The US military reveals the use of "Scorpion" drones in the Iran attack
Tactical shift in the regional conflict
In a significant development reflecting a shift in modern military strategies, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces have, for the first time, used low-cost, suicide attack drones in military operations against targets in Iran. This announcement comes in the context of joint strikes with Israel targeting sensitive sites within Iranian territory, representing a qualitative escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the two sides.
U.S. Central Command stated in an official statement that "Scorpion Strike Task Force used single-use, low-cost attack drones for the first time" in the history of U.S. military operations. This development indicates the Pentagon's adoption of tactics that have proven highly effective in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where suicide drones have become a crucial element in targeting objectives with precision and at a lower cost compared to guided missiles or conventional fighter jets.
Background of the conflict and context of the attacks
These strikes come in the wake of a period of escalating tensions in the Middle East, with recent months witnessing tit-for-tat attacks between Iran and Israel, as well as attacks targeting US forces in the region by Tehran-backed factions. This joint military operation is a direct and coordinated response aimed at deterring Iran and weakening its military capabilities, particularly its missile program and drone development. Relations between the United States and Iran have been characterized by hostility since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and tensions have increased significantly since the US withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018 and the assassination of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
Importance and potential impacts
The use of this new type of weapon carries significant strategic implications. Tactically, it gives the US military greater flexibility and the ability to launch intense and overwhelming attacks at a lower cost, placing considerable strain on Iranian air defense systems. Strategically, it sends a clear message to Tehran that Washington and its allies possess new and advanced tools to enforce deterrence.
These strikes resulted in significant human and material losses on the Iranian side. According to Iranian sources cited by Reuters, a member of the Tehran City Council announced that the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's son-in-law and his daughter-in-law were among the victims of the attack. The Iranian Red Crescent Society also announced that the death toll from the US-Israeli strikes had reached 201, reflecting the extent of the damage inflicted on military infrastructure and targeted individuals.
