MORE: Iran is likely trying to secure Russian air defense systems due to ongoing concerns about its ability to defend against a potential resumption of US strikes. Russia very likely cannot provide Iran with such systems at this time given its own constraints, however. Iran’s push for Russian air defense systems suggests that Iranian air defense capabilities remain degraded following US-Israeli strikes on Iran between 2024 and 2026. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaydi appears to be intensifying his efforts to constrain Iranian-backed Iraqi militias’ ability to operate in Iraq. Zaydi has reportedly threatened to arrest militia members if they intervene in a potential US-Iran conflict on Iran’s

MORE: Iran is likely trying to secure Russian air defense systems due to ongoing concerns about its ability to defend against a potential resumption of US strikes. Russia very likely cannot provide Iran with such systems at this time given its own constraints, however. Iran’s push for Russian air defense systems suggests that Iranian air defense capabilities remain degraded following US-Israeli strikes on Iran between 2024 and 2026.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaydi appears to be intensifying his efforts to constrain Iranian-backed Iraqi militias’ ability to operate in Iraq. Zaydi has reportedly threatened to arrest militia members if they intervene in a potential US-Iran conflict on Iran’s behalf. The Iraqi government has also taken action to disrupt Iranian-backed Iraqi financial networks in recent days.

Iranian-backed Iraqi actors possibly attacked the Emirati-owned Khor Mor gas field in Iraqi Kurdistan on November 8 to deter Zaydi from taking additional actions targeting the militias’ revenue channels and ability to operate.

Recent US airstrikes on Qeshm Island reportedly targeted Iranian radar installations, missile launchers, and mine-laying systems, likely in an effort to degrade Iran’s ability to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Yemeni government-aligned forces continued to attempt to advance in central Jawf Governorate and northwestern Marib Governorate, likely to set conditions to try to recapture Jawf Governorate’s capital, al Hazm.

Yemeni government-aligned forces continued to repel Houthi attempted advances in northeastern Lahij Governorate. Yemeni government-aligned forces separately regained territory in northwestern Lahij Governorate.Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar)NEW: Iranian Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Mohsen Rezaei’s growing prominence in US-Iran negotiations indicates that Iran will likely maintain its maximalist demands, including recognized control of the Strait of Hormuz and the maintenance of its nuclear program.

Rezaei has publicly insisted that Iran will only “reopen” the Strait of Hormuz once the United States meets Iran’s seven conditions. Rezaei’s public comments suggest that he is unwilling to “reopen” the strait in a way that would deprive Iran of control over the waterway, however.

Rezaei is also unlikely to agree to significant concessions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, although he may be willing to discuss nuclear issues after the United States acquiesces to Iranian demands. (1/2)—  https://x.com/TheStudyofWar/status/2119983539789656211