US extends 82nd Airborne deployment amid ongoing Iran tensions

The United States has extended the deployment of its 82nd Airborne Division in the Middle East until 2027, according to available reports. The move comes amid heightened military tensions with Iran following a series of retaliatory strikes and Tehran's takeover of the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatar and Jordan have criticised Iran's recent missile strikes, adding diplomatic pressure amid the escalating military conflict with the United States.

A spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Iranian missile attacks targeted civilian areas, resulting in casualties and financial losses. The spokesperson said that Qatar is not part of the conflict and that there is no justification for attacks on its territory, calling Iran's actions a clear violation of international law.

Separately, a diplomatic row erupted between Iran and Jordan. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi criticised Iran's retaliatory strikes, questioning their timing and targets. In response, Iran's acting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the criticism, asserting that Arab countries' territories were used for the initial US attacks on Iran and questioning how long Tehran should wait to respond to aggression.

Amid the escalating conflict, reports on Thursday indicated the United States had fired missiles valued at $640 million in a single night to counter Iranian attacks. The significant expenditure highlights the intensity of the defensive operations being conducted by US forces in the region.

Following missile and drone attacks on US interests, Iran's military has claimed its forces targeted specific assets at American bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. According to the claims, strikes on Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait hit satellite communication systems, equipment warehouses, and US fighter jet hangars. In the UAE, the attacks allegedly targeted the residences of US military personnel and a radar system at Al Minhad Air Base.

Amid the intensifying blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reportedly diverted 87 commercial ships from the area.

In a significant escalation, Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have reportedly taken full control of the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC has also issued a warning as retaliatory attacks against US bases across the Gulf are said to be intensifying.

The escalating military tensions between Iran and the United States have driven the price of Brent crude oil above $96 per barrel, according to reports on Thursday.

The surge in global oil prices comes as Iran continues to claim responsibility for missile and drone attacks on US military installations in the Gulf region.

The United States is reportedly preparing for a prolonged conflict with Iran, with reports indicating that 50,000 US troops remain stationed in the Middle East.

The development comes as Iran claimed to have launched new attacks on US military bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, September 3, intensifying its retaliation against recent American strikes.