FDD Morning Brief

Join award-winning investigative journalist Lisa Daftari, editor-in-chief of The Foreign Desk, as she unpacks the Iranian regime's oppressive tactics and the courageous fight led by the Iranian diaspora for democracy. She highlights the pivotal role of the Women Life Freedom movement and reflects on the historical struggles for freedom in Iran, including the significance of the 2009 Green Revolution. The discussion also touches on the complexities surrounding potential regime change and the humanitarian challenges posed by Iranian actions.

In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Panikoff, Director of the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative and a veteran of the U.S. intelligence community, dives into the complexities of the Middle East. He analyzes Iran's nuclear challenges and the precarious situation in Gaza, highlighting Hamas operatives' recent arrests. The conversation also touches on Ireland's controversial legislation against Israeli imports and explores shifting power dynamics in the region, including the implications of U.S. and Israeli military strategies.

In this session, Brigadier General (Res.) Professor Jacob Nagel, a senior fellow at FDD and former Israeli national security advisor, shares deep insights into the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran. Topics include the significant losses for Iran and their impact on regional stability. Nagel discusses the evaluation of Iran's nuclear ambitions, the complexities surrounding negotiations between Israel and Iran, and the hostage situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need for balance in international diplomacy.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, a former spokesperson for the IDF, and Bradley Bowman, an expert in military strategy, delve into the precarious balance of power in the Middle East. They discuss Israel's military actions targeting Iran's nuclear ambitions and the resulting challenges in evaluating their effectiveness. The conversation highlights the resilience of the Israeli people amid conflict, the implications of a recent ceasefire, and the need for credible intelligence to navigate these geopolitical complexities.

In this discussion, retired Admiral Mark Montgomery, Behnam Ben Taleblu, a noted analyst on Iranian dynamics, and Bradley Bowman, a military strategy expert, delve into recent U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. They dissect the tactical execution and complexities of these operations. The group also examines the rising threats to U.S. bases in the Middle East and Israel's air superiority over Iran. Furthermore, they address the perilous alliances forming between Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea, underscoring the geopolitical implications for regional security.

Mark Montgomery, a former rear admiral in the Navy and expert on military technologies, joins the discussion to unpack the recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s fortified nuclear sites. He analyzes the strategic implications of these actions and the potential effects on Iran's nuclear capabilities. The conversation dives into the historical context and the geopolitical tensions brewing in the region post-strike. Experts also discuss the intricacies of battle damage assessments and the role of advanced military technology in shaping future conflicts.

Mark Dubowitz, Chief Executive of FDD and host of The Iran Breakdown, shares fascinating insights on the volatile dynamics between Iran and Israel. He discusses Iran's recent cyber theft, which cost them $90 million, highlighting the escalating military confrontations likened to a heavyweight bout. The conversation also dives into public perceptions of Iran as a national security threat in the U.S. and the complexities of navigating Iran's internal political turmoil amidst external pressures, especially regarding its nuclear ambitions.

Behnam Ben Taleblu is the Senior Director of FDD's Iran Program and a leading expert on Iran's military strategy. In this discussion, he dives into Iran's growing missile capabilities and Israel’s effective countermeasures, revealing the shifting landscape of regional power. He also addresses the Iranian people's struggle against their regime, highlighting their national pride amid discontent. Additionally, Taleblu analyzes the complexities of U.S. military involvement and emerging geopolitical maneuvers, including potential dangers posed by outside interventions.

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