Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was attacked multiple times on March 18, with a drone crashing near the facility. This incident highlights ongoing threats to U.S. diplomatic missions in Iraq.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on March 17 using multiple 5000-pound bunker busters against Iranian missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes were aimed at mitigating threats posed by Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles to international shipping. President Trump has been urging European allies to join U.S. efforts in the region, but most NATO allies have indicated they will not participate in military actions against Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to redeploy from the Baltic Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean on March 3, 2026, to protect allied assets from Iranian missile and drone attacks. The carrier, accompanied by the frigate Languedoc, aims to secure maritime routes near Cyprus amidst escalating tensions in the region. This deployment underscores France's reliance on its single aircraft carrier as it prepares for future naval capabilities with the upcoming PANG program.

An airstrike in Tehran on March 18 resulted in the deaths of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Iranian National Security Council, his son Morteza Larijani, and deputy Ali Reza Bayat. The Iranian National Security Council confirmed the casualties in an official statement.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was confirmed dead following attacks attributed to the U.S. and Israel. The announcement was made on March 18 via his social media account, indicating the incident's significance in the context of Iranian national security.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan was killed in a drone attack in Kuwait on March 1, along with five other soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command. Marzan was a significant mentor to many in his unit, prompting fundraising efforts to support those attending his funeral in California. The attack, which involved an Iranian drone, is under investigation.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan was killed in a drone attack in Kuwait on March 1, along with five other soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command. Marzan was known as a mentor and father figure to many in his unit, prompting fundraising efforts to assist those wishing to attend his funeral. The attack, which involved an Iranian drone, is under investigation.

The U.S. Navy is preparing to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened tensions with Iran following attacks since February 28, 2023. President Trump criticized U.S. allies for their lack of commitment to participate in these escort missions, revealing challenges in U.S. military capabilities. The situation is complicated by Iran's deployment of various threats, including mines and fast attack boats.

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are conducting airstrikes against Iranian underground bunkers and weapons facilities using 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators and GBU-28 bunker busters. These operations are ongoing and aim to penetrate Iranian air defenses, creating safe air corridors for additional strikes. The B-2's advanced stealth technology enables it to operate undetected in heavily defended areas.

U.S. forces are actively employing Patriot missile batteries to intercept increasing missile and drone attacks in the Middle East. The PAC-3 interceptor missiles, crucial for this defense, are costly, leading to concerns about supply and operational costs. The Patriot system is part of a broader layered air defense strategy, which includes THAAD systems for higher altitude threats.

U.S. forces are actively employing Patriot missile batteries to intercept missile and drone attacks in the Middle East. The PAC-3 interceptor missiles, crucial for this defense, are costly, leading to concerns about their availability against increasing threats. The Patriot system operates as part of a layered air defense strategy, complemented by THAAD systems.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress is conducting active combat operations over Iran, demonstrating air superiority by targeting command centers and troop concentrations. The presence of the B-52 indicates that Iran's Russian-built S-300 and S-400 air defense systems have been neutralized, allowing for the use of advanced precision weaponry. The B-52 is equipped with upgraded systems that enhance its strike capabilities and intelligence-gathering functions.

European NATO allies rejected U.S. President Trump's demands for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force, emphasizing that they do not want to engage in the conflict with Iran. The Strait was closed to shipping by Iran on March 2, 2023, following U.S. and Israeli strikes. European leaders, including British Prime Minister Kier Starmer and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, stated that this is not Europe's war and called for diplomatic solutions instead of military involvement.

European NATO allies, including the UK and Germany, rejected U.S. President Trump's demands for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating they do not wish to engage in the conflict with Iran. Iran had closed the strait to shipping on March 2, 2023, following U.S. and Israeli strikes. European leaders emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions and expressed concerns over the implications of U.S. military actions in the region.

The UK deployed the HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, to the Mediterranean to enhance maritime security amid Iranian threats. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial navigation. The Royal Navy's current capabilities are under scrutiny, with analysts noting a significant gap compared to the French Navy's readiness. The UK is also considering options to protect commercial shipping in the Strait.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian missile production sites and military infrastructure during Operation Epic Fury. Operating from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom, nearly a dozen B-1B bombers utilized precision munitions, including GBU-31 JDAMs, to target key military assets in Iran. These operations aim to degrade Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and command-and-control networks.

Joe Kent, a top U.S. counterterrorism official, resigned, blaming Israel for influencing the U.S. into an unnecessary war with Iran. He stated that Iran posed no imminent threat and criticized the misinformation campaign that led to the conflict. Kent highlighted the casualties, noting at least 13 U.S. service members killed and over 200 wounded in the ongoing conflict. His resignation reflects deep personal convictions stemming from his military background and personal loss in previous conflicts.

President Donald Trump threatened military action against Kharg Island, Iran's key oil export terminal, claiming previous U.S. strikes had severely damaged it. He indicated that a physical seizure of the island might be necessary if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, which could significantly disrupt Iran's oil exports and military funding. Analysts warn that such actions could provoke severe retaliation from Iran and escalate tensions in the region.

U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian ballistic missile production sites and command-and-control centers during Operation Epic Fury. The B-52H, known for its long range and payload capacity, continues to play a crucial role in U.S. military operations. Recent missions underscore its effectiveness in applying sustained pressure on distributed targets in contested environments.

USS Nimitz will remain in service until 2027 due to the ongoing war in Iran, which has strained the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet. USS Gerald R. Ford is currently deployed in the Red Sea for over ten months, while USS Abraham Lincoln operates in the Gulf of Oman. An international coalition is being formed to escort commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. Navy playing a key role in these operations.