How Iran is using cheap drones to cause chaos across the Middle East

5 hours ago

Donald Trump threatened to obliterate Iran’s missile industry, but Iran responded with over 2,000 low-cost drone attacks across the Middle East.
Iran’s Shahed drones, costing $20,000-$50,000 each, are causing significant damage, including strikes on US bases, oil refineries, and LNG terminals.
The drones are hard to detect due to their low-altitude flight and slim profile, making them effective despite their slow speed.
Russia has used Iranian-designed Shahed drones in Ukraine, and the US has developed its own low-cost combat drone in response.
Iran’s strategy includes overwhelming defenses, depleting interceptor stockpiles, and imposing psychological pressure to force a ceasefire.
US and Israeli strikes have reduced Iran’s drone and missile launches by 73% and 86%, respectively, signaling challenges in sustaining attacks.

Hasty Briefsbeta