On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched extensive attacks on Iran, targeting top leaders including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and IRGC commanders, alongside over 2000 military targets, including nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran executed missile and drone strikes on Israel, US bases, and Gulf states. While countries like the UAE managed to intercept many of these attacks, the cost was significant, with billions spent on expensive interceptors. This conflict represents a significant escalation in the region.

Iran's military strategy revolves around a three-phase approach known as 'Blind, Deplete, and Overwhelm.' The first phase, 'Blind,' focuses on incapacitating the enemy's surveillance and command capabilities by destroying radar and sensors using swarms of drones and inexpensive missiles. This component is aimed at blinding US integrated defense systems, giving Iran a tactical advantage when striking crucial targets.

Subsequent phases involve depleting the enemy's resources and eventually overwhelming them with significant strikes, intended to exploit vulnerabilities created in the earlier phases. This strategic plan reflects Iran's calculated military doctrine, targeting to exhaust the expensive defense systems of the US while employing more affordable yet effective means of warfare, potentially shifting the balance of power in the region.