Defense and Military Forces – War Watch

Caine, John Daniel (1968- ) | Defense and Military Forces | Hegseth, Pete | Hezbollah | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Joint Chiefs of Staff | Lebanon | Pakistan | Peace Process | Ships and Shipping | Strait of Hormuz | Trump, Donald J | United Arab Emirates | United States | United States Defense and Military Forces | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026)

Trump Says U.S. Pausing Efforts to Guide Ships Through Strait Blocked by Iran
ByEric Schmitt, Greg Jaffe, Leo Sands and Erica L. Green May 5, 2026May 6, 2026

President Trump said a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would “remain in full force.” The shift came after the defense secretary said U.S. efforts to free trapped vessels would continue.

Read More Trump Says U.S. Pausing Efforts to Guide Ships Through Strait Blocked by Iran
Defense and Military Forces | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Peace Process | Ships and Shipping | Strait of Hormuz | Trump, Donald J | United States Defense and Military Forces | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026)

What We Know About ‘Project Freedom’ in the Strait of Hormuz
ByAmelia Nierenberg May 5, 2026May 5, 2026

Violence flared in the waterway on Monday after President Trump said the United States would help guide stranded ships. It’s not clear exactly how the plan is working.

Read More What We Know About ‘Project Freedom’ in the Strait of Hormuz
Defense and Military Forces | International Relations | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline | Ships and Shipping | Strait of Hormuz | Trump, Donald J | United States Central Command | United States Defense and Military Forces | United States International Relations | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) | War and Armed Conflicts

Strikes in U.A.E., Oman and at Sea Strain Iran Truce to the Breaking Point
ByAaron Boxerman and Sanam Mahoozi May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

The drone and missile attacks were the first of their kind since the U.S.-Iranian cease-fire began last month. They coincided with reported clashes between American and Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Read More Strikes in U.A.E., Oman and at Sea Strain Iran Truce to the Breaking Point
Arms trade | Defense and Military Forces | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Kuwait | Middle East | Missiles and Missile Defense Systems | Qatar | Rubio, Marco | State Department | United Arab Emirates | United States International Relations | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026)

U.S. Fast-Tracks Arms Deals Valued at $8.6 Billion to Mideast Partners
ByAaron Boxerman and Edward Wong May 2, 2026May 2, 2026

The Persian Gulf countries and Israel have faced repeated Iranian attacks during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The State Department move bypassed congressional review.

Read More U.S. Fast-Tracks Arms Deals Valued at $8.6 Billion to Mideast Partners
Defense and Military Forces | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Missiles and Missile Defense Systems | Persian Gulf | United Arab Emirates | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026)

Israel Said to Have Helped Defend Emirates in Iran War With Iron Dome
ByAdam Rasgon May 1, 2026May 4, 2026

It appeared to be the first time the missile defense system was sent to an Arab country. The Emirates bore the brunt of Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries during the war.

Read More Israel Said to Have Helped Defend Emirates in Iran War With Iron Dome
Defense and Military Forces | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Nuclear weapons | Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline | Peace Process | Ships and Shipping | Strait of Hormuz | Trump, Donald J | United States Defense and Military Forces | United States International Relations | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026)

Trump ‘Not Satisfied’ With Iran’s Proposal on Ending War
ByYeganeh Torbati and Leily Nikounazar May 1, 2026May 2, 2026

The details of the latest plan were unclear, and President Trump did not specify his objections.

Read More Trump ‘Not Satisfied’ With Iran’s Proposal on Ending War
Civilian Casualties | Defense and Military Forces | Hezbollah | International Relations | Iran | Iran-Israel Proxy Conflict | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Lebanon | Nasrallah, Hassan | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) | War and Armed Conflicts

As Israel Entrenches, Frustration With Hezbollah Turns to Support
ByChristina Goldbaum and David Guttenfelder May 1, 2026May 2, 2026

With the cease-fire fraying and Israel demolishing villages in the south, many Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon are putting aside their annoyance with the group and turning to it for protection.

Read More As Israel Entrenches, Frustration With Hezbollah Turns to Support
Defense and Military Forces | Drones (Pilotless Planes) | Hezbollah | International Relations | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Lebanon | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026)

Hezbollah Using Fiber-Optic Drones Against Israeli Targets
ByIsabel Kershner, Natan Odenheimer, Aaron Boxerman and Adam Rasgon April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

The Lebanese militant group is attacking Israeli troops with explosive drones controlled by fiber-optic cables, like those commonly used in the war in Ukraine.

Read More Hezbollah Using Fiber-Optic Drones Against Israeli Targets
Defense and Military Forces | Demonstrations, Protests and Riots | Gaza Strip | Global Sumud Flotilla (Nonprofit) | Humanitarian Aid | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel-Gaza War (2023- ) | Israel–Iran War

Israel Intercepts Aid Flotilla Heading to Breach Naval Blockade of Gaza
ByLynsey Chutel and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

Activists said the Israeli military boarded and disabled boats carrying humanitarian assistance to the territory in international waters near Greece.

Read More Israel Intercepts Aid Flotilla Heading to Breach Naval Blockade of Gaza
Defense and Military Forces | Gulf Cooperation Council | internal-open-access-from-nl | International Relations | International Trade and World Market | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline | Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries | Politics and Government | Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates) | Production | Saudi Arabia | Strait of Hormuz | United Arab Emirates | United States | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026)

UAE Says It Will Leave OPEC as Iran War Strains Oil Markets
ByVivian Nereim April 28, 2026April 28, 2026

The Gulf government has long complained about the group’s quotas, which officials believe unfairly limited its exports. Its departure is expected to weaken OPEC’s influence.

Read More UAE Says It Will Leave OPEC as Iran War Strains Oil Markets