Northeast Iran Warfront Expands as US-Israel Strike Campaign Intensifies
ISW-CTP’s March 26 update details a widening US-Israeli campaign against Iran: strikes reach Mashhad in the northeast, Iran’s defense-industrial base and leadership face sustained targets, and Iran, Hezbollah, and allied groups retaliate with missiles and drones across the region. CENTCOM says more than two‑thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval production facilities have been destroyed, while Iran reinforces Kharg Island and seeks Hezbollah inclusion in any ceasefire. Russia is reportedly aiding Iran with drone components, and U.S.-backed operations also strike Iranian-backed Iraqi militias. Diplomatic talks show the US proposing a framework tied to dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, which Iran rejects for now, insisting on ceasefire and sovereignty protections; negotiations appear limited under current terms.
