US military
The United States military is the world's most powerful armed force and Israel's primary strategic ally. As of July 2026, US forces have escalated to high-intensity kinetic operations against the Iranian regime, maintaining a naval blockade and conducting nightly airstrikes on strategic infrastructure across Iran.
The United States military operates as the critical guarantor of Middle Eastern stability through U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Following the collapse of the 'Islamabad' memorandum in July 2026, the American posture shifted from deterrence to active engagement. Under the direction of President Donald Trump, US forces have initiated a sustained campaign of kinetic pressure aimed at degrading the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and forcing a final nuclear and security settlement. This presence provides essential strategic depth for Israel and ensures the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Recent operations have transitioned from maritime interceptions to widespread, multi-wave airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory. The Pentagon has deployed over 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft to the theater, executing precision strikes on IRGC missile bases, command centers in Shiraz, and dual-use infrastructure. In mid-July 2026, these strikes expanded to target power grids and desalination plants in southern coastal provinces, including Ahvaz and Qeshm Island, causing widespread blackouts. By July 18, the campaign reached its sixth consecutive night, with strikes expanding for the first time into central Iran, specifically the Yazd area, where an underground 'missile city' was reportedly targeted. Despite active kinetic operations, the Pentagon maintains a direct communication line with the IRGC to manage escalation risks. Beyond direct combat, the US military maintains a complex logistical and defensive array in the region, including Patriot missile batteries in Erbil, Iraq, which have been active in intercepting proxy threats against American assets.