Middle East Archives

An A-10 Thunderbolt II maintains formation with a C-130 tanker during probe and drogue refueling operations, April 2, 2026. The Probe Refueling Adapter allows A-10s to refuel from C-130 tankers, significantly expanding refueling options for deployed units.

Trillions - 19FortyFive

Why the Hormuz Crisis Stings: It’s Not Just Oil. Fertilizer, Aluminum, and Microchips All Pass Through the Strait

The Iran Strait of Hormuz Crisis – From Bad to Worse? As of Monday morning, April 13, a U.S. military blockade of maritime traffic...

Reuben JohnsonApril 15, 2026

(April 8, 2017) - Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) departs Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding for builder’s sea trials off the coast. The first- of-class ship—the first new U.S. aircraft carrier design in 40 years—will spend several days conducting builder’s sea trials, a comprehensive test of many of the ship’s key systems and technologies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan Litzenberger)

Smart Bombs: Military, Defense and National Security

Trump’s Iran Blockade Has a Back Door. It’s Not in the Gulf. It’s a Lake the Size of Germany That Russia and Iran Share

After talks collapsed between Iran and the United States, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of Iranian ports and shipping. U.S. Central Command...

Michael RubinApril 14, 2026

(Oct. 29, 2019) USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) conducts high-speed turns in the Atlantic Ocean. Ford is at sea conducting sea trials following the in port portion of its 15 month post-shakedown availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Connor Loessin)

Smart Bombs: Military, Defense and National Security

Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Might Be Out of Action for 2 Years

The USS Gerald R. Ford has been plagued by massive technical problems since it first hit the High Seas. From broken electromagnetic catapults to...

Brandon WeichertApril 14, 2026

Ecuadorian Navy Esmeralda-class missile corvettes BAE Manabi (CM 12) and BAE Loja (CM 16) conduct formation maneuvering alongside Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101), part of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG), in the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2026. Nimitz is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2026 which seeks to enhance capability, improve interoperability, and strengthen maritime partnerships with countries throughout the region through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Julian Jaime)

Smart Bombs: Military, Defense and National Security

The Blockade Will Break the U.S. Navy Before It Breaks Iran. Here’s the Math.

The U.S. Navy is in a precarious position. It is the world’s leading maritime force, yet it is the weakest it has been in...

Brandon WeichertApril 14, 2026

USS Kingsville (LCS 36) sails toward Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) in California on a recent morning as a flock of brown pelicans flies low over the Pacific Ocean. Homeported in San Diego, LCS 36 is an Independence-variant littoral combat ship that was commissioned in 2024. The arrival marked the ship’s first visit to NSWC PHD, where it underwent a Combat Systems Assessment Team event to ensure combat readiness. Designed to operate closer to shore than guided-missile destroyers and cruisers, USS Kingsville is outfitted for mine countermeasures missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Eric Parsons)

Trillions - 19FortyFive

America Can’t ‘Drill Baby Drill’ Out of the Iran Crisis

The United States’ April 13 naval blockade targets Iranian oil exports and could reshape global energy markets. This shift is arguably already underway, as economies...

Jack BuckbyApril 14, 2026

The Marines could land in Iran tomorrow. Navy SEALs would prepare the beach. The 82nd Airborne could infiltrate. The invasion would succeed initially. Then Iran would launch drones and missiles at every U.S. base, satellite terminal, and air defense radar in the Middle East. Getting in is easy. Surviving is the problem.

Smart Bombs: Military, Defense and National Security

The U.S. Marines Could Land in Iran Tomorrow. The Counterattack Is the Problem.

Sending U.S. ground troops into Iran would be militarily risky and politically fraught. There is simply not enough civilian political support to send boots...

Brent M. EastwoodApril 14, 2026

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sean Martin, 1st Combat Camera Squadron combat photojournalist, simulates crying out in pain for tourniquet training during Scorpion Lens 2016 at Fort Jackson S.C., March 5, 2016. Exercise Scorpion Lens 2016 is an annual Ability To Survive and Operate training evolution mandated by Air Force 3N0XX Job Qualification Standards (3N0XX AFJQS). Individuals are instructed using a crawl, walk, run format of training. The exercise is twofold containing the Scorpion Lens portion, dedicated to Advanced Weapons and Tactical Training (AWTT) and the Flash Bang portion dedicated to providing photography and videography documentation standards in combat situations. The purpose of the training is to provide refresher training to combat camera personnel of all ranks and skill levels in basic tactics, techniques, and procedures inherent to combat camera mission tasking. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Hagan)

Smart Bombs: Military, Defense and National Security

Psychology Says the Most Dangerous Moment for a Soldier Isn’t Combat. It’s Coming Home. The Military Rebuilt Its Entire System Around That.

Combat stress is a persistent reality of warfare that becomes especially relevant when violence spikes. For the US, during the Global War on Terror...

Harrison KassApril 14, 2026