Shock attack! Iran hits Saudi air base, US soldiers wounded

At least 10 service members were wounded in the attack, the publication reported. Preliminary information suggests that an Iranian missile struck the base, while multiple drones were also deployed during the strike.

Among the aircraft reportedly damaged were refueling planes and an E-3 Sentry AWACS command-and-control aircraft, though assessments are ongoing.

The attack comes despite recent claims by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) that Iranian missile and drone launches had significantly declined. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated that such launches were down by more than 90 percent since the conflict began on February 28.

“We have damaged or destroyed over two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval production facilities and shipyards,” Cooper said in a video statement posted on CENTCOM’s X account. “We are on a path to completely eliminate Iran’s broader military manufacturing capability.”

Meanwhile, the United States is preparing for the possibility of extended ground operations in Iran as the conflict enters its fifth week, according to a report by The Washington Post. These plans reportedly include potential raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

The proposed operations could involve both special operations forces and conventional infantry, although it remains unclear whether former President Donald Trump would authorize such actions.

Officials emphasized that any ground engagement would stop short of a full-scale invasion. Discussions within the administration have included scenarios such as seizing Kharg Island—home to Iran’s largest oil export terminal—and conducting targeted raids along the Strait of Hormuz.

These operations are aimed at locating and neutralizing weapons that pose threats to commercial and military shipping, particularly as Iran has significantly disrupted traffic through the strategic waterway since the conflict began.

Sources cited in the report indicated that such missions could last from several weeks to a few months. A former senior defense official described the plans as highly detailed and extensively war-gamed.

According to the official, capturing Iranian territory could deal a symbolic blow to the regime and provide leverage in future negotiations. However, maintaining control would present a far greater challenge.

“Seizing it is not difficult,” the official noted, “but protecting forces stationed there is far more complex.”

Kharg Island, which accounts for roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports, has already been targeted in recent U.S. airstrikes. Donald Trump previously referred to the island as the “crown jewel” of Iran’s economy.