Analysis & Reports

Iran conducted multiple attacks on a significant oil facility in Kuwait on July 18, resulting in injuries and substantial property damage.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted drone and missile strikes on multiple U.S. military targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan on July 18. The strikes targeted a fuel supply dock at Ahmadi Port, an aircraft assembly area in Bahrain, and a data center, resulting in the destruction of at least two fighter jets and three other aircraft.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) introduced the HYPNOSIS navigation warfare system to counter drone swarms by disrupting their navigation signals. This system employs jamming and spoofing techniques, offering a soft-kill defense option that complements existing missile defense systems. IAI aims to provide militaries with cost-effective solutions against the growing threat of inexpensive drones.

The U.S. is deploying dozens of aerial refueling aircraft to Israeli air force bases on the 18th, as confirmed by Israeli military sources. This decision aims to reduce the impact on civilian air traffic, with the Israeli Transportation Ministry previously limiting the number of U.S. refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion International Airport to 20. The deployment was coordinated with the Israeli military to ensure readiness.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone strikes against a U.S. military base in Azraq, Jordan, on the evening of the 17th. The attack resulted in the destruction of at least 2 fighter jets and 3 aircraft, with several others suffering significant damage.

An Iranian military attack on a seawater desalination and power generation facility in Kuwait caused damage to generator units on the morning of the 18th. This incident prompted local authorities to implement response plans to maintain stable power supply. It marks the second facility in Kuwait to be affected by attacks within two days.

Germany's Foreign Minister proposed deploying a European force to southern Lebanon on July 17, 2026, to replace UNIFIL after its mandate ends. This move aims to test Israel's withdrawal from 10 kilometers inside Lebanon and prevent a security vacuum that could be exploited by Hezbollah. The proposal follows recent conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah and emphasizes the need for a robust military presence to maintain stability in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

On July 17, four drones were shot down near the US consulate in Erbil, Iraq. A drone attack on an ammunition depot in Sulaymaniyah caused explosions and a fire. Additionally, Iran launched missiles at Sulaymaniyah, killing at least nine members of a local armed group. The Kurdish counter-terrorism agency reported the drone interceptions, highlighting a series of recent drone attacks in Iraq.

Iranian military advisor Mohsen Rezaei stated that the U.S. has violated the terms of the U.S.-Iran memorandum, rendering it irrelevant. He warned that if U.S. attacks continue, Iran will escalate to a 'full offensive and destruction' phase, targeting U.S. bases and soldiers outside its borders. Rezaei also noted that U.S. military actions are being conducted through a hybrid warfare approach against Iranian infrastructure.

The U.S. conducted an airstrike on civilian infrastructure in Hormozgan Province on the 17th, resulting in the deaths of 8 Iranian civilians, including a disabled pair of brothers. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a war crime, asserting that the Iranian people are more united than ever in response to U.S. aggression.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on six bridges in Hurmuzgan Province, Iran, resulting in the deaths of three civilians. Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian condemned the strikes, asserting that the victims were innocent and emphasizing Iran's commitment to defend its territory. The strikes occurred in the early morning of the 17th.

The U.S. plans to send dozens of refueling aircraft to Israel, aiming to restore operational levels as tensions with Iran escalate. President Trump is considering broader military actions, including potential airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. U.S. Central Command has already conducted multiple strikes against Iranian military targets in recent days.

U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets in Chabahar on July 17, 2023. This operation, lasting 7 hours and 40 minutes, aimed to weaken Iran's military capabilities and follows six consecutive nights of similar actions. The strikes destroyed a surveillance tower linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on multiple bridges and military infrastructure in Iran on September 16, 2023, aimed at disrupting supply lines to the port city of Abadan. This operation lasted for 7 hours and involved fighter jets, drones, and warships. The strikes resulted in at least 8 fatalities and 19 injuries, prompting a retaliatory response from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. This marks the sixth consecutive night of U.S. strikes against Iranian targets.

The U.S. Navy has failed to secure the Strait of Hormuz against Iranian opposition, despite moving 4,500 Marines into the region. This operational shortfall stems from historical gaps in mine warfare capabilities and logistical challenges. The ongoing situation poses significant risks to global navigation and economic stability, as both the U.S. and Iran have resumed strikes and blockades affecting maritime traffic.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched large-scale strikes against U.S. military targets in Kuwait and Syria on July 17, responding to a prior U.S. attack. The strikes targeted radar systems, weapon depots, and HIMARS launch sites, resulting in injuries to Kuwaiti soldiers and damage to a power and desalination facility. Kuwait condemned the attacks, asserting its right to defend national security.

The U.S. Military has expended over 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles in operations against Iran as of July 17, 2026, with estimates indicating 2,000 to 3,000 missiles remain. Following the collapse of a ceasefire on July 8, strikes resumed, raising concerns about the sustainability of U.S. missile stockpiles for future conflicts, particularly against China or Russia. The current production rate of Tomahawk missiles is insufficient to replenish the inventory depleted in the ongoing conflict.

Several personnel from the Kuwait Army were injured in a drone attack by Iran on the morning of the 17th. Kuwait's air defense systems successfully intercepted hostile missiles and drones. The attack caused a fire at a desalination and power facility in Kuwait. Iran has not yet responded to the incident.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a counterattack on July 17 against U.S. forces at Udeid Air Base in Qatar, destroying a long-range radar system and several strategic refueling aircraft. This action was in retaliation for a prior U.S. attack on Iranian non-military targets. Iran issued a warning to the U.S. regarding the consequences of attacking civilians and infrastructure.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles and drones on July 17, destroying multiple U.S. military aircraft in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on non-military targets in Southern Iran the previous night. The U.S. strikes targeted infrastructure in Abbas Port, including bridges and residential areas, resulting in casualties.