defense strategy

President Trump's recent authorization of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian sites has plunged America into direct conflict with Iran. Although officials claimed these were precise strikes to weaken Iran's supposed nuclear weapons program and not a step towards full-scale war, many experts, allies, and opponents agree that the U.S. has embarked on a dangerous new phase of military engagement in the Middle East.

Israel's chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, warned both civilians and soldiers that the conflict with Iran is ongoing. In a video address, he stressed the need for readiness for a long campaign, eight days after Israel began striking Iranian targets. Despite noting major successes, Zamir highlighted that challenging times are ahead as Israel aims to stop Tehran's suspected nuclear weapons plans.

Since Friday, Israeli air and missile strikes have targeted dozens of sites across Iran, including senior military installations, missile-production facilities and several locations linked to its nuclear program. Among the most high-profile blows was the reported killing of over a dozen top nuclear scientists and significant damage to the Natanz enrichment site. Yet, military commanders and nuclear proliferation experts now agree these attacks have not decisively set back Tehran’s atomic ambitions.

On the third consecutive day of open conflict, Israel and Iran expanded their military operations against each other, resulting in hundreds of casualties on both sides. President Donald Trump has publicly called for an end to hostilities, warning Iran not to target U.S. assets in the region. As G7 leaders prepare to convene in Canada, Washington’s ability to restrain its closest ally appears increasingly limited, even as attempts at high-level mediation continue.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced a successful underwater explosive attack on the Kerch Bridge—Russia’s vital road and rail link to Crimea. The operation, reportedly involving more than one ton of explosives, temporarily disrupted traffic and underscored Kyiv’s evolving maritime insurgency against Moscow’s seaborne supply lines. As Ukraine seeks to weaken Russian logistics ahead of possible counteroffensives, the latest strike has opened a new chapter in the conflict, one that extends from eastern land battles into the waters of the Kerch Strait. This article examines the details of the operation, its strategic significance for both belligerents, reactions from international observers, and the broader implications for the course of the war.

Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of intensifying attacks despite a temporary “Easter truce” declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ceasefire, which began at 6pm on Saturday and was intended to last until midnight on Easter Sunday, was announced as a humanitarian gesture by the Kremlin.

Iran is likely to push back against a key proposal from the United States to relocate its enriched uranium stockpile to a third country—such as Russia—as part of renewed nuclear negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme. The suggestion, raised during initial talks in Muscat, Oman, has emerged as a major sticking point in efforts to revive a broader diplomatic agreement.

At least 14 people were killed and 37 others wounded, including five children, following a wave of Russian missile and drone strikes on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dobropillia. The attack, which targeted residential buildings and infrastructure, underscores the continuing escalation of hostilities as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares for a new round of talks with US officials.