Special Operations Weekly — June 29, 2026: Iran-U.S. Conflict Continues as Unmanned Systems Dominate Persian Gulf and Ukraine Battlefields
The June 29, 2026 edition of the Special Operations Weekly covers ongoing Iran-U.S. hostilities over control of the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. airstrikes on Iranian military targets, and the growing battlefield impact of unmanned systems in both the Persian Gulf and Ukraine. Drone strikes deep inside Russia are disrupting oil and gas supplies, while pressure on Crimean supply lines is showing results. AI's role in U.S. military operations is also increasing.
Highlights
- Iran continued attacking U.S. regional forces in June 2026 to defend its control over the Strait of Hormuz, prompting U.S. airstrikes on Iranian military targets.
- Unmanned systems are playing a dominant and growing role on both the Persian Gulf and Ukrainian battlefields as of late June 2026.
- Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russia are disrupting oil and gas supplies, with interdiction of Crimean supply lines showing measurable early results.
- AI integration in U.S. military operations is accelerating, with artificial intelligence taking on an increasingly critical role in active conflict zones.
- The 2026 'Bull' Simons Award was presented to a former Navy SEAL; the report is published by Small Wars Journal under Arizona State University.
Special Operations Weekly — June 29, 2026
Author: John Friberg | Published: June 29, 2026
This weekly report compiles news, analysis, and commentary related to special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, defense, and global conflict.
Cover image: Aircraft on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury, March 3, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo)
Executive Summary
This week's report covers the latest developments in special operations forces (SOF), global conflict, intelligence, and national security over the past week.
Iran has continued to attack U.S. forces in the region in an effort to prevent the United States from undermining Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has responded with airstrikes against Iranian military targets, drawing both sides into an escalating cycle of retaliatory strikes.
Unmanned systems continue to play an increasingly significant role on both the Persian Gulf and Ukrainian battlefields. Strikes conducted deep inside Russian territory are disrupting its oil and gas supplies, while efforts to interdict Crimean supply lines are beginning to yield results. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an ever-more-critical role in U.S. military operations.
This Week's Highlights
- Ongoing Iran-U.S. Conflict: Both sides continue to exchange retaliatory strikes, keeping tensions at an elevated level.
- "Bull" Simons Award: This year's award has been presented to a former Navy SEAL.
- Maritime Gray Zone: Latest developments and analysis on gray zone operations at sea.
- Psychedelics and Veterans: A new report examines the use of psychedelic substances in psychological treatment for veterans.
- SOF Events Calendar: A roundup of upcoming special operations-related events.
Editor's Note
This weekly report is published by Small Wars Journal, an outlet under Arizona State University. If you have not yet subscribed to the daily newsletter, you can sign up now to receive the latest updates two to three mornings or afternoons per week.
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