As Donald Trump claims Iran is “on the run,” Tehran delivers a dramatic counter-narrative with bold strike claims in the Gulf. The IRGC says hundreds of U.S. troops were hit in Dubai, while fresh attacks target logistics routes and alleged foreign-linked sites. The escalation comes as Washington weighs new deployments and a possible move on Iran’s critical oil hub. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s growing role in Gulf defence and conflicting claims over talks add to the confusion. With both sides pushing starkly different realities, the war’s next phase may be far more dangerous than expected.