Analysis & Reports

The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that over 80,000 civilian facilities in Iran have been attacked by U.S. and Israeli forces since the invasion. Among the affected are more than 20,000 facilities in Tehran, including 266 medical centers and 498 schools. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of 1 Red Crescent worker and 12 medical personnel, with over 90 others injured.

On March 19, 2023, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps successfully hit a U.S. F-35 fighter jet with its domestic air defense system in Tehran, Iran. This incident surprised U.S. and Israeli officials, who previously believed that no defense system could track the F-35. The aircraft sustained severe damage and was forced to make an emergency landing. Iran is expected to demonstrate its new military capabilities in the coming days.

The U.S. military is deploying additional forces to the Middle East, considering a potential operation to seize Khark Island. This operation may involve approximately 50,000 troops and various assault methods, including amphibious landings and airborne drops. However, significant risks are associated with the operation due to Iranian military capabilities in the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the United States, announced that their large-scale military operation against Iran is currently halfway completed. The IDF Chief of Staff reported significant weakening of Iran's military capabilities and emphasized the need for continued proactive measures to eliminate threats to Israeli civilians. The situation for Iran is described as increasingly dangerous due to its inadequate air defense capabilities.

Israeli Defense Forces are striking Iranian regime targets in Tehran as of March 22, 2023. The operation was confirmed through an official statement, although no further details were provided regarding the specifics of the strikes.

On March 22, 2023, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted missile and drone strikes against multiple southern Israeli cities, including Arad, Dimona, Eilat, and Beersheba, as well as U.S. military bases located in Kuwait and the UAE. This operation utilized various missile types, including Fateh, Qader, and Imad, as part of their ongoing military campaign.

Iranian missiles struck the Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad on March 21, injuring over 100 people. The Israeli Defense Forces acknowledged their failure to intercept the missiles, which resulted in significant damage and casualties. Rescue operations are currently underway, with reports of serious injuries and individuals trapped in the rubble.

On March 21, Iranian military launched a missile attack on Dimona, Israel, resulting in 47 injuries and the collapse of a building. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no damage to the nearby nuclear research center and noted no abnormal radiation levels. The attack was confirmed by Iranian media as a response to Israeli actions against Iran's Natanz nuclear facility.

The Israeli Air Force conducted an airstrike on a strategic research facility in Tehran on March 21, 2023, which was reportedly used for developing nuclear weapons components. This action was confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces, amidst ongoing tensions regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Iranian forces launched a missile attack on a building in Dimona, Israel, on March 21, resulting in the collapse of the structure and injuring 39 individuals. Eyewitnesses reported a missile striking the area, followed by significant explosions. The attack occurred near a sensitive nuclear facility, prompting multiple air raid alerts in southern Israel.

Iranian air defense systems activated and intercepted incoming targets over Tehran on March 21 at 20:00 local time. The interception involved multiple targets from different directions and lasted for about one hour.

U.S. Central Command recently destroyed an underground facility in Iran that housed anti-ship cruise missiles and mobile missile launchers using multiple 5000-pound bombs. This operation also targeted Iranian intelligence and radar stations, diminishing Iran's threat to navigation in the Hormuz Strait. To date, U.S. forces have attacked over 8000 Iranian military targets.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy conducted missile and drone strikes on air bases in Minhad, UAE, and Kuwait on March 21. The strikes targeted facilities used by US and Israeli aircraft, resulting in their destruction. The operation was confirmed by the IRGC Navy commander on social media.

On March 21, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran launched Operation 'Real Commitment-4', targeting Israel and the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet with Qader and Emad missiles. The operation successfully struck multiple locations in northern and central Israel, as well as the U.S. naval forces. Iran's military stated that this operation demonstrates its enhanced defensive capabilities.

Iranian military sources warned that the U.S. would face unprecedented retaliation if it conducts military aggression against Khark Island. The island is crucial for Iran's oil exports, and the situation could escalate, complicating U.S. operations in the region. The Iranian military indicated that creating insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is one of the options available to them.

Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that the U.S. and Israel must cease their aggressive actions to end the ongoing conflict in the region during a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Modi on March 21, 2023. Modi expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and condemned any attacks on regional energy infrastructure, emphasizing the need for peace and security in the area.

The U.S. military is deploying approximately 7,200 Marines to the Middle East, including 5,000 from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 2,200 from the Tripoli ARG. This deployment is in response to the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has seen significant military activity, including missile strikes. The U.S. Central Command area is receiving additional air and naval support as the situation escalates.

HMS Dragon was deployed to Cyprus in March 2026 after significant delays due to preparation. The Royal Navy's current capacity is limited to 13 surface combatants, highlighting a decline in military power. The British Army's personnel count has reached a historic low, and the UK faces a £28 billion funding shortfall in defense. Meanwhile, the EU is pursuing a substantial defense investment initiative.

Alexandra ReevesSat Mar 21 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is employing advanced Mine Countermeasures technologies in the Strait of Hormuz as part of Operation Epic Fury. This includes the use of MH-60S-mounted ALMDS lasers, AQS-20C sonar, and Barracuda drones to counter the threat of Iranian underwater mines. These efforts aim to ensure safe navigation and power projection in the region.

Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on multiple Israeli military bases on October 21, including the Northern Command base near Safed and the Golani Junction base west of Lake Tiberias. The attacks also targeted Israeli soldiers and vehicles in Metula and southern Lebanon.