Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military is deploying additional forces to the Middle East, considering a potential operation to seize Khark Island. This operation may involve approximately 50,000 troops and various assault methods, including amphibious landings and airborne drops. However, significant risks are associated with the operation due to Iranian military capabilities in the region.

Chinese and Vietnamese naval forces concluded their 40th joint patrol and first maritime training exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin on March 20, 2023. The exercise involved four naval vessels and included activities such as simulated escort missions and joint rescue operations. This event marked the successful completion of the 10th border defense friendly exchange activities between the two countries.

In March 2026, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force deployed enhanced Type 12 anti-ship missile systems at Kumamoto, marking Japan's first operational use of long-range attack capabilities beyond its territory. This deployment reflects a significant shift in Japan's defense policy and military capabilities, with a defense budget reaching approximately 9 trillion yen. Concurrently, the U.S. is deploying the Typhon MRC system to enhance regional deterrence against China.

Tanaka TakashiSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the United States, announced that their large-scale military operation against Iran is currently halfway completed. The IDF Chief of Staff reported significant weakening of Iran's military capabilities and emphasized the need for continued proactive measures to eliminate threats to Israeli civilians. The situation for Iran is described as increasingly dangerous due to its inadequate air defense capabilities.

Israeli Defense Forces are striking Iranian regime targets in Tehran as of March 22, 2023. The operation was confirmed through an official statement, although no further details were provided regarding the specifics of the strikes.

A British Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine arrived in the Arabian Sea on March 21. The submarine is equipped to launch cruise missiles, indicating its operational capabilities in the region.

Lockheed Martin successfully conducted the first flight test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2 on March 12, 2026, in the United States. The missile demonstrated its ability to track and engage moving maritime threats, marking a significant advancement in the U.S. Army's long-range precision strike capabilities. The PrSM is currently being utilized in Operation Epic Fury against Iranian targets.

On March 22, 2023, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted missile and drone strikes against multiple southern Israeli cities, including Arad, Dimona, Eilat, and Beersheba, as well as U.S. military bases located in Kuwait and the UAE. This operation utilized various missile types, including Fateh, Qader, and Imad, as part of their ongoing military campaign.

As of March 21, 2026, the U.S. Navy and Royal Navy are advancing the construction of the Columbia-class and Dreadnought-class submarines, respectively, to enhance their nuclear deterrent capabilities. Both classes will utilize a shared Common Missile Compartment for Trident II D5 nuclear missiles, ensuring a synchronized undersea deterrence strategy against threats from China and Russia. The Dreadnought-class is set to replace the aging Vanguard-class submarines.

Iranian missiles struck the Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad on March 21, injuring over 100 people. The Israeli Defense Forces acknowledged their failure to intercept the missiles, which resulted in significant damage and casualties. Rescue operations are currently underway, with reports of serious injuries and individuals trapped in the rubble.

The Nanchang Ship, part of the Liaoning Carrier Strike Group, responded to a provocation from two foreign ships attempting to cross its formation in the Western Pacific at 6 AM. The Nanchang Ship executed tactical maneuvers to block the incursion, leading the foreign vessels to retreat after realizing they could not proceed.

On March 21, Iranian military launched a missile attack on Dimona, Israel, resulting in 47 injuries and the collapse of a building. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no damage to the nearby nuclear research center and noted no abnormal radiation levels. The attack was confirmed by Iranian media as a response to Israeli actions against Iran's Natanz nuclear facility.

The Israeli Air Force conducted an airstrike on a strategic research facility in Tehran on March 21, 2023, which was reportedly used for developing nuclear weapons components. This action was confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces, amidst ongoing tensions regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Iranian forces launched a missile attack on a building in Dimona, Israel, on March 21, resulting in the collapse of the structure and injuring 39 individuals. Eyewitnesses reported a missile striking the area, followed by significant explosions. The attack occurred near a sensitive nuclear facility, prompting multiple air raid alerts in southern Israel.

Iranian air defense systems activated and intercepted incoming targets over Tehran on March 21 at 20:00 local time. The interception involved multiple targets from different directions and lasted for about one hour.

U.S. Central Command recently destroyed an underground facility in Iran that housed anti-ship cruise missiles and mobile missile launchers using multiple 5000-pound bombs. This operation also targeted Iranian intelligence and radar stations, diminishing Iran's threat to navigation in the Hormuz Strait. To date, U.S. forces have attacked over 8000 Iranian military targets.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy conducted missile and drone strikes on air bases in Minhad, UAE, and Kuwait on March 21. The strikes targeted facilities used by US and Israeli aircraft, resulting in their destruction. The operation was confirmed by the IRGC Navy commander on social media.

On March 21, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran launched Operation 'Real Commitment-4', targeting Israel and the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet with Qader and Emad missiles. The operation successfully struck multiple locations in northern and central Israel, as well as the U.S. naval forces. Iran's military stated that this operation demonstrates its enhanced defensive capabilities.

Iranian military sources warned that the U.S. would face unprecedented retaliation if it conducts military aggression against Khark Island. The island is crucial for Iran's oil exports, and the situation could escalate, complicating U.S. operations in the region. The Iranian military indicated that creating insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is one of the options available to them.

The Rapid Support Forces conducted a drone strike on a hospital in Daein, East Darfur on March 20, 2023, resulting in at least 62 deaths, including 12 children, and 113 injuries. The emergency building of the hospital was completely destroyed, and rescue operations are ongoing. This attack has been condemned for violating international humanitarian law, with calls for an independent investigation.