Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military has reported a 25% increase in spending on the war in Iran, raising the total cost estimate to over $47 billion. This information is based on Pentagon data obtained by Reuters, reflecting ongoing financial commitments in the region.

The U.S. military has spent over $47 billion on the war in Iran, exceeding previous estimates by over 25%. This includes projected costs of more than $29 billion for munitions and over $6 billion for military equipment losses. The rising costs are impacting political support for Republican candidates ahead of the upcoming elections. Pentagon officials are preparing to potentially restart heavy fighting after the midterm elections.

The United States deployed a Patriot missile defense system to Israel on October 28, 2026, amid rising tensions with Iran. This deployment signals Washington's expectation of potential escalation and serves to bolster Israel's air defense capabilities. The move comes as diplomatic efforts are underway in the region, highlighting the complex interplay between military readiness and negotiations. The Patriot system adds to Israel's existing defense architecture but does not guarantee immunity from missile threats.

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Trump conducted military operations in Venezuela and Iran without congressional approval, reflecting a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy authority. U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets were involved in missions over the U.S. Central Command area. Congress's abdication of its economic leverage allowed Trump to waive sanctions against Russia, further consolidating executive power. This unilateral approach has led to overstretched military resources and a lack of coherent strategy in ongoing conflicts.

Saudi Arabian airstrikes targeted a market and a gas station in Hazm, Jawf Governorate, on October 28, 2023, resulting in 14 deaths and 15 injuries. The attacks involved multiple strikes on the public market and nearby gas station, with casualties including women and children. This incident reflects an escalation in hostilities between Saudi forces and Houthi militants.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, killing three Hamas commanders on October 25-26, 2023. The strikes targeted a commander from the elite Nukhba unit in Khan Younis and two other commanders in Gaza City, all of whom were involved in the October 7 attack on Israel.

An explosion occurred near Aden International Airport on October 28, 2023, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of passengers. Houthi forces had issued a warning shortly before the blast, indicating it was a final ultimatum for personnel to leave. At the time of the explosion, a Saudi military transport aircraft was reportedly at the airport.

Iran continues to operate its fleet of 79 F-14 Tomcats, the only remaining operational units of this aircraft globally. Despite facing U.S. sanctions and military actions, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has maintained its F-14s since their acquisition before the Islamic Revolution. The aircraft played a significant role during the Iran-Iraq War, where they reportedly shot down 160 Iraqi planes.

Maris-Tech Ltd. introduced the Uranus-Drones-V2, an advanced onboard video and AI processing platform for UAVs, on October 28, 2026, in Rehovot, Israel. This platform enhances UAV autonomy by enabling real-time video processing and actionable intelligence generation directly onboard. It supports multiple sensors and is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications, already being integrated into customer platforms.

ASELSAN reported a record order backlog of $30.7 billion in the third quarter of 2026, driven by $7.5 billion in new orders. The company achieved a 28% revenue increase, with significant growth in export contracts and capital investments. ASELSAN's advancements include new air defense and underwater systems, reflecting its commitment to enhancing military capabilities.

Houthi forces launched a missile at Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura oil refinery on October 27, 2026, prompting Saudi coalition forces to intercept missiles and drones. In response to the escalating attacks, Egypt's parliament approved military support for Saudi Arabia. This development highlights the conflict's expansion beyond Yemen, targeting vital infrastructure and raising regional security concerns.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Oct 28 2026Loading...

U.S. Navy warships are currently deployed for extended periods of 10 to 12 months due to Operation Epic Fury, primarily using Diego Garcia for port calls. This situation has led to significant maintenance challenges, affecting the readiness of the fleet. Sailors report shortages of supplies and delays in mail, impacting their morale and operational effectiveness.

On October 27, 2023, the Houthis declared that Egypt's parliamentary authorization for military support to Saudi Arabia constitutes a declaration of war against Yemen. This statement followed a meeting in Tehran involving Saudi, Turkish, and Pakistani officials discussing regional security. The Egyptian parliament's decision allows President Sisi to take necessary measures to support Saudi Arabia against external threats.

Iran continues to operate its aging F-4 Phantom II fleet, which remains the largest in the world despite significant losses during the Iran-Iraq War. The Iranian Air Force (IRIAF) had ordered 3,000 M60 tanks, receiving only 460, while also acquiring 225 F-4 Phantoms, making it a formidable military force in the region before the Islamic Revolution curtailed further acquisitions.

The U.S. Air Force upgraded the B-2 Spirit Bomber in the late 2010s, enhancing its JDAM capacity to 80 and integrating the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator. These upgrades were crucial for its operational effectiveness, particularly during Operation Midnight Hammer against Iran's nuclear facilities. The B-2 remains a key asset despite its age, with plans for its replacement by the B-21 Raider.

The Israeli elections on October 27, 2026, resulted in no party achieving a clear majority, with Netanyahu's camp securing around 50 seats and the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot obtaining 52-53 seats. The elections are expected to impact military decisions regarding Iran, as discussions about potential military action are influenced by the political landscape. Voter turnout was notably high at over 74%, reflecting significant public engagement.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Oct 27 2026Loading...

The Trump administration is preparing for renewed military strikes against Iran following the midterm elections, with U.S. and Israeli forces poised to target Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities. Iran retains substantial drone and missile capabilities for potential retaliation, raising concerns about regional stability and oil prices. The situation is influenced by political considerations and the perceived vulnerability of the Iranian regime.

The U.S. Navy introduced the F-14D Super Tomcat, which replaced the F-14A's engines with GE F110s and increased strike range by 60%. It was actively used in combat sorties over Iraq during 2005-2006, with a total of 55 aircraft acquired. The last flight of an F-14D occurred on October 4, 2006, marking the end of its service.

The U.S. Army is experimenting with high-altitude balloons to enhance battlefield monitoring and strike capabilities against China. These balloons, capable of operating above 60,000 feet, are intended to create operational windows against adversarial networks. Recent military exercises in locations such as Guam and Japan have tested their integration with drones and other systems to improve reconnaissance and targeting efficiency.

MBDA is enhancing air defense capabilities with the Mistral 3 missile and new SIMBAD-RC naval launchers, responding to increased demand from over 50 global customers. The Spanish Navy has signed a contract for three SIMBAD-RC 2 systems, while the Mistral 3 missile continues to be procured by NATO countries. Production rates are being increased to meet the needs of military operations in Ukraine and the Middle East, with deliveries expected by 2027.