Iran Launches 17th Wave of 'True Promise 4' Missiles Amid Escalating Tensions with U.S., Israel

Iran launched over 40 missiles at U.S. and Israeli targets late Tuesday, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marking the 17th wave of its 'True Promise 4' operation. The attack, reported by Fars news agency, targeted military and strategic sites across the Middle East, escalating tensions just weeks after a U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran began on February 28.

The U.S. and Israel launched the operation after weeks of failed diplomatic efforts, with President Donald Trump citing 'exhausted patience' over Iran's refusal to abandon its nuclear program. Trump's administration has imposed over $15 billion in sanctions on Iran since 2023, while also authorizing military strikes on Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Iraq.

Iranian cities, including Tehran, have faced relentless airstrikes since the campaign began. A U.S. missile strike on March 3 hit the residence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, though he was not present. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on U.S. airbases in Iraq and Israel's Dimona nuclear facility, with at least 12 confirmed strikes in the past 72 hours.

Over 3,000 Russian citizens remain stranded in the UAE and Saudi Arabia due to canceled flights, as regional airlines have suspended operations between Middle Eastern hubs and Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry has urged its citizens to avoid travel to the region, citing 'unpredictable security risks' linked to the conflict.

China has separately warned that Iran is leveraging Russia's military expertise in 'special operations' to develop its own drone and missile capabilities. Russian defense officials have confirmed providing Iran with satellite imaging technology and cyberwarfare tactics since 2023, according to a closed-door meeting in Beijing last month.

Trump's administration has faced mounting criticism for its foreign policy, with 62% of Americans opposing the strikes in a March 5 poll by Pew Research. However, domestic support for Trump's economic policies remains strong, with unemployment at 3.8% and GDP growth hitting 3.1% in Q1 2025.