Analysis & Reports

Iran has threatened to blockade the Hormuz Strait following recent military actions by the U.S. and Israel, raising concerns over global oil supply. The Strait is vital for oil transport, with 20% of the world's oil passing through it. Increased tensions have led to rising oil prices and logistical adjustments by shipping companies.

U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. will soon retaliate against the attack on its embassy in Saudi Arabia. He expressed that there is no need for ground military action against Iran during an interview on March 2, 2023.

The U.S. State Department urged American citizens to leave Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan immediately on March 2, 2023. This warning follows military strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran on February 28, which have led to retaliatory attacks by Iran on U.S. facilities in the region.

U.S. Cyber Command and Space Command initiated operations to disrupt Iranian communications and sensor networks during the recent conflict with Iran. This action was part of a broader military strategy to employ non-kinetic effects in warfare. Tehran-linked hackers are reportedly increasing their cyber reconnaissance efforts in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes.

U.S. President Trump announced that military operations against Iran are ongoing, targeting its naval and missile capabilities. He indicated that these operations could last 4 to 5 weeks, with readiness for extended action. The U.S. has reportedly sunk 10 Iranian naval vessels as part of these efforts.

U.S. Air Force pilots are facing significant mental and physical stress due to the demands of ongoing air operations in Iran. The high tempo of missions, including extended Combat Air Patrols, is pushing pilots to their limits, resulting in cognitive overload and fatigue. This situation is prompting discussions about the future of manned combat operations and the potential shift towards unmanned systems.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, may open a new front in the ongoing Middle East crisis as Tehran launches strikes around the region.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that military operations against Iran will not be prolonged, aiming to eliminate Iran's offensive missile capabilities and naval infrastructure. The operations are expanding, with additional aircraft expected to join. Austin indicated that no U.S. troops have yet entered Iran, and the potential duration of the operations is estimated at 4 to 5 weeks.

U.S. Secretary of Defense stated that U.S. ground forces have not been deployed in Iran as of March 2. The mission aims to destroy Iran's missile capabilities and navy while preventing nuclear weapon development. The possibility of future actions remains open, with President Trump holding the authority to determine the timing of any operations.

France is prepared to participate in defense operations with Gulf countries, as stated by French Foreign Minister on March 2.

Smoke was observed rising from the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City on March 2, with the cause currently unknown. Witnesses reported seeing smoke from within the embassy, but no official confirmation has been provided. The U.S. Embassy urged the public to avoid the area and seek shelter due to ongoing threats of missile and drone attacks. Kuwait's defense forces intercepted several aerial threats on the same day.

A drone strike hit the Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia, causing a fire and prompting Aramco to halt operations. The facility, crucial for oil refining and exports, experienced significant disruption. Regional allies, including the U.S. and Gulf states, condemned the attack, emphasizing their right to self-defense under international law.

Iran launched an attack on a U.S. military base in Manama, Bahrain, on March 1, resulting in significant smoke over the capital. The U.S. embassy announced its closure due to ongoing regional tensions, following a series of retaliatory strikes against U.S. facilities in the area since February 28. The situation reflects escalating hostilities in the region.

Senator Tim Kaine is forcing a vote on a war powers resolution this week in Washington, aiming to limit President Trump's military actions in Iran. Three US servicemembers were killed and five wounded during operations in Kuwait, with Trump indicating the conflict may last up to four weeks. The US military employed B-2 bombers and F-35 fighter jets in these operations, which have sparked political division among lawmakers.

Operation Epic Fury involves U.S. and Israeli forces conducting kinetic strikes against Iran, supported by cyber operations. These operations aim to gather intelligence on high-value targets and disrupt Iranian communications and defenses. The use of cyber capabilities is expected to play a significant role in the ongoing conflict, including messaging to the Iranian populace and military.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran, targeting both nuclear facilities and key political objectives. President Trump announced that these strikes would continue for at least a week. This military action has sparked significant debate within the U.S. regarding presidential war powers and the implications for regional stability in the Middle East.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem expressed condolences for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei on March 1, accusing the U.S. and Israel of aggression against Iran. He vowed that Hezbollah would continue to follow Khamenei's path of resistance and promised to fight on despite potential sacrifices.

The US military reduced its personnel at the Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain to fewer than 100 amid a significant military buildup in the Middle East, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. Iran conducted military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its readiness for potential conflict. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are enhancing their defense capabilities in response to the escalating tensions with Iran. The situation reflects a complex balance of military readiness and diplomatic caution among regional powers.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, died at the age of 86 following a major attack by Israel and the United States. His death raises significant questions about the future of the Islamic Republic, as the 88-seat Assembly of Experts will choose his successor. The Iranian government has declared 40 days of public mourning and a seven-day nationwide holiday.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, died at the age of 86 following a major attack by Israel and the United States. His death raises significant questions about the future of the Islamic Republic, as the 88-seat Assembly of Experts will choose his successor. The Iranian government has declared 40 days of mourning and a nationwide public holiday.