According to an Associated Press report on March 26, as the U.S.-Iran standoff continues to stagnate, Israel is accelerating its military operations, focusing on weakening Iran’s maritime blockade capabilities and missile threats. With key Iranian military figures being targeted and the Strait of Hormuz remaining tense, the Middle East conflict is gradually tilting toward a high-pressure stance led by Israel.
The Jerusalem Post reported that in the early hours, Israel carried out a precision strike on Iran’s southern port of Abbas, killing Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, along with several of his senior aides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Tangsiri was a central figure behind the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, posing a direct threat to regional shipping security. Defense Minister Israel Katz also noted that he was “directly responsible for mining and blockade operations.”
Analysts say this “decapitation strike” not only weakens Iran’s maritime command structure but also creates conditions for restoring access to critical energy routes, reflecting clear strategic intent.
Israel and allies seek to reshape passage order
The AP highlighted that the Strait of Hormuz has become the central focus of the current conflict. Iran has been restricting passage for U.S. and Israeli-related vessels while charging fees on others, which outside observers see as establishing a “de facto toll system.”
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This has provoked strong dissatisfaction among Gulf states. Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi publicly condemned Iran’s actions for disrupting regional shipping order.
From Israel’s perspective, Iran’s control over this global energy lifeline is a key leverage point to pressure the international community and prolong the conflict. As a result, neutralizing Iran’s relevant military capabilities and weakening its control over the strait is a central objective of current Israeli operations.
On the battlefield, Israel is expanding strikes against Iranian territory and military facilities. Airstrikes and explosions have been reported in key areas such as Tehran and Isfahan, targeting airbases and related infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to launch missiles at Israel, triggering frequent air raid alerts. Israel’s air defense systems remain active and have successfully intercepted multiple attacks.
The conflict is spilling into the Gulf region. In Abu Dhabi, UAE, debris from an interception caused civilian casualties, indicating that Iran’s strike range is widening and reinforcing shared security concerns between regional states and Israel.
Israel bets on ‘continual weakening’
The AP analysis notes that the war is evolving into a “war of attrition.” U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military and government targets have damaged the Iranian command structure, but Iran still retains missile counterattack capability and shows no signs of internal unrest.
From Israel’s perspective, continuously weakening Iran’s military power and regional influence itself constitutes a phased achievement. Particularly after strikes on its naval and missile capabilities, Iran’s long-term deterrence is eroding.
In contrast, Iran seeks to maintain strategic leverage by prolonging the conflict and disrupting energy markets, including control of the Strait of Hormuz and pressure on shipping.
Diplomatically, U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing a ceasefire plan and urging Iran to reach an agreement quickly. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that Iran will not engage in direct negotiations with the U.S.
This deadlock has, to some extent, provided Israel with a time window. The Jerusalem Post cites sources indicating that Israel fears the U.S. may reach an agreement too quickly, so it is stepping up operations to weaken Iran’s key capabilities before any deal materializes.