Analysis & Reports

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.

MKE has developed the MKE TOLGA Short-Range Air Defence System in Turkey to neutralize aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. The system was successfully demonstrated during live-fire tests in November 2025, achieving a 100% success rate. Agreements have been signed with Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia for its export, and future enhancements will include microwave and laser systems.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on two residential areas in Tabriz, Iran, on March 23, resulting in 6 deaths and 9 injuries. Rescue and medical efforts are currently underway. Another area was also impacted, leading to infrastructure damage without casualties.

The U.S. approved a $23 billion arms package to Gulf states, including $16 billion to the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan, marking a significant shift towards military confrontation. Iran has escalated its military operations, launching missiles and drones at Gulf states, prompting these nations to enhance their military capabilities. This development indicates a move away from diplomatic engagement towards increased reliance on U.S. security guarantees and a focus on military readiness in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

U.S. Central Command reported over 9,000 targets struck in Iran, including significant damage to oil infrastructure. Iran retaliated with attacks on Gulf oil facilities and launched cyberattacks. A contingent of U.S. Marines is deploying to the region aboard USS Tripoli. The conflict continues to impact global energy markets and poses strategic challenges in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump announced productive talks with Iran aimed at resolving hostilities in the Middle East, while Iran's Foreign Ministry denied any negotiations. Trump indicated a 15-point plan was discussed, and he suggested that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened soon if talks progress. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed discussions with Trump about leveraging military successes for a potential agreement.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain on March 21, 2023, using medium-range missiles. The strike targeted key supply and technical facilities, temporarily incapacitating the fleet's operations. This incident highlights a significant shift in regional power dynamics and poses challenges for U.S. naval operations in the area.

The USS Tripoli Expeditionary Strike Group is set to deploy to operational waters near Iran in the coming days, carrying 2500 Marines and advanced aircraft including F-35s. This movement follows the ship's recent navigation in the Indian Ocean and aims to enhance ground troop deployment capabilities in the region. The USS Tripoli's arrival is expected to significantly alter the battlefield dynamics.

U.S. and Israeli forces attacked energy infrastructure in Isfahan and Khorramshahr, Iran, on March 24, 2023. The gas company building and gas pressure station in Isfahan were damaged, while a gas pipeline at the power plant in Khorramshahr was also targeted, resulting in no casualties.

Iran launched the 78th wave of the 'Real Commitment-4' operation on March 24, 2023, targeting Eilat, Dimona, and northern Tel Aviv, as well as U.S. military bases in the Middle East using Imad and Qader missiles and drones. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that its main forces have not yet been deployed, indicating that combat could become more intense in the future.

The U.S. Marine Corps 31st Expeditionary Unit is set to arrive in the Middle East on March 27, with over 2000 troops aboard the USS New Orleans and USS Tripoli. This deployment aligns with a deadline set by President Trump for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. The USS Tripoli is currently docked at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, and the situation follows recent threats from the U.S. to Iran regarding its energy infrastructure.

AH-64 Apache helicopters and A-10 warplanes are actively engaging Iranian drones and fast-attack boats over the Strait of Hormuz. General Dan Caine confirmed these operations, highlighting the Apache's versatility in asymmetric warfare. This engagement is part of ongoing military efforts by U.S. forces and Gulf allies against Iranian threats.

The U.S. and its allies launched over 800 Patriot missiles during the first four days of the Iran war, significantly depleting their air defense resources. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit was redeployed from Okinawa, Japan, to the Middle East, indicating a shift in U.S. military focus. Meanwhile, China is capitalizing on the situation by securing discounted Iranian oil, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft were deployed on March 19, 2026, to the Strait of Hormuz to target Iranian fast-attack boats and mine-laying vessels. This deployment indicates that Iran's air defenses have been significantly degraded, allowing non-stealth aircraft to operate in the region. U.S. forces have already targeted over 120 Iranian boats and numerous minelayers to secure this vital maritime chokepoint.

The U.S. Navy's counter-mine ships, including three Independence-class littoral combat ships, are facing significant reliability issues in mine warfare as of 2025. Despite being declared operationally capable, the MCM mission package has not proven effective in combat scenarios, raising concerns among military experts. Iran continues to pose a mine warfare threat in the Strait of Hormuz, complicating U.S. naval operations in the region.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted long-range strikes against Iranian ballistic missile and command targets on March 2, 2026. These operations utilized the B-1B's significant payload capacity, delivering precision-guided munitions effectively. The strikes were part of an ongoing campaign to establish air superiority and deliver rapid firepower in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel will persist with airstrikes against Iran and Lebanon. On March 23, Trump suggested a potential agreement to achieve war objectives against Iran, emphasizing U.S.-Israeli interests. Netanyahu also revealed that Israel had recently eliminated two Iranian nuclear scientists.

On March 12, a KC-135 crashed in Iraq, killing six airmen, while another landed safely in Israel. This incident has prompted calls from former Air Force leaders for urgent upgrades to the KC-135's communication systems to enhance battlespace awareness. The crash is noted as the deadliest for the KC-135 in over a decade, highlighting ongoing concerns about the aircraft's operational safety and communication capabilities.

A KC-135 aircraft crashed in Iraq on March 12, 2023, prompting calls from former Air Force leaders for urgent upgrades to the aircraft's communication systems. The crash, which was not caused by enemy fire, highlighted the need for improved situational awareness and connectivity for aircrews. The U.S. Air Force has requested significant funding for these upgrades to enhance operational safety and effectiveness in contested environments.

U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have resulted in 636 deaths and 6848 injuries in Tehran Province since February 28, 2023. A total of 430 locations in the area have been targeted during this military operation.