West Asia War Analyses

Exhaustion and Endurance: Contrasting US–Russian Defence Industrial Resilience and Lessons for India

Advanced precision capabilities, robust mass-production capacity, and strategic reserves offer the most credible path to sustaining high-intensity operations.

US Weapons Sales to West Asia amidst the Iran War

The challenge for the US defence industrial base will be to meet the increased demands of allies in conflict zones for critical high-end defence equipment.

China and the Iran Crisis

In the Iran crisis, a major strategic objective for Beijing was to frame itself as a ‘stabilising’ power, in contrast to Washington’s disruptive interventions.

US/Israel–Iran War: Ceasefire and Beyond

The Iran conflict has reshaped global dynamics and irreversibly upended international norms.

Japan and the Iran Crisis

In the wake of the West Asian crisis, the challenge for Japan, a US ally, is to maintain strategic autonomy given its energy dependencies on the region.

Ankara’s Perspective on the US–Israel War on Iran

In the wake of the US–Israel war on Iran, Ankara’s strategic space is narrowing due to conflict escalation, energy disruptions and renewed uncertainties relating to the Kurdish question.

Drones in Israel–US–Iran War: Key Takeaways

In the ongoing US–Israel–Iran war, drones created multiple operational options for Iran.

Limits of Industrial Endurance and Doctrines: Lessons from War in West Asia*

The high tempo of operations in the ongoing war in West Asia has exposed critical vulnerabilities in the US supply chain.

US–Israel–Iran War: Boots on the Ground?

‘Boots on the Ground’ in pursuit of expanded objectives would likely face stiff Iranian resistance and have severe humanitarian and political costs.

Fighting Asymmetrically Weak: Lessons from the West Asia War

Iran has maintained a display of stiff resistance and landed a few punches above its weight against the US and Israel.

Nestor Derrick D’Souza , Namita Barthwal |
April 01, 2026 |
West Asia War Analyses

‘Boots on the Ground’ In Iran: An Assessment

The allure of putting boots on the ground grows stronger as the conflict drags on, and a conclusive victory seems elusive for the US/Israel, creating an Augean dilemma for its strategic leadership.

Operations Absolute Resolve and Epic Fury: Role of Artificial Intelligence

The introduction and integration of AI into military systems have fundamentally altered the dynamics of military operations.

Maritime Dimensions of the West Asia War

The maritime theatre is increasingly shaping the strategic outcome of the US–Israel–Iran war.

The First AI War: The Dilemma of Military Autonomy

The war in West Asia has seen an unprecedented use of Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems like drones in the military kill chain.

US Motivations to Attack Iran, Pressures for De-Escalation, and Potential Outcomes

The strategic end-state of the US military campaign against Iran, whether it is deterrence, coercive diplomacy, or regime change, has been unclear.

The US-Israel War on Iran: Tehran’s Perceptions and Objectives

Iran is fighting a ‘war of balance’, using controlled horizontal escalation as a tool to impose sufficient costs on the US and its regional partners.

Cyber Operations in the Israel–US Conflict with Iran

Cyberattacks have formed an important supporting component of the joint Israel–US campaign against Iran.

GCC’s Moment of Truth

Iran's targeting of GCC Member States represents an unprecedented challenge in the organisation’s 45-year history.

Targeting Defence-Industrial Ecosystem: The War in West Asia and Lessons for India

The war in West Asia has highlighted the vulnerability of defence industrial ecosystems to targeted attacks.

Beyond Defence: The Offensive Turn in US Cybersecurity Strategy

Offensive cyber operations are increasingly becoming an integral component of modern military campaigns.