Analysis & Reports

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military has achieved absolute control over southern Syria and is nearing the defeat of the Iranian regime. He emphasized that this control spans from Mount Hermon to the Mediterranean Sea. The remarks were made during his visit to Mount Hermon on September 9, 2023, amid a politically charged environment as elections approach.

The USS Iowa and other Iowa-class battleships underwent significant upgrades in the 1980s, incorporating advanced weaponry such as Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, USS Missouri launched 28 Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets, showcasing the enhanced capabilities of these vessels. The upgrades included the installation of Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems and the removal of older gun mounts to accommodate modern missile systems.

Houthi forces launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on the Saudi cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Jizan on September 9. Earlier that day, the coalition reported conducting numerous airstrikes against Houthi positions in Marib, Al-Jawf, and Taiz provinces in Yemen.

In September 2013, the USS Dallas conducted simulated torpedo attacks on the HMS Illustrious in the Gulf of Oman during NATO war games. Despite the presence of multiple escort ships and anti-submarine helicopters, the Dallas successfully approached the carrier and executed the attacks. The Royal Navy has not released the detection timeline or the umpire's assessment, leaving the outcome unofficial.

Houthi forces launched significant attacks on Saudi cities Abha, Jazan, and Najran on August 8, injuring 73 civilians. The assaults involved ballistic missiles and drones targeting Saudi Aramco facilities and military bases. In retaliation for Iranian attacks on U.S. naval vessels, the U.S. military destroyed five Iranian tankers. The situation has led to a spike in Brent crude oil prices, surpassing $100 per barrel.

The EA-18G Growler is deployed by the U.S. Navy for electronic warfare in the Middle East, particularly to jam Iranian radar systems. It costs over $112 million when fully equipped, including advanced jamming pods. The Growler plays a critical role in ensuring safe operations for U.S. strike aircraft in contested airspace.

Iran attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz and fired ballistic missiles at a U.S. base in Jordan. In retaliation, the U.S. sank 5 Iranian oil tankers, resulting in at least one seafarer killed and another missing. The situation has escalated tensions in the region, impacting global energy supplies and leading to threats against oil tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports.

The 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard returned to Burlington, Vermont, on September 6, 2026, after a nine-month deployment that included operations in the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East. The unit, known as The Green Mountain Boys, conducted missions in support of U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Central Command during their deployment, which involved over 200 members.

Elbit Systems launched FUSE, a new business line for autonomous combat drones and ground vehicles, in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, on September 9, 2025. The FUSE portfolio includes the Dominion-X software, enabling a single operator to control multiple systems in GPS-denied environments. The technology has been proven in operational use, with over 1 million flight hours logged. FUSE systems are currently in service with military customers in Israel, the U.S., and Europe.

Jordan intercepted 18 Iranian missiles on September 9, 2026, amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington. This action underscores Jordan's strategic position and the challenges of air defense in the Gulf region. The interceptions indicate a significant military capability but also reveal vulnerabilities in regional defense systems.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Sep 09 2026Loading...

U.S. Central Command denied Iranian claims of attacks on U.S. Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf on September 9. In response to U.S. actions against Iranian tankers, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have targeted two U.S. Navy ships and eight tankers. U.S. forces reported the destruction of 10 Iranian tankers linked to the Revolutionary Guard's funding network.

Iran condemned U.S. military harassment of its tankers and merchant ships in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman on September 8, 2023. In response, Iranian armed forces conducted defensive strikes against U.S. military bases in Jordan. The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized the violation of international law by the U.S. and called for action from the UN Security Council regarding U.S. aggression.

Israeli airstrikes destroyed multiple weapon storage facilities and a rocket launch site used by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza on September 8. The strikes targeted facilities containing various weapons, including rockets and Kalashnikov rifles. The Israeli Defense Forces stated their intent to continue operations to weaken the military capabilities of armed groups in the region.

Saudi Arabian aircraft conducted 32 airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on September 9, 2023, targeting locations in Marib, Al Jawf, Taiz, and Hodeidah provinces. The airstrikes are part of efforts to support Yemeni government forces amid ongoing ground battles. The Saudi-led coalition has described the Houthi attacks on Saudi territory as a dangerous escalation.

The U.S. Air Force is developing a mobile, medium-caliber air defense artillery system to counter drone and cruise missile threats following recent Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East. This new system aims to provide a cost-effective solution to enhance air defense capabilities, addressing the high costs and consumption rates of existing missile systems.

The Israel Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on August 8, destroying three weapon depots and a rocket launch site in the Gaza Strip. The facilities were associated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, containing rockets and assault rifles. The strikes were prompted by intelligence indicating Hamas personnel had accessed these depots.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards captured a U.S. uncrewed submarine drone at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The drone, identified as a Dive-LD, is designed for various military operations. The U.S. military confirmed that an underwater drone had malfunctioned over a day ago, stating it was an older model that did not collect sensitive data.

Thirty U.S. soldiers were injured in the conflict with Iran, bringing the total number of injured to 820 since military actions began on February 28. As of September 8, 18 U.S. soldiers have died in the conflict. The Pentagon has faced scrutiny over discrepancies in casualty reporting and delays in disclosing injury information, citing security needs as the reason.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile strikes against two U.S. Navy destroyers, DDG-119 and DDG-53, on September 9 in Tehran, causing significant damage. This action was a response to U.S. attacks on Iranian oil tankers. The U.S. Central Command reported that five Iranian oil tankers were destroyed following the initial attacks, with no injuries to U.S. personnel.

The Jordanian Armed Forces successfully destroyed 18 ballistic missiles launched by Iran towards Jordan on September 9. This action was part of the country's air defense operations to protect its territory.