Scene of an Israeli airstrike, amidst the conflict between the US and Israel with Iran, March 12, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Alaa Al Marjani

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it coordinated with Hezbollah forces in Lebanon to carry out a joint strike on Israel on March 13. The attack used several new-generation hypersonic ballistic missiles targeting Israeli military bases and strategic facilities in the Tel Aviv area. Since the start of the conflict, Iranian air defenses have reportedly shot down a total of 111 drones operated by the United States and Israel.

At the same time, a US Marine expeditionary unit of around 2,200 personnel, along with squadrons of F-35 fighter jets and MV-22 Osprey aircraft, is being deployed to the Middle East aboard three naval vessels. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, permanently stationed in Japan, has been ordered to move to the Middle East, signaling further escalation in the conflict with Iran.