FDD Events Podcast

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

ABRAHAM ACCORDS, TWO-STATE PARADIGM, AND U.S.-IRAN NUCLEAR TALKSHEADLINE 1: The Navy lost a $60 million fighter jet because of a Houthi missile attack.HEADLINE 2: An Israeli district court sentenced an Israeli citizen to 10 years in prison for treason.HEADLINE 3: Sectarian clashes broke out near Damascus in what people are still calling the new Syria.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

TARIFFS, TRUMP DOCTRINE, AND WHITE HOUSE DIVISIONSHEADLINE 1: The Palestinian Liberation Organization has a new vice president.HEADLINE 2: The Houthis launched yet another ballistic missile at Israel on Saturday morning.HEADLINE 3: Qatar and Saudi Arabia are settling Syria's debt to the World Bank.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with author and Free Press columnist Batya Ungar-Sargon.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

SOCIOECONOMIC AND POLITICAL REALITIES IN ISRAEL POST-OCTOBER 7HEADLINE 1: The Palestinian Liberation Organization Central Council held a two-day meeting this week.HEADLINE 2: Iran may be operating a new, deeply buried tunnel and an expanded security perimeter near the Natanz nuclear site.HEADLINE 3: Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa says he is open to normalizing ties with Israel.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Reichman University lecturer Rachel Gur, who formerly served as deputy CEO of Lobby 99.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

SANCTIONS, ILLICIT FINANCE, AND THE IRANIAN PEOPLEHEADLINE 1: Egypt and Qatar reportedly tabled a new ceasefire proposal.HEADLINE 2: Another day, another round of Iran sanctions.HEADLINE 3: Egypt and China kicked off their first-ever joint air force exercise.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Saeed Ghasseminejad, senior Iran and financial economic advisor at FDD.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

To help protect the United States and its allies from the rising threat of missile and drone attacks, FDD is excited to inaugurate its new Air and Missile Defense Program, housed within the Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP).This state-of-the-art program conducts rigorous, timely research regarding the air and missile defense capabilities necessary to protect the United States, its forward-deployed forces, and its allies and partners from adversary missiles, aircraft, and drones. The development, procurement, and fielding of cutting-edge air and missile defense capabilities — in sufficient quantities — by the United States, its NATO allies, Israel, Taiwan, Ukraine, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and others can bolster deterrence and enhance collective defense against evolving threats.Join FDD for a kickoff discussion of the systems, policies, and infrastructure critical to empowering the United States and its allies to meet these challenges. The panel features program co-leaders Bradley Bowman, senior director of FDD's CMPP and RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director of FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI), as well as Lydia LaFavor, CMPP research fellow. The conversation will be moderated by Pentagon reporter at Politico, Paul McLeary.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/22/fdds-air-and-missile-defense-program-launch/

The current economic “moment” is seeing a generational re-ordering of global trade, alliances, and capital. The Trump Administration is unleashing an unprecedented and muscular use of economic power, with tariffs on historical allies and adversaries alike, ramped up sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, new investment incentives and reviews, and willingness to endure economic pain to remake the global order. The framework and objectives for this new use of economic power, however, continue to evolve.What tools are available for advancing America's strategic interests and what doctrinal guardrails should govern their use? How can the U.S. and partners limit emerging geoeconomic risks? What new models of economic integration, trade, investment, and development should we be pursuing? Which pathways are available to counteract adversarial challenges, and what strategic alignments are required among allies to sustain U.S. and global prosperity? As questions abound, the United States and its partners face choices about how to safeguard domestic interests while fostering global economic resilience and security.To examine these questions and more, FDD hosts an on-the-record expert panel including Brian Hook, vice chairman of Cerberus Global Investments; and Elaine Dezenski, senior director and head of FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP). Juan C. Zarate, chairman and co-founder of FDD's CEFP, will moderate the discussion.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/21/the-trajectory-of-us-economic-statecraft/

SANCTIONS, TARIFFS, AND MOREHEADLINE 1: Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin met with Hamas leaders over the weekend. HEADLINE 2: The U.S. and Iran held a second round of nuclear talks in Rome.HEADLINE 3: Hamas launched a deadly attack against Israeli troops in northern Gaza.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Juan Zarate, former deputy national security advisor for combating terrorism under George W. Bush and chairman and co-founder of FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

MORAL COURAGE IN THE WAKE OF OCTOBER 7HEADLINE 1: Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived in Moscow yesterday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.HEADLINE 2: Hamas is on the verge of bankruptcy.HEADLINE 3: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned the International Bank of Yemen.HEADLINE 4: Lebanese forces detained multiple people who fired rockets into Israel last month.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with actress and producer Debra Messing, who has used her platform to stand with Israel and against antisemitism in the wake of October 7, 2023.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

The U.S. military has a vested interest in the security of the nation's critical transportation infrastructure. During a conflict, America's adversaries are likely to attack U.S. critical infrastructure in an attempt to constrain Washington's policy options, including its capacity to mobilize the armed forces. Over the past year, the intelligence community has revealed how deeply Chinese hackers known as Volt Typhoon penetrated U.S. transportation, energy, and water systems. Meanwhile, other Chinese Communist Party (CCP) malicious cyber operations, including Flax Typhoon, hijacked cameras and routers. Salt Typhoon burrowed deep into U.S. telecommunications networks; Silk Typhoon compromised U.S. Treasury networks.These hacks have uncovered a dangerous truth: the cybersecurity of the critical air, rail, and maritime infrastructure that underpins U.S. military mobility is insufficient. In addition to enabling disruption, compromising critical infrastructure would allow U.S. adversaries to amass information about the movement of goods and military equipment – and impede America's ability to deploy, supply, and sustain large forces.To explore these themes and more, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies hosts Gen. (Ret.) Mike Minihan, former commander, Air Mobility Command; RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director, FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation; and Annie Fixler, director and research fellow, FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation. The conversation is moderated by Bradley Bowman, senior director, FDD's Center on Military and Political Power.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/17/persistent-access-persistent-threat-ensuring-military-mobility-against-malicious-cyber-actors/

CAN THE UNITED STATES SUSTAIN SIMULTANEOUS MILITARY SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL, UKRAINE, AND TAIWAN?HEADLINE 1: Jordan arrested 16 people linked to the Muslim Brotherhood who were involved in a plot to undermine Jordan with targeted attacks.HEADLINE 2: The European Union announced a new aid package for the Palestinian Authority. HEADLINE 3: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says 2025 is the year that the Lebanese Armed Forces must gain a monopoly of arms in his country.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ryan Brobst, a senior research analyst at FDD's Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP).Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

IRAN, OMAN, AND THE UNITED STATESHEADLINE 1: The IDF struck a Hamas command center inside Gaza's al-Ahli hospital.HEADLINE 2: Syrian President Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani was on a charm offensive this weekend. Yes, I still called him by the name he used when he was openly leading an Al-Qaeda affiliate group.HEADLINE 3: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are reportedly planning to sign a nuclear energy cooperation agreement.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis on headlines of the Middle East, followed by a conversation with FDD Chief Executive Mark Dubowitz, who hosts FDD's brand-new podcast, The Iran Breakdown.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

LEBANON, ISRAEL, AND THE FUTURE OF THE MIDDLE EASTHEADLINE 1: The Trump administration rolled out another round of Iran sanctions.HEADLINE 2: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a wanted man in Argentina.HEADLINE 3: Israeli and Turkish officials met in Azerbaijan to discuss Syria.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Carine Hajjar, an opinion and editorial writer and Editorial Board member at The Boston Globe.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

JERUSALEM, ANKARA, AND WASHINGTONHEADLINE 1: Hezbollah may be using maritime routes to smuggle weapons into Lebanon.HEADLINE 2: Iran has been recruiting Swedish criminal gangs to target Jews and Israelis.HEADLINE 3: Protests erupted in Egypt against President Trump's plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Erick Stakelbeck, a bestselling author and host of "Stakelbeck Tonight" and "The Watchman" on TBN. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Iran's nuclear program is escalating, its economy is worsening, and Tehran's terror-regime ties with other authoritarians are tightening. As a result, the United States has an unparalleled opportunity to operationalize alternative policy options that marry maximum support for the Iranian people with maximum pressure against the Iranian regime.To advance these ideas, FDD and the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI) host a symposium featuring a keynote address by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) followed by an exclusive fireside chat with HIH Reza Pahlavi, crown prince of Iran, and Cliff May, FDD founder and president. An expert panel featuring Behnam Ben Taleblu, FDD's Iran Program senior director, and Cameron Khansarinia, NUFDI vice president, will unpack the current state of play with Iran and how maximum support can be paired with maximum pressure; Negar Mojtahedi, Iran International correspondent, will moderate.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/07/maximum-support-operationalizing-the-other-iran-policy/

A VISION FOR YEMEN'S FUTUREHEADLINE 1: In June 2021, Hamas asked Iran for $500 million to help fund the destruction of Israel.HEADLINE 2: On Saturday, The Washington Post reported that the regime in Iran hired a Georgian drug trafficker to assassinate a rabbi in Azerbaijan. HEADLINE 3: The United States has sent another THAAD air defense system to Israel.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ahmed Atef, a former Yemeni diplomat who now serves as the U.S. representative of the Southern Transitional Council. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

MAXIMUM PRESSURE ON THE REGIME IN IRAN + MAXIMUM SUPPORT FOR THE IRANIAN PEOPLEHEADLINE 1: On Wednesday, the IDF struck what it described as “remaining military capabilities” that belonged to the former Bashar al-Assad regime.HEADLINE 2: The IDF is establishing a new security corridor in southern Gaza.HEADLINE 3: Russia and Iran's deputy foreign ministers spoke with each other about Iran's nuclear program.HEADLINE 4: The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a network of Houthi financiers and procurement operatives.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Emily Schrader, an Israeli journalist, author, and activist who serves as a news anchor at ILTV News.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Israel's tech ecosystem plays a pivotal role in strengthening US-Israel relations, particularly collaborative innovations, economic partnerships, and geopolitical ties. These dynamics, notably in defense technology, align with U.S. national security interests and foster normalization with Gulf states by enhancing regional stability and economic resilience. Through the lens of innovation, these unique opportunities for collaboration and diplomacy have the potential to reshape regional dynamics and foster lasting peace.For an insightful conversation on technology's power to shape diplomacy and drive peace in the Middle East, FDD hosts Eyal Hulata, senior fellow, FDD and former Israeli National Security Advisor; Ilana Sherrington Hoffman, director of global partnerships, Startup Nation Central; and Seth Spergel, managing partner, Merlin Ventures. Nave Shachar, director of innovation diplomacy, Startup Nation Central, gives keynote remarks. The conversation is moderated by Bradley Bowman, senior director, FDD's Center on Military and Political Power.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/03/israeli-innovation-and-defense-tech-strengthening-ties-and-regional-normalization/

ISRAEL, QATAR, AND TURKEYHEADLINE 1: Israel eliminated a top Hezbollah terrorist in Beirut.HEADLINE 2: Israeli security forces foiled a terror cell in the West Bank city of Nablus.HEADLINE 3: The Houthis said they shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone.--FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow provides timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation between Jon Schanzer and Lena Argiri, the D.C. correspondent for Greek Public Broadcasting. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

TURKEY, GAZA, AND IRAQHEADLINE 1: Erdogan's Hamas clients are also dealing with popular unrest.HEADLINE 2: The regime in Iran replied to President Trump's letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.HEADLINE 3: The United States military continues to hammer the Houthis.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Michael Rubin, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN MOUNTING GLOBAL THREATSHEADLINE 1: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps unveiled another so-called missile city.HEADLINE 2: Those Houthi ballistic missile attacks keep on coming.HEADLINE 3: The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit for the forfeiture of $47 million in proceeds from the sale of Iranian oil. --FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer and Hudson Institute Adjunct Fellow Garrett Exner who also serves as the executive director of the Public Interest Fellowship.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

HEADLINES:HEADLINE 1: The U.S. Treasury Department issued another round of Iran sanctions.HEADLINE 2: The Trump administration handed Syria's new rulers a list of conditions they must meet to finally see some of those sanctions lifted.HEADLINE 3: Anti-Hamas protests erupted in Gaza yesterday.--FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer and John Mirisch, who formerly served as the mayor of Beverly Hills. Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

TURKEY: AUTHORITARIANS, BAD ACTORS, AND PROTESTSHEADLINE 1: The U.S. military is beefing up its naval presence in the Middle East.HEADLINE 2: The debate over the credibility of the Lebanese government is heating up again.AND HEADLINE 3: Protests are still raging in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor last week – Turkey's top opposition leader.--FDD Senior Vice President Jonathan Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis on headlines of the Middle East, followed by a conversation with Steven Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for MENA at the Council on Foreign Relations.Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

REVERSING KISSINGERHEADLINE 1: The Trump administration issued a new round of Iran-related sanctions yesterday.HEADLINE 2: Hamas popped off a handful of rockets at Israel yesterday.HEADLINE 3: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei delivered a speech yesterday to mark the start of the Iranian New Year, Nowruz.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with author Lee Smith, who serves as the media columnist for Tablet Magazine.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE SHIFTING DYNAMICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST: A SPECIAL SITREP EPISODE--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer is joined by former IDF International Spokesperson Jonathan Conricus and U.S. Middle East policy expert John Hannah for a special edition of the FDD Morning Brief. The two will provide Middle East situational updates and analyze the U.S. response to them as the region undergoes tumultuous shifts. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

CHINA, RUSSIA, AND THE MIDDLE EASTHEADLINE 1: The Shin Bet and Israel police foiled a plot to carry out a terrorist attack in Jerusalem. HEADLINE 2: A former Islamic Revolutionary Guard from Iran gave a rare interview with Israeli media. HEADLINE 3: Former Israeli hostage Tal Shoham gave an exclusive interview to Fox News.BONUS HEADLINE 4: A Syrian soldier was killed yesterday by a Hezbollah rocket.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Grant Rumley, who directs The Washington Institute for Near East Policy's Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

LEBANON, ISRAEL, AND THE GULFHEADLINE 1: The IDF carried out a strike in Damascus yesterday.HEADLINE 2: Qatar is preparing to supply natural gas to Syria.HEADLINE 3: The United Nations published a report accusing Israel of perpetrating “genocidal acts” in Gaza.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Hussain Abdul-Hussain, a research fellow at FDD.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief