Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Armed Forces are surging military resources, including 5,000 personnel and various equipment, to the Middle East to enhance operations against Iranian military targets. Special operations forces are being deployed from U.S. bases, and airstrikes have increased under the direction of U.S. Central Command. The ongoing military operations have incurred costs of $37 billion, prompting additional funding requests from Congress.

A Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet in air-to-air combat on the eastern front in July 2026. This marks the first air-to-air kill by a Ukrainian F-16 since their deployment in 2024. The engagement highlights the advancements in Ukraine's air defense capabilities, as confirmed by U.S. military officials.

A U.S. airstrike on Shalamcheh, Iran, on the 23rd resulted in the death of Iranian Army officer Amir Mohammad Salehimi. The attack also left 11 others injured, with a total of 2 fatalities reported. The strike involved missile usage and targeted the border area with Iraq.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets on July 22-23, 2023, including facilities in Shalamcheh, Iran. In response, Iranian forces attacked U.S. military installations in Jordan and Kuwait, resulting in casualties. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, preparing for further operations against Iran.

Public dissatisfaction with the Iran conflict has reached historic levels, with 68% of Americans stating it is not worth fighting. President Trump's approval rating regarding the war has plummeted to -40, reflecting significant discontent. The ongoing conflict has also led to rising gas prices and concerns among Republican lawmakers about the political ramifications as midterm elections approach.

Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers off the coast of Shuqaiq on the 23rd, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, resulting in fires on the vessels. The attack prompted warnings from the Houthis against Saudi military actions and threats from the U.S. to hold Iran accountable. This incident marks a significant escalation in maritime tensions in the region.

The US Navy is actively enforcing a blockade on Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, conducting escort missions and mine countermeasures. Despite ongoing threats from Iranian forces, no US ships have been lost in combat. The blockade is exerting economic pressure on Iran, while US naval capabilities continue to perform effectively in the region.

The U.S. military is conducting a conventional campaign against Iran, focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran employs asymmetric tactics, including drone attacks and threats to commercial shipping. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continues to control fast boats and missiles, posing challenges to U.S. operations. Iran's strategy aims to impose economic costs and outlast U.S. efforts in the region.

On the 23rd, the Kuwaiti military reported a drone attack on the Abdali border crossing with Iraq, resulting in damage to facilities. No casualties were reported from the incident.

Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea on July 22, 2023, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The attack highlights the strategic significance of Bab al-Mandeb as a chokepoint for Saudi oil exports. Saudi Arabia confirmed damage to the Encelia but reported no casualties among the crew. This incident escalates tensions in the region and poses a threat to maritime security.

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The European Union has authorized its naval mission, Operation Atalanta, to intercept Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Indian Ocean. This decision allows EU forces to stop and board vessels suspected of operating under false flags, expanding their operational reach against illicit maritime activities. The announcement was made by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, emphasizing the EU's commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russia's oil trade.

Iranian armed forces announced they will continue to strike U.S. military targets in Jordan and Kuwait as long as U.S. military actions against Iran persist. This statement was made by an Iranian military spokesperson on July 23, following U.S. attacks on Iranian infrastructure and coastal areas. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed the strikes on U.S. facilities in response to these actions.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted strikes against U.S. military facilities in Jordan and Kuwait on July 23, 2023, in retaliation for U.S. military actions. In Jordan, a U.S. base was attacked, destroying a THAAD radar and a Patriot air defense system. In Kuwait, two helicopter hangars at Ali Al Salem Air Base were targeted, causing U.S. personnel casualties. Iran stated that the strikes were aimed solely at U.S. military assets, respecting the sovereignty of Jordan and Kuwait.

The U.S. is increasing troop deployments, medical personnel, and equipment to the Middle East to provide President Trump with more military options. Recent deployments include special operations forces and fighter jets, with over 150 medical personnel arriving in Germany for casualty treatment. The U.S. Navy maintains 17 vessels in the region, indicating readiness for potential military actions against Houthi forces.

Iran launched a ballistic missile and drone attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17, 2026, resulting in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and injuries to four others. This attack exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. air defense systems, particularly the Patriot and THAAD systems. In response, the U.S. conducted strikes against Iranian operational centers, highlighting the ongoing military tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the region.

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Iranian military drones struck three U.S. military bases in Kuwait on July 23, targeting ammunition and logistics warehouses at Doha Camp, fuel depots at Ali Al Salem Air Base, and ammunition storage at Arifjan Camp. This operation involved a large-scale deployment of drones and follows multiple statements from Iran regarding its military actions against U.S. forces in the region.

U.S. military forces attacked and damaged two rescue vessels in Hormozgan Province on July 22. This incident is part of ongoing military operations, marking the 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, which lasted for five hours.

The Iranian military conducted large-scale drone strikes against U.S. military bases in Kuwait, targeting ammunition and logistics warehouses at Doha Camp and Ali Al Faris Base. This action was announced a few hours ago on the 23rd, with the Iranian military emphasizing their ongoing operations against U.S. forces in the region.

U.S. Central Command concluded 12 consecutive nights of airstrikes against Iranian military targets on July 22, 2023, at 10:30 PM EDT. The strikes lasted for 5 hours and targeted facilities including missile and drone storage, coastal monitoring sites, and air defense systems. Additionally, the U.S. has resumed maritime blockade operations, forcing 9 merchant vessels to alter their routes and rendering one vessel inoperable.

Iran has conducted missile strikes against U.S. forces in Jordan, utilizing improved ballistic missiles and drones. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has emphasized advancements in missile technology, particularly in evading defense systems. Reports indicate that Iran possesses around 2500 missiles, with ongoing improvements to their capabilities. This follows a series of retaliatory actions against U.S. military positions since mid-July 2023.