Analysis & Reports

Iran launched retaliatory strikes against U.S. and Israeli military targets in the Middle East from February 28 to March 1, 2023, following the assassination of Iranian leader Khamenei. The strikes included missile attacks on 27 U.S. bases and the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier, resulting in multiple casualties across the region. The U.S. reported 3 military personnel killed, while at least 8 were killed in Beit Shemesh due to missile strikes.

On March 2, Lebanon launched six rockets into northern Israel, prompting alarms in several areas. The Israel Defense Forces intercepted one rocket, and no casualties or damage were reported. Israeli officials indicated that there would be a strong response to this attack.

Iran launched a large-scale counterattack against U.S. and Israeli military bases from February 28 to March 1, 2023, following airstrikes by Israel and the U.S. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported significant casualties, with 560 U.S. military personnel affected. Over 100 Israeli fighter jets participated in airstrikes targeting Iranian command centers, while Iran claimed to have attacked 27 U.S. military bases in the region.

U.S. military launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran, striking over 1,000 targets including military assets and infrastructure. As of Sunday morning, three U.S. service members were killed and five seriously wounded. Iranian counterattacks targeted international airports in Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Iraq, as well as hotels in Dubai and Bahrain. The operation featured various aircraft, including B-2 bombers and F-35 jets, and marked the debut of LUCAS drones.

On March 1, U.S. President Trump announced the destruction of 9 Iranian naval vessels, some of which were significant in size. He also stated that the U.S. had largely destroyed the Iranian naval headquarters. Iran has yet to respond to these claims.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the downing of 20 Shahed drones and 2 MQ-9 drones on March 1. This action highlights the ongoing military capabilities and operations of the IRGC against perceived threats in the region.

On March 1, 2023, the U.S. military conducted airstrikes in Iran targeting military command and control systems, IRGC headquarters, and missile bases. The operation involved B-2 stealth bombers, fighter jets, and naval vessels, while ensuring that no Iranian nuclear facilities were included in the targets. Missile defense systems were also deployed to counter potential retaliatory actions.

The Iraqi Islamic Resistance Movement attacked a U.S. military base near Erbil airport on March 1, using drones equipped with explosives and rockets. This action was stated to be a retaliation for the joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. No casualties have been reported following the assault.

U.S. B-2 stealth bombers struck hardened ballistic missile facilities in Iran overnight, employing 2,000-pound bombs against fortified military targets. This operation is part of ongoing U.S. military efforts to degrade Iran's missile infrastructure amid escalating regional tensions. The strikes were confirmed by United States Central Command, highlighting America's resolve in the region.

Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones towards Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in response to a joint attack by Israel and the US. This unprecedented action targeted all GCC states within 24 hours, prompting extensive air defense measures across the region. The UAE reported intercepting 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 541 drones, while other GCC nations also confirmed interceptions. The attacks have raised tensions and could influence GCC states' alignment with the US.

On February 28, 2026, large-scale airstrikes occurred between Israel and Iran, resulting in 24 confirmed Iranian equipment losses, including 21 destroyed systems. Israeli forces reported one equipment loss. The strikes targeted missile infrastructure, air defense systems, and aircraft, highlighting vulnerabilities in both nations' military capabilities during the conflict.

On March 1, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone in southern Iran using an integrated air defense system. The drone was targeted and destroyed as part of a military operation.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Iran is accelerating its missile production capabilities, posing a survival threat to Israel. The IDF previously prevented Iran from producing at least 1500 ballistic missiles and has noted a significant increase in production speed, with Iran aiming to produce around 8000 missiles by 2027. This situation has raised concerns regarding regional security.

Kuwait Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed 97 ballistic missiles and 283 drones since February 28. Some debris from the intercepted missiles caused minor damage in various areas. The military has advised residents to rely on official information to prevent the spread of rumors.

The UAE reported three fatalities and 58 injuries due to missile and drone attacks from February 28 to March 1, 2023. The UAE Armed Forces intercepted 165 ballistic missiles and 541 drones, with 21 drones striking civilian targets. The casualties included citizens from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, while the defense systems mitigated further damage.

On February 28, 2023, U.S. and Israeli forces launched military strikes against Iranian targets in the Middle East, employing Tomahawk missiles and advanced fighter jets. Iran responded with counterattacks, utilizing ballistic missiles and suicide drones. The conflict marks a significant escalation from previous engagements, with both sides preparing for further military actions.

An Iranian drone crashed in the town of Hilbat Ghazaleh in Daraa province, Syria, on March 1. On the same day, loud explosions were heard in the city of Damascus.

The US military reduced its personnel at the Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain to fewer than 100 amid a significant military buildup in the Middle East, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. Iran conducted military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its readiness for potential conflict. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are enhancing their defense capabilities in response to the escalating tensions with Iran. The situation reflects a complex balance of military readiness and diplomatic caution among regional powers.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

Israeli Air Force aircraft struck two Iranian fighter jets, F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II, at Tabriz airbase in western Iran. This operation aimed to degrade Iranian air and missile capabilities as part of a broader campaign against Iranian military infrastructure. The strike occurred shortly before the announcement, with the jets reportedly prepared for takeoff.

The U.S. Army launched a missile from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during Operation Epic Fury, targeting Iranian military objectives. This event marks the operational debut of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which is designed for long-range precision strikes. The missile can engage targets up to 500 kilometers away, enhancing the U.S. Army's strike capabilities against high-value targets.