Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military is actively targeting Iranian factories producing one-way attack drones and is conducting operations against mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This follows the initiation of air and missile strikes against Iran on February 28, 2023, as part of Operation Epic Fury. The U.S. aims to prevent Iran from using its estimated stockpile of 6,000 sea mines to threaten commercial shipping in the vital waterway.

China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation is developing the JH-XX stealth bomber, designed with a tailless delta-wing and three engines, with prototypes expected to fly in late 2024 and 2025. The aircraft has a combat radius of 2,000 km, positioning it as a potential threat to U.S. interests in the region. This development aims to complement existing bombers and enhance China's military capabilities in contested environments.

The U.S. Army is preparing for a potential invasion of Iran in 2026, facing significant challenges due to the country's geography and military strategy. Despite overwhelming technological and budgetary advantages, the complexities of occupying a nation four times the size of Iraq and the threat of asymmetric warfare from Iran complicate the operation. Logistical support for hundreds of thousands of troops would be critical amidst missile attacks and insurgent activities.

Russian forces launched 137 drones against Ukraine from the night of September 9 to the early morning of September 10, with Ukrainian air defense intercepting 122 of them. The Russian military continues its offensive operations in various regions, including Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia. Meanwhile, a phone call between Russian President Putin and U.S. President Trump focused on the Ukraine situation, with discussions on military support and ongoing negotiations.

French President Macron announced the deployment of naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz on October 9, 2023, to ensure maritime security and protect European interests. The deployment includes 8 naval vessels, an aircraft carrier strike group, and 2 amphibious assault ships. Macron stated that this operation is a response to recent threats in the region, particularly concerning Iranian drone attacks.

A missile strike hit a school in Minab, Iran, on February 28, killing at least 165 students. Evidence suggests the missile was a Tomahawk, typically used by U.S. forces, leading to accusations of U.S. involvement. The incident has prompted significant international outcry and calls for investigation from U.S. lawmakers and human rights organizations.

Abraham Lincoln expressed frustration with Union generals McClellan, Hooker, and Meade during the American Civil War due to their failures in critical battles. This dissatisfaction led to the elevation of Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, who ultimately secured significant victories for the Union. The report evaluates the military leadership and decisions that shaped the course of the war.

American voters largely oppose the U.S. military action against Iran, with 53% against the war and 74% opposing ground troop deployment. The Quinnipiac University poll, conducted from March 6 to 8, indicates a significant divide in opinion along party lines, with Democrats and Independents predominantly opposing the conflict. Additionally, 55% of voters do not see Iran as an imminent threat, while 77% anticipate potential terrorist retaliation on U.S. soil.

NATO is conducting the Cold Response 2026 exercise in Norway from March 9-19, 2026, involving 25,000 personnel from 14 nations. The exercise serves as a test for European military coordination amid pressures for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its defense. Discussions on deeper defense integration are ongoing, with public support for a common defense policy at 81%. However, challenges regarding command structures and political cohesion persist among European nations.

Alexandra ReevesTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

U.S. military operations against Iran have been ongoing since February 28, 2026, with over 5,000 targets attacked. Seven U.S. service members have been killed in Iranian attacks, while Iran's missile and drone capabilities have significantly decreased. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that President Trump will determine the conflict's objectives and end state, indicating that the war may be nearing its conclusion but without a specific timeline.

Two Iranian warships docked in Kochi, India, and Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, following the sinking of the Iris Dena by a U.S. submarine on March 4th, 2023. The Iranian Navy's vessels sought refuge after the incident, which raised concerns about the potential expansion of U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. Both India and Sri Lanka characterized their decisions to allow the ships to dock as humanitarian gestures.

Two Iranian warships docked in Kochi, India, and Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, following the sinking of the Iris Dena by a U.S. submarine on March 4th, 2023. The incident raised concerns about the expansion of U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran beyond the Persian Gulf. Both India and Sri Lanka characterized their actions as humanitarian, while the U.S. emphasized its military capabilities in the region.

U.S. military operations against Iran continue on day 11, with Defense Secretary Hegseth stating that strikes are intensifying. President Trump provided conflicting messages about the war's status, claiming significant military success while also indicating that operations are just beginning. The Pentagon's airstrikes have reportedly cost $5.6 billion, and Iranian officials assert their readiness for a prolonged conflict.

ECOWAS announced the deployment of 2000 soldiers by 2026, while the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) launched a unified force of 5000 soldiers in December 2025. On March 10, 2026, ISIS-Sahel attacked the Tahoua airport in Niger, targeting military drones. The security situation in the Sahel remains dire, with over 2.6 million displaced and terrorism-related deaths surpassing 10,000 in 2025.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

The U.S. military is on day 11 of its campaign in Iran, targeting missile capabilities and the navy. Over 5,000 targets have been struck, resulting in a 90% reduction in Iranian ballistic missile attacks. Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the campaign is focused and not protracted, while the U.S. investigates claims of civilian casualties from Iranian actions.

The U.S. military is on day 11 of its campaign in Iran, targeting missile capabilities and the navy. Over 5,000 targets have been struck, resulting in a 90% reduction in Iranian ballistic missile attacks. Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the campaign is focused and not open-ended, while the U.S. investigates claims of civilian casualties from missile strikes. The military continues to work alongside regional partners to intercept drone threats.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran from March 2 to March 8, 2023, using 820 munitions in Lebanon and 5,000 in Iran. The operations resulted in the deaths of 2 Israeli soldiers and the elimination of 190 Hezbollah members. The IDF has warned residents of southern Beirut to evacuate as it continues its military campaign against both fronts.

Iran's Kilo-class submarines are currently out of action following air strikes, with at least one submarine, likely the IRIS Taregh, struck at its pier in Bandar Abbas in March 2026. The Iranian Navy's operational capabilities have been significantly degraded due to ongoing refits and air dominance by U.S. and Israeli forces, leaving the submarines unable to effectively engage in naval operations.

Retired Army Lt. Col. Alan Johnson, who survived the Iranian missile strike on Al-Asad Air Base in January 2020, highlighted the challenges of diagnosing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in combat. He advocates for a new smartphone app, the READY tool, to assess TBIs more effectively in austere environments. Johnson noted that many soldiers underreport symptoms to return to duty, leading to delayed diagnoses and increased casualties. The report emphasizes the need for improved TBI assessment methods in military operations.

Retired Army Lt. Col. Alan Johnson testified before Congress about the challenges of diagnosing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in combat, citing the Iranian missile strike on Al-Asad Air Base in January 2020. He emphasized that many soldiers underreport symptoms, leading to delayed diagnoses. Johnson advocates for a new smartphone app designed to assess cognitive alertness rapidly in austere environments, which could improve TBI detection among troops.