President Donald Trump has ordered a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, CBS, ABC News and the Washington Post. The offensive is expected to run for several days and could begin over the weekend. Energy infrastructure is among the targets described.
The detail that carries the most weight is not the order but an objection to it. General Alexus Grynkewich, who heads US European Command, has sent the Pentagon a written warning that his forces are insufficiently equipped for the task. Two of the five destroyers based at Rota in Spain are currently in the Mediterranean. A commander putting a reservation in writing is doing something specific: creating a record that the risk was flagged before the decision was taken.
Iran has not waited. Kuwait intercepted Iranian drones aimed at what it described as vital sites, with shrapnel causing material damage and no injuries reported. Ali Abdollahi, who heads Iran's military central command, has been the public voice on the Iranian side. The United States last struck early on Thursday 31 July.