Trump and Xi Jingping summit: How are the United States and China redefining their relationship?

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As tensions over trade, Taiwan, technology, and global influence intensify, the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping may determine the future balance of power between Washington and Beijing. By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Sulaimani, Iraq | 13 May 2026 — Kurdish Policy Analysis "We don't have permanent allies and we don't have permanent enemies, only our interests are permanent, and we have to follow them." – Henry John Temple. The root of the current Strait of Hormuz tensions is not only about shipping routes or oil prices, but also about the final collapse of the historical US concept towards Beijing. However, the 2025 National Security Strategy, released by the White House in November, says this was a historic mistake because China used the assets it accumulated to strengthen itself and compete with the West, not to become their partner. For many years, the United States alone maintained maritime security; The fifth US ship in Manama, Bahrain, worked only to keep o...
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Iran’s 21-Day Assault: How U.S. Military Losses Are Reshaping the War

 

    Iran’s 21-Day Assault: Tactical Damage or Strategic Shift?

The recent report by The Times of India detailing Iran’s 21-day assault on U.S. military assets has sparked intense debate among analysts. Claims of damaged F-35s, F-16s, radar systems, and even incidents involving the USS Gerald R. Ford point to more than battlefield losses—they hint at a deeper transformation in modern warfare.

But how credible are these claims, and what do they actually mean?

What the Report Claims

According to the article, Iran’s sustained campaign:

  • Damaged or destroyed multiple U.S. aircraft, including advanced fighters
  • Targeted high-value systems like radar and missile defense networks
  • Impacted strategic assets such as the USS Gerald R. Ford
  • Imposed financial and operational strain on U.S. forces

These claims align partially with broader reporting that confirms:

However, some figures—especially large-scale aircraft losses—remain unverified or contested, highlighting the role of information warfare.

Breaking Down the Key Military Losses

1. Air Power Under Pressure

Even limited damage to platforms like the F-35 is strategically significant:

  • It challenges the perception of U.S. air superiority
  • Forces changes in mission planning and risk tolerance
  • Signals that Iranian air defenses and tactics are more capable than expected

Confirmed incidents include:

  • An F-35 damaged in combat
  • Losses of drones and support aircraft
  • Friendly-fire and operational accidents compounding battlefield losses

Analysis:
Iran doesn’t need to destroy dozens of jets—even a few high-profile hits can reshape deterrence narratives globally.

2. Missile Defense Systems: Cost vs Reality

Systems like THAAD and Patriot were heavily deployed—but with limitations:

  • Interceptors cost millions per launch
  • Iranian drones can cost tens of thousands
  • Saturation attacks strain even advanced systems

Evidence suggests:

  • At least one THAAD-associated radar system was destroyed
  • U.S. defenses are struggling against high-volume missile/drone attacks

Analysis:
This reflects a classic asymmetry: Cheap offensive weapons vs expensive defensive systems. This imbalance could reshape future military procurement and doctrine.

3. Naval Vulnerability: The USS Gerald R. Ford Incident

Reports referencing the USS Gerald R. Ford raised alarm—but context matters:

  • The carrier did suffer a major onboard fire, injuring sailors
  • However, it was not caused by Iranian attack

Analysis:
Even non-combat incidents become strategic narratives during wartime. Iran’s messaging strategy: Amplifies incidents and blurs lines between combat damage and operational accidents.

4. Infrastructure and Radar Losses

Iran appears to have focused on:

  • Radar systems
  • Airbases
  • Logistics hubs

This aligns with modern doctrine:

Disable the enemy’s “eyes and ears” before defeating its weapons

Confirmed impacts include:

  • Destruction of advanced radar systems in Qatar and Bahrain
  • Damage to multiple U.S. military sites across the region.

The Bigger Picture: Strategic Implications

1. The End of Untouchable Superiority

For decades, U.S. forces operated with near-total dominance.
This conflict suggests:

  • Air superiority is now contested
  • Missile defense is no longer foolproof
  • Even top-tier systems like the F-35 are not invulnerable

2. The Rise of Asymmetric Warfare

Iran’s strategy is clear:

  • Use cheap drones and missiles
  • Overwhelm advanced defenses
  • Target high-value assets selectively

This approach:

  • Maximizes impact
  • Minimizes cost
  • Exploits Western military structure

3. Strategic Overstretch of the U.S.

The war is not happening in isolation:

  • U.S. resources are already stretched across multiple theaters
  • Critical systems (THAAD, missiles, logistics) are being depleted

Implication: The Iran conflict could weaken U.S. deterrence elsewhere, especially in Asia.

4. Information Warfare is Central

Conflicting reports about losses show that:

  • Narrative control is as important as battlefield success
  • Both sides are shaping perception for global audiences

What were the main U.S. losses?

Why is this significant?

  • Challenges U.S. air superiority
  • Shows limits of missile defense systems
  • Highlights effectiveness of asymmetric warfare

Are all reports confirmed?

No. Some claims—especially large-scale aircraft losses—remain disputed and may be part of information warfare strategies.

Conclusion: Tactical Losses, Strategic Warning

Iran’s 21-day assault may not represent a decisive military victory—but it delivers a powerful message: The era of uncontested U.S. dominance in the Middle East is fading. Even limited losses—when amplified—can: Shift global perceptions, influence allies and adversaries, redefine future warfare.




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