Analysis & Reports

Sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln marked GBU-31 bombs with names and messages in preparation for loading onto an F/A-18 strike fighter on February 28, 2026. This practice, a long-standing military tradition, was documented in photos released by U.S. Central Command. The GBU-31 bombs, part of the Joint Direct Attack Munition system, are being prepared for operations related to Iran.

The U.S. Armed Forces are conducting ongoing military strikes in Iran as part of a strategic military operation. Expert analysis suggests these strikes aim to achieve specific military objectives, reflecting a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement in the region.

The U.S. and Israel are conducting military actions against Iran, which may hinder Ukraine's access to critical weapons like Patriot missiles. Ukrainian President Zelensky has raised concerns about the impact of these actions on military support for Ukraine, suggesting a potential reduction in missile supplies. He also proposed sending drone experts to assist Middle Eastern nations in countering Iranian drone threats. European officials are worried about the depletion of U.S. missile stocks affecting Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force is evaluating the transition to advanced aircraft, including the F-22 Super, F-35, F-47 NGAD, and B-21 Raider, to enhance its capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. Current operations in Iran have demonstrated the effectiveness of existing aircraft, but future conflicts may necessitate these upgrades. The F-47 is projected to cost $300 million per unit, while the B-21 Raider aims for a production goal of at least 100 units.

Dr. Michael Rubin evaluates the shift in U.S. military policy towards Iran, emphasizing the necessity of brute force as a deterrent. He draws parallels to Soviet actions in the 1980s, arguing that the elimination of Iranian leadership is crucial for addressing the threat. The U.S. Armed Forces are actively positioned in the Arabian Sea to support military operations against Iran, reflecting a significant change in strategy following years of diplomatic failures.

U.S. Armed Forces are conducting military strikes against over 1,700 targets in Iran as part of an ongoing campaign that began in early February 2026. Lawmakers are discussing supplemental defense funding to replenish munitions, including Tomahawk missiles and air defense systems, amid concerns about the depletion of U.S. stockpiles. The U.S. Central Command has confirmed the use of various munitions in response to Iranian attacks.

The US and Israel achieved air superiority over Iran, revealing significant weaknesses in Iran's air defense systems. This development raises concerns about Iran's military capabilities and effectiveness in the ongoing conflict.

Iran's Islamic Republic Air Force (IRIAF) has been largely absent from sustained air operations against U.S. and Israeli forces, relying instead on missile and drone strikes. As of March 2026, the IRIAF's fleet consists mainly of outdated Cold War-era aircraft, which cannot compete with advanced fifth-generation fighters. Reports indicate that Iran's military strategy is shifting towards ground-based defenses and missile capabilities due to the technical irrelevance of its fighter inventory.

The Iranian military announced that it shot down 6 Hermes drones within the last 24 hours across multiple locations, including Isfahan, Tabriz, and Tehran. This action is part of ongoing military operations, with a total of 35 advanced drones reportedly downed since the beginning of the current conflict.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Sidon, Lebanon, after Hezbollah fired approximately 15 rockets at the Golan Heights. Evacuation orders were issued to residents in a building in the area. The events occurred on the 3rd of the month.

The U.S. military has conducted over 1700 strikes against targets in Iran since February 28. This operation marks a significant escalation in military actions within Iranian territory.

On the 3rd, an artillery shell struck an Airbus passenger aircraft at Bushehr International Airport in Iran, causing severe damage. A small aircraft was also damaged in the attack, and the explosion's shockwave affected the airport terminal.

The U.S. military reported six personnel killed in Kuwait due to airstrikes as operations against Iran continue, with over 780 casualties in Iran since the conflict began. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening vessels, while Israel has increased troop deployments in Lebanon amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The U.S. State Department has closed embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait following drone attacks.

UK Prime Minister Starmer announced the deployment of helicopters with anti-drone capabilities to the Royal Air Force base in Cyprus on the 3rd. This move aims to enhance defense measures against drone threats.

U.S. Central Command initiated active combat operations against Iran on February 28, 2023, striking over 1,250 targets and killing Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The operation, involving multiple advanced aircraft and missile systems, resulted in the deaths of six U.S. troops and serious injuries to 18 others due to an Iranian attack. This marks a significant shift from U.S. military deterrence to direct engagement in the region.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on military facilities in Tehran and Isfahan on March 3, targeting sites associated with the production of weapons, especially ballistic missiles. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that dozens of related targets were struck during the operation.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps successfully struck two U.S. THAAD missile defense system targets in the West Asia region on the 3rd of the month. Additionally, the radar at the Ruwais military base in the United Arab Emirates was destroyed a day earlier. These actions indicate a significant escalation in military operations against U.S. defense systems.

U.S. armed forces are currently engaged in combat operations in Iran, facing significant logistical challenges, particularly in airlift and aerial refueling capabilities. The Air Force's tanker fleet is under strain due to high operational demands, with 119 task-ready crews available and over 100 aerial refueling aircraft deployed. Experts warn that these logistical constraints could impact the effectiveness of ongoing operations under Operation Epic Fury.

The Israeli Air Force attacked a building in Qom, Iran, on March 3, during a meeting of senior clerics who were electing a new Supreme Leader. The assembly responsible for this election consists of 88 members, although the exact number present during the attack is unknown.

Greece deployed two frigates and four F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri on March 2. The strike, attributed to Iranian forces or proxies, caused minimal damage. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed the deployment to support Cyprus amid escalating tensions in the region. Additionally, a C-130 Hercules transport plane was reported to have arrived in Cyprus.