US–Israel Airstrikes Destroy Over 90% of Iran’s Missile Launchers, Escalating Gulf Tensions!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist) | Sele Media Africa

In a major escalation of the Middle East conflict, Iran’s military infrastructure has suffered severe losses, with reports indicating that more than 90% of the Islamic Republic’s missile launchers were destroyed in coordinated air operations by the United States and Israel. The campaign, launched on 28 February 2026 under codenames Operation Lion’s Roar and Operation Epic Fury, has intensified hostilities across the Gulf, heightening global geopolitical and economic risks.

Bloomberg, citing senior US officials, reported that precision strikes targeted Iran’s core ballistic missile capabilities, including mobile launchers and command centers, crippling Tehran’s ability to conduct large-scale long-range attacks. The operation has significantly diminished Iran’s strategic firepower, making rapid replacement or concealment of launchers highly challenging.

The Pentagon confirmed a 90% reduction in Iranian missile and drone launches since the campaign began, highlighting the rapid degradation of Tehran’s offensive reach. Analysts warn that such losses substantially limit Iran’s capacity to threaten regional neighbors and Western forces stationed in the Gulf.

Iran’s Response and Regional Implications
Tehran has disputed the scale of reported damage, asserting that its military remains resilient despite the ongoing strikes. Simultaneously, Iran has conducted retaliatory missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states while deploying proxy forces, including Hezbollah, in southern Lebanon.

The conflict has also disrupted strategic infrastructure along the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage accounting for nearly 20% of global oil trade, triggering market volatility and prompting strategic petroleum reserve releases by the US and its allies.

Global Reactions and Broader Impact
International organizations have urged restraint, citing concerns over civilian harm, regional stability, and economic fallout. Oil markets remain volatile, while commercial aviation and shipping face continued disruptions. The United Nations and human rights groups have expressed alarm over escalating civilian casualties and the deterioration of diplomatic channels.

As the conflict continues with no immediate resolution, military and diplomatic actors worldwide are monitoring developments closely. Analysts suggest that the drastic reduction in Iran’s missile capacity may alter the strategic balance in the Gulf, though ongoing retaliatory threats and proxy conflicts underline the potential for further escalation.

Sources:
Bloomberg
Al Jazeera
PM News Nigeria
India Today
The Guardian
Wikipedia
Bloomberg

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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