A military Map of the U.S and Iran War Showing Strike Locations Key Commanders and Weapons Used in the first week.

The first week of the war between the United States and Iran, supported militarily by Israel, was characterized by a rapid expansion of military operations across several parts of the Middle East. The conflict involved large-scale airstrikes, missile attacks, and naval engagements that targeted strategic military infrastructure both inside Iran and across the Persian Gulf region. Mapping the early stages of the war reveals a network of strike locations stretching from Iranian cities to American military bases in neighbouring countries, illustrating how quickly the confrontation evolved into a regional conflict.

Most of the coalition’s early military strikes were concentrated inside Iran. Key targets included the capital city, Tehran, where intelligence facilities and leadership compounds were believed to be located. Strikes also occurred in Isfahan, a city known for hosting important nuclear research and enrichment facilities. Additional attacks were reported in Qom, an influential political and religious centre, as well as Tabriz and Kermanshah, where missile bases and air-defence installations were reportedly situated. These locations formed the central cluster of the coalition’s military campaign, which aimed to degrade Iran’s strategic capabilities by targeting its command structures, nuclear infrastructure, and missile launch systems.

Beyond Iranian territory, the war map expanded quickly across the Persian Gulf. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones toward several American military bases in allied countries. Important targets included facilities in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. These bases serve as critical hubs for American military operations in the region and host thousands of troops, aircraft, and logistical resources. Iranian attacks on these sites demonstrated the country’s ability to extend the battlefield beyond its own borders and threaten American forces across the Gulf.

Another strategically important area during the first week of the war was the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most vital maritime passages for global energy supplies. This narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and carries a significant share of the world’s oil exports. Iranian threats to disrupt shipping in the Strait raised international concerns about the potential impact on global energy markets. Naval operations also expanded into the broader Indian Ocean, where reports indicated a major confrontation involving the sinking of an Iranian naval vessel. These maritime developments showed that the war was not confined to air and missile combat but also involved naval power and control of key sea routes.

The leadership directing these operations reflected the high-level political and military stakes of the conflict. In the United States, military operations were authorized by Donald Trump, who served as president during the conflict, with operational coordination conducted by the commanders of the United States Central Command, responsible for the Middle East region. Israel’s participation was directed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government viewed Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities as an existential security threat. On the Iranian side, the country’s political and military system was led by Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, whose authority shaped Iran’s strategic response and coordination of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful military organization responsible for overseeing missile forces and regional military operations.

The first week of the conflict also highlighted the advanced weapon systems used by all sides. The United States relied heavily on modern airpower, including stealth aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II and carrier-based fighters like the F/A‑18 Super Hornet. These aircraft were capable of penetrating sophisticated air-defence systems and delivering precision-guided munitions against strategic targets. Naval forces also played an important role, particularly through the use of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, which were launched from submarines and destroyers to strike targets deep inside Iranian territory.

Israel also contributed advanced airpower to the campaign, including its customized stealth fighter, the F-35I Adir, designed for long-range precision strikes. Defensive systems were equally important, especially the Iron Dome, which intercepted many of the rockets and missiles launched toward Israeli territory. These missile defence systems became a crucial component of Israel’s ability to limit damage from Iranian retaliation.

Iran’s military response relied heavily on missile and drone warfare. The country launched several types of ballistic missiles, including the Emad missile and the Ghadir missile, which are capable of striking targets hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away. In addition to these missiles, Iran deployed large numbers of unmanned aerial vehicles such as the Shahed drone, which can be used for reconnaissance or as one-way attack drones designed to strike military installations.

Overall, the military map of the first week of the war reveals a conflict fought across multiple domains and geographic areas. Airstrikes inside Iran targeted strategic infrastructure and leadership centres, while Iranian missile attacks spread the battlefield to American bases throughout the Persian Gulf. Naval confrontations and threats to maritime shipping further expanded the conflict’s scope. The combination of advanced aircraft, long-range missiles, drones, and missile defence systems demonstrated the technological intensity of modern warfare. By the end of the first week, the war had already developed into a complex regional confrontation with significant strategic consequences for the Middle East and the wider international community.