Analysis & Reports

On June 20, 1898, the USS Charleston bombarded the fort at Santa Cruz, Guam, mistaking the initial warning shots for a salute. Spanish authorities, unaware of the war declaration, were shocked to learn of their status as prisoners of war. Governor Juan Marina Vega eventually surrendered the Spanish garrison to the Americans, leading to Guam's formal cession to the U.S. in the Treaty of Paris.

The U.S. Navy opened a $2.4 billion manufacturing facility in Cherokee, Alabama, in March 2026, aimed at enhancing the production of Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines. This state-of-the-art facility, operated by Hadrian, is designed to alleviate construction delays and improve the efficiency of submarine component manufacturing. It is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs and significantly increase production capabilities through advanced automation.

On March 25, 2023, U.S. Central Command reported that it has attacked over 10,000 Iranian military targets, destroying 92% of Iran's large naval vessels. The frequency of Iranian missile and drone launches has decreased by over 90%. In response, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps initiated a counter-offensive against over 70 targets in Israel, including Haifa, Dimona, and Tel Aviv. The U.S. also denied claims of an F-18 being shot down by Iranian defenses.

The U.S. government continues negotiations with Iran while warning against misjudgments. Israel is actively conducting military operations against Iranian targets, fearing a sudden U.S. ceasefire. Iran's foreign minister asserts that the conflict is instigated by Israel, and Iran may open new fronts if attacked. A meeting in Pakistan is being arranged to discuss a potential U.S. withdrawal from the conflict.

The U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer is currently conducting high-value bombing missions over Iran while undergoing significant upgrades, including the integration of hypersonic missiles. These enhancements aim to increase the aircraft's lethality and operational capacity, with a reconfigured bomb bay allowing for a greater weapons load. The upgrades are part of a strategy to maintain the bomber fleet's effectiveness until the arrival of the new B-21 Raider.

Russian forces conducted strikes on Ukrainian drone assembly workshops and energy facilities while controlling a settlement in Donetsk. Ukrainian forces repelled 191 attacks and shot down 2459 Russian drones, also targeting a significant Russian position with missile and artillery fire. Additionally, Ukraine executed a long-range strike on Russian oil infrastructure along the Baltic coast.

President Trump paused U.S. strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days amid diplomatic talks involving Pakistan and Turkey regarding the Iran war. Iran's Foreign Minister denied any ceasefire discussions, while both Pakistan and Turkey face significant pressures in mediating the situation. The U.S. military maintains readiness with B-52H Stratofortress deployments, highlighting ongoing military considerations in the region.

Seventeen elite sniper teams competed in the U.S. Army Special Operations Command International Sniper Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from March 15-19. The U.S. Army Special Operations Command team secured first place, showcasing their skills alongside teams from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and allied nations. The competition tested combat readiness under challenging conditions, including day and night operations.

Seventeen elite sniper teams participated in the U.S. Army Special Operations Command International Sniper Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from March 15-19. The U.S. Army Special Operations Command team secured first place, showcasing their skills alongside teams from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied nations. The competition tested combat readiness under challenging conditions, including day and night operations.

The U.S. Army deployed the Typhon missile system to northern Luzon, Philippines in April 2024, enhancing its military capabilities in the region. This deployment is part of Exercise Salaknib and aims to counter Chinese influence in the South China Sea. The Typhon system can launch Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles, allowing for long-range precision strikes. U.S. officials are considering future rotations or additional deployments of the system in Japan as well.

Six cruise ships remain trapped in ports across the Arabian Gulf due to Iranian forces laying naval mines and threatening maritime exits. The vessels, operated by various cruise lines, are docked in Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, missing crucial repositioning windows for upcoming itineraries. This disruption is part of a larger crisis affecting global shipping and tourism, with nearly 2,000 commercial vessels impacted by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Foreign Minister announced that the U.S. has conveyed proposals for ending the war through friendly nations. However, he clarified that this communication does not equate to negotiations with the U.S. The statements were made during an interview on March 25 in Tehran.

Iran's Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warned that enemies are preparing to launch an operation to occupy Iranian islands, allegedly with support from a regional country. He stated that all enemy movements are under surveillance and threatened severe retaliation against critical infrastructure in the supporting country if any action is taken.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its air defense system shot down a U.S. F-18 fighter jet on March 25, resulting in the aircraft crashing into the Indian Ocean. This marks the fourth successful interception of U.S. and Israeli aircraft by the IRGC.

An Iranian military source announced that Iran is prepared to open a new front in the Mandeb Strait if it faces ground or naval attacks. This statement comes amid tensions regarding potential U.S. actions in the region. The Houthi forces are also contemplating support for Iran against perceived threats from the U.S. and Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel will continue airstrikes against military targets in Iran as of March 25, 2023. The Israeli Defense Forces are focusing on military assets, including weapons production facilities, amid concerns that U.S. President Trump may abruptly end military operations. Israel's airspace remains restricted for commercial flights until April 16, 2023.

Iran's Foreign Minister stated that a ceasefire without guarantees will lead to a cycle of war. He demanded that the opposing side end the conflict according to Iran's terms, ensuring that the war does not recur and compensating the Iranian people for their losses.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the establishment of a larger buffer zone in Lebanon to counter Hezbollah's anti-tank missile threat. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting airstrikes and ground operations against Hezbollah positions, with a focus on dismantling their capabilities. Airstrikes have targeted bridges in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah has responded by launching rockets into northern Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the destruction of Iranian military industrial facilities within 48 hours on March 24, 2023, due to concerns that U.S. President Trump might abruptly end military actions amid increasing negotiations with Iran.

The U.S. government is arranging a meeting in Pakistan to discuss a ceasefire plan with Iran, scheduled for the weekend of March 25, 2023. Vice President Pence is expected to attend, although details about the timing and participants remain uncertain. Iran has rejected the U.S. proposal and outlined five conditions for a ceasefire, while the possibility of Iranian representatives attending the talks is unclear.