According to the Jerusalam post, tensions across the Middle East continued to escalate on Friday as new US intelligence assessments indicated that roughly half of Iran’s military capabilities remain intact despite ongoing American and Israeli strikes. The findings come amid increasing cross-border fire between Iran-backed forces and Israel, particularly along the northern front.
According to defense officials, the Islamic Republic has retained significant missile stockpiles and mobile launch systems, allowing it to sustain retaliatory attacks. Overnight, several projectiles were fired toward northern Israel, triggering air defense systems and sending residents into shelters. No major casualties were immediately reported, but authorities warned that the situation remains volatile.
The Israeli military said its forces are continuing operations in southern Lebanon, targeting infrastructure linked to Hezbollah. However, senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officials acknowledged that fully disarming the group would likely require a broad ground invasion, a move that carries substantial risks of regional escalation.
“Hezbollah’s capabilities are deeply embedded,” a senior military source said. “Airstrikes alone will not eliminate the threat.”
The United States has intensified its campaign against Iranian military targets, focusing on command centers, weapons depots, and logistical networks. Despite these efforts, intelligence assessments suggest that Iran has adapted by dispersing assets and relying more heavily on mobile command units to avoid detection.
Adding to the rising tensions, US President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that additional strikes could soon target Iran’s critical infrastructure, including bridges and power plants. The remarks signaled a potential shift toward a broader strategy aimed at crippling Iran’s internal systems.
“We haven’t even started destroying what’s left,” Trump said, according to remarks released by the White House. “Bridges next, then electric power plants.”
The statement has drawn concern from international legal experts, some of whom argue that targeting civilian infrastructure could violate international law if it disproportionately impacts non-combatants. Analysts cautioned that such actions may be scrutinized under the laws of armed conflict, particularly regarding proportionality and distinction.
In Tehran, officials condemned the US actions as acts of aggression and vowed continued retaliation. Iranian state media reported that military commanders have been placed on high alert, with orders to respond decisively to any further escalation.
The broader region remains on edge, with fears that the conflict could expand beyond current flashpoints. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions have so far yielded little progress, as both sides signal readiness for prolonged confrontation.
As the situation develops, military analysts warn that the coming days could prove in determining whether the conflict remains contained or spirals into a wider regional war…..See More
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