Analysis & Reports

Iran launched attacks on over 55 Israeli military facilities and U.S. bases in the Middle East on March 21, 2023. The U.S. is deploying 3 warships and 2,500 Marines to the region while considering military de-escalation. Israel is targeting Iranian regime officials in Tehran, and the UAE intercepted multiple missiles and drones from Iran. Iran's leadership has rejected ceasefire proposals and demands full war cessation.

Iran launched a coordinated assault on Gulf Cooperation Council states, firing 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,672 drones since February 28, 2026. The attacks targeted critical energy infrastructure and military installations, resulting in civilian casualties and significant damage. Saudi Arabia faced missile strikes over Riyadh, leading to heightened tensions and warnings from its leadership. The conflict has profound implications for regional security and global energy markets.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Mar 21 2026Loading...

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 70th wave of Operation 'True Promise-4' on March 21, 2023, targeting over 55 Israeli military facilities and U.S. bases in the Middle East. The operation involved the use of Ghiam and Imad missiles, drones, and multiple warhead Khorramshahr-4 and Qader missiles. Key locations included Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and Erbil Air Base in Iraq.

The U.S. Department of Defense is preparing for a potential deployment of ground troops to Iran, with 2500 Marines and 3 warships being sent to the Middle East. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched military operations against Israeli and U.S. targets. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi emphasized that Iran does not seek conflict with Islamic nations. Additionally, the Israeli Defense Forces reported the death of an Iranian intelligence officer during recent operations.

On October 19, 2023, Iran's air defense system struck a U.S. F-35 fighter jet, causing significant damage and forcing an emergency landing at a U.S. military base in the Middle East. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the incident, claiming it showcases Iran's enhanced deterrent capabilities. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the emergency landing and stated that the pilot was safe and stable.

U.S. forces successfully deployed the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in combat against Iran, targeting air defenses and command-and-control networks. The missile's capabilities were highlighted during operations on February 28 and March 2, 2023. The U.S. military plans to increase PrSM procurement to enhance its operational capacity in the Middle East, Pacific, and Europe.

The U.S. Navy is retiring Ticonderoga-class cruisers, significantly reducing missile capacity and impacting naval operations in the Persian Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean. This transition pressures the fleet to reassign air defense roles to smaller platforms and aligns with a strategic shift toward distributed maritime operations. Concerns about a capability gap until next-generation surface combatants are operational have been raised.

The U.S. military redirected a carrier strike group and THAAD interceptors from the Indo-Pacific to the Persian Gulf in response to the Iran conflict. This shift has raised concerns among U.S. allies in Asia about the reliability of American commitments. The Pentagon reported that the war's cost exceeded $11.3 billion in its first six days, while Australia sent military assets to the Middle East. Concurrently, China's military activities around Taiwan and in the South China Sea persist.

Marcus ChenFri Mar 20 2026Loading...

Elbit Systems secured a contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense to develop high-powered laser systems for military aircraft, including fixed-wing and helicopter variants. The laser technology aims to provide an economical solution for countering drone threats, capable of operating in diverse atmospheric conditions. This advancement is part of Israel's broader efforts to enhance its aerial defense capabilities with innovative weapon systems.

Gulf Cooperation Council states intercepted 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,699 drones from Iran between February 28 and March 18, 2026. This defensive success, with interception rates exceeding 90 percent, has allowed regional infrastructure to remain operational despite ongoing threats. The conflict, initiated by US-Israeli strikes, has not escalated into widespread regional damage or casualties.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Mar 20 2026Loading...

The U.S. redeployed approximately 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Tripoli from Okinawa to the Middle East on March 13, 2026. This move coincided with North Korea's launch of ten ballistic missiles, highlighting regional security concerns. Additionally, advanced air defense systems, including THAAD interceptors, are being relocated from South Korea, further diminishing U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Marcus ChenFri Mar 20 2026Loading...

Iran has launched a significant drone campaign against Gulf Arab states, utilizing thousands of Shahed-series UAVs to target U.S. bases and commercial hubs in Bahrain, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. This operation has resulted in fatalities and aims to degrade regional air defenses. Ukraine has responded by sending experts to assist Gulf partners in countering these drone threats, reflecting lessons learned from their own conflict with Russia.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II sustained combat damage from a missile attack over Iran on March 19, 2026, requiring an emergency landing. The incident, confirmed by CENTCOM, raises concerns about the effectiveness of the aircraft's missile warning systems. The F-35A landed safely with no pilot casualties, but the attack highlights ongoing risks from Iranian air defenses.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs are actively hunting and destroying Iranian fast-attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz, neutralizing over 120 vessels. Under the leadership of Gen. Dan Caine, the A-10s have been granted an extension of service until 2029, enhancing regional stability. Equipped with advanced weaponry, the A-10s are effectively engaging maritime threats in this strategic area.

The U.S. Navy launched 319 Tomahawk missiles during Operation Epic Fury, significantly depleting its inventory. In response to the ongoing conflict in Iran, the Department of Defense has partnered with RTX Corporation to boost annual production to 1,000 units. The complexity of the Tomahawk missile and supply chain constraints pose challenges for rapid replenishment of stockpiles.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are actively conducting combat missions against Iranian-backed drones in Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Epic Fury. Equipped with APKWS laser-guided rockets and AIM-9M Sidewinders, the A-10s are adapting to counter the growing drone threat. This shift in operational focus highlights the aircraft's evolving role from traditional close air support to countering unmanned aerial systems.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 67th wave of Operation 'True Commitment-4' on March 20, 2023, targeting U.S. military bases in Kuwait and various military facilities in Israel using heavy missiles and drones. The operation aimed to commemorate fallen IRGC spokesperson Naini and involved precise strikes on drone command centers and missile defense radars.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have hit a U.S. F-35 aircraft on March 19, 2023, causing significant damage. This incident was described by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as a blow to U.S. military arrogance, indicating that Iran's air defense systems remain capable against advanced military technology. The event took place in Tehran, Iran.

Iranian armed forces launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets and U.S. military bases in Saudi Arabia on March 20. Explosions were reported in central Israel, including Ashkelon and Ashdod, with one missile hitting a target. Additionally, a suicide drone attack targeted Prince Sultan Air Base, resulting in explosions and fires.

In March 2023, the U.S. military engaged in intercepting over 2,100 Iranian drone attacks in the Middle East using more than 1,000 Patriot missiles. The U.S. is also deploying 10,000 Beehive drones to enhance air defense capabilities and improve cost-effectiveness against Iranian threats. Additionally, the U.S. plans to increase Tomahawk missile production significantly to address ongoing military needs.