Day 14 of the War in Iran: B-2 Strikes, Drone Attacks, and Risk of Conflict Expansion

By the morning of the 14th day of the military confrontation surrounding Iran, the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate rapidly. Combat operations are covering several countries in the region at once, while international players—from the US to European states—are being drawn into the crisis, attempting to conduct military operations and diplomatic negotiations simultaneously.

American Strikes and Expansion of Military Presence

The US has increased pressure on Iran. According to sources, American strategic bombers Northrop B-2 Spirit have carried out strikes on targets within the country. These aircraft are considered among the most stealthy strike platforms in the world and are used for attacks on high-value targets.

In parallel, Washington is ramping up its military presence in the region. About 5,000 US Marines and sailors have been deployed to the Middle East, with approximately 2,500 forming part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that he does not plan to prematurely end the military operation against Iran. Furthermore, he stated that US naval forces may soon begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's key energy routes.

Iran's Counteractions

Iran continues to strike opponents and US allies in the region.

• Iranian drones attacked the Dubai International Financial Centre, one of the main financial districts in the Middle East.
• A drone also struck the city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, presumably targeting US military facilities.
• Rocket attacks on Israel continue—the number of wounded after a strike in the town of Zarzir has risen to 80 people.
• Iranian authorities have vowed to respond to the American bombing of Kharg Island, where Washington claims only military targets were hit.

Strikes on Bases and Equipment Losses

A serious blow to American infrastructure occurred in Saudi Arabia.

An Iranian ballistic missile hit Prince Sultan Air Base, damaging five American aerial refueling tankers. Another tragic episode occurred in Iraq: six American service members on board were killed following the crash of a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker.

New Technologies on the Battlefield

The conflict is increasingly taking on the character of a drone war. According to sources, the US has deployed 10,000 Ukrainian Merops drones with artificial intelligence elements in the Middle East, as well as Bumblebee interceptor drones designed to destroy enemy UAVs by ramming them.

Such tactics reflect the growing role of autonomous systems in modern conflicts.

The Region Is Being Drawn Into War

Combat operations are gradually spreading to neighboring states:

• In the Sohar province of Oman, two people were killed following drone strikes on unknown targets.
• Italy has withdrawn its troops from Iraq following a drone attack on an Italian base.
• According to media reports, Israel is considering a major ground operation in Lebanon against Hezbollah infrastructure south of the Litani River.
• An attempt by Israeli forces to advance into the town of Aitaroun in southern Lebanon met resistance from Hezbollah militants using guided missiles.

Diplomacy and Economic Pressure

Diplomatic efforts continue alongside military actions. France and Italy have begun negotiations with Iran, trying to ensure safe passage for their vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

At the same time, Tehran is considering an unusual economic condition: allowing some oil tankers through the strait only if oil is sold in Chinese yuan, which could be an attempt to weaken the dollar's influence in global energy trade.

Rising Oil Prices

The escalation of the conflict is already reflecting on global markets. The price of oil has approached a psychological threshold:

• about 97 dollars per barrel—for American oil
• approximately 103 dollars per barrel—for Brent Crude

Experts warn that further escalation around the Strait of Hormuz could lead to even more dramatic price spikes.

Signals of Further Escalation

Statements from forces allied with Iran are creating additional tension. A representative of the Ansar Allah movement, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, stated that a decision has been made to provide military support to Iran, and "the hour of the zero attack" will be announced at the appropriate time.

Conclusion

The fourteenth day of the conflict shows that the confrontation is ceasing to be local. Strategic aviation strikes, drone attacks, preparation for ground operations, and the involvement of new states are gradually turning the crisis into a broad regional conflict, the consequences of which could affect not only Middle Eastern security but also the global economy.