Analysis & Reports

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli military strike on March 17 in Jerusalem, Israel.

The U.S. Navy has extended the service lives of the USS Ohio and USS Florida to maintain undersea strike capabilities amid delays in the Columbia-class submarine program. The USS Georgia successfully launched over two dozen Tomahawk missiles at Iranian nuclear sites during Operation Midnight Hammer, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ohio-class submarines. This extension aims to prevent a capability gap while the Navy evaluates the future roles of these submarines.

At least 200 U.S. service members were wounded during Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, 2023. The majority of the wounded have returned to duty, but 10 have serious injuries. Combat operations continue in the Middle East, with U.S. forces engaged in strikes and Iran retaliating against U.S. bases in multiple countries. Thirteen American service members have died since the conflict began, with ongoing investigations into the causes of these casualties.

Iranian forces launched a massive campaign of drone and missile strikes against Gulf Cooperation Council states from February 28 to March 15, 2026, resulting in over 2,000 projectiles intercepted by Gulf air defense systems. The UAE engaged 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 541 drones in the first 24 hours, achieving an intercept rate exceeding 93 percent. This conflict has prompted significant military spending and a shift in regional security dynamics among GCC members, who are now more openly coordinating their defense efforts.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets in 2026, utilizing AGM-158 JASSM-ER standoff missiles to strike from over 1,000 kilometers away. This strategy allows the bombers to avoid Iranian air defenses while delivering precision strikes on ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control nodes.

The US military redirected critical assets from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East due to the ongoing war with Iran, withdrawing THAAD interceptors from South Korea and depleting munitions stockpiles. Approximately 140 US service members were wounded, and 6 were killed in action. This shift has raised concerns among US allies in the Indo-Pacific about America's commitment to regional security, as the Pentagon executes around 1,000 strikes daily.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

A missile strike by the U.S. military on an elementary school in Minab, Iran, on February 28, 2025, resulted in over 165 civilian deaths, primarily children, and nearly 100 injuries. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding civilian protection protocols, which were dismantled under the Trump administration. Human rights experts are calling for an investigation into potential violations of international law following the attack.

The Lebanese government reported that the number of registered displaced persons in Lebanon has exceeded 1 million due to renewed conflict with Israel. This situation has arisen following a new round of clashes with Hezbollah.

The U.S. Navy has frozen the decommissioning of the USS Nimitz to ensure operational readiness amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. This decision comes as the Navy faces resource shortages and must maintain a fleet of 11 aircraft carriers. The USS George H.W. Bush is being deployed to the CENTCOM area of responsibility to support U.S. operations against Iranian threats.

Seventeen nations, including Egypt, Turkey, and Taiwan, continue to rely on the M60 Patton main battle tank, particularly the M60A3 variant, which remains a strategic asset into 2026. The U.S. Marine Corps utilized the M60A3 effectively during Operation Desert Storm, achieving a significant kill ratio against enemy forces. Despite its retirement from U.S. service in 1997, the M60's legacy endures with various foreign military forces.

China is preparing to exploit the strategic vacuum created by U.S. military actions in Iran, potentially targeting Taiwan and Japan. The U.S. Navy is avoiding engagement in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to concerns about its operational capacity. Chinese forces have amassed around Taiwan, indicating a possible blockade or invasion strategy. Beijing is learning from the Iranian conflict to enhance its military readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

The Chinese 24th Peacekeeping Force assisted Indonesian forces in Lebanon by detecting unexploded ordnance along patrol routes. This operation was completed in two and a half days, ensuring safety in the area amid ongoing tensions. The mission involved clearing a distance of over 4500 meters to establish safe patrol routes for Indonesian peacekeepers.

U.S. forces destroyed Iranian naval mines and minelayers in the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island last week. The U.S. Navy is preparing to counter potential mine threats with its current assets, including four Avenger-class minesweepers and three Independence-class littoral combat ships. The U.S. Central Command reported the destruction of storage bunkers for naval mines and is increasing its naval presence in the region.

U.S. forces destroyed 16 Iranian minelayers and storage bunkers for naval mines in Kharg Island last week. The U.S. Navy is preparing to counter Iranian naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying Avenger-class minesweepers and Independence-class littoral combat ships equipped with mine countermeasures. The USS Canberra, USS Santa Barbara, and USS Tulsa are currently in the region, with the USS Canberra operating in the Indian Ocean.

The U.S. military reported that approximately 200 troops have been wounded in the ongoing conflict against Iran as of March 16, 2023. Most injuries are minor, with 180 troops returning to duty, while 10 injuries are serious. The conflict has resulted in 13 U.S. troop fatalities since it began on February 28, with injuries occurring in several countries including Kuwait and Iraq. The U.S. has also targeted over 7,000 sites in Iran during the conflict.

Israel is conducting 7,600 airstrikes in Iran and Lebanon, utilizing 4,700 sorties from its air force. The Israel Defense Forces are mobilizing troops to the northern front while replenishing munitions and accelerating production in its defense industry. Prime Minister Netanyahu assessed maritime trade continuity during Operation Roaring Lion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining supplies for the military effort.

U.S. President Trump pressured NATO allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, warning of dire consequences if they do not respond. Allies, including the UK and Germany, expressed reluctance to engage militarily, with some countries outright rejecting participation. Trump indicated he has requested naval support from around seven nations, while discussions about forming an 'escort alliance' are ongoing.

On March 15, 2023, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a coordinated attack using solid-fuel ballistic missiles and drones against U.S. and allied forces in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. This operation exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. missile defense systems, which struggled to effectively intercept the incoming threats. Iran claimed to have successfully targeted key U.S. missile defense installations, significantly impacting U.S. early warning capabilities.

An Iranian missile strike damaged five U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft were on the ground during the attack but were not destroyed. Repairs are underway, and the aircraft are expected to return to service soon. No U.S. personnel were killed in the incident, which has drawn conflicting reports from officials and President Trump.

An Iranian missile strike damaged five U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft were on the ground during the attack but were not destroyed. Repairs are underway, and the aircraft are expected to return to service soon. No U.S. personnel were killed in the incident, although President Trump contested the reported damage.