Defense Department – Page 5 – War Watch

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The Trump administration notified Congress in advance of the Iran strikes.
ByRobert Jimison, Michael Gold, Julian Barnes, Eric Schmitt and Tyler Pager February 28, 2026

The notification stood in contrast to past military actions President Trump has undertaken unilaterally without consulting with Congress, drawing bipartisan anger.

Read More The Trump administration notified Congress in advance of the Iran strikes.
Caine, John Daniel (1968- ) | Defense Department | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Middle East | Military Aircraft | Persian Gulf | Strait of Hormuz | Trump, Donald J | United States Defense and Military Forces

Initial Focus of U.S. Strikes in Iran Is Military Targets
ByHelene Cooper and Eric Schmitt February 28, 2026

Dozens of attacks were carried out by warplanes launched from bases and aircraft carriers in the region. President Trump said the targets included missile sites, Iran’s navy and nuclear facilities.

Read More Initial Focus of U.S. Strikes in Iran Is Military Targets
Defense Department | Iran | Iran-Israel War (2025- ) | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Middle East | Military Bases and Installations | Netanyahu, Benjamin | Nuclear weapons | Suleimani, Qassim | Trump, Donald J | United States Defense and Military Forces | United States International Relations

As Trump Considers Second Iran Attack, It Could Be Deadlier Than the First
ByMark Mazzetti and Helene Cooper February 20, 2026February 21, 2026

Within days of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last year, all sides agreed to a cease-fire. This time could be different.

Read More As Trump Considers Second Iran Attack, It Could Be Deadlier Than the First
Baghdad (Iraq) | Defense Department | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Jordan | Military Bases and Installations | Syria | Syrian Army | United States Defense and Military Forces | War and Armed Conflicts

U.S. Forces Leave Base in Syria Used in Fight Against ISIS
ByJohn Ismay February 12, 2026

The military base at Al-Tanf had hosted U.S. troops fighting against the Islamic State since 2016. Some of the troops are expected to be repositioned at a Jordanian military base across the border.

Read More U.S. Forces Leave Base in Syria Used in Fight Against ISIS
al-Shara, Ahmed (Abu Mohammad al-Jolani) (1982- ) | Defense Department | internal-open-access-from-nl | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Palmyra (Syria) | Politics and Government | Syria | Syrian Democratic Forces | Terrorism | United States | United States Defense and Military Forces

Deadly Attack on U.S. Troops Poses Growing Challenge for Syria’s Leader
ByAbdi Latif Dahir December 14, 2025December 15, 2025

The attack further complicates President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to unify the country and rebuild relationships with the international community, analysts say.

Read More Deadly Attack on U.S. Troops Poses Growing Challenge for Syria’s Leader
Assad, Bashar al- | Defense Department | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Palmyra (Syria) | Politics and Government | Syria | United States | United States Defense and Military Forces

3 Americans Killed in ISIS Attack in Syria, Trump Says, Vowing to Retaliate
ByAbdi Latif Dahir and Christina Goldbaum December 13, 2025December 14, 2025

Two soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed while supporting counterterror operations, the Pentagon said. They are the first U.S. casualties in Syria since the fall of the dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Read More 3 Americans Killed in ISIS Attack in Syria, Trump Says, Vowing to Retaliate
Bondi, Pamela J | Defense Department | Embargoes and Sanctions | Federal Bureau of Investigation | Homeland Security Department | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Maduro, Nicolas | Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline | Petroleos de Venezuela SA | Ships and Shipping | Smuggling | United States Coast Guard | United States International Relations | Venezuela

What to Know About Trump’s Seizure of an Oil Tanker Near Venezuela
ByEdward Wong and Nicholas Nehamas December 11, 2025December 13, 2025

The tanker was headed eastward and had recently carried Iranian oil. The seizure is an escalation in President Trump’s military pressure campaign against Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro.

Read More What to Know About Trump’s Seizure of an Oil Tanker Near Venezuela
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Here’s the latest.
ByKatie Rogers November 18, 2025November 19, 2025

The president is offering the crown prince fighter jets, a nuclear agreement and other deals as part of his efforts to collect investment and push forward on Middle East peace.

Read More Here’s the latest.
Assassinations and Attempted Assassinations | Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Co | Defense and Military Forces | Defense Department | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel-Gaza War (2023- ) | Israel–Iran War | Khashoggi, Jamal | Middle East | Military Aircraft | Mohammed bin Salman (1985- ) | Royal Families | Saudi Arabia | Trump, Donald J | United States International Relations | United States Politics and Government

Here’s the latest.
ByKatie Rogers November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

The president is offering the crown prince fighter jets, a nuclear agreement and other deals as part of his efforts to collect investment and push forward on Middle East peace.

Read More Here’s the latest.
Biden, Joseph R Jr | Defense and Military Forces | Defense Department | Defense Intelligence Agency | Hegseth, Pete | International Relations | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel-Gaza War (2023- ) | Israel–Iran War | Khaled bin Salman, Prince of Saudi Arabia | Military Aircraft | Mohammed bin Salman (1985- ) | Saudi Arabia | Trump, Donald J | United Arab Emirates | United States Defense and Military Forces | United States Politics and Government

U.S. Officials Raise Concerns About Saudi Arabia’s Bid for F-35 Jets
ByEdward Wong and Eric Schmitt November 13, 2025

A Pentagon intelligence report says China could try to acquire advanced F-35 technology in Saudi Arabia if the Trump administration sells jets to the kingdom.

Read More U.S. Officials Raise Concerns About Saudi Arabia’s Bid for F-35 Jets