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A missile assault orchestrated by Iran hit Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday, resulting in injuries to 10 U.S. service members, as reported by various media outlets. This attack is part of a broader context of escalating tensions in the region, following a series of military exchanges.
Efforts to reach out to the Defense Department for further comments are ongoing, as the situation continues to develop. This latest strike is the second successful offensive on this particular base within the span of a month, symbolizing Iran’s retaliatory actions in the face of a joint U.S.-Israeli operation.
The conflict, known as “Operation Epic Fury,” has already claimed lives and caused numerous injuries. Most notably, a previous attack on March 1 resulted in the death of 26-year-old Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington. Tragically, he is among the 13 service members who have perished since the operation began. Six of these fatalities occurred in an office space in Kuwait, while another six resulted from a refueling plane crash.
According to U.S. Central Command (Centcom), over 300 service members have sustained injuries throughout this conflict. As of Friday, 10 remain in serious condition, while 273 have been able to resume their duties.
As the conflict enters its fifth week, both the U.S. and Iran have put forward ceasefire proposals. However, negotiations appear fraught with challenges. Iran has already publicly dismissed the U.S.’s 15-point peace plan, opting instead for a counterproposal. This Iranian offer advocates for control over the Strait of Hormuz, cessation of hostilities, and an end to attacks on government officials. Meanwhile, U.S. officials indicate that Iran has yet to formally respond to the U.S. proposal relayed through Pakistani mediators.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday told foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations in France that the conflict would end in two to four weeks, Axios reported. He previously said “progress has been made” in talks with Iran.
“There’s a growing amount of energy that’s been flowing through the straits. Not as much as should be flowing, but some of it has picked up,” Rubio told reporters Thursday. “So again, there’s been some progress in regards to the exchange of messages, but that’s an ongoing and fluid process, and not one we’re going to negotiate or talk about in the media.”
President Trump has said the war will end soon, while at the same time ramping up U.S. troops in the region. The Pentagon has deployed 2,500 Marines and 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne in the past week and is reportedly considering sending another 10,000 troops to the region.