Iran escalated the situation to an unprecedented level: directly attacking the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain with missiles and drones, and firing missiles carrying 1-ton warheads at Israel – weapons that Tehran declared would be the “new standard” for any future attacks.

This is no longer “limited retaliation.” This is a full-scale war that Iran has declared it will not stop until the U.S. and Israel “pay a heavy price.”

Part 1: Bombardment of the 5th Fleet HQ – A Key U.S. Command Headquarters in the Gulf

The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet HQ in Manama, Bahrain (also known as Naval Support Activity Bahrain) is the command center of all U.S. naval operations in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Arabian Sea – controlling 20% ​​of the world’s oil transit.

From late February to early March 2026, Iran carried out several consecutive attacks:

February 28, 2026: The first Shahed-136 ballistic missile and drone struck the Juffair area. Videos circulated showing a mᴀssive plume of black smoke rising from Salman port and supporting buildings. Bahrain confirmed a “violation of sovereignty” as US facilities were directly targeted.

March 1-3, 2026: Subsequent attacks destroyed radar, communications centers, and several administrative buildings. Iran claimed to have “killed” 21 US soldiers (although the US has not confirmed the official number, only acknowledging material damage and some casualties).

March 6-9, 2026: Iran continued its “step-by-step approach” – suicide drones combined with cruise missiles – forcing the US to reduce its personnel to “mission critical” (keeping only essential forces, under 100, on-site).

Consequences:

The 5th Fleet command system was severely disrupted.

Many US warships had to move further into the Indian Ocean to avoid the threat.

Iran demonstrated its ability to directly strike US bases on allied soil, forcing Bahrain and other Gulf states to reconsider their neutrality.

Part 2: 1-Ton Missiles – Iran’s New “Superweapon” Targeting Israel
On March 9, 2026, the Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces – Major General Majid Mousavi – clearly declared:

“From now on, Iran will no longer fire missiles with warheads lighter than 1 ton at the US and Israel. All will be heavier, higher-intensity weapons.”

And Iran kept its word. In subsequent attacks (28–33):

Emad, Khorramshahr-4, and Kheibar Shekan missiles were equipped with warheads weighing approximately 1,000 kg (1 ton).

Some missiles carried cluster munitions – each missile dispersed 24–80 submunitions, scattered across central Israel (Tel Aviv, Rishon Lezion, Petah Tikva).

At least one 1-ton missile penetrated air defenses (Arrow-3, David’s Sling, Iron Dome) and caused a hit – although most were intercepted, debris and submunitions still caused damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure in central Israel.

Iran shifted from a “mᴀssive” to a “high-quality, high-damage” tactic – each missile now has two to three times the destructive power of before, targeting hard targets (air bases, airports, industrial areas).

Strategic significance: Why “WAR WON’T STOP”?

Iran lost its supreme leader (Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28) → the current regime needs to prove “unyielding” to maintain internal power.

The US and Israel are тιԍнтening their grip – hundreds of airstrikes destroyed 90% of Iran’s ballistic missile stockpiles and 95% of its drones – Tehran retaliated by “upgrading” its weapons to compensate for the losses.

The war is escalating – Iran is bringing in proxy forces (Hezbollah, Houthis) and attacking even US allies (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain) to create multi-directional pressure.

Current results (as of March 19, 2026):

Iran has lost approximately 6,000 soldiers and hundreds of missile launchers.

The US/Israel control Iranian airspace, but Iran still maintains the capability to inflict heavy missile damage.

Neither side is willing to back down – and the slogan “WAR WON’T STOP” is becoming prophetic.