conducted targeted strikes near Tabriz. Part of 'Operation Roar of the Lion,' the strikes focused on an IRGC Ground Forces base, a mobile headquarters containing regime commanders, and a ballistic missile storage facility. Simultaneously, the Iranian military claimed to have intercepted and destroyed two U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones near Shiraz, releasing images of alleged wreckage. While the IDF has not confirmed additional strikes reported by Tehran on Thursday, President Trump stated that U.S. B-2 bombers have successfully 'obliterated' Iranian nuclear sites, which remain under strict satellite monitoring. On the diplomatic and economic front, President Trump issued a Wednesday night address warning that the U.S. will target Iranian electric plants and oil infrastructure if a diplomatic resolution is not reached soon. This rhetoric has contributed to heightening volatility in global energy markets, as investors remain concerned over the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest that the administration's projection of another 2-3 weeks of intense military operations has failed to provide the market stability needed to lower oil prices. Despite the military escalation, back-channel reports suggest Iran remains open to maintaining diplomatic lines with Washington. However, Iranian officials have expressed deep skepticism regarding the sincerity of President Trump’s negotiation overtures while kinetic operations continue. For now, the U.S. has signaled that any attempt by Iran to reconstitute its monitored nuclear sites will be met with an immediate missile response.