Ideas
The Future of Conflict is Proxy Warfare, Again
A new CNA study offers seven lessons from America’s experience with supporting one side from afar.
Threats
New Defense Secretary Immediately Faced With Challenges In Iran, UK
Esper takes the reins at the Pentagon just days after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker—and amid an ongoing rift with the U.S.’s closest ally.
Ideas
Iran Is Acting Like the International Villain of Trump’s Prophecy
Any number of relatively mundane scenarios now have the potential to escalate U.S.-Iran tensions—from a fire at a militia base to the seizure of an oil tanker to the signal-jamming of a drone.
Threats
‘Looking to Break Status Quo,’ Iran Seizes UK Tanker
Pentagon intel chief says Tehran wants to escape U.S. pressure, but not by going to war.
Policy
Milley: War with Iran Would Draw Forces from Great-Power Focus
The four-star Army general received questions but few challenges at his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing.
Ideas
There’s a Deal to Be Had Between the US and Iran
For now, though, both sides seem to prefer escalating pressure.
Threats
Dunford: US Will Provide Intel, Not Escorts, In Strait Of Hormuz
The Trump administration wants to put together an international coalition to prevent tanker attacks from Iran.
Business
Fearing Iran, Qatar Continues Building its Missile Defenses
The Middle Eastern nation told the White House it would buy NASAMS and add to its Patriot batteries.
Science & Tech
Suspected Iranian Cyber Attacks Show No Sign of Slowing
As Iran and the U.S. trade cyber blows, a new warning shows that the online fight is likely to go on.
Threats
Pentagon Official: We Didn’t Link Iran to al-Qaeda In Hill Briefings
“In these briefings, none of the officials mentioned al-Qa'ida or the 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force,” DASD Mick Mulroy said.
Threats
America’s Free-Rider Problem in the Strait of Hormuz
“The United States has not been willing to walk away from the Gulf, so other allies may not step up to do anything because they know that if they don’t, the U.S. will.”
Ideas
Not Even Trump Has Any Idea What His Iran Policy Is
The president canceled a strike because it was “not proportionate,” and then vowed “obliteration.”
Ideas
We Don’t Need Airstrikes to Restore Deterrence in the Strait of Hormuz
Recent history shows that a restrained, multilateral military response can help restore stability.
Ideas
Trump Goes After Iran’s Supreme Leader
Having pulled back from a strike on Iran, the White House is trying sanctions on Ali Khamenei.
Ideas
Is There Still a Deal to Be Done With Iran?
Below the surface, there are faint signs of how both parties can exit the crisis.
Ideas
Worse Than Obama’s Red-Line Moment
Trump has now shown himself just as willing as President Obama to make empty threats that damage American credibility.
Policy
On Iran, It’s Trump Vs. Trump
The president’s 2020 reelection campaign looms large over the decision whether to retaliate for a downed drone.
Science & Tech
How the Pentagon Nickel-and-Dimed Its Way Into Losing a Drone
The lion’s share of the U.S. drone fleet is easy prey for advanced air defenses. It didn’t have to be that way.
Ideas