War with the US: Iran's shadow army is not done

The U.S. military confirmed that it intercepted all Iranian ballistic missiles launched in an attempt to strike American forces in the Middle East on Tuesday, ending a brief lull in hostilities. The attack, which occurred amid ongoing tensions over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, shattered a temporary pause in fighting that had been negotiated during efforts to restart diplomatic talks. According to the U.S. Central Command, the missiles were successfully neutralized, and American forces remained on high alert. There was no immediate response from Tehran, though the incident underscores the escalating nature of the conflict. The resumption of hostilities follows a month marked by mounting pressures on U.S. President Donald Trump, who faces domestic criticism over the war's rising costs and its impact on fuel prices. High gasoline prices, driven by the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have intensified concerns among Republicans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The House of Representatives recently passed a resolution calling for an end to U.S. military involvement in Iran, signaling growing public skepticism toward the administration’s approach. Despite repeated warnings from Trump, the war continues to draw increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and citizens alike. The situation at the Strait of Hormuz remains critical. Initially, Iran had effectively blockaded the waterway by targeting commercial vessels, forcing global oil shipments to reroute through alternative routes. However, following an interim ceasefire agreement in June, a new phase of contention emerged. Iran demanded that ships navigate closer to its shores, threatening to impose tolls on transit. This led to increased U.S. military presence in the area, with American forces conducting overwatch operations to ensure safe passage for international shipping. The latest missile attack appears to have disrupted this fragile balance, reigniting direct confrontations between the two nations. In response to the Iranian aggression, American and Saudi forces launched coordinated strikes against locations linked to Iran-backed militias in Iraq. These targets included logistical hubs and weapon depots used to plan and execute attacks on regional infrastructure. The U.S. Central Command stated that the strikes were a strong reaction to over 30 aerial drone attacks attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the past 72 hours. The message was clear: Iran’s proxies would need to stop their activities to prevent further retaliation. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported that it had again intercepted drones launched by Iranian-aligned groups attempting to strike oil facilities in the eastern part of the country. The broader network of Iran’s influence extends beyond Iraq into neighboring regions, including Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine. The IRGC has long supported militant groups such as Hezbollah, which has grown into a powerful political and military force within Lebanon. Similarly, the Houthis in Yemen, backed by Iran, have controlled large portions of the country and imposed a de facto blockade on Saudi Arabia. These groups operate under the umbrella of the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition that Iran has positioned as a counterweight to Western and Israeli influence in the region. Despite sustained military pressure, the regime in Tehran maintains that this alliance remains intact and capable of continuing its campaign. The Iranian leadership, particularly Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has consistently portrayed the conflict as a struggle for national sovereignty and resistance against foreign occupation. His government has framed its actions as necessary to protect Iran’s interests and uphold the dignity of its people. Recent statements from military advisors suggest that the regime views the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic asset of unparalleled importance, even more vital than nuclear capabilities. By controlling this lifeline, Iran believes it can exert leverage over global markets and challenge U.S. dominance in the region. This perspective reinforces the perception that Iran is unwilling to compromise, despite the heavy toll of the war on its economy and population.