Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: Aircraft is staged for flight operations on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury, Mar. 3, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo)

Reporting Period: 2-8 March 2026

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Summary

Two notable Green Berets passed away over the past week. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) by the U.S. military was in news, with concerns about mass surveillance of Americans and use in autonomous weapons systems. A comprehensive report on the state of the U.S. military is available. And a lot more.

Key Takeaways from the Iran Conflict (Past Several days)

• Israeli airstrikes target Iranian oil storage facilities
• Iranian missiles and drone launches hit Gulf state targets
• Iranian drone strikes target radar and missile defense sites supporting U.S. forces
• Coalition air ops continue against missile bases and military facilities
• Regional governments increase diplomatic calls for de-escalation
• France moves aircraft carrier to eastern Mediterranean Sea
• UK alerts aircraft carrier – Trump responds to UK
• New leader for Iran selected
• Another U.S. Casualty (DoD Press, 8 Mar 2026)
• Oil prices up over $100 / barrel for first time in almost four years
• U.S. State Department orders diplomats in Saudi Arabia to leave