Ideas

Why the US went to war without a plan to evacuate DOD civilians, contractors, and others

A diplomatic veteran cites operational secrecy—and describes how things might have gone better.

Threats

Hegseth: US went to war because Iran 'had no intention' of signing a nuclear deal

The Joint Chiefs chairman gave an updated battle damage assessment, roundup of Iran’s capabilities during a briefing Wednesday.

Threats

Cyber, Space Commands were among 'first movers' in strikes on Iran: top general

Coordinated space and cyber operations left Iran "without the ability to see, coordinate or respond effectively," Gen. Caine said.

Threats

Intelligence firms watch for uptick in Iran cyber activity after US, Israel strikes

Analysts say organizations should remain vigilant, though early indications show Iran-linked hackers have overstated their success.

Threats

‘It sounded relentless’: American in Bahrain describes days of drone and missile attacks

A “constant barrage of sirens, missile impacts, Patriot interceptors, drones, and jet engines.”

Threats

Fake DOD memo about ‘compromised’ apps shows swift spread of deceptive messaging

The message, widely circulated as the U.S. bombed Iran, shows how quickly unverified information can reach troops.

Threats

First 24 hours of Trump's war on Iran, by the numbers

As of Sunday morning, three service members have been killed and five wounded in Operation Epic Fury.

Ideas

Why the US attack on Iran is unlikely to produce regime change in Tehran

A conversation with veteran diplomat Donald Heflin, a leader at Tufts University's Fletcher School.

Threats

Shahed drone meets clone in US war on Iran

The Feb. 28 strikes saw the first combat use of the LUCAS, a near-copy of Iran’s cheap and effective Shahed-136.

Threats

Strikes on Iran will test US cyber strategy abroad, and defenses at home

The federal government’s cyber defense agency is short-staffed, and Tehran is known for its retaliatory cyberattacks.

Ideas

Expect Iranian regime to respond to US‑Israeli strikes as existential threats

The response to last year's strikes on nuclear sites was muted. Don't expect this one to be the same.