Operation Epic Fury: How are Western states supporting the Middle East?

Western states are supporting the air defence mission in the Gulf as Iran continues to respond to Operation Epic Fury. Several states have made a real show of force, demonstrating their commitment to the region. And whilst the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is currently unclear, Iran’s allies are nowhere to be seen.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on March 24, 2026.

The Gulf states have carried much of the air defence mission in the region, demonstrating the value of decades of investment in layered air defence systems. However, the US is making a sizable contribution with up to seven Arleigh-Burke guided missile destroyers in the region. 

“Once again, our integrated air and missile defense network is performing exactly as it’s intended. US Patriot and THAAD batteries along with ballistic missile defense-capable Navy destroyers continue to coordinate and execute intercepts with precision and  consistency,” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said on March 2. 

US assets are understood to have shot down hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles since the campaign began. Often working alongside Gulf state air defences, they provide additional depth and capacity against Iran’s missile waves.

Recognising the need for a long-term approach to air defence in the region, the US also established the MEAD-CDOC in January. The Middle Eastern Air Defense – Combined Defense Operations Cell is now part of the Combined Air Operations Center in Qatar. It has been described as recognition that air defence is no longer optional in the region. 

What is the rest of the world providing?

The UK has provided a range of assistance, from F-35s flying missions over Jordan, to Typhoons supporting Qatar. British aircraft have also flown in support of Bahrain, the UAE, and Iraq. To bolster its presence, the UK has sent additional Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, which contribute to situational awareness and interceptions. In addition, UK personnel are stationed in Saudi Arabia helping to operate counter-drone air defence systems. 

What those systems are is unknown, but the UK has gone further, convening domestic companies that can contribute to air defence in the Gulf. The meeting “saw representatives from UK-based defence companies meeting Gulf ambassadors and defence attachés to explore new industry support.” According to an 18 March MoD press release, the UK is also buying additional Light Multi-Role Missiles from Thales, which it said have already been used in the Middle East. The extra missiles will continue to support the UK’s partners in the region, it added.

In addition, Australia is sending one of its E-7 Wedgetail airborne warning and control aircraft, as well as air-to-air missiles to the UAE. France is deploying a veritable naval armada centred around its aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, to the Mediterranean. From there, with its Dutch, Spanish, and Italian escorts, the carrier will be able to contribute to air defence over some of the Middle East. 

They are not alone, French Rafales have been intercepting Iranian drones out of the UAE since February. They have consumed so many Mica air-to-air missiles that there are concerns about replenishing stocks of the missiles, according to La Tribune. In the near future, Italy has also stated its intention to deploy air defence and counter-drone capabilities to the Middle East. All have been clear in their intent to defend their regional partners, as well as their own citizens.

Why aren’t the Gulf’s allies already opening the Strait of Hormuz?

The simple answer to this question is that Iran is quite capable against maritime targets. It has a range of capabilities from mines, to anti-ship ballistic missiles, drones, and fast-attack boats. The US and Israeli operations are likely to have degraded some of these capabilities, but not all of them. 

However, on March 19, several states issued a joint statement, which is promising. The states included: 

• The UK
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• The Netherlands 
• and Japan.

They said, “We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.”

Most of the contributing states, like France, Italy, and the Netherlands, have previously deployed forces to the Red Sea. Under Operation ASPIDES, which has been extended to 2027, seven core European states have contributed assets to protect commercial shipping. As a result, they have some experience of defending against Houthi attacks, which employ similar weapons to the Iranians.

However, it is reasonable to assume that Iran would be better able to coordinate those effects in space and time. A few drones and occasional ballistic missile launches are quite straightforward to intercept. But many drones, combined with many missiles, mines, and surface vessels are incredibly challenging. 

Of course, the US presence in the region remains considerable and is set to grow. The risk of Iranian ballistic missiles off the Strait is too great for the venerable US carriers to get close. But ongoing strike and defensive operations will help to reduce Iran’s offensive capabilities in the area. 

Where are Iran’s allies? 

Iran’s allies have had a mixed response. The Houthis, seemingly favouring the prospect of peace with Saudi Arabia appear content to stay out of the fight. Meanwhile, Hezbollah and Shiite militias in Iraq have launched rockets and drones at Israel and US forces respectively. 

But it is Iran’s biggest and closest ally, Russia, that is reported to have provided the most meaningful support. The Wall Street Journal, citing a mixture of ambassadors and unnamed officials, said that Russia has provided satellite imagery and advice to Iran. This reportedly included lessons learned from the use of Shaheds in Ukraine. The Kremlin has denied these claims, naturally, and the US has downplayed their impact. Nevertheless, it does reflect the likelihood that despite notionally close ties, Russia’s support is limited to some equipment and political support. 

Iran has received even less from Beijing. With domestic concerns dividing attention, and much closer relations with other Gulf states, China has little incentive to risk confrontation with the US over Iran. And, like many other states, China receives a considerable portion of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz. This has led to calls from China’s Foreign Ministry for a general de-escalation in the Straits. 

Calibre comment: Allies bring security 

The evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East is clearly complex. Moreover, there are signs that the partners of the Gulf States are increasing their commitments and support in the face of Iran’s attacks. At the same time, Iran’s partners are assuming mixed approaches. Some have launched attacks of their own in solidarity with Iran, but they are unlikely to alter the regional balance. But the rogue state’s most capable supporters have taken a very conservative approach.

If you would like to read more of our coverage on the war with Iran, please check the links below:

• Operation Epic Fury: Charting the role of the MQ-9 Reaper – Calibre Defence
• Operation Roaring Lion: Israel preps for next phase – Calibre Defence
• The Houthi Dilemma – will they join Iran’s conflict? – Calibre Defence
• Three observations from Iran’s drone strike on RAF Akrotiri – Calibre Defence

The lead image shows a US F-16 with AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, as well as AGM-88 radar homing missiles. It is flying in support of Operation Epic Fury. Credit: US Air Force.