Defense News

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Tehran Shock: Leader’s Death Risks Turmoil

Strategic strike, constitutional succession, Iranian retaliation and the reshaping of power balances

Kadir DuranMarch 1, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Mapping U.S. and Israeli Attacks on Iran and Tehran’s Retaliatory Strikes

Dateline: Washington / Tehran / Middle East, Feb. 28, 2026.A coordinated series of military operations by the United States and Israel struck multiple locations across Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, with Tehran responding within hours by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and several U.S. military bases in the broader Middle East. Maps compiled from official statements and open sources show the geographic scope of the strikes and retaliatory actions, illustrating an unprecedented escalation in regional hostilities

Olha PashchenkoMarch 1, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

From Negotiation to War: Is Trump Following the Bush Playbook?

US and Israeli strikes on Iran mark the outcome of a calibrated escalation framed by diplomacy. Under the shadow of China and Russia, the crisis is no longer regional; it has evolved into a multilayered geopolitical rupture shaped by energy security, elections, and global power competition.

Kadir DuranFebruary 28, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

US–Israeli Strikes Push the Region Toward Escalation

US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliation triggered strong reactions across the Gulf. Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait condemned violations of sovereignty, rejected turning their territory into a battlefield, and warned of a possible regional war.

Alvara MerrickFebruary 28, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Iranians Take to the Streets Following Death of Supreme Leader Khamenei

Dateline: Tehran, Feb. 28, 2026.Iranians took to the streets in several cities following reports of the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressing a range of reactions that ranged from jubilation to private mourning, according to social media posts and open-source reporting.

Olha PashchenkoFebruary 28, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

U.S.–Israeli Strikes Target Iranian Leadership; Supreme Leader and Senior Commanders Killed, Officials Say

Dateline: Tehran / Jerusalem / Washington, Feb. 28, 2026.Joint military operations by the United States and Israel struck key leadership targets inside Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, resulting in the deaths of Iran’s Supreme Leader and several top military commanders, according to statements from Western officials, regional sources and open source reporting.

Olha PashchenkoFebruary 28, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes Across Middle East After U.S.‑Israel Attacks

Dateline: Gulf Region / Tehran, Feb. 28, 2026.Iran launched a broad campaign of missile and drone strikes across the Middle East on Saturday, responding to earlier coordinated military attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory. The retaliatory assault affected several countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond, with explosions reported in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Israel as air defences engaged incoming projectiles.

Olha PashchenkoFebruary 28, 2026

Defense · Intelligence Counterintelligence

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Reportedly Killed in U.S.–Israeli Strikes

Dateline: Tehran, Feb. 28, 2026. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been killed following a major military offensive against Iran executed by the United States and Israel, according to statements from senior Israeli officials and confirmation by Iranian state media. President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the death on social media, describing it as a pivotal moment in the joint campaign. The reported death marks the first time in more than three decades that the Islamic Republic has lost its highest authority, a development that could have profound implications for regional stability and for Iran’s internal political order.

Olha PashchenkoFebruary 28, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

U.S. Airstrikes in Iran Target Military and Nuclear Infrastructure, Officials Say

Dateline: Washington, Feb. 28, 2026 United States military forces carried out extensive airstrikes across Iran, focusing on military installations, missile systems and nuclear-related infrastructure, according to U.S. officials and reporting by The New York Times.

Olha PashchenkoFebruary 28, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Trump Announces U.S. Military Campaign Against Iran and Calls for Government Overthrow

Dateline: Washington, Feb. 28, 2026 U.S. President Donald Trump announced the launch of a large-scale American military operation targeting Iran, stating that the objective is to dismantle the country’s military capabilities and nuclear infrastructure while urging Iranians to rise up against their government.

Olha PashchenkoFebruary 28, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Pakistan’s Strong Accusations Against the Taliban Administration

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the Taliban for human rights abuses, cross-border terrorism, and repression. He stressed Pakistan’s commitment to sovereignty and urged the international community to address ongoing violations in Afghanistan.

EUReflect NewsFebruary 27, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Pakistan Rejects Disinformation After Border Incident

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described claims about recent Pakistan–Afghanistan border incidents as disinformation, stressing that Pakistan will defend its sovereignty while remaining committed to regional peace and stability.

EUReflect NewsFebruary 27, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

U.S. Authorizes Embassy Staff to Depart Israel Amid Fears of Potential Iran Strike

Dateline: Washington / Jerusalem, Feb. 27, 2026 The United States has authorized its diplomatic personnel and their families to leave Israel, signaling heightened concern in Washington over the possibility of a military confrontation with Iran, according to official communications reviewed by U.S. media.

Olha PashchenkoFebruary 27, 2026

Defense · Intelligence Counterintelligence

Is Iranian Intelligence Asleep?

The escalation of U.S.–Iran tensions highlights the central role of intelligence in modern warfare. Analysts argue that victories are often secured before combat begins, as information, psychological operations, and strategic communication can decisively shape outcomes.

Alvara MerrickFebruary 25, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

NATO and EU Diplomacy Enters a Critical Phase as Allies Address Security and Economic Challenges

Transatlantic diplomacy entered a delicate phase this week as the United States and its European allies moved simultaneously to reassure one another on collective security while confronting renewed tests to the international rules-based order. Political messaging from Washington and Brussels underscored continuity in NATO commitments, even as broader geopolitical and economic pressures sharpened debates over burden-sharing, strategic autonomy, and the defense of democratic values beyond Europe’s borders.

Olha PashchenkoFebruary 10, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

No More Limits: The End of the Last US-Russia Nuclear Treaty

For the first time in over 50 years, the United States and Russia are no longer bound by a formal, verifiable nuclear arms control treaty. The New START agreement stands for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty , which limited the two countries strategic nuclear arsenals. This treaty helped keep the Cold War style arms race in check but has now expired. With that brake removed, questions are mounting about how Washington and Moscow will manage their nuclear forces.

İbrahimjan AbdimutalipjanFebruary 4, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

USS Abraham Lincoln Steams Towards Iran

Tensions in the Gulf are rising sharply after the US navy ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to leave the Indo-Pacific and to set course to the Persian Gulf. This puts a powerful American naval formation on a trajectory that could bring into striking distance of Iran within days. This move signals that Washington wants visible, high-end military options on the table.

İbrahimjan AbdimutalipjanJanuary 16, 2026

Defense · Intelligence Counterintelligence

Tokayev Is Redefining the Architecture of the National Security Committee

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a landmark decree redefining Kazakhstan’s security architecture by expanding the powers of the National Security Committee. The reform centralizes control over digital and critical infrastructure, transfers key oversight functions from civilian bodies to intelligence structures, and mandates rapid legal amendments. Placed under direct presidential supervision, the initiative reflects a strategic shift toward a strong, centralized state model aimed at safeguarding national security, economic stability, and public welfare in an era of growing digital and cyber threats.

EUReflect NewsDecember 29, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

NATO’s Cold Response to the EU Army Debate

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte rejected calls for an independent EU army, stressing that European security cannot be ensured without the United States. He argued that Europe should take greater responsibility for defence, but within NATO and the transatlantic framework rather than through separate security structures.

EUReflect NewsDecember 28, 2025

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Private Military Companies: Between Law and War

Private Military Companies (PMCs) have become influential actors in contemporary conflicts, providing security, training, logistics, and in some cases combat support to states, corporations, and international organizations. Operating as profit-driven corporate entities, they blur the line between public and private use of force. While PMCs offer flexibility and specialized expertise, their expansion raises serious ethical, legal, and accountability concerns.

Faudel TaouliDecember 15, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Canada and the EU Reassert Their Strategic Ambitions at the 2025 Business Summit

Brussels hosted the sixth edition of the EU-Canada Business Summit on 27 November, drawing political representatives, industry leaders and policy specialists to the Mission of Canada to the European Union. The annual gathering once again served as a meeting point for discussions on shared economic priorities and a venue for targeted business engagement.

Olha PashchenkoNovember 29, 2025

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

The Return of Realpolitik: Bagram Air Base and US Foreign Policy

Every country wants to monitor its rival and reduces the opportunities for its foes to gain nuclear capabilities and military strength. Hence, the recent decision by the President of the United States to regain Bagram base from the authority of Afghanistan demonstrates the shifting strategic policy of the US.

Uroosa KhanNovember 23, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Militarization of Space: The Next Battlefield Beyond Earth

The militarization of space presents unprecedented risks for global security. If countries continue to develop space-based weapons, the likelihood of conflicts extending beyond Earth becomes increasingly plausible.

Uroosa KhanNovember 23, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Mandatory Military Service for Women Introduced in Scandinavian Countries

Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have introduced mandatory military service for women in response to the potential spread of the Russia-Ukraine war. Denmark will draft women aged 18 through a lottery system, while Norway and Sweden have expanded their existing conscription frameworks to include women. The Baltic states are considering similar measures. Experts view this as a major shift in European security policy, likely to strengthen NATO’s deterrence posture on its eastern flank.

EUReflect NewsNovember 22, 2025

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