Analysis & Reports

Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in February 2023, leading to increased oil prices. The U.S. maintains that the Strait is open and has reinstated a blockade against Iran. Recent attacks on ships have heightened tensions, causing gas prices in the U.S. to rise again after a period of decline. Negotiations continue in Oman amid this escalating situation.

NATO announced plans to purchase up to five MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles during its summit in Turkey last week. This acquisition aims to enhance NATO's ISR capabilities, particularly in maritime surveillance. Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Norway will lead the procurement, which is seen as a strategic move to reduce reliance on U.S. surveillance. However, concerns about personnel shortages and the need for additional drone types were also raised.

T3 Defense has acquired a 60% stake in Project35, an Israeli company specializing in the development and manufacturing of drones, aerial interceptors, and counter-uncrewed aerial vehicle systems. This acquisition enhances T3 Defense's capabilities in the defense sector, particularly in drone technology.

Turkey reportedly sold its Russian S-400 missile systems to a Gulf state, possibly the UAE or Qatar, to facilitate its return to the F-35 program. The Kremlin has acknowledged discussions about the systems, but no official confirmation of the sale has been made. This move aims to lift sanctions and improve Turkey's military relations with the U.S. while raising concerns about the implications for U.S. air defense in the region.

Turkey is negotiating its return to the F-35 program by 2026, which raises concerns for Israel regarding military balance in the region. The U.S. is considering lifting sanctions imposed after Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 system. Israel fears that Turkey's access to F-35s could enhance its military capabilities, impacting regional security dynamics. Discussions include the potential transfer of the S-400 to a Gulf state to facilitate Turkey's reintegration into the F-35 program.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

Kongsberg reported a 31% revenue increase to NOK 10,389 million and a nearly 50% rise in operating profit to NOK 1,669 million in the second quarter of 2023. The company secured multiple contracts for its Joint Strike Missile and NASAMS air defense system, with Canada selecting the missile for its F-35A fleet. Kongsberg also expanded its focus on subsea infrastructure protection, reflecting growing interest in defense procurement.

Iranian authorities denied reports of an attack on the Bushehr nuclear power plant area on July 12. The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that all units and facilities at the plant are operating normally and that the plant remains in a safe and stable condition.

In 2026, the top five tanks not made in the USA were ranked, including the Leclerc XLR from France, Challenger 3 from the UK, Merkava Mk 4 Barak from Israel, K2 Black Panther from South Korea, and Leopard 2A8 from Germany. Each tank was evaluated based on firepower, protection, mobility, and other factors, showcasing their unique advantages over the American M1 Abrams. The report emphasizes the importance of survivability, availability, and integration in modern tank design.

The U.S. Navy maintains that the southern channel of the Strait of Hormuz is open for navigation despite Iranian claims of closure. On July 12, 2023, the U.S. Navy emphasized its commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial activities in the region. The security threat level in the Strait remains serious following recent attacks on vessels.

Ukraine is set to manufacture Patriot missiles under a U.S. license, announced during the NATO summit in Ankara on July 8, 2023. However, the production timeline means immediate air defense needs will not be met, as Russian ballistic missiles continue to pose a threat. The Freya anti-ballistic system is also being developed as a more affordable alternative to the Patriot system. NATO has committed substantial military support to Ukraine through 2026, highlighting the urgency of enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

Alexandra ReevesSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to unauthorized vessels in July 2026, prompting Qatar and Oman to negotiate a solution to the oil channel crisis. U.S. officials are demanding Iran publicly commit to halting attacks on vessels. The situation reflects a complex mix of military deterrence and political bargaining, impacting global oil supply routes.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

A U.S. military delegation arrived in Lebanon to discuss the withdrawal of Israeli forces from designated security zones in southern Lebanon. The talks aim to establish mechanisms for the withdrawal, with the first pilot area set to be initiated shortly. Lebanon has stated it will not engage in further negotiations until the Israeli withdrawal is completed, following a recent tripartite agreement involving the U.S. and Israel.

The U.S. requested Iran to publicly commit to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open while 10 F-22 aircraft departed from Israel to the United Kingdom on July 11, 2026. This request aims to deter Iranian attacks on vessels in the strategic waterway, which is vital for global oil supplies. The situation reflects ongoing military and diplomatic tensions in the region, particularly following recent Iranian actions against shipping.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

President Trump announced that 1000 missiles are currently targeted at Iran, with additional thousands ready to launch if Iran attempts to assassinate him. The U.S. military is prepared to destroy Iran within a year if provoked, following the command issued on July 10, 2023.

Israel has ordered its military to suspend sensitive operations in southern Lebanon at the request of the United States. This directive will remain in effect until further notice, influenced by developments in U.S.-Iran relations and negotiations with Lebanon. The Israeli military is expected to withdraw from two areas in its security zone next week, as part of a framework agreement reached in Washington in late June. Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to resume in Rome next week.

U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. has agreed to continue negotiations with Iran, but the ceasefire has ended. Qatari representatives have traveled to Iran to mediate discussions. The U.S. military has conducted strikes against Iran in response to recent attacks, while Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan.

U.S. President Trump pledged to allow Ukraine to manufacture its own Patriot missile interceptors during discussions at a NATO summit in Turkey. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that this move is crucial for enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities against Russian missile attacks. However, the production of these interceptors is expected to take years and require significant investment. In parallel, Ukraine is developing its own missile defense system, FREYA, to bolster its defenses.

Twelve European allies at the NATO Summit in Ankara committed $50 billion to accelerate existing deep strike projects. This funding aims to enhance military capabilities among the participating nations.

IAEA Director General Grossi declared that any attack on nuclear power plants is unacceptable during a press conference in Kaliningrad on July 10. He emphasized the importance of the physical integrity of nuclear facilities and called for maximum restraint from all parties. Reports indicate that U.S. forces conducted attacks in southern Iran, including near the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

The Trump administration has decided against allowing Israel to intervene in U.S. military actions against Iran, citing concerns over losing control of the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is keen to participate but is currently restricted. Israel has indicated its readiness to engage in further military actions against Iran, while the U.S. has recently conducted strikes in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.