Analysis & Reports

U.S. Air Force conducted airstrikes in Iran targeting ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control infrastructure as part of Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, 2023. Over 2,000 targets have been hit, including more than 20 Iranian naval vessels. The B-1B Lancer and B-52H Stratofortress bombers were deployed in these operations, establishing local air superiority for U.S. forces.

Iran's F-14 Tomcat fleet is currently under pressure from U.S.-Israeli air superiority during Operation Epic Fury in March 2026. The fleet, consisting of 41 F-14D/E/RF airframes, has a historical kill ratio of 130-4 from the Iran-Iraq War. Five F-14s were previously destroyed in Israeli airstrikes, but no new losses have been reported in the ongoing conflict.

An Israeli F-35I fighter jet shot down an Iranian Yak-130 over Tehran during a brief air combat on February 28, 2023. This incident marks the first kill of a manned fighter jet by an F-35. The action occurred amid the ongoing 'Epic Fury' military operation, where the Israeli Air Force has conducted extensive airstrikes against military targets in Iran.

An Israeli F-35I fighter jet shot down an Iranian Yak-130 over Tehran during a brief air combat. This incident marks the first kill of a manned fighter jet by an F-35. The engagement occurred amid the ongoing 'Epic Fury' military operation, which involves joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against military targets in Iran. The Israeli Air Force has conducted around 1,600 raids into Iran since the operation began on February 28, 2023.

Operation Epic Fury successfully degraded Iran's nuclear infrastructure and air defenses, resulting in the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The U.S. Armed Forces neutralized over 200 air-defense systems and destroyed 50% of missile launchers. In retaliation, the Islamic Republic Guard Corps (IRGC) launched over 270 ballistic missiles and drones. Concerns arise over a potential power vacuum and the consolidation of IRGC power in Iran.

U.S. military veterans are experiencing significant mental health challenges, including PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, as highlighted by studies and expert opinions. The perception of stigma remains a major barrier to seeking care. President Trump has indicated that ground troops may be deployed in Iran, raising concerns about the mental health impacts of ongoing military engagements. The VA provides resources for veterans, but many still struggle to find peace after their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Cyprus issued an air safety alert on March 4, 2023, due to a suspicious flying object approaching its airspace. In response, the Greek Air Force scrambled two F-16 fighter jets from Paphos to intercept the object. The alert was triggered around 9:30 AM local time and was lifted by 10 AM. U.S. embassy staff were temporarily relocated for safety.

A container ship was hit by a shell in the Strait of Hormuz on March 4, causing a fire in the engine room. The British Maritime Trade Organization reported the incident, but no environmental impact reports have been received.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. and Israeli targets on October 4, including over 40 missiles and 230 drones. Attacks were reported in Tehran, Bushehr, and southern cities like Abadan and Shiraz, with significant damage to military and civilian infrastructure. The IRGC confirmed strikes on U.S. naval vessels in the Indian Ocean.

Qatari Armed Forces intercepted 10 drones and 2 cruise missiles launched from Iran on March 4. This action was confirmed by the Qatari Ministry of Defense, indicating a significant military engagement.

U.S. and Israeli military actions have resulted in 1045 Iranian casualties, according to a report by the Tasnim News Agency on March 4, 2023. The casualties are attributed to ongoing military aggression against Iran.

Iran launched a massive assault involving 174 ballistic missiles and 689 drones against the UAE and other GCC states from February 28 to March 2, 2026. The attacks resulted in significant damage to civilian infrastructure and military targets, prompting a unified condemnation from Gulf capitals. The crisis has raised questions about the effectiveness of US military presence in the region and the future of Gulf security architecture.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 04 2026Loading...

Six U.S. service members, including Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait on Sunday, shortly after the U.S. and Israel initiated military operations against Iran. The deceased were part of the 103rd Sustainment Command, which provides logistical support. Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, and Sgt. Declan Coady were also among those killed, with Coady receiving a posthumous promotion.

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates, resulting in 78 injuries since February 28. The attacks have caused significant civilian impact, highlighting ongoing military operations by Iran against the UAE.

An explosion occurred on a ship 10 nautical miles east of Fujairah, UAE, on October 4. Fragments from an unknown projectile were discovered on the deck. The incident was reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted an airstrike in a residential area in northeastern Tehran on March 4. The attack resulted in numerous casualties, although specific figures have not been disclosed.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on military targets in Isfahan and Shiraz from the night of the 3rd to the early hours of the 4th. The strikes successfully hit over 20 targets, including facilities storing Qader missiles, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, resulting in the destruction of dozens of these munitions.

An armed group under the Iraqi Islamic Resistance Movement conducted a drone strike on a key target in Jordan on the 4th. This action was stated to be a response to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei and attacks on Iraqi militias by the US and Israel. The group did not provide further details about the target.

U.S. military operations against Iran escalated from March 2-4, 2023, resulting in six U.S. personnel killed and 18 injured. President Trump indicated the possibility of deploying ground troops if necessary. Iran retaliated with over 700 drone and missile attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets, leading to significant military losses for the U.S. and prompting evacuation orders for American citizens in the Middle East.

An Israeli F-35I fighter jet shot down an Iranian Yak-130 aircraft during an aerial engagement over Tehran on Wednesday. This incident marks the first fighter-to-fighter engagement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The Yak-130 was reportedly conducting patrol missions and was armed with short-range air-to-air missiles. Israeli forces have been actively targeting Iranian military capabilities in recent days.