Iran Uses Russian Tactics Against U.S. Allies
- 2.03.2026, 17:27
Hundreds of drones are hitting bases, ports and skyscrapers.
The attrition tactics Tehran has seen in Ukraine are aimed at psychological pressure on civilians and direct economic losses.
Tehran has moved to large-scale use of drones against Gulf states, targeting U.S. bases and civilian infrastructure.
According to The Wall Street Journal, this strategy is a direct borrowing of the methods Russia is using in its war against Ukraine.
The main purpose of such attacks is to systematically destroy key life support facilities to psychologically wear down the population. At the same time, Iran seeks to inflict maximum economic damage on its regional opponents.
Economic Depletion and Terror: Why Iran Needs a Swarm of Cheap Drones
Iranian attack UAVs are characterized by their small size, which makes them an extremely difficult target for modern air defense systems. However, they are cheap to produce, allowing Tehran to produce them on an industrial scale.
The main advantage of this tactic is the ability to launch drones from both land and sea platforms. Massive combined drone and missile strikes can literally overwhelm the defenses of target countries.
Although a single drone cannot inflict damage comparable to a ballistic missile, their numbers compensate for this disadvantage. Civilian airports, seaports and other critical global logistics hubs have already come under attack.
Geography of strikes: from U.S. bases to Dubai skyscrapers
Iran has used hundreds of drones to attack the U.S. naval base in Bahrain and airports in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. Residential high-rises in Dubai have also been targeted, causing loss of life in the UAE and Oman.
Official figures put the total number of drones fired in the hundreds, with 541 drones launched at the UAE alone. Israel was able to intercept more than 50 drones, but this task is easier for it because of the greater distance and time of approach.
These actions caused global transportation chaos and provoked a sharp jump in world oil prices. Analysts believe that Tehran is deliberately internationalizing the conflict, putting pressure on Washington's allies and the Western economy.
Lessons from Ukraine: How the Gulf States Can Defend Themselves Against the Iranian Threat
Experts believe that it is time for the Arab monarchies to adopt the experience of Kiev, which in four years has learned how to effectively fight the Russian Shaheds. Ukraine has successfully used inexpensive interceptor drones and networked early detection systems.
To create a reliable shield, the Persian Gulf countries need to establish an operational exchange of intelligence information. An important step would be the introduction of layered defense systems capable of engaging low-flying targets.
But Samuel Bendett of CNA warns that it is impossible to protect every building in megacities like Dubai. Protecting the most vulnerable and important infrastructure and ports should be a priority.