U.S. and Iran Exchange Strikes Amid Escalating Tensions

Why it matters locally: While Maryland does not have significant direct economic ties to Iran, national and international conflicts of this nature can influence federal defense spending and policy, which in turn can affect military installations and defense contractors located within the state.

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U.S. forces continued airstrikes within Iran, according to reports. Concurrently, Iranian state media reported that the country's military carried out drone strikes. These Iranian strikes targeted U.S. military facilities and bases located in Bahrain and Jordan. President Trump stated he was close to deciding whether to authorize a significant attack. This development occurred as the conflict between the two nations approached its fifth month. Images from Tehran showed Iranian-made Zolfaghar missiles displayed in Azadi Square on Friday. These images depicted the missiles as part of a public display.