Analysis & Reports

The F-15EX Eagle II has not been deployed in Operation Epic Fury due to insufficient numbers, with only 27 delivered to the U.S. Air Force as of April 2026. It is primarily utilized for training and homeland defense, while the F-15E Strike Eagle continues to serve as the main combat aircraft in CENTCOM operations. The F-15EX is designed for future conflicts, enhancing the U.S. Air Force's capabilities.

U.S. and Israeli forces attacked and damaged the Beik Highway Bridge in Karaj on April 2. This bridge, a significant engineering project in Iran, suffered structural damage, leading to road closures and power disruptions in the area. Local authorities have issued emergency warnings for residents to avoid the vicinity.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted targeted operations in Southern Lebanon, killing over 40 Hezbollah militants. These operations included airstrikes on command centers and weapon storage facilities, as well as ground assaults that dismantled numerous Hezbollah positions. The IDF continues to engage in coordinated air, sea, and ground actions against Hezbollah infrastructure.

On April 2, 2023, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted airstrikes against U.S. and Israeli military and industrial targets in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, destroying significant portions of these facilities. The operation, named 'Real Commitment-4', resulted in dozens of U.S. military casualties. The IRGC stated that this action was a response to previous attacks on Iranian industrial sites and warned of more severe retaliation if such attacks continue.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes in Iran targeting an Iranian Shahed-171 Simorgh stealth drone as part of Operation Epic, now in its fifth week. The strikes reportedly destroyed the drone at a military site, contributing to the degradation of Iran's military capabilities, including its air and missile defense systems. U.S. Central Command stated that they are making undeniable progress in the operation.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is on an extended 11-month deployment supporting operations in the Middle East, including air operations against Iran. The deployment began in June 2025 and is expected to continue into early 2026. The carrier faced various challenges, including maintenance issues and a laundry fire, but remains operational. Currently, 16 U.S. Navy warships are in the CENTCOM area of operations.

USS Gerald R. Ford is on an extended 11-month deployment supporting operations in the Middle East, including air operations against Iran. The deployment began in June 2025 and is one of the longest since the Vietnam War. The carrier strike group includes 16 U.S. Navy warships currently in the region, with ongoing concerns about crew morale and maintenance due to the extended duration at sea.

Iran launched missiles towards Israel on April 2, which are being intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces. This action occurred shortly after President Trump's speech, where he stated that the U.S. strategy against Iran is nearing completion and that Iran's military capabilities have been significantly weakened.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on the Popular Mobilization Forces in Nineveh Province, Iraq, on April 1, 2023, killing two members, including a senior commander, and injuring four others. The first strike occurred at 17:50 local time, followed by a second at 18:40. This incident is part of a series of attacks against the group, which has been targeted frequently since late February due to its connections with Iran.

On April 1, 2023, U.S. President Trump declared a decisive victory over Iran, stating that the Iranian navy has been destroyed and its air force and missile programs severely damaged. He indicated that all military objectives would be completed within two to three weeks, while negotiations continue alongside military actions.

U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. will launch strikes against Iranian power plants if an agreement is not reached. The U.S. is closely monitoring these facilities with satellites and will respond with missiles if any unusual activity is detected.

U.S. President Trump announced stronger military strikes against Iran during a speech on April 1. The strikes are planned to take place in the coming weeks, indicating an escalation in U.S. military operations in the region.

The U.S. military is increasing its troop presence in the Middle East, preparing for potential ground operations in Iran. Former U.S. Central Command chief Joseph Votel warned that if U.S. ground forces are deployed, they would quickly be overwhelmed. He highlighted the vulnerability of U.S. troops to Iranian drone and missile strikes, particularly if they attempt to seize Hark Island.

The U.S. military has developed a plan to seize nearly 1000 pounds of highly enriched uranium from facilities in Isfahan, Iran. This operation, requested by President Trump, faces significant logistical challenges, including the need to transport heavy excavation equipment and secure safe passage for troops. Hundreds of U.S. special forces soldiers have already arrived in the Middle East to potentially support this operation, which may take weeks or months to execute.

U.S. President Trump announced plans for a rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iran while discussing ceasefire conditions linked to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran maintains it has full control over the Strait and continues military operations, including missile strikes against Israeli targets. Concurrently, Israel has conducted airstrikes on numerous Iranian military sites, escalating tensions in the region.

U.S. President Trump has considered a military invasion of Kharg Island, Iran's key oil export hub. This potential action would mark a significant escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict, transitioning from airstrikes to ground forces. The U.S. has already targeted military facilities on the island, and an occupation could provoke Iranian retaliation, complicating U.S. military strategy in the region.

Iran's Defense Ministry spokesperson, Reza Talayniak, stated that the ultimate goal of Iran's retaliatory actions against the U.S. and Israel includes the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Middle East and the destruction of U.S. military bases in the region. He emphasized that Iran will ensure equal destruction to its adversaries and maintain regional stability by collaborating with local resistance forces until these objectives are achieved.

On April 1, an Iranian military official stated that the resistance front, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and various Islamic resistance groups, has demonstrated unparalleled strength in combat against the U.S. and Israel. He emphasized that these groups have not been weakened and continue to show courage and faith in their efforts.

On April 1, the Iranian military conducted drone strikes against the Israeli defense company Rafael, targeting its weapon production and R&D centers. The attacks resulted in fires and damage to the facilities, highlighting ongoing military tensions between Iran and Israel.

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi was injured in an airstrike conducted by the United States and Israel in Tehran on April 1.