Escalates

• The Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East beyond the 1,500 already mobilized from the 82nd Airborne Division, according to a senior U.S. defense official. • U.S. Central Command reported striking more than 8,000 targets, including over 130 Iranian naval vessels, while Israel confirmed dropping more than 15,000 munitions as part of coordinated Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion campaigns launched on February 28. • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on March 27 that Washington expects the operation against Iran to conclude "within weeks, not months" and that the U.S. can meet all objectives without using ground troops.

• The United Arab Emirates reported heavy explosions in Dubai early Friday as its air defenses intercepted incoming Iranian fire over the city. • Kuwait reported two oil refineries on fire and Saudi Arabia disclosed that its Samre refinery came under attack, indicating Iran's widening campaign against Gulf energy infrastructure. • The attacks represent Iran's strategic effort to target regional economic assets and disrupt global energy supplies as the conflict escalates beyond direct military engagements.

• The Trump administration announced plans to halt billions in federal Medicaid payments to California, Florida, Maine, and New York, following similar actions against Minnesota involving over $2 billion in withheld funds and $260 million clawed back. • Officials cited alleged Medicaid fraud as the basis for these unprecedented measures, potentially creating a national playbook for pressuring states over program spending. • This escalation impacts public health insurance jointly funded by states and federal government, raising concerns about access for low-income Americans amid ongoing political tensions.

• As the Iran war enters its 17th day, President Trump is pressuring NATO allies and other nations to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to secure the critical oil route, warning that the United States cannot do it alone. • Trump stated "We'll protect them and if ever needed help, they won't be there for us," signaling frustration with allied hesitancy while claiming numerous countries are on their way to assist despite limited public commitments. • Military analysts suggest a four-week campaign would be required to remove missiles, drones, fast attack craft, and mines from the strategic waterway, with Trump's administration reportedly reaching out to Australia, Japan, South Korea, the UK, France, and China with minimal success in securing open support.

• A dispute between the Pentagon and Anthropic emerged on March 16, 2026, threatening privacy rights and global stability through expanded AI surveillance capabilities. • The conflict highlights tensions in military AI contracts, dubbed the 'new digital panopticon' by analyst Asish Gupta. • It underscores risks of government access to advanced AI models impacting civil liberties and international relations.

The US military is deploying 2,500 additional Marines and another warship to the Middle East amid the Iran conflict entering its 14th day on March 14, 2026. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Iran's counterattacks as 'sheer desperation' following six more US casualties this week. The buildup responds to disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, which intercepted 28 drones. Pentagon officials warn of potential Navy escorts for tankers to counter economic disruptions.

The US is sending 2,500 additional Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East nearly two weeks into the war with Iran, according to a US official. This reinforcement comes amid stepped-up attacks by US, Israel, and Iran with no end in sight. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted six more US casualties recently, bringing total American troop deaths to 13. The moves signal preparation for prolonged conflict.