Analysis & Reports

A U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile struck Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab, Iran, on February 28, 2024, killing at least 168 people, including over 100 children. The strike, which occurred on the first day of the U.S.-Iran war, has raised concerns regarding the accuracy of military targeting systems and the role of human oversight in the use of AI for military operations.

Iranian military launched missile strikes on a U.S. base at Erbil International Airport in Iraq on March 24, 2023, targeting a site used for logistics and command operations. The attack resulted in 6 deaths and 30 injuries among Kurdish forces. The Iranian military described the area as a base for separatist forces supported by Israel.

Japan is considering deploying its Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Strait of Hormuz to assist in mine-clearing operations following Iran's threats to lay mines in the Persian Gulf. The Japanese fleet includes advanced minesweepers and has a history of participating in similar operations. This potential deployment reflects Japan's ongoing military cooperation with the U.S. and its strategic interests in the region.

The U.S. Marine Corps is preparing for a potential assault on Kharg Island, Iran, utilizing 2,000 Marines and 20 F-35B fighter jets. The operation will be supported by the USS Tripoli and will incorporate modern amphibious warfare strategies, emphasizing speed and precision. This approach aligns with the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030, which focuses on advanced technologies and rapid deployment capabilities.

The U.S. and Iran are engaged in intense mutual attacks, with Trump announcing a pause in strikes against Iran's power stations. Diplomatic dialogues are ongoing, but Iran's parliamentary speaker denied any negotiations with the U.S. Meanwhile, Iran has launched attacks against Israel, indicating escalating tensions in the region.

China is learning from the vulnerabilities of the U.S. military exposed during the ongoing conflict in Iran, particularly regarding missile and air defense inventories. The U.S. Armed Forces are facing significant challenges due to reliance on expensive superweapons, leading to inventory shortages and overstretch. This situation may allow China to develop strategies to overwhelm U.S. defenses with mass-produced drones and missiles.

The U.S. Air Force deployed the GBU-72 bomb to destroy Iranian coastal missile stockpiles near the Strait of Hormuz on April 21. This 5,000-pound bunker-buster bomb penetrates deep underground before detonating, maximizing its destructive impact. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to neutralize threats in the region.

The U.S. military has lost 20 aircraft in the Iran war, including 3 F-15E Strike Eagles and 12 drones, with 6 crew members killed in a mid-air collision. An F-35A was damaged by Iranian fire but managed an emergency landing. The operations have led to significant destruction of Iranian naval assets, showcasing the effectiveness of U.S. air campaigns despite tragic incidents of friendly fire.

The Pentagon is expected to deploy thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, with troops stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This deployment is part of a larger military buildup, although no decision has been made to send troops into Iran. The move follows recent deployments of Marines and sailors aboard the USS Boxer.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted extensive airstrikes against Iranian military targets, destroying over 9,000 assets. In response, Iran has employed fast-attack boats and sea mines to block the Strait of Hormuz, significantly disrupting global oil supply. This situation has led to rising oil prices and economic implications for the U.S. and its allies.

Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 have resulted in 1072 deaths and 2966 injuries, according to the Lebanese health department. The ongoing military actions have significantly impacted the civilian population in the region.

The U.S. Navy is deploying Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) in the Strait of Hormuz to counter the Iranian mine threat. Equipped with advanced technologies like the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System and Barracuda drones, the LCS is crucial for mine countermeasures and coastal surveillance. This operational shift highlights the LCS's evolving role in modern naval warfare, particularly in shallow waters.

The U.S. Department of Defense requested a $200 billion supplemental package to fund Operation Epic Fury against Iran on March 19, 2026. This funding exceeds the total estimated value of Iran's military, which has been severely diminished. The U.S. has already expended over $11 billion in the initial days of the operation, highlighting the financial asymmetry in the conflict. Political challenges regarding this funding are anticipated in Congress, with some lawmakers opposing further expenditures.

The Israeli military conducted airstrikes on fuel stations across Lebanon that were reportedly funding Hezbollah activities on March 24. This operation highlights ongoing military actions against Hezbollah's logistical support.

The U.S. military launched 400 Tomahawk missiles at Iran within the first 72 hours of Operation Epic Fury, highlighting concerns over military readiness and munitions supply. The USS Gerald R. Ford faced operational difficulties, including an extended deployment and maintenance issues. RTX Corporation announced plans to increase Tomahawk production to 1,000 missiles per year, but logistical challenges remain a concern for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 79th wave of Operation 'True Promise-4' on March 24, 2023, targeting Israeli intelligence and military logistics centers in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Negev, and Beersheba using various missiles and drones.

Iran launched a sustained missile and drone offensive against Gulf Cooperation Council states, targeting critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar from March 21-22, 2026. Gulf air defense systems intercepted numerous Iranian projectiles, achieving a 90% interception rate. The U.S. responded with a $23 billion arms sale to bolster Gulf defenses amid escalating tensions and Iranian threats to energy facilities. This situation reflects a significant shift in regional military dynamics and strategic calculations.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

On March 24, 2023, Iranian missiles struck multiple locations in Tel Aviv, injuring six people and causing extensive damage to buildings and vehicles. The attacks resulted in a large crater and the collapse of a wall in one building. Israeli air raid sirens were activated in several cities, indicating a broader threat.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Israel against continuing attacks on Lebanese and Palestinian civilians, threatening missile and drone strikes in retaliation. The warning was issued on March 24, 2023, citing the attacks as intolerable and promising a strong military response if they persist.

Iran targeted commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf with missiles and drones, resulting in 17 confirmed incidents and at least 11 seafarers dead or unaccounted for between March 1 and March 16, 2023. U.S. President Trump criticized NATO allies for their lack of support in securing the Strait, which is crucial for global trade, as Iran maintains significant military capabilities in the region.