Daily Brief: US–Iran War Expands as Ukraine’s Government Shake-Up Draws Protests
US forces approach sanctioned vessel MT Davina in the Indian Ocean on June 4, 2026. The image does not depict Thursday’s operation involving Iran. (USINDOPACOM/Courtesy)

Daily Brief: US–Iran War Expands as Ukraine’s Government Shake-Up Draws Protests

By Olga Nesterova 4 min read
Washington Pulls Back — Then Calls Allied Adaptation a ‘Distraction’
National flags of participating countries displayed during the opening ceremony of Sea Breeze 2026 in Portland, United Kingdom, on July 13, 2026. The US co-sponsored exercise focuses on interoperability among NATO maritime and ground forces operating in the Black Sea region. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leon Vonguyen.

Washington Pulls Back — Then Calls Allied Adaptation a ‘Distraction’

By Olga Nesterova 8 min read
Middle East Brief: The Hormuz Standoff Returns the Region to War
A U.S. military aircraft prepares for operations connected to strikes on Iranian military targets, July 12, 2026. Credit: U.S. Central Command / Department of Defense.

Middle East Brief: The Hormuz Standoff Returns the Region to War

By Olga Nesterova 7 min read