Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military is conducting operations in Iran, having struck 7,000 targets, including maritime vessels and minelayers, as part of Operation Epic Fury. The Pentagon plans to request approximately $200 billion for these operations and to replenish munitions stockpiles. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the funding request is aimed at ensuring U.S. defense capabilities are enhanced beyond current levels.

Iran continues to launch missiles and drones across the Gulf region despite significant losses from US-Israeli airstrikes. On March 14, US Central Command reported the destruction of over 90 military targets in Iran, while Iranian forces shifted to low-cost, decentralized drone attacks. The conflict has resulted in substantial casualties and economic disruption, with oil prices surging above $100 per barrel. The situation remains tense as both sides adapt their strategies in an ongoing asymmetric warfare context.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Mar 19 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is currently experiencing a shipbuilding crisis, with 82% of new warships behind schedule, jeopardizing its ability to address global threats. This situation is exacerbated by production delays, maintenance backlogs, and workforce shortages, leading to a shrinking fleet despite increased budgets. The Navy's strategic goals include expanding its fleet to 381 manned ships and 134 unmanned vessels by 2025, but achieving this remains uncertain due to ongoing logistical challenges.

Mail services to military post offices in the Middle East have been suspended, affecting the delivery of care packages. Troopathon has sent 1,000 boxes to the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford and 2,000 boxes to other troops. The U.S. Postal Service is holding packages for future delivery once suspensions are lifted, while various organizations continue to send care packages to support service members' morale.

Military families are facing significant delays in shipping household goods and vehicles due to the ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East. A stop movement order was issued for shipments to several countries, affecting over 1,000 service members during their Permanent Change of Station (PCS). The Pentagon has confirmed that these disruptions are caused by security risks and operational challenges in the region, with heightened security measures also impacting domestic moves.

Military families are facing significant shipping delays for household goods and vehicles due to the ongoing U.S. war with Iran. The Pentagon has issued a stop movement order affecting shipments to multiple countries in the region, impacting over 1,000 service members. Delays are expected to continue as heightened security measures and operational disruptions persist during the peak Permanent Change of Station season.

Military families are facing significant delays in shipping household goods and vehicles due to the ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East. The Pentagon has issued a stop movement order affecting shipments to several countries, with delays expected to last weeks for overseas moves. The Personal Property Activity is overseeing these logistics, and families are advised to prepare for extended wait times as the peak PCS season approaches.

The U.S. Navy is set to retire four Ohio-class submarines between 2026 and 2028, which will eliminate 616 Tomahawk missile launch cells. This decision comes as the U.S. has already fired over 400 Tomahawk missiles in the first 72 hours of the Iran War, highlighting a critical mismatch between missile consumption and production capacity. The current production rate of Tomahawks is approximately 90 per year, insufficient to meet wartime demands.

U.S. military operations in Iran have revealed critical lessons for potential conflict with China, particularly regarding precision strikes and munitions consumption. The effectiveness of B-2 bombers in targeting nuclear sites and the rapid depletion of Tomahawk missiles highlight significant operational challenges. Additionally, drone strikes have exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. logistics and supply chains, emphasizing the need for improved defense systems against swarm attacks.

Iran launched approximately 2,000 projectiles against Gulf states since February 28, 2026, prompting extensive defensive actions. The UAE intercepted 268 ballistic missiles, while Qatar and Bahrain reported significant interceptions as well. Saudi Arabia's air defenses also engaged multiple drones and missiles. The conflict has led Gulf states to reassess their military strategies and partnerships, highlighting vulnerabilities in their defense architectures.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

U.S. officials confirmed that weapons shipments to Taiwan have not been delayed due to the ongoing war on Iran. A significant arms package, including advanced interceptor missiles, is prepared for approval. The U.S. faces a multi-billion-dollar backlog of arms shipments to Taiwan, which is under increasing military pressure from China. Additionally, President Trump postponed a trip to China that was expected to address Taiwan-related discussions.

U.S. officials confirmed that weapons shipments to Taiwan have not been delayed due to the ongoing war on Iran. The U.S. is facing a multi-billion-dollar backlog of arms shipments to Taiwan, with a significant arms package ready for approval. Concerns were raised about the defense industry's ability to meet demand amid the conflict, but the administration is exploring ways to expedite shipments. Additionally, President Trump postponed a trip to China that was expected to discuss Taiwan.

The U.S. Navy is preparing to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened tensions with Iran following attacks since February 28, 2023. President Trump criticized U.S. allies for their lack of commitment to participate in these escort missions, revealing challenges in U.S. military capabilities. The situation is complicated by Iran's deployment of various threats, including mines and fast attack boats.

Israel is conducting 7,600 airstrikes in Iran and Lebanon, utilizing 4,700 sorties from its air force. The Israel Defense Forces are mobilizing troops to the northern front while replenishing munitions and accelerating production in its defense industry. Prime Minister Netanyahu assessed maritime trade continuity during Operation Roaring Lion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining supplies for the military effort.

India secured the safe transit of two Indian flagged carriers carrying liquified petroleum gas through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. This action follows intensified diplomatic engagement by New Delhi to ensure energy imports amid regional tensions. Indian officials are also negotiating for the safe passage of 22 additional vessels stranded west of the strait, highlighting India's strategic interests in the area.

The U.S. Navy redirected the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the Middle East as military operations against Iran intensified. On March 10, 2023, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, utilizing B-2 stealth bombers. The financial cost of the operations has surpassed $11.3 billion within the first week, highlighting the logistical challenges of sustaining military efforts far from established bases.

Marcus ChenMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of targeting logistics for the USS Ford aircraft carrier as U.S. plans to form a maritime coalition in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has reportedly destroyed four U.S. missile defense systems and launched around 700 missiles and 3600 drones against U.S. and Israeli targets. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have resulted in 850 deaths since March 2.

The U.S. military redirected a carrier strike group and THAAD interceptors from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East in January 2026, amid rising tensions due to the Iran conflict. This shift has raised concerns among U.S. allies in Asia, particularly Japan and Taiwan, regarding delayed weapon deliveries. The Pentagon reported significant financial costs associated with the conflict, exceeding $11.3 billion in the first six days, while China's military spending continues to increase, potentially altering the balance of power in the region.

Marcus ChenSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Department of Defense reported spending approximately $11 billion on military operations against Iran last week. Democratic lawmakers argue that the actual costs are likely much higher, with expectations for an additional funding request of at least $50 billion. The Pentagon is preparing to submit this request to the White House and Congress in the coming days.

Gulf Cooperation Council states are actively intercepting Iranian drone and missile attacks, achieving a 95% interception rate as of March 14, 2026. The UAE has neutralized 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 541 drones since February 28. US forces destroyed 16 Iranian minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iranian attacks have targeted economic infrastructure, including Dubai International Airport. Gulf states continue to enhance their air defense capabilities through regional cooperation and US support.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Mar 14 2026Loading...