Iran launches 5 rounds of missiles in 7 hours. How long will this conflict last? Experts: Three factors determine Iran's actions

According to CCTV News, a reporter from the main station learned that on the morning of the 7th local time, an explosion was heard at Dubai International Airport in the UAE, and some passengers in the terminal were urgently evacuated to the basement for safety.

It is reported that there was an interception operation over Dubai Airport.

A reporter from the main station learned that on March 7th local time, the Iranian military announced that the Iranian Navy launched a large-scale drone attack on U.S. military gathering sites and bases near Abu Dhabi Airport in the UAE, a U.S. military camp in Kuwait, and a radar in Israel.

Additionally, since 0:00 on March 7th Israel time (6:00 AM Beijing time), Iran has launched five rounds of ballistic missiles at Israel. The Israeli military stated that the missiles have been intercepted so far, the fifth alarm has been lifted, and there are no reports of casualties.

This morning (March 7th), an air raid siren sounded in northern Israel, followed by alarms in central and southern regions. A military spokesperson said that the Israeli military detected missiles launched from Iran, and the defense system is intercepting the threats.

According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency today (March 7th), Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport was hit by a fierce airstrike, and a video released by Reuters shows intense explosions at the airport and nearby areas.

It is worth noting that, according to a reporter from the main station, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake occurred in Hormozgan Province, Iran, this morning (March 7th).

CCTV News reports that, based on U.S. military reports, since the start of the conflict, U.S. forces have struck nearly 2,000 targets in Iran, sinking or destroying more than 30 Iranian warships, and hitting an Iranian drone carrier. U.S. airstrikes have also destroyed many Iranian missile launch sites and military command centers. Although the U.S. and Israel currently hold air superiority, they have not achieved absolute air dominance over Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to show resilience in the war. Despite the deaths of dozens of high-ranking officials, including the Supreme Leader and the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s organized military counterattacks, diplomatic actions, and public propaganda indicate that the leadership and command system remain intact, and there are no signs of large-scale chaos within the regime.

Furthermore, Iran still possesses significant missile and drone retaliatory capabilities, as well as the ability to blockade at sea. In addition to conventional ships, Iran has thousands of fast boats, which could control the narrow Strait of Hormuz, further complicating the conflict.

Experts believe that how long this conflict can last depends primarily on several key factors in Iran. With the assassination of Supreme Leader Khamenei, Iran’s power transfer has been forced to accelerate amid the war. Whether the transition proceeds smoothly and the new leadership’s policies will significantly influence the conflict. As long as the regime remains, Iran has the capacity for a prolonged struggle against the U.S. and Israel.

Another major factor is Iran’s missile stockpile and current production capacity. Iran’s missile reserves are not fully known, and if its missile production and launch capabilities are heavily damaged, it would be very unfavorable for Iran. However, given that Iran’s missile depots and production bases are deeply underground, it would be very difficult for the U.S. and Israel to completely destroy them.

Additionally, Iran’s regional support forces, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iraqi militias, and the Houthis in Yemen, have expressed support for Iran and are prepared to act if needed. This could lead to the conflict expanding in scope and duration.

U.S. President Trump previously stated that he expected U.S. actions in Iran to last “4 to 5 weeks.” However, it is reported that the U.S. stockpile of precision-guided weapons is “rapidly depleting,” and the conflict could last at least 100 days, possibly until September.

This year marks a U.S. midterm election year, with economic and livelihood issues being the focus of voters’ attention. If the conflict continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for a long period, oil prices will rise, inflation will increase, and this will directly impact the Republican midterm election prospects. Analysts believe that whether in terms of the progression of the war or public tolerance, “4 to 5 weeks” is likely a critical “red line” for the U.S. government regarding the U.S.-Iran conflict.

(Source: Daily Economic News)