Analysis & Reports

U.S. Central Command has initiated military operations against Iranian targets, striking nearly 2,000 locations as of March 4, 2023. Over 50,000 U.S. troops, 200 aircraft, and two aircraft carriers are involved in these operations. Iran has retaliated with over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones. The U.S. is actively seeking to neutralize Iran's remaining missile capabilities.

The Israeli Air Force has conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets, destroying approximately 300 missile launchers since the start of military operations. In total, around 4000 bombs were dropped, and over 1600 aircraft sorties were executed, targeting facilities of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran and Lebanon.

Hezbollah attacked an Israeli military base in Metula on March 3, hitting a Merkava tank with a guided missile. This action was in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanese towns, including areas near Beirut. Additionally, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at an Israeli missile defense base south of Haifa, responding to the killing of Iranian leader Khamenei and ongoing Israeli aggression.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on the Iranian presidential palace and other significant government buildings in Tehran on the night of October 3. Approximately 100 fighter jets dropped over 250 bombs, destroying the circular roof of the presidential palace and targeting the headquarters of the Iranian National Security Council among other sites.

On February 28, 2023, U.S. and Israeli forces launched a military strike against Iran following months of intelligence monitoring. This action occurred amidst indirect diplomatic negotiations, with the U.S. having recently approved a significant arms sale to Israel. The strike was part of a broader military buildup in the region, including the deployment of aircraft carriers and tactical aircraft.

The Iranian Navy has declared full control over the Strait of Hormuz as of March 3, 2023, with more than ten oil tankers reportedly hit by artillery shells. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned that the Strait is in a state of war, and vessels are prohibited from passing through. Despite warnings, multiple oil tankers were struck and set ablaze.

The U.S. Navy has fired over 400 Tomahawk missiles in three days during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, significantly depleting its stockpile. Current production rates are insufficient to replenish the inventory, leading to concerns about future military capabilities. The U.S. military's stockpile is estimated at 4,000 to 4,150 missiles, with production struggling to keep pace with operational demands. Raytheon is working to increase production to address these challenges.

Four soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command were killed in an Iranian drone attack in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1. The attack was part of Iran's retaliation against U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. The incident is currently under investigation by U.S. Central Command, which reported that the drone managed to penetrate U.S. air defenses.

Four U.S. service members were killed in action during operations against Iran in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1, 2026, due to an unmanned aircraft attack. The total number of casualties has risen to six following subsequent actions. The soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, and the incident is under investigation.

President Trump announced that the U.S. Navy could escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with Iran. The Iranian military threatened to target any ships attempting to cross the strait. This announcement follows a significant drop in maritime traffic in the area after U.S. military strikes against Iran, highlighting the strategic importance of the strait for oil transit.

President Trump announced that the U.S. Navy could escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with Iran. The Iranian military warned that any vessels in the strait would be targeted. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital oil transit route, and recent U.S. military actions have significantly reduced maritime traffic in the area.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted long-range strikes deep inside Iran on Sunday night, targeting ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control infrastructure. This operation, part of Operation Epic Fury, aimed to degrade Iranian missile capabilities. CENTCOM reported that over 1,700 targets were struck within the first 72 hours of the operation.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted long-range strikes deep inside Iran on Sunday night, targeting ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control infrastructure. This operation, part of Operation Epic Fury, aimed to degrade Iranian ballistic missile capabilities. CENTCOM reported that over 1,700 targets were struck within the first 72 hours of the operation.

Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz on March 2, 2023, warning that any ships attempting to pass would be attacked. This has led to an 80% decrease in commercial shipping traffic, with insurers withdrawing coverage. The U.S. has stated that Iran's military capabilities have been severely diminished and is offering insurance and naval escorts to support commercial vessels in the region.

The U.S. Air Force is evaluating its bomber capacity amid ongoing operations in Iran, highlighting the need for at least 200 B-21 Raiders to ensure effective power projection against potential threats in the Indo-Pacific. Current assets include 19 B-2 Spirits, 76 B-52Hs, and 45 B-1Bs, with operations consuming precision munitions and tanker resources. Analysts warn that the existing fleet may not suffice for simultaneous conflicts.

President Trump announced that the U.S. Navy may begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the free flow of energy. This decision comes amid rising oil prices and follows previous military operations aimed at protecting maritime trade. The Navy's involvement is intended to safeguard against potential threats in the region.

Qatar shot down two Iranian Su-24 aircraft near Al Udeid Air Base, marking a significant escalation in the regional conflict. Over the past 24 hours, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain experienced extensive missile and drone attacks, resulting in multiple casualties. The US reported six personnel killed, while Israel targeted Iranian state media facilities. Qatar's LNG production disruption is affecting European energy markets.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

On March 3, 2026, Qatari air defense forces shot down two Iranian Su-24 Fencer aircraft that violated Qatari airspace during attacks on Al Udeid Air Base. In retaliation, Iran launched a significant barrage of missiles and drones against Gulf states, including Kuwait and the UAE, marking a critical escalation in regional military operations. This incident represents a pivotal shift in Qatar's military engagement with Iran, indicating a collapse of the previous managed coexistence framework among Gulf states.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

France deployed the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its strike group to the Mediterranean in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East. President Macron announced the move, highlighting the need to secure maritime routes affected by the conflict. The carrier group, rerouted from NATO missions, includes Rafale jets and several frigates. Additional air-defense assets are also being sent to Cyprus to bolster regional security.

France deployed the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its strike group to the Mediterranean in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The carrier group, rerouted from the Baltic, includes Rafale jets and several frigates. Additional air-defense assets are being sent to Cyprus to protect against threats in the region. President Macron emphasized the need to secure maritime routes essential for global trade.