Matthew Continetti

NEW: Israeli strikes on Iranian internal security forces, including decapitation strikes, have likely caused shock and confusion within the Iranian internal security apparatus and disrupted internal security operations to some degree. It remains impossible to assess based on the available open-source evidence to what degree internal security operations have been disrupted. Other Key Takeaways ⬇️🧵(1/3) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck vessels at a major Caspian Sea port in northern Iran that Iran uses to conduct trade with Russia. The IDF targeted “dozens” of vessels, including the Artesh Navy Moudge-class frigate IRIS Deylaman, at the 4th Artesh Naval District Headquarters at Bandar Anzali Port, Gilan Province, on March 18. The IDF’s March 18 airstrikes on Bandar Anzali follow reports that Russia is providing Iran with Russian-produced and possibly modified Shahed drones. Israeli strikes on Iranian internal security forces, including decapitation strikes, have likely caused shock and confusion within the Iranian internal security apparatus and disrupted internal security operations. The combined force has continued to strike Iranian ballistic missile infrastructure and air capabilities to degrade Iran’s ability to conduct retaliatory attacks and maintain air superiority over parts of Iran. Israeli Army Radio, citing the IDF, reported on March 19 that the combined force has destroyed around 85 percent of Iran’s surface-to-air missiles. Iran continued to conduct drone and missile attacks targeting the Gulf states and Gulf energy infrastructure, including the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, on March 18 and 19. US President Donald Trump threatened on March 18 to “blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field” if Iran launches another drone or missile attack targeting Qatar following Iran’s missile attacks targeting the Ras Laffan Industrial City.

MORE: Ukrainian drone units have been increasingly prioritizing and executing successful strikes against Russian artillery, drone operators and logistics targets in the near rear to achieve tactical effects. ⬇️(1/2) Ukraine’s short-range strike campaign against the Russian tactical near rear is increasingly degrading both Russian offensive and defensive capabilities by enabling Ukrainian forces to make tactical gains and hindering Russia’s ability to conduct artillery preparation for the anticipated Spring-Summer 2026 offensive.