Analysis & Reports

U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Groups are conducting airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites and IRGC missile infrastructure as part of Operation Epic Fury, which commenced on February 28, 2026. The operation involves F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and F-35C fighters, targeting key military assets in Iran. The campaign is supported by advanced munitions and aims to degrade Iran's offensive capabilities.

Dr. Andrew Latham evaluates the potential political outcomes of the 2026 U.S.-Iran war, warning that the collapse of the Islamic Republic could lead to a fragmented authority in Iran. He highlights the risk of a leaderless Iran, which may result in a power struggle over military capabilities, including ballistic missiles and nuclear infrastructure. Latham concludes that external interventions may be required to prevent the proliferation of these capabilities.

Six crew members died in a KC-135 crash in Iraq on Thursday, part of Operation Epic Fury. The crash was confirmed not to be caused by hostile or friendly fire. The aircraft lacked parachutes, which were removed from KC-135s nearly two decades ago to save costs. This incident marks a significant loss for the U.S. Air Force, which has faced challenges in modernizing its aging fleet.

NATO is revising its integrated air and missile defense plans due to simultaneous threats from Russian hybrid warfare and Iranian missile strikes. The transformation, announced by Gen. Alex Grynkewich on March 12, 2026, includes the establishment of Operation Eastern Sentry following drone incursions into Poland. The new plans aim to enhance air defense capabilities across Europe, addressing vulnerabilities exposed by recent conflicts and increasing defense spending among member states.

Alexandra ReevesFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The U.S. is deploying up to 5,000 personnel and several warships, including the USS Tripoli, to the Middle East in support of operations against Iran. This deployment includes the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which features a battalion landing team and various aircraft. U.S. forces have conducted extensive strikes within Iran, resulting in significant casualties among U.S. service members.

The U.S. is deploying up to 5,000 personnel and several warships, including the USS Tripoli, to the Middle East in support of operations against Iran. This deployment includes the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which comprises around 1,100 Marines. U.S. forces have conducted approximately 6,000 strikes against Iranian targets since the conflict began, with recent casualties reported among U.S. service members.

U.S. Space Force and SPACECOM are conducting electronic warfare operations against Iranian military capabilities, including jamming and spoofing communications. This effort, involving approximately 30 personnel from Space Forces-Central, aims to degrade Iran's ability to coordinate and communicate effectively during Operation Epic Fury. The operations are characterized by the use of systems like the Counter Communications System and the Remote Modular Terminal.

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses are conducting airstrikes against IRGC command posts and mobile launchers in Iran as part of the 2026 Iran Air War. The B-52J variant, equipped with advanced radar and engines, continues to play a crucial role in U.S. military operations, demonstrating its effectiveness in delivering substantial payloads over extended distances. This operational use underscores the aircraft's enduring relevance in modern warfare.

The U.S. is considering deploying naval escorts in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage for ships amid rising oil prices and threats from Iranian forces. President Trump indicated a willingness to take military action against Iran, while Secretary of Defense Hegseth reassured that the U.S. has plans to maintain navigation freedom. Concerns about Iranian sea mines and missile threats have prompted discussions about potential special operations missions to neutralize these risks.

The Lebanese government banned military activities of Hezbollah following missile attacks on Israel, leading to increased Israeli bombardment of Lebanon. Since February 28, 2024, over 800,000 people have been displaced, and at least 773 have been killed. The Lebanese army has been instructed to prevent attacks from its territory, but enforcing this ban is challenging amid ongoing conflict.

On October 13, 2023, a U.S. military refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq, killing four personnel. The U.S. continues military operations against Iran, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu threatening further strikes. Iran's leadership has vowed retaliation, complicating the situation as public sentiment in the U.S. turns increasingly against the war effort.

NATO is transforming its defense strategy, focusing on integrated air and missile defense plans in response to hybrid threats, particularly from Russia. Operation Eastern Sentry was activated due to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, showcasing NATO's shift in military priorities. By 2035, Europe aims to take a leading role in its conventional defense, supported by increased defense spending and strategic initiatives from the EU. Discussions are ongoing about establishing a permanent NATO mission in Greenland.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The United Arab Emirates is facing a disproportionate number of Iranian attacks, with 1,422 UAVs detected and 1,342 intercepted as of March 8, 2023. The UAE has shifted its information sharing regarding interception rates, now only reporting engaged munitions. The attacks have resulted in six fatalities, and the UAE's air defense systems, including THAAD and Patriot, are under significant strain due to the high volume of threats.

U.S. forces conducted intense bombing operations against Iran, resulting in the wounding of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. A KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq, killing all six service members aboard, raising the total U.S. casualties in the operation to at least 13. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. would escalate its bombing campaign further.

Six U.S. service members died when their KC-135 refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury on Thursday. This incident raised the U.S. death toll in the ongoing conflict to 13, alongside numerous injuries. The crash was confirmed to be an accident, not caused by hostile actions. The U.S. Navy is considering escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened risks.

Iranian forces attacked 16 tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf in March 2026, leading to a surge in oil prices over $100 per barrel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) utilized suicide drone speed boats in these attacks, while U.S. leadership is advised to adopt long-term strategies to counter Iran's military threats. The Gulf Cooperation Council is also considering drone operations against the IRGC's naval capabilities.

All six airmen aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft were confirmed dead following a crash in Western Iraq on Thursday. The incident, which occurred during a combat mission, was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. An active search was underway for two additional airmen. This crash adds to the total of 13 U.S. servicemember deaths reported since the beginning of combat operations in the region.

A KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq on March 13, resulting in the deaths of all 6 personnel on board. The incident was confirmed by the U.S. Central Command.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Iran's defense industrial base is functionally defeated, with a 90% reduction in missile attacks and a 95% reduction in drone strikes. The U.S. Armed Forces are actively targeting Iranian military production facilities. Additionally, four aircrew members were confirmed dead following a KC-135 tanker crash in Iraq.

All six crew members of a U.S. KC-135 aerial tanker were confirmed dead following a crash in western Iraq on March 12, 2026, during Operation Epic Fury. The incident occurred in friendly airspace and was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. U.S. Central Command announced the fatalities, and the identities of the crew members will be withheld until next of kin are notified.