US Strikes Iran Infrastructure as Iran Targets Gulf Power Plants

The United States military conducted a series of airstrikes targeting key bridges and rail lines across Iran between February 16 and February 19, 2026. These operations are part of a broader campaign by the administration of Donald Trump to oppose Iran and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Following the initial strikes, the U.S. increased military movements, deploying surveillance jets to the United Kingdom and relocating a warship from the Caribbean, signaling preparations for further direct action.

In response, Iran shifted its strategy toward economic warfare by launching strikes against desalination and power plants in Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries. These attacks on critical civilian infrastructure risk triggering a regional humanitarian crisis by disrupting essential water and electricity services.

Domestically, Iran faced internal instability as anti-government demonstrators held protests on February 17 to mark 40 days since the start of a deadly country-wide crackdown.