Analysis & Reports

Iran launched six ballistic missiles towards Israel on March 22, with the Israeli Defense Forces reporting that the missiles were likely intercepted. The missile launches triggered air defense alarms in the southern city of Eilat.

The U.S. Navy is experiencing a significant depletion of Tomahawk cruise missiles due to military operations in Iran, impacting its readiness to respond to potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific, particularly concerning Taiwan. This situation raises alarms within the Pentagon as the Navy faces challenges in quickly replenishing its missile stockpile. China is observing this inventory crisis, which may affect its strategic calculations regarding Taiwan.

On the evening of the 21st, the Israeli Air Force reported that two Iranian ballistic missiles were launched at the southern cities of Dimona and Arad but were not intercepted. The incidents were described as independent occurrences without systemic issues, and the missiles were identified as possibly belonging to the Qadr series.

On March 21, 2023, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone strikes against the Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, injuring over 100 people. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu described the night as very difficult, acknowledging the failure to intercept the missiles. This incident marks a significant escalation, as it is the first successful Iranian strike against the Negev nuclear research center's defenses since February 28.

Iran launched a series of drone and missile attacks against Gulf states, particularly targeting the United Arab Emirates, since early March 2026. The attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and significant economic damage, prompting Gulf Cooperation Council members to consider military responses. This escalation has strained diplomatic relations and led to a potential realignment among Gulf states, including a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. government approved arms sales exceeding $16.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan on March 19, 2023. This includes $5.6 billion for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles and $1.32 billion for CH-47 Chinook helicopters for the UAE. Additionally, an $8 billion sale of LTAMDS radar to Kuwait was confirmed.

A U.S. F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at a military base in the Middle East after being hit by Iranian fire on March 19, 2024. Since the conflict with Iran began, the U.S. has lost at least 16 aircraft, including several MQ-9 Reaper drones and F-15s due to various incidents. The U.S. military continues to face challenges from Iranian missile systems, which have been effective against U.S. operations.

On March 19, 2023, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps successfully hit a U.S. F-35 fighter jet with its domestic air defense system in Tehran, Iran. This incident surprised U.S. and Israeli officials, who previously believed that no defense system could track the F-35. The aircraft sustained severe damage and was forced to make an emergency landing. Iran is expected to demonstrate its new military capabilities in the coming days.

On March 22, 2023, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted missile and drone strikes against multiple southern Israeli cities, including Arad, Dimona, Eilat, and Beersheba, as well as U.S. military bases located in Kuwait and the UAE. This operation utilized various missile types, including Fateh, Qader, and Imad, as part of their ongoing military campaign.

Iranian forces launched a missile attack on a building in Dimona, Israel, on March 21, resulting in the collapse of the structure and injuring 39 individuals. Eyewitnesses reported a missile striking the area, followed by significant explosions. The attack occurred near a sensitive nuclear facility, prompting multiple air raid alerts in southern Israel.

U.S. Central Command recently destroyed an underground facility in Iran that housed anti-ship cruise missiles and mobile missile launchers using multiple 5000-pound bombs. This operation also targeted Iranian intelligence and radar stations, diminishing Iran's threat to navigation in the Hormuz Strait. To date, U.S. forces have attacked over 8000 Iranian military targets.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy conducted missile and drone strikes on air bases in Minhad, UAE, and Kuwait on March 21. The strikes targeted facilities used by US and Israeli aircraft, resulting in their destruction. The operation was confirmed by the IRGC Navy commander on social media.

On March 21, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran launched Operation 'Real Commitment-4', targeting Israel and the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet with Qader and Emad missiles. The operation successfully struck multiple locations in northern and central Israel, as well as the U.S. naval forces. Iran's military stated that this operation demonstrates its enhanced defensive capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is employing advanced Mine Countermeasures technologies in the Strait of Hormuz as part of Operation Epic Fury. This includes the use of MH-60S-mounted ALMDS lasers, AQS-20C sonar, and Barracuda drones to counter the threat of Iranian underwater mines. These efforts aim to ensure safe navigation and power projection in the region.

Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on multiple Israeli military bases on October 21, including the Northern Command base near Safed and the Golani Junction base west of Lake Tiberias. The attacks also targeted Israeli soldiers and vehicles in Metula and southern Lebanon.

Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) revealed the PİRANA kamikaze unmanned surface vessel, designed for the Turkish Navy. The vessel can operate autonomously or in swarms, complicating enemy detection. It features a speed of over 40 knots and a range exceeding 200 nautical miles, carrying a 100-kilogram warhead. Successful tests in 2025 demonstrated its capabilities, including integration with the Turkish Navy's TCG Anadolu and Bayraktar TB3 drone for real-time control.

The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier force is under significant strain during the ongoing conflict with Iran in 2026, with only 3-5 of its 11 carriers being combat ready. Operational issues, including malfunctions on the USS Gerald R. Ford and extended overhauls of other carriers, highlight logistical challenges that threaten U.S. power projection. The situation is exacerbated by Iranian threats and the Navy's inability to maintain a reliable operational fleet.

An AEGIR-W unmanned surface vessel was found by civilians off the coast of Ordu, Turkey. Authorities are expected to inspect and destroy the vessel, which is military-grade and designed for operations in contested environments. It is believed to have been used in testing related to the war in Ukraine, although this claim could not be independently verified.

Iran launched a significant attack on Gulf Cooperation Council member states from March 17 to 19, 2026, deploying 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,672 drones, primarily targeting the United Arab Emirates. The strikes severely damaged critical energy infrastructure in Qatar, prompting Gulf states to seek emergency military assistance from allies. Concurrently, Hezbollah escalated tensions by launching missiles at Israel, further complicating the regional security landscape.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Mar 21 2026Loading...

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 71st wave of the 'True Commitment-4' operation on March 21, attacking areas in Tel Aviv and Rishon Lezion with Imad and Qader missiles, as well as drones. U.S. military bases in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq were also targeted. The operation involved new tactics and modernized combat systems.