Long War Journal Archives - FDD's Long War Journal

Generation Jihad | We didn’t light it, but we tried to fight it

Bill Roggio and Behnam Ben Taleblu — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:04:39 +0000

Many Americans believed a conflict with the Islamic Republic would be a new war.
But as Bill Roggio and Behnam Ben Taleblu explain, the truth is simpler: this war began in 1979. Now, the question isn’t how the war started. It’s how it ends. Is this a limited war to degrade the Tehran regime — or the beginning of the end for the Islamic Republic?

The post Generation Jihad | We didn’t light it, but we tried to fight it appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Cypriot, Lebanese officials blame Hezbollah for drone attacks on UK base in Cyprus; IRGC responsibility also possible

David Daoud — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 02:49:25 +0000

On March 1, a loitering munition struck the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Akrotiri. Cypriot officials, followed by their Lebanese counterparts, accused Hezbollah of responsibility. The group’s leadership has threatened to target Cyprus in the past if it facilitated a war effort against the interests of the Iran-led Axis of Resistance. However, Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) agents operating from Lebanon could have also carried out the attack.

The post Cypriot, Lebanese officials blame Hezbollah for drone attacks on UK base in Cyprus; IRGC responsibility also possible appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Iran continues striking civilian infrastructure and US bases in the Gulf (March 7–8 updates)

Ahmad Sharawi — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:51:08 +0000

Between March 7 and 8, Iran continued launching drones and missiles across the Persian Gulf, targeting energy infrastructure, airports, military bases, government buildings, and urban areas in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

The post Iran continues striking civilian infrastructure and US bases in the Gulf (March 7–8 updates) appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Rockets target US Embassy in Baghdad after Iraqi Shiite militia group issues threat over war in Lebanon

Joe Truzman & David Daoud — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 19:06:34 +0000

The day before an attack on the US Embassy on March 7, the Coordination Committee of the Iraqi Resistance had issued a statement warning that continued strikes on Beirut’s Dahiyeh area would elicit attacks against embassies and oil companies in the region. The ultimatum follows repeated Israeli strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel in Beirut’s southern suburbs after Hezbollah entered the war on March 2.

The post Rockets target US Embassy in Baghdad after Iraqi Shiite militia group issues threat over war in Lebanon appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Iran escalates attacks on Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Seth Frantzman — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:50:56 +0000

Iran and Iranian-backed militias have escalated drone and missile attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, striking sites in Erbil and Sulaimani Governorates and killing at least three people. Many of the attacks are targeting Kurdish Iranian opposition groups.

The post Iran escalates attacks on Kurdistan Region of Iraq appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Analysis: Israel strikes over 500 targets in Lebanon, issues evac orders in renewed war with Hezbollah (March 2–6)

David Daoud — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 22:39:14 +0000

The November 27, 2024, ceasefire agreement in Lebanon has officially ended. Israel and Hezbollah are now reengaged in a full conflict after the group attacked Israeli territory on March 2. The Israelis have responded ferociously, targeting large swathes of Lebanon and promising that their campaign will continue until Hezbollah’s destruction.

The post Analysis: Israel strikes over 500 targets in Lebanon, issues evac orders in renewed war with Hezbollah (March 2–6) appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Australia bans Hizb ut Tahrir under new hate laws

Joe Truzman & Bill Roggio — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:10:37 +0000

Australia designated Hizb ut Tahrir, a radical political party that calls for the establishment of a global caliphate, as a hate group, citing its violent history and rhetoric. The designation of the Islamist organization is a first under Australia’s new hate laws, which took effect on March 6.

The post Australia bans Hizb ut Tahrir under new hate laws appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Analysis: Similarities and differences in US and Israeli targets and objectives in Iran campaign

Justin Leopold-Cohen & Ryan Brobst — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 23:34:57 +0000

The US and Israel have cooperated to achieve impressive operational successes against Iran, but a publicly shared definition of victory remains elusive. This inconsistency and lack of clarity may negatively impact the allies’ ability to achieve durable strategic objectives.

The post Analysis: Similarities and differences in US and Israeli targets and objectives in Iran campaign appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Iran and proxy militias strike energy infrastructure, US bases, and Gulf capitals on March 6

Ahmad Sharawi — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 22:55:03 +0000

On March 6, Iran and its aligned militias continued their campaign of missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, targeting civilian infrastructure, military installations, airports, and political sites in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

The post Iran and proxy militias strike energy infrastructure, US bases, and Gulf capitals on March 6 appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Israeli strike eliminates Hamas commander in Lebanon

Joe Truzman — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:51:20 +0000

The Israeli military killed Hamas commander Wasim Atallah Ali in Tripoli on March 5. The IDF said that Ali was responsible for training the group’s branch in Lebanon. His elimination adds to the growing number of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad members who have been killed in Lebanon by the Israeli military.

The post Israeli strike eliminates Hamas commander in Lebanon appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

US and Israel establish air superiority, focus strikes on Iranian military sites and ‘regime pillars’ (March 4–5)

Bridget Toomey — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:33:57 +0000

On March 4 and 5, the United States and Israel continued attacks against elements of the Islamic Republic’s military assets, including its missile and naval threat capacity, as well as its repression apparatus. The countries also declared air superiority over Iran and signaled the beginning of a new phase of the operation.

The post US and Israel establish air superiority, focus strikes on Iranian military sites and ‘regime pillars’ (March 4–5) appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Ukraine will help combat Iranian drones in Middle East, Zelenskyy says

John Hardie — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:52:01 +0000

Ukraine says it will help the United States and its Middle East allies combat the Iranian drones that the Tehran regime is firing at the region. Russia has bombarded Ukrainian cities with these weapons for years, resulting in a series of defensive adaptations and innovations by the Armed Forces of Ukraine¬—and unmatched counter-drone experience.

The post Ukraine will help combat Iranian drones in Middle East, Zelenskyy says appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Iran targets US bases, diplomatic missions, and oil infrastructure in Arab countries on March 3–5

Ahmad Sharawi — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:26:11 +0000

Between March 3 and March 5, Iran continued retaliating against the joint United States-Israeli military campaign by conducting widespread strikes across Arab Gulf countries using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Attacks were launched against Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

The post Iran targets US bases, diplomatic missions, and oil infrastructure in Arab countries on March 3–5 appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Iranian-backed militias continue attacks on US forces in Iraq

Bridget Toomey — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:47:06 +0000

Iran-backed Iraqi militias claimed a series of drone and missile attacks against the “US presence” in the region on March 4 and 5, many targeting Iraqi Kurdistan, where significant American forces are located. US and Israeli forces are also likely operating against the Tehran-allied militias in Iraq, as both the militias and official government sources have reported a US presence and unidentified strikes against these groups.

The post Iranian-backed militias continue attacks on US forces in Iraq appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Analysis: Hezbollah leader vows to fight until the end in renewed war with Israel

David Daoud — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:44:28 +0000

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem addressed Hezbollah’s latest war with Israel on Monday night, insisting that his group had fire rockets at Israel in defense of Lebanon, preempting a premeditated “war of extermination.” Qassem insisted that Hezbollah would not surrender its arms and vowed to continue fighting until achieving either victory in battle or martyrdom.

The post Analysis: Hezbollah leader vows to fight until the end in renewed war with Israel appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Iran’s regional partners spark protests across the Middle East and South Asia

Bridget Toomey — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:28:27 +0000

Tehran’s partners and sympathizers have arranged protests across the region against the US-Israeli campaign against Iran, especially the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Some of the demonstrations have turned violent and present a danger to the local US diplomatic presence and civilians.

The post Iran’s regional partners spark protests across the Middle East and South Asia appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Israel conducts 1,600 strikes on Iran in 4 days of war, weathers Iranian missile and drones

Seth Frantzman — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:06:32 +0000

Israel has carried out more than 1,600 strike sorties against Iran in the first four days of the war, targeting Iranian leaders, nuclear facilities, missile launchers, and other military infrastructure, according to the IDF. Iran has responded with repeated ballistic missile and drone salvos that have killed at least 10 people in Israel and wounded dozens. The Israeli Air Force said that one of its F-35s downed an Iranian Yak-130 aircraft. The fighting has closed Israeli airports and forced widespread civilian alerts as missile barrages continue across the country.

The post Israel conducts 1,600 strikes on Iran in 4 days of war, weathers Iranian missile and drones appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Analysis: Why Iran’s ballistic missile launches are declining

Cameron McMillan, Ryan Brobst & Bradley Bowman — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:43:30 +0000

Iran has lashed out at its neighbors with hundreds of missiles and drones. However, a careful analysis of the data shows that Tehran's ballistic missile launches have been dropping since the start of the conflict, largely because of the impact of US and Israeli strikes.

The post Analysis: Why Iran’s ballistic missile launches are declining appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Iraqi Shiite militias claim attacks on US bases

Joe Truzman — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:37:58 +0000

Iraqi militias backed by Iran have continued to fire drones and missiles at American bases in Iraq and in the region. Both the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and Saraya Awliya al Dam have claimed responsibility for the strikes. Collectively, the groups have claimed dozens of operations against American bases since March 1.

The post Iraqi Shiite militias claim attacks on US bases appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

US-Israeli strikes hit Iran’s missile, nuclear, political, and repression sites

Janatan Sayeh — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:54:04 +0000

On March 2 and 3, the United States and Israel struck missiles and launchers nationwide, nuclear program sites at Natanz, and a key leadership target in Qom, while also hitting IRGC, Basij, police, and intelligence facilities in Tehran and western Iran.

The post US-Israeli strikes hit Iran’s missile, nuclear, political, and repression sites appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Analysis: US and Israel race to defeat Iranian missiles and drones following early campaign successes

Cameron McMillan, Justin Leopold-Cohen & Bradley Bowman — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:02:14 +0000

The United States and Israel demonstrated unprecedented coordination and delivered impressive blows against Iranian military capabilities in the early stages of the current conflict. Now, as Tehran lashes out against US forces and regional partners, Washington and Jerusalem face the immediate challenge of striking Iranian ballistic missiles, drones, and their launchers on the ground before they can be fired, along with intercepting any projectiles that Iran has successfully launched before they hit military and civilian targets.

The post Analysis: US and Israel race to defeat Iranian missiles and drones following early campaign successes appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Iran expands retaliation for US-Israel campaign across Arab states (February 28–March 2)

Ahmad Sharawi — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:00:34 +0000

The Tehran regime responded to the US-Israeli military campaign against it by launching coordinated missile and drone strikes across the Middle East on the first three days of the conflict. The attacks struck multiple Gulf Arab states and targeted civilian infrastructure, airports, ports, and military sites, with notable targets and impacts in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria.

The post Iran expands retaliation for US-Israel campaign across Arab states (February 28–March 2) appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Kurdish Iranian opposition groups say Iran targeted them in northern Iraq, claim operations in Iran

Seth Frantzman — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:59:16 +0000

Kurdish Iranian opposition groups say that Iran targeted their bases in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq with drones and missiles following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) and other groups, including PDKI and Komala, reported attacks near Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaymaniyah, with footage suggesting the use of Shahed-type drones. The US State Department condemned the strikes, while Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government said its Peshmerga forces were also targeted. Kurdish opposition groups have also claimed that they are conducting anti-regime operations in Iran.

The post Kurdish Iranian opposition groups say Iran targeted them in northern Iraq, claim operations in Iran appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Israeli operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah: February 23–March 1, 2026

David Daoud — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:25:53 +0000

Israel continued military operations in Lebanon between February 23 and March 1, 2026. Israeli activities last week, the last days of which coincided with the onset of the joint US-Israeli operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran, were concentrated on policing activities but included airstrikes on Hezbollah’s assets deeper into Lebanon.

The post Israeli operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah: February 23–March 1, 2026 appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Palestinian factions mourn death of Iran’s leader, stop short of threatening retaliation

Joe Truzman — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:20:54 +0000

Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other Palestinian terrorist organizations issued statements mourning the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Tehran regime’s other senior officials. While some groups made vague mentions of a response to the killings, none explicitly said they would retaliate against Israel or the United States.

The post Palestinian factions mourn death of Iran’s leader, stop short of threatening retaliation appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Houthis express solidarity with Iran but do not launch retaliatory attacks—yet

Bridget Toomey — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:21:58 +0000

Houthi leader Abdulmalik al Houthi has delivered speeches in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran since the start of the US-Israeli military campaign, but he has not yet announced specific retaliatory military action. Instead, the Houthis have officially called for mass demonstrations and increased media activity in support of the regime. However, officials from the Iran-backed group have told media outlets that it will resume attacks against Israel and Red Sea shipping.

The post Houthis express solidarity with Iran but do not launch retaliatory attacks—yet appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

US-Israeli campaign hits Iranian regime’s military and repression apparatus, regime forms leadership council (March 1 updates)

Janatan Sayeh — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:44:32 +0000

The joint US and Israeli operation entered its second day, with American forces targeting command-and-control centers, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters, air defense systems, ballistic missile sites, and Iran’s naval forces. In parallel, Israeli strikes concentrated on targets in Tehran, including key pillars of the regime’s repression apparatus, as well as ballistic missile sites and launchers. Iranian retaliatory attacks killed three US service members and nine Israeli civilians.

The post US-Israeli campaign hits Iranian regime’s military and repression apparatus, regime forms leadership council (March 1 updates) appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Iraqi Shiite militias join the war between Israel, the US, and Iran with drone attacks

Bridget Toomey — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:00:31 +0000

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), a coalition of Iran-backed Shiite militias, claimed over a dozen drone attacks against “enemy bases in Iraq and the region” and issued statements of support for the Tehran regime in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The groups are also responding to unclaimed airstrikes on Iraq that have reportedly killed at least six people, including four confirmed Iraqi militiamen.

The post Iraqi Shiite militias join the war between Israel, the US, and Iran with drone attacks appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

Generation Jihad | After decades of f*cking around, did Ayatollah Khamenei find out?

Bill Roggio, Joe Truzman, & David Daoud — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:18:55 +0000

Reports following US and Israeli military strikes on Iran say that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead. If true, is regime decapitation the opening salvo of the fall of the Islamic Republic? David Daoud and Joe Truzman are back with Bill Roggio to unpack what we know, what we don’t know, and whether this is the moment that reshapes the Middle East.

The post Generation Jihad | After decades of f*cking around, did Ayatollah Khamenei find out? appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.

US and Israel launch military campaign against Iran, Supreme Leader Khamenei reportedly killed

Janatan Sayeh — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 20:34:56 +0000

After the third round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington failed to produce meaningful progress, the US followed through on its threats against the Iranian regime. On the morning of February 8, in a joint operation with Israel, the US struck military sites in Iran and targeted the Islamic Republic’s leadership. The military campaign was supplemented with messaging to ordinary Iranians to take to the streets once the bombing ended, and Israeli sources say that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed.

The post US and Israel launch military campaign against Iran, Supreme Leader Khamenei reportedly killed appeared first on FDD's Long War Journal.