FDD Events Podcast

WHAT LESSONS CAN BE LEARNED FROM PAST MIDDLE EAST PEACE EFFORTS? HEADLINE 1: Australia and Iran are engaged in a heavyweight diplomatic spat.HEADLINE 2: The IDF conducted a rare daytime raid in Ramallah yesterday.HEADLINE 3: Officials from France, Britain, and Germany met with an Iranian delegation in Geneva yesterday to discuss the looming snapback sanctions.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with Ambassador Dennis Ross, The Washington Institute's William Davidson Distinguished Fellow and a former Israeli-Palestinian peace process negotiator under Presidents H. W. Bush and Clinton.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD Articles: "Iran faces a perfect storm of domestic failures" - Janatan Sayeh and Navid Mohebbi, JNS"Oil holds the key to Ukraine war's end — if Trump plays hardball" - Rich Goldberg and John Hardie, New York Post"Reexamining the U.S.-South Africa Relationship" - FDD Virtual Event

WHY IS ISRAEL INVESTED IN THE FATE OF SYRIA'S DRUZE? HEADLINE 1: Iran just might limit its uranium enrichment to avoid further punishment from Israel and the West.HEADLINE 2: Egypt is reportedly bolstering its military presence along the border with Gaza.HEADLINE 3: U.S. envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack and deputy special envoy Morgan Ortagus arrived in Israel yesterday.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with Jonathan Hessen, nonresident senior fellow at the Hudson Institute's Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD Articles:"For the First Time in 25 Years, Syria Acknowledges Direct Talks With Israel" - Ahmad Sharawi, FDD Policy Brief"Behind Khamenei's post-war shake up: Salvaging the remains of the 'Axis of Resistance'" - Saeed Ghasseminejad, The Jerusalem Post "Exodus or Endurance: The Plight of Egypt's Christians" - Cliff May and Mariam Wahba, FDD's Foreign Podicy

QATAR, TURKEY, IRAN, AND GAZAHEADLINE 1: The Trump administration just went scorched earth on the International Criminal Court with fresh sanctions.HEADLINE 2: An Israeli imprisoned in Lebanon for over a year has quietly been freed — no prisoner swap needed.HEADLINE 3: Tensions are running high in the West Bank.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH). Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD Articles:"The single negotiation goal with Iran should be complete dismantlement of nuclear program" - Mark Dubowitz and Brig. Gen. (Res.) Jacob Nagel "Israeli operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah: August 4–17, 2025" - David Daoud "The Iran Breakdown: American Economic and Financial Power and the Iran File" - Mark Dubowitz and Juan Zarate

WHY ARE LEGACY MEDIA OUTLETS AMPLIFYING HAMAS' NARRATIVE? HEADLINE 1: Hamas has possibly agreed to a 60-day ceasefire with Israel. But don't hold your breath. The terms are 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences. HEADLINE 2: Yesterday, the families of the “Beautiful Six” commemorated one year since Hamas murdered their loved ones in cold blood. HEADLINE 3: Israel and Australia are locking horns — and things are only getting worse.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with Jonas Du, a fellow at The Free Press. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD Articles: "Donald Trump Set a Nuclear Precedent. Now He Must Enforce It" - Andrea Stricker and Henry Sokolski in The National Interest"The urgent need to procure more THAAD interceptors" - Bradley Bowman and Ryan Brobst in Defense News"Top US teachers' union supports Palestinian counterpart with terror-linked leader" - Brandy Shufutinsky in JNS

HOW IS ENERGY RELATED TO U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY? HEADLINE 1: The family of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker released a new video of him in Hamas captivity.HEADLINE 2: Israel is preparing a full-scale offensive in Gaza City. HEADLINE 3: Israel struck the Houthis where it hurts — again.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Advisor Richard Goldberg.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD articles:"Nvidia⁩ Games: China v. the US in AI Arms Race" — FDD's Foreign Podicy with Cliff May"Egypt Inks Multi-Billion Dollar Energy Deal With Israel Despite Gaza Tensions" — FDD Policy Brief by Mariam Wahba"China Has Most To Gain From Trump-Putin Talks in Alaska" — Craig Singleton

HOW DID ORDINARY IRANIANS RESPOND TO ISRAEL'S 12-DAY WAR AGAINST THE REGIME'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM?HEADLINE 1: Israel is reportedly in talks with several countries to take in Palestinians from Gaza.HEADLINE 2: Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, visited Beirut this week.HEADLINE 3: Turkey and Syria signed a defense cooperation agreement.BONUS HEADLINE 4: France, Germany, and the UK may reimpose sanctions on Iran.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with FDD Research Analyst Janatan Sayeh, who specializes in Iranian domestic affairs and the regime's malign influence in the region.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD articles:"The Houthis and the U.N.'s Ship of Fools" by Max Meizlish and Bridget Toomey"Ukraine peace is in reach — if Trump meets Putin's demands with US vigor" by RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery and John Hardie"America's fair-weather friends" by Cliff May

IS SYRIA'S NEW STRONGMAN UP TO THE TASK? HEADLINE 1: Iran reported a new statistic about last month's 12-day war. Between June 13 and 24: Iranian police arrested 21,000 people.HEADLINE 2: The evidence against Hamas's claim of starvation in Gaza is mounting, even as the accusations against Israel continue to fly.HEADLINE 3: The IDF eliminated five armed terrorists masquerading as World Central Kitchen workers.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with FDD Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi, who specializes in the Levant.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD articles: "Analysis: Armenia–Azerbaijan deal worries Iran" by Janatan Sayeh"U.S. and Partners Conclude Month of Military Exercises in the Pacific While Eyeing China" by Cameron McMillan and Roc Iore"Mapping a Shadow War: Explosions Across Iran After the 12-Day War" by FDD Visuals Team and NUFDI

ISRAELI MOSSAD OPERATIVES ARE SPYING IN IRAN WHILE SOME ORDINARY ISRAELIS ARE SPYING FOR IRAN.HEADLINE 1: Iran has sent its surviving nuclear scientists into hiding.HEADLINE 2: The IDF foiled another attempt to smuggle weapons from Egypt into Israel.HEADLINE 3: White House envoy Steve Witkoff met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani in Ibiza, Spain over the weekend.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with journalist Dan Raviv, host of “The Mossad Files” podcast.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

HOW DO TRUMP VOTERS VIEW U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES?HEADLINE 1: The United Nations has finally engaged with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, or “GHF.”HEADLINE 2: The Lebanese government approved a U.S. proposal to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025. HEADLINE 3: Israel signed a major energy export deal with Egypt.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Carrie Filipetti, executive director of The Vandenberg Coalition.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

WHAT IS THE ISRAELI PUBLIC OPINION ON THE WAR IN GAZA?HEADLINE 1: A group of Iranian scientists secretly visited Russian nuclear facilities last year.HEADLINE 2: Israel is snarling at the United Nations, and it's high drama.HEADLINE 3: The multi-front war in the Middle East continues on, uh, multiple fronts.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Haviv Rettig Gur, host of the Ask Haviv Anything podcast and Middle East analyst at The Free Press.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

WHAT'S THE ON-THE-GROUND REALITY IN GAZA?HEADLINE 1: Turkey hosted a senior Hamas delegation this weekend.HEADLINE 2: White House envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited Gaza on Friday.HEADLINE 3: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or “UNRWA,” is feeling the heat here in the United States.--FDD Executive Director President Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Major (Ret.) Andrew Fox, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

HOW ISOLATED IS ISRAEL RIGHT NOW?HEADLINE 1: The Trump administration is forging ahead with its maximum pressure campaign.HEADLINE 2: In more sanctions news, the Trump administration sanctioned the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority.HEADLINE 3: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun intensified his call for Hezbollah to disarm.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

GAZA FAMINE CLAIMS AND ISRAEL'S INTERNATIONAL ISOLATIONHEADLINE 1: Syrian refugees displaced during the country's civil war are starting to return home.HEADLINE 2: The IDF has released an assessment of its Fall 2024 campaign against Hezbollah.HEADLINE 3: The Houthis have again threatened to escalate attacks against international shipping.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Nadav Eyal, an award-winning Israeli journalist affiliated with Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynetnews.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

JORDAN'S DELICATE BALANCING ACTHEADLINE 1: Israel has taken a good first step by implementing daily tactical pauses in Gaza.HEADLINE 2: As if to underscore the need for a pause, two more Israelis were killed in action.HEADLINE 3: As if we didn't have enough Gaza news to cover today, President Trump is reportedly rethinking his Gaza strategy.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Aaron Magid, former Amman-based journalist and author of a biography of Jordan's King Abdullah.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

IS LEBANON'S FUTURE BRIGHT OR BLEAK?HEADLINE 1: Saudi Arabia announced $6.4 billion worth of investments in Syria.HEADLINE 2: Another country is poised to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.HEADLINE 3: 8 Israeli soldiers were injured yesterday.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with David Daoud, FDD Senior Fellow and expert on Lebanon and Hezbollah.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

IRAN, ISRAEL, AND THE UNITED STATESHEADLINE 1: The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned a petroleum smuggling and sanctions evasion network that generates cash for the Houthis.HEADLINE 2: A round of nuclear talks is scheduled to take place on Friday between Iran, Britain, France, and Germany – the E3.HEADLINE 3: The U.S. pulled out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

GAZA, SYRIA, AND THE ISRAELI PEOPLEHEADLINE 1: The Israeli army is moving into Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.HEADLINE 2: Hostage families slammed IDF's Deir al-Balah ground op — fearing for their loved ones' lives.HEADLINE 3: More allegations of Israeli brutality in Gaza. And more denials from Israel.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Einat Wilf, author, former Israeli Knesset member, and foreign policy advisor to the late Shimon Peres.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE UN ISN'T JUST A FEW BAD APPLES — IT'S ROTTEN TO THE COREHEADLINE 1: Israel launched a national awareness campaign warning Israelis of Iranian recruitment attempts.HEADLINE 2: The Yemeni National Resistance Forces intercepted a shipment of Iranian weapons.HEADLINE 3: President Trump met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani at the White House on Wednesday.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH HUMANITARIAN AID IN GAZA?HEADLINE 1: Lebanon's central bank banned banks from interacting with a Hezbollah-linked financial institution called Al-Qard Al-Hassan.HEADLINE 2: Sectarian clashes erupted between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze militias in Syria.HEADLINE 3: The UN Human Rights Council is imploding.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Reverend Johnnie Moore, chairman of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

ISRAEL, GAZA, IRAN ... AND MOREHEADLINE 1: The IDF's Gaza war tempo is picking up.HEADLINE 2: Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly supports a potential nuclear deal that prevents Iran from enriching uranium.HEADLINE 3: New details are emerging about the 12-day war between Iran and Israel.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Adjunct Fellow Seth J. Frantzman, who serves as a senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

WHAT'S GOING ON INSIDE IRAN RIGHT NOW?HEADLINE 1: The Trump administration continues to escalate its maximum pressure campaign against Iran.HEADLINE 2: Francesca Albanese got sanctioned.HEADLINE 3: Hamas tried to abduct an Israeli soldier.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely updates and expert analysis, followed by a conversation with Meir Javedanfar, an Iranian-born Israeli lecturer, author, and expert on Iranian politics. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

HAMAS, HEZBOLLAH, AND HTSHEADLINE 1: The Houthis are have resumed attacking ships in the Red Sea.HEADLINE 2: The Trump administration revoked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.HEADLINE 3: Five Israeli soldiers were killed and 14 more were wounded in an ambush in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely updates and expert analysis, followed by a conversation with Roi Kais, Arab affairs correspondent for Israel's Channel 11.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely updates and expert analysis, followed by a conversation with Col. Richard Kemp, a retired British Army officer who has been on the ground in Israel and Gaza following the Hamas-led atrocities of October 7, 2023.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE IRANIAN PEOPLE VERSUS THE REGIMEHEADLINE 1: President Trump signed an executive order lifting sanctions on Syria.HEADLINE 2: Iranian threats against Donald Trump and his administration keep on coming.HEADLINE 3: While we're on the topic of suspicious Iranian activity…Danish authorities arrested a man suspected of collecting intel on Jewish targets in Germany.--FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation between Jonathan Schanzer and award-winning investigative journalist Lisa Daftari, who serves as the editor-in-chief for The Foreign Desk.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE STATE OF IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM, THE WAR IN GAZA, AND THE AXIS OF AGGRESSORSHEADLINE 1: Hamas issued fresh threats against aid workers in Gaza.HEADLINE 2: Over the last three months, the Shin Bet has arrested over 60 Hamas operatives in the West Bank.HEADLINE 3: Ireland is weighing legislation to ban imports from Israeli communities in the West Bank.BONUS HEADLINE 4: Iran's Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa against President Donald Trump.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Jonathan Panikoff, who directs the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

IRAN, GAZA, AND THE HOSTAGESFDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Brigadier General (Res.) Professor Jacob Nagel, FDD senior fellow and former Israeli national security advisor.Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Join our community to receive 24/7 updates on new and original insights into the latest developments and breaking news on national security and foreign policy.Subscribe now to @FDD on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC92qc2WwrEdmJ7ThqGR9yfw?sub_confirmation=1Follow FDD on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FDDFollow FDD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/816544/Follow FDD on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followFDD/FDD Website - https://www.fdd.org/The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations.Founded shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001, FDD conducts actionable research, prepared by experts and scholars from a variety of backgrounds – including government, intelligence, military, private sector, academia, and journalism. It brings proficiency in foreign languages, law, finance, technology, and other skills to its work.FDD regularly provides open-source research and analyses to policymakers and the media. Since its founding, FDD has shared its expertise with the Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations and congressional offices on a bipartisan basis.In addition to its in-house experts, FDD proudly collaborates with and seeks counsel from a range of distinguished advisors. FDD houses three centers on American power, which include FDD's Center on Military and Political Power, FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power, and FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation.FDD Experts: https://www.fdd.org/team/fdd-teamFDD Advisors: https://www.fdd.org/team/advisorsFDD Centers on American Power: https://www.fdd.org/fdd-centers-on-american-power/

On this special SITREP episode of the FDD Morning Brief, Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer is joined by FDD Senior Fellow Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus and FDD CMPP Senior Director Bradley Bowman to assess the fallout from Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran with a ceasefire now in effect — and evaluate the current status of Tehran's nuclear ambitions.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Tune in to the FDD Morning Brief for a special SITREP assessing the damage from the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer is joined by RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Director of FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation; Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power; and Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of FDD's Iran Program for a comprehensive analysis.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

After days and weeks of uncertainty, the United States struck Iran's most fortified nuclear site — the crown jewel, Fordow — along with Natanz and Esfahan. The attack capped a week of Israeli operations that shattered key components of Iran's nuclear program and eliminated top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. Are we witnessing the final chapter of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program unfold before our eyes?Tune in to FDD's Emergency SITREP with Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer, CEO Mark Dubowitz, Deputy Director for Nonproliferation and Biodefense Andrea Stricker, and Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation Senior Director RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery for real-time analysis of the fallout.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/06/21/fdd-sitrep-us-bombs-iran-nuclear-sites/

ISRAEL'S SUCCESSES AND IRAN'S STRATEGYHEADLINE 1: Hackers stole approximately $90 million from Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange.HEADLINE 2: Iran and Israel are slugging it out like two boxers in the 10th round of a heavyweight bout.HEADLINE 3: As Trump considers what to do next, polls are shedding light about what Americans think about Iran.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Chief Executive Mark Dubowitz, who hosts FDD's new podcast, The Iran Breakdown.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE REGIME IN IRAN'S ARSENAL, ISRAEL'S SUCCESSES AND SETBACKS, AND THE IRANIAN PEOPLEHEADLINE 1: 20 Arab and Islamic countries signed a statement calling on Israel to stop striking Iran.HEADLINE 2: The IDF took out Iranian Maj. Gen. Ali Shamdani.HEADLINE 3: Two Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza.--FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, delivering timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of FDD's Iran Program.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

ISRAEL, THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC, AND THE IRANIAN PEOPLE--As tensions escalate following Israel's strike on Iran, FDD's Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus offers timely analysis and is joined by Iran expert Beni Sabti of The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) to assess the fallout.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Israel has launched precision strikes against nuclear and military facilities in Iran — just days after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) formally declared Iran in violation of its nuclear nonproliferation commitments for the first time since 2005.The Islamic Republic — closer than ever to acquiring a nuclear weapon — had dismissed U.S. diplomatic overtures and accelerated its nuclear program in ways that clearly exceed any plausible civilian use.What are the implications for regional security and America's allies? How will these developments affect Iran's nuclear trajectory? And how might continued escalation shift the strategic balance across the Middle East and beyond?To deconstruct, Jonathan Schanzer hosts an all-star lineup of experts: RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, Eyal Hulata, and Mark Dubowitz.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

TURKEY'S NEO-OTTOMAN VISIONHEADLINE 1: The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on a network of sham charities that fund Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, or “PFLP.”HEADLINE 2: Israel carried out strikes against Yemen's Hodeida port.HEADLINE 3: The IDF took out two Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak — author, researcher, and one of the world's foremost experts on Turkey — from the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

RUSSIA, UKRAINE, AND ... GRETA THUNBERG? HEADLINE 1: Iranian intelligence agencies say they've acquired a cache of sensitive Israeli documents.HEADLINE 2: Al Qaeda in Yemen is back in the spotlight.HEADLINE 3: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon may soon be a thing of the past.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Founder and President Cliff May.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

TURKEY'S INTERNAL CHALLENGES AND EXTERNAL INFLUENCEHEADLINE 1: Israel's defense exports increased 13 percent in 2024. HEADLINE 2: Israel is arming jihadi criminals in Gaza.HEADLINE 3: The Syrian government agreed to give the International Atomic Energy Agency access to former Assad regime nuclear sites.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Sinan Ciddi, director of FDD's Turkey Program.Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

For malign actors seeking to undermine U.S. global leadership and economic prosperity, AI is the latest battleground. To learn how U.S. adversaries leverage AI to advance their military, cyber, and malign influence capabilities, join RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director of FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI); Matt Pottinger, chairman of FDD's China Program and CEO of Garnaut Global LLC; and Leah Siskind, AI research fellow and director of impact at FDD.This panel will discuss how the government and private sector innovation base can collaborate to combat national security threats, counter adversarial AI use, and expand the innovation capabilities of America and its allies around the world.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/06/04/battleground-ai-us-national-security-and-adversarial-use-of-ai/

QATAR'S MALIGN INFLUENCE AND ANTI-ISRAEL PROPAGANDAHEADLINE 1: The Trump administration okay-ed the integration of foreign fighters into the Syrian army.HEADLINE 2: Rumors are swirling about who will replace Muhammed Sinwar as Hamas's commander-in-chief. OK, maybe not swirling. We think we know who it is.HEADLINE 3: Chaos is festering on the Gaza aid front.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely updates and sharp analysis, followed by a conversation with writer and Middle East analyst Eitan Fischberger.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

GAZA AID, HAMAS, AND THE 'DAY AFTER'HEADLINE 1: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is talking about normalization with Israel.HEADLINE 2: The United States, Britain, France, and Germany, are planning to submit a resolution to the International Atomic Energy Agency board declaring Iran non-compliant with its non-proliferation obligations. Because it is.HEADLINE 3: A Saudi-led delegation of Arab foreign ministers was supposed to visit the West Bank yesterday. Israel blocked it. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely updates and sharp analysis, followed by a conversation with John Spencer, who serves as the chair of urban warfare studies at West Point's Modern War Institute.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

U.S.-ISRAEL TIES, INTERNAL ISRAELI POLITICS, AND THE HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONSHEADLINE 1: The IDF announced that it has successfully used lasers to shoot down enemy projectiles.HEADLINE 2: The Lebanese Armed Forces reportedly dismantled most of Hezbollah's infrastructure in south Lebanon.HEADLINE 3: After 13 years, the stars and stripes are flying again in Damascus.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely updates and sharp analysis, followed by a conversation with Jacob Magid, who serves as the U.S. bureau chief at The Times of Israel.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

WHAT'S THE STORY WITH HUMANITARIAN AID TO GAZA?HEADLINE 1: Israel and Syria are holding direct talks.HEADLINE 2: Germany is starting to change its tone on Israel.HEADLINE 3: The Palestinian flag is about to fly at the World Health Organization.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely updates and sharp analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Distinguished Fellow Scooter Libby, former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

FOREIGN INFLUENCE IN K-12 SCHOOLS AND BEYONDHEADLINE 1: Israel and Turkey reportedly established a new mechanism to help prevent unwanted military incidents in Syria.HEADLINE 2: Two more Houthi missile attacks were recorded.HEADLINE 3: France is working with Saudi Arabia on a proposal for Gaza that would require Hamas to disarm.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Brandy Shufutinsky, director of FDD's brand-new program on education and national security.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

EGYPT, CHINA, AND THE HORN OF AFRICAHEADLINE 1: The Israeli cabinet approved plans to build a security barrier along Israel's border with Jordan.HEADLINE 2: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is traveling to Lebanon this week. And the corrupt alta cocker might actually notch a legitimate win.HEADLINE 3: The U.S. State Department announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of Hezbollah financial networks.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Research Analyst Mariam Wahba, whose work focuses on Egypt and minority communities in the Middle East.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

IS SYRIA'S NEW REGIME MALIGN OR MODERATE?HEADLINE 1: Israel is working on a plan to relocate civilians in Gaza if a ceasefire doesn't materialize soon.HEADLINE 2: It's official: Hamas's October 7th attack was designed to derail Saudi-Israel normalization.HEADLINE 3: Another day, another Israeli caught spying for Iran.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Barak Barfi, a Middle East scholar who specializes in Arab and Islamic affairs. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

TRUMP'S GULF TRIP AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE REGIONHEADLINE 1: President Trump's whirlwind Middle East tour was rife with record-breaking deals.HEADLINE 2: Congressional Republicans have reiterated their support for full Iranian nuclear dismantlement.HEADLINE 3: Trump's sharp policy reversal on U.S. sanctions against Syria during his Gulf tour was coupled with a major request: that Syria join the Abraham Accords with Israel.--FDD Research Fellow Hussain Abdul-Hussain fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with Nadim Koteich, a Lebanese journalist and political analyst who serves as the general manager of Sky News Arabia.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE REGIONAL RAMIFICATIONS OF U.S.-SAUDI NUCLEAR COOPERATIONHEADLINE 1: Tehran's oil-for-missiles pipeline to Beijing just got sanctioned.HEADLINE 2: Israel targeted Muhammad Sinwar in a strike yesterday HEADLINE 3: Yesterday, President Trump announced that he's lifting sanctions on Syria to — quote — “give them a chance at greatness” — end quote.--FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation between Jonathan Schanzer and Andrea Stricker, deputy director of FDD's Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program.Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

NUCLEAR TALKS, CONGRESS, AND MAXIMUM SUPPORT FOR THE IRANIAN PEOPLEHEADLINE 1: The IDF is closing in on victory in the Hamas stronghold of Rafah in southern Gaza, with heavy fighting now focused on the neighborhood of Janina.HEADLINE 2: After 43 years, Israel brought home the body of a fallen soldier—Sgt. First Class Zvi Feldman—from deep inside Syria. HEADLINE 3: The IDF almost attacked Yemen.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Andrew Ghalili, senior policy analyst at the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI).Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

IRAN, SYRIA, THE HOUTHIS ... AND MOREHEADLINE 1: The United States dropped the demand for normalization with Israel as a condition for advancing civil nuclear cooperation discussions with Saudi Arabia. HEADLINE 2: A mob at Columbia University disseminated pamphlets praising a Palestinian terrorist. There's a reason people call this school Birzeit on the Hudson.HEADLINE 3: Israel's ‘Qatargate' scandal has gotten even messier. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of FDD's Iran Program.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

HOUTHIS, HAMAS, AND THE HOSTAGESHEADLINE 1: Israel prepares for “Operation Gideon's Chariots” — a new, expanded ground offensive in Gaza.HEADLINE 2: The United States and Iran are set to resume nuclear talks.HEADLINE 3: Things are heating up a little in Lebanon. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Fellow and former IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

DOCUMENTING THE TRUTH ABOUT THE OCTOBER 7 MASSACREHEADLINE 1: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Qatar to stop playing games.HEADLINE 2: The UK arrested 8 men on suspected terror offenses.HEADLINE 3: Israel carried out a strike near the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with British historian and author Lord Andrew Roberts, who chaired the United Kingdom's October 7 Parliamentary Commission Report.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE IMPACT OF FOREIGN FUNDING TO AMERICAN UNIVERSITIESHEADLINE 1: On Wednesday, two Israeli reservists were wounded in a roadside bomb attack in the northern West Bank. HEADLINE 2: Seven Iranian entities were slapped with U.S. sanctions on Wednesday.HEADLINE 3: Reuters published details from a 33-page document its reporters found in Damascus after the Assad regime was toppled.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Frannie Block, a reporter for The Free Press.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief