Analysis & Reports

An Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval commander was killed during Israeli military operations in Jerusalem on March 26.

China has actively participated in UN peacekeeping operations since 1990, deploying over 16,000 personnel across 26 missions. Currently, more than 1,600 Chinese peacekeepers are engaged in stability operations in Lebanon, South Sudan, Abyei, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Chinese military has received widespread praise for its professionalism and efficiency in these missions.

Iranian Armed Forces reported that they have hit or shot down 202 U.S. and Israeli military aircraft since February 28. This includes various models such as MQ-9 Reaper drones and F-35 fighter jets. The announcement was made on March 26, highlighting the ongoing military engagement between Iran and these forces.

Gulf Cooperation Council states are under sustained attack from Iranian missiles and drones, having intercepted over 1,800 UAVs and hundreds of missiles since February 28, 2026. Iran has escalated its military actions, targeting critical energy infrastructure in the region. The UAE's air defense systems have achieved a high interception rate, but the financial burden is significant. Gulf leaders are pressured to consider offensive military actions as the conflict continues to evolve, with serious implications for regional security.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

Hezbollah continues its defensive combat against Israel as stated by leader Naeem Qassem on March 25, 2023. The group emphasizes its commitment to resist aggression, with recent Israeli attacks resulting in 1094 deaths and 3119 injuries in Lebanon. Hezbollah has also launched rockets at northern Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah launched multiple missiles at the Israeli Defense Ministry headquarters and military camps in Tel Aviv on March 26, in retaliation for Israeli attacks on Lebanese civilians and infrastructure. This marks a significant escalation, with Hezbollah reporting a total of 87 attacks on Israel within the last 24 hours.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is conducting air operations against military targets in Iran as of March 25. Iranian forces have reportedly launched missiles at the carrier, prompting it to change its position. This reflects ongoing military engagement in the region.

On March 25, 2023, U.S. Central Command reported that it has attacked over 10,000 Iranian military targets, destroying 92% of Iran's large naval vessels. The frequency of Iranian missile and drone launches has decreased by over 90%. In response, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps initiated a counter-offensive against over 70 targets in Israel, including Haifa, Dimona, and Tel Aviv. The U.S. also denied claims of an F-18 being shot down by Iranian defenses.

The U.S. government continues negotiations with Iran while warning against misjudgments. Israel is actively conducting military operations against Iranian targets, fearing a sudden U.S. ceasefire. Iran's foreign minister asserts that the conflict is instigated by Israel, and Iran may open new fronts if attacked. A meeting in Pakistan is being arranged to discuss a potential U.S. withdrawal from the conflict.

The U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer is currently conducting high-value bombing missions over Iran while undergoing significant upgrades, including the integration of hypersonic missiles. These enhancements aim to increase the aircraft's lethality and operational capacity, with a reconfigured bomb bay allowing for a greater weapons load. The upgrades are part of a strategy to maintain the bomber fleet's effectiveness until the arrival of the new B-21 Raider.

An Iranian military source announced that Iran is prepared to open a new front in the Mandeb Strait if it faces ground or naval attacks. This statement comes amid tensions regarding potential U.S. actions in the region. The Houthi forces are also contemplating support for Iran against perceived threats from the U.S. and Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel will continue airstrikes against military targets in Iran as of March 25, 2023. The Israeli Defense Forces are focusing on military assets, including weapons production facilities, amid concerns that U.S. President Trump may abruptly end military operations. Israel's airspace remains restricted for commercial flights until April 16, 2023.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the establishment of a larger buffer zone in Lebanon to counter Hezbollah's anti-tank missile threat. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting airstrikes and ground operations against Hezbollah positions, with a focus on dismantling their capabilities. Airstrikes have targeted bridges in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah has responded by launching rockets into northern Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the destruction of Iranian military industrial facilities within 48 hours on March 24, 2023, due to concerns that U.S. President Trump might abruptly end military actions amid increasing negotiations with Iran.

The U.S. is considering deploying hundreds of Marines and Airborne Rangers to seize strategic locations along Iran's coastline, including Kharg Island and Qeshm Island, amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. This operation faces significant risks due to Iranian drone and missile capabilities, raising concerns about potential heavy losses and a humiliating withdrawal. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran continues to impact global trade and U.S. military strategy in the region.

The 34th Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Air Force conducted extensive combat operations in 2025, targeting Houthi militants in Yemen and escorting B-2 bombers into Iranian airspace. They were recognized as the top fighter squadron, deploying for 11 months and flying thousands of combat hours. Their operations included airstrikes against Houthi targets and support for U.S. naval forces, earning them a Gallant Unit Citation for heroism.

In February 2026, the U.S. deployed at least 12 F-22 Raptors and dozens of F-35 Lightning IIs to the Middle East for operations over Iran. The F-35s conducted strike missions, while the F-22s secured airspace to ensure operational dominance. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to leverage advanced airpower capabilities in the region.

U.S. and Israeli Air Forces launched over 900 airstrikes against Iranian targets in Tehran at the end of February 2023, successfully eliminating over 40 members of Iran's senior leadership. The operation, named Epic Fury, rapidly dismantled Iran's military capabilities, including the destruction of significant naval assets and missile infrastructure, while maintaining air superiority with minimal losses. This aggressive campaign was executed in response to intelligence about a gathering of senior Iranian leaders.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem announced the group's readiness for indefinite combat against Israel on March 25. He stated that negotiations with Israel would be tantamount to surrender and called for national unity to confront both Israel and the U.S. Qassem highlighted that Israeli aggression has persisted for 15 months and urged the Lebanese government to reverse its decision labeling Hezbollah's activities as illegal.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 81st wave of Operation 'Real Commitment-4' on the evening of the 25th, targeting over 70 locations in Israel, including Haifa, Dimona, and Tel Aviv, using precision-guided missiles such as Imad, Qiam, Khoramshahr-4, and Qader.