SANTEE — The war between the United States, Israel and Iran entered its fourth week Saturday with a dramatic escalation: Iran targeted the Diego Garcia air base in the Indian Ocean, a critical staging point for U.S. B-2 bombers used in strikes against Iranian sites, according to the Associated Press. The attack — which was unsuccessful — demonstrated that Iran may possess missiles with a range far exceeding what was previously acknowledged publicly.

The U.S. and British governments confirmed the attack on Diego Garcia. Britain's Ministry of Defense described Iran as "lashing out across the region and holding hostage the Strait of Hormuz." Meanwhile, Israel also struck Iran's Natanz nuclear enrichment facility again — the site has now been targeted multiple times since the conflict began Feb. 28. Iranian authorities said there was no leakage following the strike.

For San Diego's military families — with installations at MCAS Miramar, Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego — the escalating conflict has meant months of uncertainty. The USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group and Camp Pendleton's 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit remain forward-deployed in the region. Military families across East County have been watching the news with particular attention as the conflict shows no signs of imminent resolution.

Israel's army chief, Gen. Eyal Zamir, said the war is "not close to ending," and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that strikes on Iran would "increase significantly" next week. The conflict has also pushed oil prices higher, keeping San Diego-area gas prices elevated. More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began; Israeli authorities report 15 killed in Israel by Iranian missiles, with at least 13 U.S. military members also killed.

Anyone with information on service members in the region can reach Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 for family support resources.