Analysis & Reports

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on over 100 targets in Iran, targeting missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and communication networks. In retaliation, Iran launched drones and missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE. This escalation follows a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with tensions rising amid a ceasefire agreement.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on more than 100 targets in Iran on Saturday evening, targeting missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and communication networks. In retaliation, Iran launched drones and missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. This escalation follows a series of attacks and is part of ongoing military operations between the two nations.

The F-15 Eagle maintains an undefeated air-to-air combat record with 104 victories and zero defeats. In March 2026, three F-15E Strike Eagles were downed by friendly fire in Kuwait, while another was shot down over Iran, marking the first American aircraft loss to enemy fire since 2003. Despite these incidents, the F-15's air-to-air combat record remains intact, underscoring its legendary status in military aviation.

In 2026, the top five tanks not made in the USA were ranked, including the Leclerc XLR from France, Challenger 3 from the UK, Merkava Mk 4 Barak from Israel, K2 Black Panther from South Korea, and Leopard 2A8 from Germany. Each tank was evaluated based on firepower, protection, mobility, and other factors, showcasing their unique advantages over the American M1 Abrams. The report emphasizes the importance of survivability, availability, and integration in modern tank design.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile strikes against U.S. military targets in the Middle East on July 12, following earlier U.S. attacks. The U.S. Central Command confirmed this was the third round of strikes against Iran within the week. In response, multiple countries in the region activated their air defense systems.

The USS Iowa fired its 16-inch/50 Mark 7 guns during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, marking the last use of these weapons in combat. The Iowa-class battleships, equipped with nine of these guns, were renowned for their accuracy and armor penetration capabilities, rivaling even the larger Japanese 18.1-inch guns. The design and fire control systems contributed to their effectiveness over decades, demonstrating the superiority of American naval artillery.

An Iranian naval officer was killed in a U.S. military attack in Tehran on July 12. The incident has been reported by Iranian media, confirming the officer's death during the attack.

The U.S. Navy maintains that the southern channel of the Strait of Hormuz is open for navigation despite Iranian claims of closure. On July 12, 2023, the U.S. Navy emphasized its commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial activities in the region. The security threat level in the Strait remains serious following recent attacks on vessels.

Iran launched missiles and suicide drones at U.S. military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar on July 12, 2026, following U.S. strikes in Iran. The attacks targeted Al Udeid Air Base and aimed to showcase Iran's military capabilities. This escalation highlights the challenges of integrating air defense systems among Gulf states and the potential for increased military tensions in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes on 140 Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz on July 11, 2023, following an attack by Iranian forces on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy. The strikes aimed to degrade Iran's military capabilities in the region, amidst ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts led by Oman. Iran's Revolutionary Guard retaliated with strikes on Jordan's Prince Hassan Air Base, further escalating the conflict.

Ukraine is set to manufacture Patriot missiles under a U.S. license, announced during the NATO summit in Ankara on July 8, 2023. However, the production timeline means immediate air defense needs will not be met, as Russian ballistic missiles continue to pose a threat. The Freya anti-ballistic system is also being developed as a more affordable alternative to the Patriot system. NATO has committed substantial military support to Ukraine through 2026, highlighting the urgency of enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

Alexandra ReevesSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to unauthorized vessels in July 2026, prompting Qatar and Oman to negotiate a solution to the oil channel crisis. U.S. officials are demanding Iran publicly commit to halting attacks on vessels. The situation reflects a complex mix of military deterrence and political bargaining, impacting global oil supply routes.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

Omani security forces reported a drone attack in the Musandam Governorate on the 12th. The nature of the attack and the source of the drones have not been disclosed by officials.

The Qatar Ministry of Interior reported that an attack attributed to Iran resulted in three injuries, including a child. Emergency response measures were activated to address the situation. The injured individuals have been taken to medical facilities for treatment.

Kuwait Armed Forces are currently responding to enemy airstrikes in Kuwait City on July 12. Explosions heard in the city are attributed to air defense systems intercepting these attacks. This response follows a series of strikes launched by Iran against U.S. targets in the region.

Iranian forces attacked a second 'violating vessel' in the Strait of Hormuz and launched a missile strike on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The strike targeted the base's fighter maintenance support center and command control center as retaliation for ongoing U.S. attacks on Iranian coastal bases. This operation was confirmed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the 12th of the month.

The Iranian military launched drone strikes against U.S. military targets in Kuwait and Bahrain on the morning of the 12th, responding to ongoing U.S. attacks. The strikes targeted Patriot air defense systems, ammunition depots, radar stations, and communication systems. Kuwait's armed forces announced they were intercepting hostile targets entering their airspace.

Iran launched strikes against U.S. targets in the Middle East on July 12, prompting the UAE to intercept missiles and drones. Qatar issued a security alert, and explosions were reported in Doha. Bahrain activated its air defense alarms, and Jordan has also reportedly activated its air defense systems.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted missile strikes on July 12 against U.S. military facilities, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and a logistics center at Dukum Port in Oman. The strikes destroyed key infrastructure, including command centers and maintenance facilities. Additionally, an airbase in Jordan was targeted, impacting its command control center and drone hangar.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force launched a large-scale attack on a U.S. military logistics center and aircraft carrier fuel supply platform in Duqm, Oman, on July 12. This action is part of Iran's ongoing response to U.S. military operations.