US Shifts Iran Strategy as IRGC Launches New Attacks

Vice President JD Vance announced that the conflict with Iran has entered a new phase, stating that the initial objective of destroying the regime's nuclear program and conventional military capabilities is complete. The United States is now shifting its focus toward preventing Iran from rebuilding those capabilities.

This strategic shift coincides with a $2.8 billion munitions package the United States is preparing for Israel, which includes 60,000 bombs, including penetration warheads. Simultaneously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone attacks in Erbil, Iraq, and Qeshm, Iran, and shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

To coordinate regional security, Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command convened a secret meeting in Germany with military chiefs from Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt. During the summit, Cooper reassured partners of a continued U.S. military presence and outlined plans to expand daytime tanker transits through the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran has disputed claims that shipping traffic has increased.

China has responded to the escalation by calling for Washington and Tehran to return to the negotiation framework established by the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged both nations to engage in meaningful consultations to prevent tensions from expanding into Yemen and the Red Sea.