President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially scale back the annual joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. The announcement came only hours before the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise was scheduled to begin, leaving military officials with the unenviable task of adjusting a major operation after the troops had already…
Who Controls the Strait of Hormuz?
President Trump has taken the contest over the Strait of Hormuz beyond blockades, shipping lanes, and naval power. Speaking in Garden City, New York, he declared that once the United States finished defeating Iran, he would “pretty soon” designate the strait as American territory. He reinforced the point by noting that the United States controls…
The Senate’s New Sanctions Push Against Russia and Iran
The Senate has taken a major step toward dramatically increasing economic pressure on Russia, the countries purchasing its energy, and Iran. In an 86–12 procedural vote, senators advanced the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, although the measure still requires additional votes before it can pass the Senate and move to…
Trump’s Iran Warning and the Fight Over the Strait of Hormuz
President Trump has issued Iran a blunt warning: Every time Iranian forces attack a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States will destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant, including potentially those in or near Tehran. The threat comes amid renewed American airstrikes, continued Iranian attacks on commercial shipping, and the collapse of…
The House Debate Over the Future of U.S. Aid to Israel
The House has delivered one of those votes that fails legislatively but succeeds politically. Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to the fiscal 2027 State Department appropriations bill was defeated 314–104, with 10 members voting present. Yet the most revealing number was 103. That was the number of Democrats who joined Massie, the lone Republican supporter, in…
Turkey, the F-35, and the Price of Alliance Trust
President Trump’s reported push to reopen the door for Turkey to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program has revived one of NATO’s messier family arguments. And yes, this is very much a “family argument” situation: Turkey is a NATO ally, the U.S. wants strong partners against Russia and Iran, Israel is raising alarms, Congress has…
Start the War First, Build the Coalition Later?
The current scramble to assemble an international response to the Strait of Hormuz crisis feels backward. Not a little backward, but fundamentally backward. President Trump is urging allies and global powers to help secure one of the most critical arteries of global trade. That ask, on its own, is completely reasonable. The Strait of Hormuz…
Like Father, Like Son? Iran’s “Revolutionary” Republic Embraces a Family Succession
Iran just selected a new Supreme Leader. And in a twist that would be hilarious if it weren’t geopolitically consequential, the choice turned out to be the son of the previous Supreme Leader. Yes, the same Islamic Republic that came to power by overthrowing a hereditary monarchy has now—quite awkwardly—installed something that looks suspiciously like……
Russia Helping Iran Target U.S. Forces
Russia has reportedly shared intelligence with Iran that could help Tehran locate and potentially target U.S. military assets in the Middle East. According to reporting by the Associated Press, U.S. officials believe Russia has passed along information that could improve Iran’s ability to track American ships, aircraft, and other military infrastructure in the region. Even…
War with Iran: Necessary Show of Strength or Reckless Gamble?
The question of war with Iran is not theoretical anymore. The United States is engaged in active hostilities: coordinated strikes, retaliatory missile fire, and the possible drift toward broader conflict. The debate is fierce and deeply divided. Supporters argue that decisive action was long overdue. Critics warn that we’re stumbling into another Middle Eastern quagmire…
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