Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military is deploying approximately 2500 Marines and 3 ships, including the USS Boxer, to the Middle East as of March 20, 2023. This deployment aims to enhance operational capabilities in the region, with the USS Boxer departing earlier than scheduled. The U.S. is also contemplating further troop deployments to exert pressure on Iran regarding its oil exports.

The UK government authorized the United States to use British military bases to conduct strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision follows Iranian attacks on British allies in the region. Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially resisted the request but changed his position after escalating tensions. The U.S. will utilize RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for these operations, amid public skepticism regarding the conflict.

The British government authorized the United States to use military bases in the UK for strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision follows Iranian strikes on British allies in the region. Prime Minister Keir Starmer modified his initial rejection of the U.S. request after these developments. The U.S. will utilize RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for the operations, amid public skepticism in Britain regarding the conflict.

On October 19, 2023, Iran's air defense system struck a U.S. F-35 fighter jet, causing significant damage and forcing an emergency landing at a U.S. military base in the Middle East. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the incident, claiming it showcases Iran's enhanced deterrent capabilities. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the emergency landing and stated that the pilot was safe and stable.

Ukraine deployed 228 specialists to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan to assist in intercepting Iranian drones and advising on air-defense measures. President Zelenskyy stated that these teams are working on significant agreements for long-term security cooperation. The deployment aims to enhance local air defense capabilities against drone threats, with Ukraine seeking technology and financial support in return for its assistance.

Ukraine deployed 228 specialists to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan to assist in intercepting Iranian Shahed drones and advising on air-defense measures. President Zelenskyy stated that significant agreements are expected as local air defense units face threats from ballistic missiles. The deployment aims to enhance long-term security cooperation in the region, with Ukraine seeking financial and technological support in return for its expertise.

U.S. forces successfully deployed the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in combat against Iran, targeting air defenses and command-and-control networks. The missile's capabilities were highlighted during operations on February 28 and March 2, 2023. The U.S. military plans to increase PrSM procurement to enhance its operational capacity in the Middle East, Pacific, and Europe.

The U.S. Navy is retiring Ticonderoga-class cruisers, significantly reducing missile capacity and impacting naval operations in the Persian Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean. This transition pressures the fleet to reassign air defense roles to smaller platforms and aligns with a strategic shift toward distributed maritime operations. Concerns about a capability gap until next-generation surface combatants are operational have been raised.

Elbit Systems secured a contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense to develop high-powered laser systems for military aircraft, including fixed-wing and helicopter variants. The laser technology aims to provide an economical solution for countering drone threats, capable of operating in diverse atmospheric conditions. This advancement is part of Israel's broader efforts to enhance its aerial defense capabilities with innovative weapon systems.

Gulf Cooperation Council states intercepted 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,699 drones from Iran between February 28 and March 18, 2026. This defensive success, with interception rates exceeding 90 percent, has allowed regional infrastructure to remain operational despite ongoing threats. The conflict, initiated by US-Israeli strikes, has not escalated into widespread regional damage or casualties.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Mar 20 2026Loading...

Iran has launched a significant drone campaign against Gulf Arab states, utilizing thousands of Shahed-series UAVs to target U.S. bases and commercial hubs in Bahrain, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. This operation has resulted in fatalities and aims to degrade regional air defenses. Ukraine has responded by sending experts to assist Gulf partners in countering these drone threats, reflecting lessons learned from their own conflict with Russia.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II sustained combat damage from a missile attack over Iran on March 19, 2026, requiring an emergency landing. The incident, confirmed by CENTCOM, raises concerns about the effectiveness of the aircraft's missile warning systems. The F-35A landed safely with no pilot casualties, but the attack highlights ongoing risks from Iranian air defenses.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs are actively hunting and destroying Iranian fast-attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz, neutralizing over 120 vessels. Under the leadership of Gen. Dan Caine, the A-10s have been granted an extension of service until 2029, enhancing regional stability. Equipped with advanced weaponry, the A-10s are effectively engaging maritime threats in this strategic area.

The U.S. Marine Corps has deployed a Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Strait of Hormuz to secure the waterway and counter Iranian sea-denial tactics. Iran's military effectiveness is declining as its missile stocks are depleted, and the regime faces internal challenges. The conflict has shifted into a lower-intensity war of attrition, favoring the U.S. and its allies, with expectations of improved control over the Strait in the near future.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are actively conducting combat missions against Iranian-backed drones in Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Epic Fury. Equipped with APKWS laser-guided rockets and AIM-9M Sidewinders, the A-10s are adapting to counter the growing drone threat. This shift in operational focus highlights the aircraft's evolving role from traditional close air support to countering unmanned aerial systems.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 67th wave of Operation 'True Commitment-4' on March 20, 2023, targeting U.S. military bases in Kuwait and various military facilities in Israel using heavy missiles and drones. The operation aimed to commemorate fallen IRGC spokesperson Naini and involved precise strikes on drone command centers and missile defense radars.

U.S. and Israeli forces attacked 16 cargo ships at Lengeh Port on March 20, 2023, causing severe damage to the commercial dock and significant losses for local operators. The attack resulted in a large fire that destroyed the ships, which are vital for the livelihoods of local residents.

U.S. and Israeli forces attacked 16 cargo ships at Lengeh Port, Iran, on March 20, causing severe damage to the commercial dock and significant losses for local operators. The attack resulted in a fire that destroyed the ships, which are crucial for the livelihoods of local residents.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have hit a U.S. F-35 aircraft on March 19, 2023, causing significant damage. This incident was described by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as a blow to U.S. military arrogance, indicating that Iran's air defense systems remain capable against advanced military technology. The event took place in Tehran, Iran.

Iranian armed forces launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets and U.S. military bases in Saudi Arabia on March 20. Explosions were reported in central Israel, including Ashkelon and Ashdod, with one missile hitting a target. Additionally, a suicide drone attack targeted Prince Sultan Air Base, resulting in explosions and fires.