President Donald Trump said United States forces 'obliterated' targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, home to the country’s main oil export terminal, escalating the two week war between Washington and Tehran. Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that attacks on its energy infrastructure would trigger a new level of retaliation, as Iranian officials threatened to strike oil and energy facilities in the region linked to American interests.

The United States is deploying 2,500 additional Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East. At the same time, Iran has continued launching missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments. American and Israeli aircraft have intensified strikes on military and other targets across Iran.

Tensions have also flared in Iraq, where a missile hit the United States Embassy compound in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone. Iran aligned militia groups have increased attacks on bases hosting American and coalition forces, and a recent drone strike in northern Iraq killed a French soldier. The expanding military actions on multiple fronts signal the conflict is deepening rather than moving toward resolution.