Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Upgrade of the Hormuz Passage Window: Iran Prepares Charging Mechanism, US Redirects 75 Ships, China May Veto US Resolution
Iran is set to announce a toll mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. military has redirected 75 ships in the area. China has expressed opposition to U.S. resolutions concerning the Strait. The situation has escalated, with the Strait being described as a 'parking lot for ships' due to increased tensions and military activity. Meanwhile, the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended, but violence persists.
Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 16 2026Loading...Spring 2026 and the New European Defence Architecture: From Steadfast Deterrence to the UK-EU Partnership
NATO conducted the Steadfast Deterrence 2026 exercise in Norway, involving 32,500 personnel, to enhance collective defense planning. Concurrently, the U.S. Army's Sword 26 exercise tested warfighting capabilities across Germany, Poland, and other nations. The UK and EU are set to sign a Security and Defence Partnership on 19 May 2026, marking a significant step in post-Brexit defense cooperation.
Alexandra ReevesSat May 16 2026Loading...
The Gulf at a Crossroads: Strategic Recalibration in the Shadow of the Iran War Ceasefire
The Gulf Cooperation Council states are recalibrating their defense strategies in response to the Iran War, which has entered a fragile ceasefire. The US-led coalition's operations have significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities, prompting Gulf states to enhance their defense procurement and diversify security partnerships. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with Iran still posing a threat to regional stability.
Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 16 2026Loading...The Hormuz Stalemate and Gulf Rearmament: Strategic Reckoning at Day 77 of the Iran War
The U.S. Central Command reported that over 85% of Iran's military infrastructure has been destroyed, yet Iran retains the capability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf states are ramping up defense spending significantly in response to the ongoing conflict. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with China aligning with U.S. objectives to keep the Strait open. Meanwhile, Iran is reportedly receiving Russian support to rebuild its military capabilities, complicating the strategic landscape.
Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 16 2026Loading...Belgium and Turkey Sign Multiple Defense Agreements
Belgium and Turkey signed nine defense agreements on May 13, 2023, during high-level talks in Ankara. The agreements focus on military cooperation, including potential investments and the purchase of Turkish drones. Belgium aims to strengthen its defense industry in response to perceived threats from Russia and the potential withdrawal of the U.S. from NATO. The discussions also included support for Turkey's inclusion in the European Security Action tool, a defense financing initiative.
The U.S. State Department says the ceasefire in Lebanon will be extended for 45 days.
The U.S. State Department announced that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon will be extended for 45 days to seek further progress. This decision was communicated on May 15, 2023.
French aircraft carrier "De Gaulle" arrives in the Arabian Sea to prepare for escort operations
The French Navy's aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has arrived in the Arabian Sea on May 15, 2023, to prepare for escort operations in the Hormuz Strait. This deployment is part of a multinational effort led by France and the UK to ensure safe navigation and prevent conflict in the region, emphasizing a defensive approach in accordance with international law.
The Gulf’s Strategic Awakening: How the 2026 Iran War Is Reshaping GCC Security Doctrine
On 14 May 2026, GCC interior ministers convened in Riyadh to address Iranian threats following a series of attacks on GCC territory. Saudi Arabia conducted covert airstrikes on Iran in March, marking a significant shift in its military posture. The UAE reported multiple interceptions of Iranian missiles and drones, while GCC states united in condemning Iranian maritime threats to the UN. The US has increased naval operations in the region to enforce a blockade against Iranian vessels.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri May 15 2026Loading...The Gulf's Air Defense Reckoning: Rearmament, Drones, and the Shifting Strategic Balance After 76 Days of the Iran War
On 14 May 2026, the Gulf Cooperation Council convened in Riyadh to address security concerns stemming from Iranian threats, including a foiled infiltration attempt in Kuwait. The UAE intercepted multiple missiles and drones during the conflict, while Iran has significantly increased its drone production. Ukraine has proposed defense cooperation with Gulf states, offering interceptor drones to counter Iranian capabilities. The situation has broader implications for global oil prices and regional security dynamics.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri May 15 2026Loading...
Video | The 78th "Disaster Day": Palestinians Hold Protests: We Will Not Leave
On May 15, 2023, large protests took place in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, commemorating Nakba Day and opposing Israeli occupation. Demonstrators emphasized their right to return to their homeland, asserting that displacement is unacceptable. Health officials reported ongoing violence, with at least 854 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire, and local residents described a lack of safety amid continuous attacks.
Yemen conflict parties reach agreement on releasing detained individuals, Guterres expresses welcome
On October 14, the UN Secretary-General welcomed an agreement between the Yemeni government and Houthi forces to release over 1600 detainees related to the conflict. This marks the largest release arrangement since the conflict began. The UN calls for cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and urges both parties to engage in constructive dialogue to promote a lasting peace in Yemen.
The US-China Summit Affects Hormuz: Xi Jinping Willing to Mediate the Iran War, Tehran Selectively Allows Chinese Ships to Pass
China offered to mediate the Iran war and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during a summit with the U.S. on May 14, 2026. Iran has allowed dozens of vessels, including those owned by China, to pass through the Strait under specific protocols. Tensions in the region escalated as the U.S. redirected commercial vessels in response to security threats.
Ahmed Al-RashidThu May 14 2026Loading...
Iran military threat is diminished but not eliminated, CENTCOM chief says
U.S. Central Command reported that its bombing campaign has significantly diminished Iran's military capabilities, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, where a blockade has been imposed. Despite this, Iran retains some missile capabilities and continues to threaten regional stability. The U.S. has eliminated 90% of Iran's naval mines and degraded its defense industrial base, but the situation remains tense with ongoing threats to maritime commerce.
Iran’s Navy won’t rebuild for 5 to 10 years, country unable to support proxies: CENTCOM
U.S. Central Command reported that Iran's Navy has been severely degraded by U.S. operations, with a 90% reduction in capabilities. It will take 5 to 10 years for Iran to rebuild its naval forces. Additionally, Iranian proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, have been cut off from weapons and support, significantly impacting their operational capabilities.
The UAE Plans to Invest Heavily to Reshape Its Defense Development Path
Abu Dhabi is transitioning from a security buyer to a strategic investor in defense, aiming to enhance its military production capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign forces. The UAE government plans to invest in defense technology companies and has established the EDGE defense group, which focuses on drones and electronic warfare systems. Recent threats from Iran have increased the urgency for these developments.
Gulf States at the Precipice: The Shadow War, the Fragile Ceasefire, and the Risk of Regional Conflagration
On 12 May 2026, four operatives of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attempted to infiltrate Kuwaiti territory via Bubiyan Island, marking a significant escalation in the Iran conflict. This incident occurred amid a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and revealed a shift in Gulf state military posture, with the UAE conducting retaliatory strikes against Iran. The situation underscores the increasing military tensions in the region and the potential for further conflict.
Ahmed Al-RashidThu May 14 2026Loading...
US Navy could run out of money by July, top officer warns
The U.S. Navy warned Congress that it needs additional funding by July to avoid disruptions in military training and operations. The U.S. Army has canceled the deployment of 4,000 soldiers to Poland amid rising costs from the ongoing Iran war, which has reached approximately $29 billion. The fiscal 2027 Defense Department budget request includes $1.5 trillion, with a significant portion allocated to the Navy. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran persist despite a ceasefire.
After Middle East ops, Navy to start feeling funding crunch this summer: CNO
The U.S. Navy will face financial limitations for training and exercises starting this summer due to the current pace of operations. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle indicated that decisions will need to be made regarding training and operations. The Navy currently has two aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East, and costs from Operation Epic Fury have reached $29 billion. The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford will require additional maintenance after its extended deployment.
Navy to run into financial constraints this summer due to current operations, CNO says
The U.S. Navy is facing financial constraints affecting training and operations due to the current pace of operations, with two aircraft carriers deployed to the Middle East. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle indicated that decisions will need to be made regarding training changes by July 2025. The costs from Operation Epic Fury have reached $29 billion, and the Gerald R. Ford will require additional maintenance after its extended deployment.
The Gulf States Under Fire: How the 2026 Iran War Is Reshaping GCC Defense Posture and Strategic Calculus
Iran launched over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones against GCC states, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iraq, from 28 February to 8 April 2026. The conflict has severely damaged military infrastructure, including the destruction of a key THAAD radar in Jordan. GCC states are accelerating rearmament and diversifying defense partnerships amid significant geopolitical shifts.
Ahmed Al-RashidWed May 13 2026Loading...
