Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
11 Soldiers Promoted!
This year, 11 soldiers were promoted at the Naval Base of the Northern Theater Command. The base is actively addressing the rising number of college-educated soldiers by implementing policies to support their development. Individual assessments are conducted annually to ensure no soldier is left behind, and specialized training programs are established to enhance their skills.
America Launches First International Strike Aircraft Force in the Middle East and Invites Gulf Allies to Join
The U.S. established 'Task Force Falcon Strike' on August 13, inviting Gulf partners to join this new military initiative. This task force will utilize low-cost unmanned aerial systems and is commanded by U.S. Central Command from Tampa, Florida. The move signifies a strategic shift in U.S. military operations in the Middle East, emphasizing cost-effective warfare and regional collaboration.
Ahmed Al-RashidMon Aug 17 2026Loading...Iranian Military: The U.S. Must Not Enter the Persian Gulf and Surrounding Waters
Iran's military chief announced that the U.S. is prohibited from entering the Persian Gulf, Oman Gulf, and Strait of Hormuz as of August 16, 2023. He stated that U.S. military bases cannot return to their previous status and emphasized the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Iran has offered a reward for the capture or killing of U.S. personnel in the region.
The UAE describes the IRGC attacks on ADNOC ships as piracy after a third assault in 48 hours and calls for the opening of Hormuz.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard conducted a third attack on ADNOC vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on August 14, 2023, prompting the UAE to label the actions as piracy. This incident follows two previous attacks within 48 hours, raising concerns over maritime security and freedom of navigation in the region. The UAE's response indicates a shift in its legal framing of the situation, potentially allowing for broader international intervention.
Ahmed Al-RashidSun Aug 16 2026Loading...Trump declares Hormuz "American territory" and Iran responds that the strait only opens at its command, while an Iranian-Omani agreement redraws the navigation map.
Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz will soon be considered 'American territory', while Iran asserted control over the strait. Only two ships crossed the strait recently without crude oil shipments, a stark contrast to pre-war levels. Iran and Oman reached an agreement on a safe navigation corridor, indicating a shift in control over maritime routes. The U.S. Navy is facing operational challenges in the region, complicating its military posture.
Ahmed Al-RashidSun Aug 16 2026Loading...
US bases, troops are once again being exposed by Strava
Service members continue to share location data on the Strava app, exposing military sites in the Middle East despite a Department of Defense ban. This has led to targeted attacks, including the deaths of 18 service members since the war began. The U.S. Central Command is aware of the risks associated with this data exposure and has called for increased operational security measures.
A Visit to Aselsan & Turkey
ESD traveled to Ankara in early June for a press facility organized by Aselsan, a prominent Turkish defense industry leader.
Trump announces his intention to annex the Strait of Hormuz as an American territory, and the blockade reduces crossings to 8 ships daily.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory, claiming control over the vital waterway. This comes as Iranian officials assert their dominance in the region, with only 8 ships crossing daily compared to pre-conflict levels. The USS Abraham Lincoln remains deployed in the area, highlighting ongoing military tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Ahmed Al-RashidSat Aug 15 2026Loading...Trump's Statement on Hormuz as American Territory Turns the Blockade into a Permanent System Against Iran
On August 14, Trump announced intentions to declare the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory following Iran's defeat, coinciding with discussions of an indefinite maritime blockade and unprecedented sanctions. This statement reflects a broader strategy to exert pressure on Iran without direct military engagement, while Iran responded by approving measures to restrict U.S. and Israeli access in the region. Shipping traffic has notably declined, indicating a potential crisis in maritime operations.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri Aug 14 2026Loading...
$2,200,000,000 Military Package: Iran Tried to Buy What Seems Like an Army in 1,000 T-72 Tanks from Russia
Iran attempted to purchase 1,000 T-72 tanks and 1,500 BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles from Russia in a deal worth $2.2 billion on November 13, 1991. However, due to U.S. restrictions, only 422 T-72s were delivered. Currently, Iran has an estimated 480 T-72S tanks and is reportedly preparing them for potential defensive operations near its borders with Iraq and Kuwait.
The second Iranian attack on ADNOC ships in Hormuz within a week activates a naval coalition of 15 countries led by Saudi Arabia.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked two ADNOC vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the second incident in a week. The UAE condemned the attacks as acts of piracy, while a new maritime coalition of 15 nations led by Saudi Arabia was established in response. This escalation highlights the ongoing threats to maritime security in the region, with significant implications for global oil supply routes.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri Aug 14 2026Loading...U.S. Central Command Denies Pushing for New Round of Military Strikes Against Iran
U.S. Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins denied claims that the military is advocating for new strikes against Iran. Reports suggested that General Brad Cooper discussed potential military actions during his visit to Israel, but Hawkins labeled these claims as false. The situation reflects ongoing tensions and military strategy discussions between the U.S. and Israel regarding Iran.
The process of the U.S. selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey has stalled.
The U.S. is considering the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, but progress has stalled as of August 14, 2023, due to Turkey's possession of the Russian S-400 air defense system. U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials oppose the sale, citing security concerns. Turkey was previously removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring the S-400 system, and it currently has six F-35 jets that remain in the U.S.
"Naval Sailor Dies in Brawl, Surge in Suicidal Thoughts? U.S. Military Responds 'It's All Fake News'"
U.S. Central Command refuted false reports claiming that 7 sailors died in a fight aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and that there was a rise in suicidal thoughts among the crew. The command emphasized the carrier's high personnel retention rate and its extensive operational history. Additionally, the U.S. is set to deploy the USS George Washington to replace the Lincoln amid concerns over crew conditions.
Not Just F-14 Tomcat and F-5 Fighters: Iran Bought Secretly 1,500 US-Made TOW Anti-Tank Missiles and Hawk Anti-Aircraft Missiles
The U.S. secretly sold over 1,500 TOW anti-tank missiles and Hawk missile components to Iran between 1985 and 1986 as part of an arms-for-hostages initiative. This operation aimed to secure the release of American hostages held by Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, violating a U.S. arms embargo. The scandal surrounding these sales contributed to the Iran-Contra Affair, revealing illegal funding activities for Contra rebels in Nicaragua.
Lockheed to build new missile launchers for the UAE
Lockheed Martin was awarded a $211.4 million contract modification to build new THAAD launchers for the United Arab Emirates, announced on August 12, 2026. This modification increases the total contract value to over $1.05 billion, with work scheduled from August 2026 through January 2031. The THAAD system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and is part of the UAE's expanding missile defense architecture.
Depletion of American Patriot Missile Stock by 65% After the Iran War Reveals the Fragility of Gulf Air Defense
The U.S. Department of Defense announced a $58.6 billion contract with Lockheed Martin for the production of Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles, as existing stockpiles have been significantly depleted. The Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, are heavily reliant on these systems for defense, with less than 1000 Patriot missiles remaining. Iran has issued warnings to Gulf nations regarding potential attacks if U.S. military actions persist, highlighting the vulnerabilities in Gulf air defense capabilities.
Ahmed Al-RashidThu Aug 13 2026Loading...U.S. Officials Criticize Israeli Defense Minister's Remarks on "Long-Term Occupation of Southern Lebanon"
U.S. officials criticized Israeli Defense Minister Katz for suggesting a long-term military presence in southern Lebanon, stating it contradicts previous commitments made by Israel. Katz claimed the Israeli military would remain in the region to ensure security. The U.S. emphasized the importance of adhering to the framework agreement established on June 26, which called for Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese control over local security matters.
Lebanese Army Accuses Israel of Violating Framework Agreement with Ongoing Attacks on Lebanon
The Lebanese Armed Forces accused Israel of ongoing violations of the framework agreement and international law by conducting airstrikes in southern Lebanon on August 12, 2023. These attacks destroyed multiple buildings, including a public school and a clinic, and obstructed local residents' return and the deployment of the Lebanese army. Hezbollah has expressed strong opposition to the negotiations and vowed to continue resistance against Israeli occupation.
Iran Bought 597 American Fighters Before 1979. Tehran Would Now Love to Fly Russian Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighters
A Russian Su-57 Felon stealth fighter landed at Iran's Bandar Abbas in February 2025, marking its first documented visit. The aircraft was a prototype returning to Russia, and no confirmed deal for its sale to Iran has been announced. Iran is interested in modernizing its air fleet, having already confirmed a purchase of Su-35 fighters from Russia.
