In a big turn of events in the Middle East, Iran has hit and destroyed an important US radar system in Jordan. This happened during what Iran calls Operation True Promise 4, a series of attacks with drones and missiles that started in late February 2026. The radar, called AN/TPY-2, is part of the US THAAD missile defense system. It helps spot and stop incoming missiles. The strike was at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, which supports US and allied forces. Iran says it also hit radars in other places like Qatar, UAE, Iraq, and Bahrain, but only the ones in Jordan and Qatar have been checked by satellite photos and US reports. This attack shows how the fight is getting worse, with cheap Iranian drones making it hard for expensive US defenses to keep up. Warning times are shorter, and alerts are going off often in Israel, raising worries about running out of missiles and parts.
The US has said the radar in Jordan was worth about $300 million. Satellite images show debris around the burnt radar site, proving the damage. This loss makes it tougher for the US to protect its friends in the area from missile attacks. Experts say this is one of Iran’s biggest wins so far in the conflict. The attacks are Iran’s way of fighting back against US and Israeli strikes on its land. Tensions have been high since the start of the war, with both sides hitting each other’s military spots.
The Strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base
The main attack happened at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. This base is over 500 miles from Iran but is key for US operations in the region. The US had put the THAAD system there in mid-February 2026 to help defend against possible attacks. Satellite photos taken on March 2, 2026, show the radar destroyed, with black marks and broken parts around it.
Iran used missiles and drones in a big wave of attacks. The base has been a hub for US planes and defenses, with dozens of attack aircraft there before the war started.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said this was part of their plan to “blind” US and Israeli eyes in the region. They claimed to have hit more than seven advanced radars. A US official confirmed the damage, saying it creates a big gap in watching high-altitude missiles. Without this radar, the THAAD batteries can’t work well, making it harder to stop threats. The attack likely happened on March 1 or 2, right after the war began.
Jordan has been pulled into the fight, even though it tried to stay out. The country shot down some missiles, but this strike shows how hard it is to stay safe. Local people heard loud bangs and saw smoke. No one was hurt in this attack, but it has made everyone worried about more fighting.
What is the THAAD System and Why It Matters
THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. It is a US-made system to stop short- and medium-range missiles. It uses a strong radar to spot threats from far away and launches interceptors to hit them in the air.
Each battery costs about $1 billion, and the radar is a big part of that. The US has only eight of these systems around the world, including in South Korea and Guam.
In the Middle East, THAAD helps protect US bases and allies like Israel and Jordan from Iranian missiles. But Iran’s cheap drones and missiles are overwhelming these defenses. Each THAAD interceptor costs a lot, while Iranian drones are much cheaper. This makes it hard for the US to keep up over time. During a past fight in 2024, the US used many interceptors, and now stocks are low.
The AN/TPY-2 radar is the “eyes” of THAAD. It can see missiles coming from hundreds of miles away. Losing it in Jordan means less warning time for attacks. Analysts say this shows holes in US defenses. Iran has been practicing hits on such radars with their own drones and missiles like Hormoz. This attack proves they can do it for real.
Iran’s Claims of Attacks in Other Countries
Iran says it hit radars in Qatar, UAE, Iraq, and Bahrain too. But only Jordan and Qatar have confirmed damage. In Qatar, a big US radar called AN/FPS-132 was hit, worth $1.1 billion. Satellite images show damage there as well. The IRGC said they used new missiles to bypass defenses.
In the UAE, buildings near THAAD radars were hit, but it’s not clear if the radars themselves were damaged. Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at these countries
Many were stopped, but some got through, causing damage to bases and even civilian spots like hotels and ports.
A map of the region shows how close these countries are and why Iran can reach them easily.
Iraq and Bahrain reported strikes on US sites, but details are few. Iran’s plan seems to be to weaken US air defenses by hitting radars first. This makes it easier for more attacks later.
The attacks have hurt tourism and oil spots in the Gulf. Fires broke out at ports, and airports were shut for a while. People in these countries are scared, and governments are asking for more US help.
US and Allied Response
The US has hit back with strikes on over 200 targets in Iran, including leaders like Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US forces are targeting Iranian command centers, air defenses, and missile sites. But losing the radar in Jordan is a setback. The Pentagon is quiet about details, but officials say it’s a big loss.
Israel is also fighting hard, saying they are “crushing” Iran’s system. They have destroyed many Iranian missile launchers. Allies like Saudi Arabia and UAE are using their own defenses to stop attacks. But the high cost of interceptors is a problem. The US has spent billions already, and replacing parts will take time.
Russia is said to be helping Iran with targeting. China has shared satellite images of US setups. This makes the fight more complex.
Impact on Regional Security and Economy
This attack changes things in the Middle East. US defenses are weaker now, and allies feel less safe. Iran shows it can hit far away with precision. This could lead to more attacks or talks to stop the war.
The economy is hurt. Oil prices are up because of strikes on Gulf sites. Tourism is down, and shipping is risky. Countries like Jordan and Qatar are in a tough spot, hosting US bases but facing Iranian anger.
People are suffering. Alerts are constant in Israel, and civilians in Gulf states are hit sometimes. The war has killed many, including US soldiers.
Statements from Key Figures
A US official told Bloomberg, “If successful, an Iranian strike on a THAAD radar would mark one of Iran’s most successful attacks so far.” Ryan Brobst from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies added that it shows Iran’s strength.
The IRGC said in a statement, “With the successful destruction of more than seven advanced radars, the eyes of the US and the usurping Zionist regime in the region have been blinded.”
US President Donald Trump said only Iran’s full surrender will end the war. Israeli officials say their forces are destroying Iran’s power.
FAQs
What is Operation True Promise 4?
Operation True Promise 4 is Iran’s name for its attacks on US and Israeli targets since late February 2026. It started as revenge for strikes on Iran. It includes waves of drones and missiles, now in the 19th wave. Iran has released videos of strikes. The goal is to hit radars and bases to weaken defenses. It has caused damage in many countries and shown Iran’s missile power.
Why did Iran target the THAAD radar in Jordan?
Iran targeted it to “blind” US defenses. The radar spots missiles early, so destroying it makes it harder to stop attacks. Jordan hosts US forces, making it a target. This fits Iran’s plan to hit air defenses first. It also sends a message that no base is safe.
How much damage did the attack cause?
The radar in Jordan was worth $300-500 million and was fully destroyed. Overall, Iran has damaged about $2 billion in US equipment. This includes radars in Qatar and UAE. No deaths reported in Jordan, but it weakens US missile tracking.
What does this mean for US defenses?
It creates gaps in high-altitude missile watching. The US must use other systems like Patriot, but stocks are low. Iran’s cheap drones overwhelm expensive interceptors, leading to attrition. This could make the war longer and costlier.
Are there attacks in other countries?
Yes, Iran claims hits in Qatar, UAE, Iraq, Bahrain. Confirmed in Qatar with a $1.1 billion radar damaged. In UAE, buildings near radars hit. These attacks aim to degrade US power in the Gulf.
Will this lead to more war?
It could. The US is striking back hard. But low stocks might push for talks. The region is tense, with civilians at risk.