US–Israel–Iran War Day 11: Iranian Drone Strikes Continue as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Deepens
The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran entered its eleventh day on Tuesday, with Iran continuing to launch ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones across the Middle East. Despite sustained US and Israeli airstrikes on military infrastructure inside Iran, the country’s missile and drone arsenal appears far from depleted, raising concerns about a prolonged regional war and a deepening global energy crisis.
Timeline: War Intensifies Since February 28
The latest phase of the conflict began on February 28 when US and Israeli forces reportedly launched coordinated strikes targeting strategic sites in Tehran linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The attacks were aimed at weakening Iran’s command structures and missile facilities.
In response, Iran began launching waves of medium-range ballistic missiles and Shahed-136 kamikaze drones targeting US military installations in the Middle East, Israeli defense facilities, and strategic locations in Gulf countries. Over the past eleven days, regional air defense systems have intercepted dozens of incoming drones and missiles, but officials acknowledge that several have managed to reach their targets.
Low-Cost Drones Challenge Advanced Missile Defenses
Defense analysts say Iran’s strategy relies heavily on low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles. A single Shahed-136 drone reportedly costs around $35,000, while the interceptor missiles used to destroy them can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Military observers believe this cost imbalance is forcing the United States and its allies to spend heavily on missile defense systems while Iran maintains a steady pace of drone launches.
Strait of Hormuz Closure Sparks Energy Crisis Fears
The conflict has also disrupted global oil supply routes. The strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor for global energy shipments, has reportedly been closed to oil traffic as tensions escalate. Energy analysts warn that prolonged disruption could push oil prices sharply higher and affect economies worldwide.
Shipping companies operating in the Gulf region have already begun rerouting vessels or suspending operations due to security risks.
Command Structure Remains Intact
Despite intense bombardment by US and Israeli forces, intelligence reports indicate that Iran’s military command and control infrastructure remains functional. The IRGC continues to coordinate missile launches with apparent precision, suggesting that Iran had prepared a large inventory of ballistic missiles and drones prior to the conflict.
Global Implications
The ongoing war is increasingly being viewed as a test of modern warfare strategies. Unlike traditional conflicts, the current confrontation largely involves long-range missile strikes, drones, and advanced missile defense systems with limited direct troop engagement.
Strategic experts believe the conflict highlights the growing importance of indigenous defense technology and large-scale drone warfare, particularly for countries seeking cost-effective alternatives to expensive conventional weapons.
Our Final Thoughts
The eleventh day of the US–Israel–Iran conflict signals that the war may continue longer than initially expected. Iran’s ability to sustain missile and drone attacks despite heavy strikes indicates deep military preparation and a large stockpile of stand-off weapons.
At the same time, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has turned a regional conflict into a global economic concern. If the disruption to oil routes continues, the consequences could extend far beyond the Middle East, affecting energy prices, global markets, and geopolitical stability.
The coming days will likely determine whether diplomatic pressure can contain the crisis or whether the conflict escalates further into a broader regional confrontation.