Iranian Military Shows It Knows How to Adapt, U.S. Officials Say

The Iranian military has shifted tactics as the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign continues, U.S. officials said. In the 11 days since the conflict began, Iran has targeted American air-defense and radar systems and used allied militias to strike locations frequented by U.S.

troops; one militia launched a drone swarm at an upscale hotel in Erbil, signaling awareness of where the Pentagon had placed personnel. U.S. officials and military experts say Tehran appears to have accepted it cannot match U.S. and Israeli firepower, but by surviving the barrage it can claim a form of victory.

The Iranian campaign has aimed at American vulnerabilities — interceptors and air defenses meant to protect forces and assets in the region. Seven American troops have been killed and 140 injured, of whom 108 have returned to duty; Iranian officials say U.S. and Israeli strikes have killed about 1,300 in Iran, while Iranian attacks across the Middle East have killed at least 30.

Iran, Erbil

iran, united states, israel, air defenses, radar systems, militias, drone swarm, erbil, pentagon, casualties