Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military has fired over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in four weeks of war with Iran. Pentagon officials express concern over the rapid depletion of these precision weapons. President Trump emphasizes the need for increased production of American-made weapons to support military operations.

U.S. and Israeli aircraft conducted airstrikes on the Mobarakay Steel Plant in Isfahan Province and the Khuzestan Steel Company on March 27, causing damage to these facilities.

The U.S. Department of State approved over $16.5 billion in arms sales to the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan in March 2026, enhancing their air defense capabilities amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The UAE is set to receive advanced missiles and precision munitions, while Kuwait will upgrade its missile defense infrastructure. These transactions signify a strategic transformation in Gulf military capabilities, moving towards integrated defense systems capable of independent operations.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Mar 27 2026Loading...

Iran is using Russian drone-warfare tactics to target U.S. forces and other operations in the Middle East. The Iranian military has shifted to launching smaller numbers of drones and missiles at a wider variety of targets, including civilian infrastructure. This new strategy mirrors the attrition tactics used by Russia against Ukraine, aiming to impose economic and political costs. Ukrainian military personnel reported these developments during a meeting in Washington D.C.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, significantly impacting global supplies of oil and gas. This closure escalates tensions with the US and Israel, as both sides threaten further military action. The Iranian military employs a range of capabilities, including missiles and mines, to enforce this closure. NATO navies are enhancing their mine warfare readiness in response to this strategic threat, while the UK and France are forming a coalition to address the situation.

Iran launched a large-scale missile and drone campaign against Gulf states, including 357 ballistic missiles and over 1,800 UAVs, significantly impacting regional stability. The IDF responded with over 600 strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure since late February 2026. Hezbollah also intensified its attacks against Israel, conducting 54 strikes in two days. Gulf states are now advocating for military operations to degrade Iran's capabilities, marking a significant shift in their security policy.

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An Israeli soldier was killed and four others injured when Hezbollah launched anti-tank missiles at an Israeli tank in Southern Lebanon on March 26, 2023. The soldier, identified as Volansky, was part of the 7th Armored Brigade. This incident is part of ongoing military operations, with four Israeli soldiers reported killed since ground actions resumed in the region.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 83rd wave of Operation 'True Promise-4' on March 26, targeting military facilities in Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones. The operation included strikes on oil storage facilities and military outposts, while the Israeli Defense Forces reported intercepting missiles fired from Iran.

The Iranian military launched drone strikes against strategic targets in Israel on March 27, including naval and fuel facilities in Haifa. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that Iran has the capability to destroy Tel Aviv and Haifa if Israel takes erroneous actions.

The U.S. Navy has deployed uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols in the Middle East as part of operations against Iran, marking the first confirmed use of such vessels in active conflict. These vessels, known as the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), are utilized for surveillance and have logged significant operational hours. This deployment occurs amidst ongoing tensions, with Iran previously using sea drones to target oil tankers in the region.

The U.S. Navy has deployed uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols in the Middle East as part of operations against Iran, marking the first confirmed use of such vessels in active conflict. These vessels, known as the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), are utilized for surveillance and have logged significant operational hours. This deployment occurs amidst ongoing tensions, with Iran previously using sea drones to target oil tankers.

In April 1988, the U.S. Navy executed Operation Praying Mantis in the Persian Gulf, targeting Iranian naval forces in response to the USS Samuel B. Roberts being damaged by an Iranian mine. The operation resulted in the sinking of two Iranian ships and the destruction of surveillance platforms, marking a significant naval engagement for the U.S. Navy.

U.S. President Trump announced a 10-day delay in airstrikes against Iranian energy facilities, now set for April 6, 2020, at 8 PM EDT, following a request from the Iranian government. He stated that negotiations are progressing well, although he expressed uncertainty about Iran's compliance with the deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had previously threatened military action if the Strait was not opened.

President Trump stated that U.S. military actions against Iran will continue, denying any urgency to reach a deal. He emphasized that the decision to cease hostilities lies with Iran, while threatening military action if Iran does not comply with demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has formally responded to U.S. proposals, rejecting a ceasefire and outlining its own conditions.

On March 26, 2023, President Trump announced that 10 oil tankers were permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, framing it as a gesture from Iran to show negotiation sincerity. He indicated that controlling Iranian oil is an option but did not elaborate further. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is enforcing a control system for vessels in the Strait, which is vital for global energy transport.

Intense explosions and prominent aircraft noise were reported in Tehran on March 26 at 20:00 local time. Iranian Air Defense Forces were actively intercepting, indicating a defensive operation in response to an aerial threat.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted an airstrike on Abbas Port in Iran on March 26, 2023, resulting in the deaths of multiple high-ranking officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, including Commander Ali Reza Tangsiri. The strike was executed with intelligence support while Tangsiri was in a meeting with other senior officers.

The U.S. military has conducted strikes on over 10,000 targets in Iran since February 28, 2023, according to Adm. Brad Cooper. A recent poll indicates that 59% of Americans view these actions as excessive. President Trump claimed the conflict is 'ahead of schedule' and will conclude soon, while the Pentagon affirmed that operations will persist. A diplomatic proposal has been made to Iran through intermediaries.

Iran acquired 80 F-14A Tomcats and 633 AIM-54 Phoenix missiles from the U.S. in 1974, using them extensively during the Iran-Iraq War. Despite sanctions and a lack of support post-1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force has kept the F-14s operational through various means. However, the fleet's effectiveness has declined over the years due to aging airframes and diminishing resources.

The U.S. and Israeli forces have launched a significant air campaign against Iran since February 28, 2026, targeting military leadership and infrastructure. Despite the destruction of Iran's Air Force and Navy, the regime remains intact, and the Iranian populace has not united against it. Historical precedents indicate that airpower alone may not achieve the desired political outcomes.