American think tank in Washington, D.C., analysing global security and policy
At the Shangri‑La Dialogue in Singapore this week, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Indo‑Pacific partners to build their own militaries while affirming continued U.S. commitment. The administration has paused a congressionally approved up‑to‑$14bn arms package for Taiwan while reviewing munitions used in Operation Epic Fury; Taipei says it has not been formally notified.
CSIS warns depleted inventories of key munitions used in the Iran war have created a multi-year window of vulnerability. Replenishment will take years due to production limits and lead times, even as US officials promise combat readiness.
NATO and allied nations are accelerating development and deployment of cheaper, scalable defenses in response to drone threats and rapid battlefield innovation. Ukraine’s front-line feedback is driving faster iteration, with manufacturers delivering updates within days or weeks as the war reshapes planning for 2030-era air defense.
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Americans remain skeptical about lasting peace with Iran as an interim deal opens shipping lanes and eases some economic pressure. Gas prices stay elevated, inflation concerns rise, and Trump’s stance on Iran continues to shape political reactions.
NATO leaders have met in Ankara after months of U.S. threats to scale back forces in Europe and repeated U.S. demands that allies raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Tensions over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and U.S. troop reviews have strained transatlantic ties, while European governments are increasing procurement and planning to assume more conventional defence responsibilities.
The US Department of Commerce has lifted export controls on Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5, and Anthropic has begun restoring access. Mythos 5 has been cleared for a vetted group of US organisations; Fable 5 — redesigned with stronger safeguards — is being redeployed more broadly after testing and coordination with government officials.
The conflict involving US and Iranian-aligned forces has escalated, with retaliatory strikes hitting US bases and a pledge from officials to reassess basing and defense spending. Multiple servicemembers have been injured or killed in recent attacks, and the US is considering relocation and cost-cutting measures as negotiations continue.
The USMCA renewal process is under way as the three North American partners weigh changes to the pact. Canada and Mexico seek a 16-year extension, while the United States signals willingness to renegotiate to boost domestic production. Negotiations are ongoing, with no immediate agreement expected, and the fate of tariffs and auto rules remains uncertain.
CSIS estimates show Russia has suffered about 450,000 killed and Ukraine 125,000–150,000 deaths since 2022. Total casualties exceed 2 million for both sides, with Kyiv and Moscow trading heavy blows as drone and missile strikes continue. The data highlights a grim, grinding war with high losses and strategic strain.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as the United States reimposes a blockade on Iran and Iran asserts control over the waterway. Experts say escalating actions threaten global oil shipping, with discussions of large-scale military deployments and potential ground forces to secure the strait. Cross-border tensions are fueling price volatility and drawing international attention.
The US has intensified strikes against Iran as defense stocks remain depleted. A Pennsylvania defense summit highlights vulnerabilities in the supply chain, with officials urging faster production and greater resilience as regional conflicts escalate.
The conflict between the United States and Iran has intensified, with U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian infrastructure and Iran responding with strikes and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices rise as shipping through Hormuz tightens, while regional actors report ongoing fighting and injuries.
A ministerial on the resurgence of political terrorism convenes to coordinate action against far-left violence. Leaders from 65+ countries are examining left-wing extremism, with visas and designations expanding in several nations.
The US faces intensified Iranian missile activity, with reports of diminishing Patriot and THAAD interceptors and Iran’s evolving missile program. Analysts say Chinese and Russian involvement is uncertain, while high-precision strikes raise questions about defence readiness amid ongoing regional tensions.
China pushes back on claims of “China Shock 2.0,” arguing the issue is untenable and viewing recent trends as an opportunity, while preparing to meet U.S. tariffs and EU protections.
CENTCOM has asked military analysts for new, unconventional ways to pressure Iran, while exploring options including a two-week bombing campaign and efforts to push Tehran toward renewed talks. Officials say the goal is to demonstrate resolve and regain leverage in negotiations, even as the administration pitches diplomacy.
The United States is depleting its long-range munitions stockpiles, including ATACMS and PrSM, with officials warning that supply constraints could affect deterrence against Russia and China. The issue has become a focal point in discussions within the Trump administration as Pentagon officials stress that production is ongoing.