Analysis & Reports

On February 28, 2026, a massive airstrike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and over 40 senior Iranian officials in Tehran, leading to a leadership crisis within the Iranian regime. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is conducting missile and drone attacks against Israel and its neighbors, but the regime is struggling to maintain control amid internal chaos and protests. The air campaign has severely weakened the regime's command structure.

The Israel Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on Tehran on October 8, targeting the command center of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and 50 ammunition depots. Israel stated it will continue to strike military targets in Iran to diminish its military capabilities. Iran has yet to respond to these claims.

U.S. air power is conducting strikes against Iranian nuclear and missile facilities as of November 2025. The operation aims to degrade Iran's military capabilities while avoiding the complexities of regime change. Experts warn that a fractured Iran could lead to the consolidation of power by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, complicating U.S. strategic interests in the region.

Iranian Armed Forces announced the destruction of four U.S. THAAD radar systems on March 8. The radar systems were reportedly targeted and destroyed in precision strikes within a 24-hour timeframe at locations including Rubaie, Ruwis, Khalji, and Azraq.

The U.S. Army National Guard initiated a procurement effort on March 7, 2026, to acquire small unmanned aerial systems for training and operational support at the Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Tennessee Army National Guard is seeking three types of drones that comply with the Blue UAS security certification requirements, including models like the Neros Archer and FlightWave Edge 130. This effort aims to enhance reconnaissance and training capabilities without relying on larger platforms.

Israeli forces killed Abu Qasim Babayan, the military secretary to the Iranian Supreme Leader, in a recent operation. This action was confirmed by Israeli Defense Minister Katz, although it has not been verified by Iranian sources.

Ukraine is sending a group of military specialists to the Arabian Gulf on March 9 to share expertise in countering unmanned aerial vehicles. This deployment aims to provide technical knowledge on detecting and destroying drones, reflecting growing international interest in Ukraine's counter-drone capabilities. The initiative includes training on practical methods used by Ukrainian forces during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The U.S. Navy destroyed significant portions of the Iranian Navy, including the frigate IRIS Dena and the drone carrier Shahid Bagheri, through air and missile strikes in the Indian Ocean. This action was part of a broader strategy to neutralize Iranian naval capabilities, which rely heavily on shore-based missiles and small boats. The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a volatile chokepoint for maritime transport.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure on February 28, 2023, achieving broad air superiority. Eight Israeli drones and three U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones were confirmed destroyed, along with three F-15E Strike Eagles in a friendly-fire incident over Kuwait. Despite these losses, Iranian air defenses remain partially operational, indicating that the campaign has not fully neutralized their capabilities.

Iran launched a massive retaliatory campaign against Gulf states in March 2026, targeting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others with ballistic missiles and drones. The UAE intercepted 161 missiles but faced significant damage from 35 drones. This unprecedented assault has exposed vulnerabilities in Gulf air defenses and raised questions about the effectiveness of US military support. Gulf states are now reassessing their defense strategies and military relationships in light of these developments.

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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced its capability to sustain high-intensity warfare for at least six months. The IRGC has equipped itself with various advanced weaponry, including heavy and long-range missiles, and plans to implement new attack strategies in the coming days.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted drone and ballistic missile strikes against a U.S. military helicopter base in Kuwait on March 8, causing significant damage to the facility.

Iran launched over 2,000 drones against Gulf states, significantly challenging their air defenses. On March 5, Iranian drones struck residential buildings in Manama, Bahrain, causing damage despite existing defenses. The UAE intercepted 541 drones and 165 missiles, while Kuwait engaged 283 drones. International military support is being mobilized, including Stinger missiles from Italy and fighter jets from the UK.

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Iran's drone attacks have compelled the U.S. and its allies to deploy costly interceptors, revealing a drone consumption trap. This situation mirrors Ukraine's experience with Russian drones, where low-cost systems challenge expensive defense measures. The U.S. is adapting its military strategy to address these threats, emphasizing the need for affordable defense solutions against drone warfare.

Iran has deployed thousands of Shahed-136 drones in the Persian Gulf for retaliatory actions against the US and its allies. These drones, known as 'poor man's cruise missiles', are cost-effective and designed to overwhelm enemy air defenses. Analysts note that Iran's strategy involves using these drones to exhaust costly interception resources, while retaining more advanced missile capabilities for future operations.

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced on March 5, 2023, that Ukraine will assist the U.S. in countering Iranian drone attacks in the Middle East. This cooperation is based on Ukraine's extensive experience in counter-drone operations. Zelensky also suggested that Gulf leaders should persuade Russia to declare a ceasefire in exchange for military support, while negotiations are underway for the procurement of intercept drones from Ukraine.

Israeli Defense Forces have begun a new round of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure across the country on March 8.

A New York City police officer died on March 6 while supporting military operations against Iran in Kuwait. The officer, a major in the U.S. Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division, was confirmed deceased by the New York Governor during a mission at Camp Buehring. This incident follows the reported deaths of six U.S. soldiers in similar operations against Iran.

The Israel Defense Forces detected missiles launched from Iran towards Israel and activated alarms in multiple locations on October 8, 2023, early morning. This incident follows a previous detection of missile launches and interceptions by the IDF earlier that day.

The U.S. and Israel conducted a preemptive military strike against Iran on February 28, claiming it was necessary to counter direct threats. Legal experts have challenged the justification of this action under international law, arguing that it lacks proper legal grounds. U.S. officials cited concerns over Iran's support for terrorism and its missile program as reasons for the strike, while the legality of the action remains disputed among scholars.