Dan Caine in the news as a top U.S. military leader navigating Iran conflict fallout; ex-CIA military affairs deputy turned 22nd Joint Chiefs chair.
Since March 2, 2026, Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets and drones at northern and central Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes targeting Hezbollah sites in Beirut and southern Lebanon, killing over 570 people and injuring hundreds. Forced displacement orders have uprooted over 700,000 Lebanese civilians amid escalating regional tensions.
The US dispatched 2,200 Marines to the Middle East amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran. President Trump signals the conflict could last weeks, with potential ground involvement and internal Iranian power struggles influencing the timeline. Iran retaliates with missile attacks on Israel and regional targets.
Since March 1, Iranian missile and drone strikes have killed seven US service members and injured 140. The US responded with military actions, including the killing of Iran's top officials. The conflict has escalated, with ongoing casualties and regional instability.
Since March 12, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and regional targets, prompting extensive Israeli and US military strikes on Iran. The conflict has expanded with regional missile exchanges, targeting Iran's military infrastructure and leadership, amid ongoing regional tensions.
As of mid-March 2026, Iran exerts selective control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint through which 20% of global oil passes daily. Since the US-Israel strikes on February 28, multiple attacks on vessels have disrupted traffic, causing tanker flows to collapse by over 90%. Iran allows limited passage to allies via negotiated safe corridors, while many ships transit with tracking systems off. The US has deployed Marines and threatens military action if Iran mines the strait.
The United States has pledged to begin naval escorts for vessels exporting energy through the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing strikes on Iran and regional retaliation that have disrupted Middle East oil flows and pushed prices higher.
As of March 10, 2026, the US and Israel continue their military campaign against Iran, focusing on neutralizing missile capabilities, destroying the navy, and preventing nuclear weapon development. Despite heavy strikes, including the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Iran remains defiant, threatening retaliation and control over the Strait of Hormuz. The US signals no end to the conflict until Iran surrenders unconditionally.
The US has deployed B-52 Stratofortresses to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, joining B-1 Lancers, as part of a buildup in response to Iran's retaliatory attacks in the Middle East. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed reservations about the use of UK bases for strikes, while the US emphasizes its military readiness.
The Pentagon has provided lawmakers with an updated estimate that the U.S. has spent about $5.6 billion in the opening phase of the war with Iran, nine days after the joint U.S.-Israel attack on Feb. 28. Officials have said about $4 billion was spent on munitions and interceptors; Congress is expecting a supplemental funding request in the coming days.
Since early March, Iran-backed strikes have targeted US military sites in the Middle East, resulting in at least 140 injuries and six fatalities among US service members. Most injuries are minor, but some are severe, with ongoing medical treatment in Germany and the region.
As of March 20, 2026, the US has destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions over Iran's mining of this vital waterway. Iran continues to block oil passage, causing global oil price surges and regional instability. The US has deployed additional Marines and intensified airstrikes, while Iran demands US concessions to end hostilities.
Iran has the capability and motivation to launch drone attacks on California, with threats potentially coming from ships or South America. The FBI has issued warnings, and experts emphasize the need for multi-layered defenses against these attacks.
Two weeks into the conflict, the US and Israel have intensified strikes on Iran, targeting military sites and its leadership. Iran responds with missile and drone attacks across the region, closing the Strait of Hormuz and causing global oil prices to surge. Iran's new leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains unseen, wounded, and under threat.
As of March 24, 2026, the US and Israel continue intense airstrikes against Iran, targeting military and nuclear sites. Iran rejects ceasefire talks, demanding a permanent end with guarantees. The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, disrupting global oil supplies. President Trump signals readiness to act alone, while regional tensions and evacuations escalate.
Israel and the US have conducted extensive strikes against Iran, killing top officials and degrading military capabilities. Despite tactical successes, Iran remains in control, and regime collapse is unlikely soon. The conflict continues with ongoing regional tensions and military operations.
A fire caused by a short circuit at Burundi's military ammunition depot in Musaga led to explosions, killing at least two residents and causing widespread panic. The incident occurred in a densely populated area, with authorities urging calm and caution as investigations continue.
President Trump has threatened to destroy Iranian energy infrastructure if Tehran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz. The US has launched military operations targeting Iran's military capabilities, while temporarily lifting some sanctions to manage oil prices amid regional tensions. The situation remains volatile as both sides prepare for further escalation.
The US reports striking over 13,000 Iranian targets, including air defenses, navy, and weapons factories. Despite claims of significant degradation, Iran retains substantial missile and drone capabilities, with ongoing regional threats and limited destruction of underground and mobile systems. The situation remains complex as Iran continues firing missiles and drones.
US forces have conducted a complex rescue operation in Iran, retrieving two downed F-15E pilots after their aircraft was shot down. The rescue involved dozens of aircraft, deception tactics, and took place amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Both pilots are reported to be safe.
The Pentagon is preparing to target Iranian energy infrastructure, including civilian sites, as tensions escalate. President Trump has issued threats to attack Iran's power and water systems if no peace deal is reached by a deadline, raising legal and humanitarian concerns.
The US and Iran are close to reaching a ceasefire, with negotiations expected to begin soon. The US claims to have destroyed Iran’s military capabilities, while discussions focus on nuclear issues and sanctions relief. Iran’s nuclear uranium stockpile remains a concern amid ongoing military tensions.
Estonian intelligence has warned that Russia is stockpiling ammunition for future conflicts. NATO members are under pressure to increase defense spending, with European allies emphasizing the need for greater military contributions. US and European officials affirm ongoing commitments despite political rhetoric and disagreements, focusing on strengthening alliance capabilities.
Recent reporting has shown the Iran war has significantly drained US missile and interceptor stockpiles, forcing the Pentagon to reallocate munitions from other regions and ask Congress for emergency funding. At the same time, militaries are increasing investment in low-cost drones, counter-drone systems and battlefield robots — including Ukrainian systems and US-funded autonomous drone programs.
The US military has boarded and seized two Iranian tankers, the Tifani and Majestic X, in ongoing efforts to disrupt Iran's maritime support networks. The operations are part of a broader maritime enforcement campaign following a week-long blockade outside the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels are now in US custody, with the White House deciding their future. The US has also turned back dozens of Iranian ships attempting to enter or exit ports since the blockade began. These actions occur amid tense negotiations between Iran and the US, with Iran condemning the seizures as piracy. The US aims to prevent illicit oil transfers and weaken Iran's economic support, intensifying regional tensions.
The US has intensified its naval blockade against Iran, seizing an Iranian cargo ship attempting to bypass the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran condemns the action as piracy and vows retaliation. The incident occurs as the US and Iran face a fragile ceasefire and ongoing negotiations, with global oil markets reacting sharply.
Washington and Tehran have been closing in on a one-page memorandum that would pause fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and start 30 days of detailed talks on sanctions and nuclear limits; Iran has said it will respond soon via Pakistan, while oil prices have fallen on the prospect of a deal (06 May 2026).
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has testified twice before Congress this week about the U.S. war with Iran and a proposed $1.45–$1.5tn Pentagon budget, with officials publicly putting the conflictcost at $25bn. Lawmakers have pressed for a strategy, probed civilian casualties and stockpile depletion, and challenged Hegseth on troop use at US polls and senior officer dismissals.
CENTCOM has drawn up plans for a short, powerful strike on Iran and options include seizing Hormuz for shipping, ground forces, and a special-forces operation to secure Iran's uranium stockpile, as the ceasefire frays and negotiations stall.
President Donald Trump has met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing for two days of talks over trade, Taiwan, Iran and energy. The leaders have discussed reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Chinas oil purchases from Iran and military assistance; the White House has said Xi pledged not to send Iran military equipment.
France 24 reports that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied any use of kamikaze dolphins by Iran. AI-generated images circulated online, but analysts note the lack of credible evidence and point to existing Navy marine-mammal programs. The debate centers on whether the myth has traction in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional tensions.
The Pentagon has updated the cost of the war to $29 billion, up from $25 billion, citing refined repair and replacement costs and operational expenses. The update comes as a fragile ceasefire and shifting economic pressures shape public and political response.
The US president has praised Pakistan’s prime minister and army chief for helping secure a fragile April ceasefire between Iran and the US and is not reconsidering Pakistan as a mediator. Washington remains engaged in talks with Iran, while Tehran’s latest peace offer is deemed unacceptable.
Admiral Brad Cooper testifies on Capitol Hill, saying earlier reports of widespread civilian destruction are uncorroborated, while confirming ongoing investigations into a Feb. 28 strike on an Iranian school that killed at least 175 people. He notes tactical successes but acknowledges staffing cuts have affected civilian-harm oversight.