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FDD Morning Brief

FDD

The Middle East never stops moving. Neither does the FDD Morning Brief.

Three mornings a week, FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer cuts through the noise with the experts who have spent their careers studying, shaping, and living the region’s most consequential moments. All before your morning coffee gets cold.

487 - China steals America's AI edge | feat. Leah Siskind

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487 - China steals America's AI edge | feat. Leah Siskind
Headlines:
The State Department approvedthe potential sale of dozens of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia yesterday. French President Emmanuel Macron met withJordan’s King Abdullah and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun yesterday as part of a broader effort to raise funds for the Lebanese Armed Forces, or “LAF.”The Trump administration sanctioned membersof the Palestinian Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, denying them visas to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week. Israel and Morocco agreedto upgrade diplomatic ties following a meeting between their foreign ministers on Wednesday.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD AI Fellow Leah Siskind.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 18 Sep 2026
486 - Tehran squeezes Riyadh | feat. Bernard Haykel
Headlines:
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi is in Beijing today to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.A Russian bank just got dinged by the US Treasury for laundering dirty Iranian money.Malaysiaseized three shipping containers headed for Israel as they transited through a major Malaysian port.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Fellow Bernard Haykel.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
485 - The truth about America's munitions crisis | feat. Mark Cancian
Bradley Bowman, senior director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP), fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with Mark Cancian, senior adviser with the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
484 - 25 years after 9/11 | feat. Bruce Hoffman
Headlines:
The Houthis seizedthe Yemeni port of Mokha yesterday, days after launching a combinedballistic missile and drone attack in Saudi Arabia.President Trump warned that the U.S. couldstrikePickaxe Mountain — the deeply buried, hard-to-reach nuclear facility in central Iran near Natanz.Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the UAE, citing quote “provocative or hostile” actions.Iran’s Basij force is reportedlytighteningits grip over the country under the direction of its returning commander, Hossein Taeb.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 11 Sep 2026
483 - The beauty queen of wartime Jerusalem | feat. Swell Ariel Or
Headlines:
Yesterday, the HouthisattackedSaudi Arabia, setting oil facilities on fire and wounding at least 73 people. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has justsoundedthe alarm on Iran's nuclear program. Rafael Grossi says Tehran still won't cooperate with inspectors and has cut off access to all its declared nuclear sites. London has just announced that it is banning all trade with West Bank settlements.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Israeli actress Swell Ariel Or, star of Netflix's "The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem."
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
482 - The FBI's war on terror financing | feat. Lara Burns
Headlines:
Russia ishelpingIran develop supersonic cruise missiles.Remember the Gaza flotilla? Well, it’s back. Leaders from the so-called “Freedom Flotilla Coalition” said the group is planning to set sail once again and arrive in Gaza by October.Declassified Canadian intelligence indicates that Ottawa awarded an Iranian agent over $2 million in government contracts.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Lara Burns, retired FBI Special Agent and head of terrorism research at the Program on Extremism at The George Washington University.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 04 Sep 2026
481 - The ABCs of foreign funding in K-12 | feat. Brandy Shufutinsky
Headlines:
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun petitioned Greece to help implement a future peace agreement with Israel, which would see the Lebanese Armed Forces, or “LAF,” disarm Hezbollah and deploy to areas of south Lebanon as Israel gradually withdraws from them.Israel will build a multi-tier air defense system to defend Greece against drones, ballistic missiles, and other aerial threats. The Houthi terrorist group in Yemen is deepening its ties with Somalia’s al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Brandy Shufutinsky, director of FDD’s Education and National Security Program.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 02 Sep 2026
480 - Israel's post-October 7 election | feat. Yohanan Plesner
Headlines:
USAID, the US Agency for International Development,released a new report on Friday, confirming what we already knew — namely, that UNRWA, the UN Relief and Works Agency, is infested with Hamas terrorists. A retired Shin Bet official named Adi Rotemhas come out of the shadows to confirm reports that Israel held direct talks with Hamas in 2024. Donald Trump announced a major oil deal with Venezuela just before the weekend.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 31 Aug 2026
479 - The Israel-Turkey collision course | feat. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak
Headlines:
Kuwait and Pakistan signed a military cooperation agreement yesterday, building on a deal signed in 2023. The IDF is poised to surge troops into the West Bank as violence over there continues to escalate.Iranians this week rushed to stock up on fuel and food in anticipation of supply shortages.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with world-renowned Turkey scholar Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 28 Aug 2026
478 - Economic D-Day against Tehran | feat. Miad Maleki
Headlines:
China blasted the United States after the Trump administration rolled out Operation Economic Outcast, its new pressure campaign to completely isolate Iran from the global economy. Let’s stick with Iran, shall we? Iran and Oman are considering establishing a joint shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Military officials from Uganda and Burundi visited Israel last week to discuss troop deployments to Gaza.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Fellow Miad Maleki.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 26 Aug 2026
477 - The elusive exit from the Iran war | feat. Jonathan Tobin
Headlines:
Some mixed messages out of Iran’s rump regime. We’ve got President Masoud Pezeshkian saying that a new MOU is the best way out of the war. He warned that the country’s economy is in a downward spiral. And he’s not wrong. Reports over the weekend suggest that the regime may now ban all contact with foreigners.Four kites out of Gaza drifted over Kibbutz Nahal Oz. The last time kites flew over the territory, they were either on fire or contained explosives.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Jonathan Tobin, editor-in-chief of the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS).
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/
Mon, 24 Aug 2026
476 - Syria's Russian reconstruction | feat. Anna Borshchevskaya
Headlines:
The Trump Administrationsanctionedthe International Criminal Court’s president and top lawyer over their egregious, corrupt, politicized conduct.The United Arab Emiratessuspendedall trade and financial transactions with Iran after Tehran fired two ballistic missiles at the gulf country on Tuesday.Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency beganexcavatinga suspected secret nuclear site run by the former Assad regime in Syria.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Anna Borshchevskaya of the Washington Institute.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 21 Aug 2026
475 - War and the Board of Peace | feat. Shira Efron
Headlines:
The U.S. and Israel have agreed to establish two Gaza working groups: one related to Hamas disarmament and the other to public health in the Strip. Russia is reportedly replenishing Iran’s munition stockpiles by shipping drone parts, ammo, and even ballistic missile components to the regime via the Caspian Sea.President Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it obstructs the administration’s efforts to clinch a deal with Iran.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Shira Efron, distinguished Israel policy chair at the RAND Corporation.
Learn more at:fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 19 Aug 2026
474 - Toppling Tehran | feat. Emily Schrader
Headlines:
The rump regime in Iran claims that the government of Qatar is holding three of its pilots that were shot down in the open stages of the most recent war.The Houthis are still at it in Yemen. The port city of Mocha, controlled by the good guys in southern Yemen, continues to get hammered with Houthi missiles. A Hamas delegation led by chief psychoKhalil al-Hayya began meeting with the Egyptian intelligence chief on Sunday.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Emily Schrader of Israel's ILTV News.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 17 Aug 2026
473 - A university blooms in wartime Israel | feat. Daniel Chamowitz
Headlines:
A tense situationis playing out in the West Bank village of Qusra. Israeli settlers, or perhaps not settlers but anarchists, depending upon who you talk to,have been besieging two Palestinian homes since Sunday, cutting their water and electricity. The IDF killed Hamas commander Jamal Mahmoud Abu Kamil in a targeted strike in Gaza Cityon Thursday. The Navy's swapping out its Middle East carrier— the USS George Washington will replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been enforcing the blockade of Iranian ports and has now been at sea over 250 days, and without a port call in 200. The Qatari propaganda outletAl Jazeera quietly ended contracts for at least 24 of its Gaza-based staff.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with President Daniel Chamovitz of Israel Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 14 Aug 2026
472 - Congress' MidEast mindset | feat. Laura Kelly
Headlines:
U.S. forces fired on a Panama-flagged ship early Tuesday for running Washington's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, hitting its rudder after the crew ignored warnings.Last Thursday the leaders of India and Israel had a phone call. Some called it "out-of-the-blue." But the conversation between Modi and Netanyahu was decidedly not random.Former Hamas hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen took the stage to perform nine songs he wrote entirely in his head during 498 days in captivity.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Laura Kelly, foreign policy reporter for The Hill.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 12 Aug 2026
471 - The impact of the Mecca pact | feat. Steven Cook
Headlines:
The IDF and the Shin Bet have acknowledged that a special unit has been established to hunt down and kill every single Palestinian terrorist involved in the October 7 attacks.The Houthis are attacking south Yemen.Russian and Syrian officials met this weekend to iron out the fate of several Russian bases that were once bustling during the Bashar al-Assad era. The Weekend at Bernie’s shtick is still going, with Iran’s impotent president Masoud Pezeshkian claiming to have talked with absentee supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Steven A. Cook, Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 10 Aug 2026
470 - The deal with disarming Hamas | feat. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib
Headlines:
Mossad chief Roman Gofmanhas removed two of the agency's top officials over their role in a failed plan to topple Iran's regime. Speaking of the regime:Iran's execution campaign against January's protesters isn't winding down— it's expanding. A seventh round ofIsrael-Lebanon talkswrapped up yesterday in Rome, and the two sides are still claiming that progress is being made. But it’s far from perfect. America's missile stockpileis aproblem. But turns out, this munitions problem is now Israel's problem too.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, founder and director of the Realign for Palestine project at the Atlantic Council.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 07 Aug 2026
469 - Israel between war and politics | feat. Nadav Eyal
Headlines:
Syria reportedly agreed to decrease its Russian oil imports. The International Monetary Fund, or “IMF,” announced a new technical assistance program for the country after wrapping up a visit there late last month. A seventh round of talks between Israel and Lebanon kicked off yesterday in Rome. An Indian-flagged ship was struck by a projectile off the coast of Yemen yesterday.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Nadav Eyal, columnist for the Israeli outlet Yedioth Ahronoth.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 05 Aug 2026
468 - The rise of the Axis of Aggressors | feat. Bradley Bowman
Headlines:
Two more Iranian nationals have been executed by the regime for allegedly spying on behalf of Israel.Reports are swirling in the region that the Saudis may need to go back to military operations against the Houthis in Yemen. If the Strait of Hormuz doesn’t open, the Brits could experience a serious recession in 2027.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Bradley Bowman, senior director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP).
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 03 Aug 2026
467 - Iran's conflict calculus | feat. Norman Roule
Headlines:
Last night President Trump announced that Hamas had agreed to give up its weapons and hand over power in Gaza to the newly established National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (or NCAG).U.S. officials say multiple U.N. relief agencies continue to stonewall a U.S. probe into their ties to Hamas, withholding key documents and other information that could reveal their employees as affiliates of the terror group.
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FDD Senior Advisor Richard Goldberg fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with Norman Roule, former national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and current non-resident senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 31 Jul 2026
466 - America's next strategic test | feat. LTG (Ret.) H.R. McMaster
Bradley Bowman, senior director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP), fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with CMPP Chairman LTG (Ret.) H.R. McMaster.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 29 Jul 2026
465 - Defusing Iran's nuclear ambitions | feat. Richard Goldberg
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
Mon, 27 Jul 2026
464 - Digging into Pickaxe Mountain | feat. Ilan Berman
Headlines:
Greece is planning to buy a multi-layer air defense system, drones, and other military aircraft from Israel. Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs is pushing to shutter the Turkish Consulate in Jerusalem.Iranian strikes on CIA facilities in the Gulf has intel folks wondering: is Russia helping the Islamic Republic target American facilities? A congressional letter landed on Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s desk this week. The topic: Malaysia.
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FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with Ilan Berman, senior vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council.
Learn more at:https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 24 Jul 2026
463 - The MidEast view from Capitol Hill | feat. Alexandria Paolozzi Moore
Headlines:
The Lebanese Armed Forces started deploying troops to areas in south Lebanon formerly held by the IDF.The Iran-backed Houthis sent an email blast to shipping companies warning them not to load or offload cargo at Saudi ports.Hamas announced the election of Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader, replacing the late Yahya Sinwar who was killed back in October 2024.The Wall Street Journal reports that Saudi Arabia has been granted approval by Donald Trump to begin operating a civilian nuclear reactor.
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FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with Alexandria Paolozzi Moore, senior director of government relations at FDD Action.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 22 Jul 2026
462 - Testing the waters of Hormuz | feat. Behnam Ben Taleblu
Headlines:
The Israelis were forced to activate their air defenses on Saturday night as an Iranian missile hurtled toward Aqaba, the southern Jordanian city that is nestled right next to the Israeli city of Eilat.Two Iranians were hanged over the weekend for anti-government protests and activities. The Wall Street Journalreports that the ceasefire between the Islamic Republic and the United States enabled the regime to get a bunch of its oil out onto the open market.
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FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with FDD Iran Program Senior Director Behnam Ben Taleblu.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 20 Jul 2026
461 - Britain's belated reckoning with the IRGC | feat. Robin Simcox
Headlines:
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned sevencompanies and individuals that are part of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ weapons procurement network. Iran instructed the Houthis in Yemen to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the U.S. strikes Iranian power infrastructure.Syrian authorities thwartedan attempt to smuggle arms from Iraq through Syria and onward to Hezbollah in Lebanon. President Trump announcedthe release of a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen from the Islamic Republic almost two years after she was detained.
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FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with former UK Commissioner for Countering Extremism Robin Simcox.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 17 Jul 2026
460 - Lebanon's Sisyphean struggle with Hezbollah | feat. Hagar Chemali
Headlines:
The regime in Iran publicly hangedtwo people accused of membership to the Islamic State. Yes, you got that right. The world’s most prolific state sponsor of terrorism is punishing, uh, terrorists.President Donald Trump hostedIraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House yesterday. Lebanon and Israel have resumedtalks over in Rome. This is the sixth round of direct talks, but the first since the two sides signed a framework agreement last month.
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FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with foreign policy expert and "Oh My World!" host Hagar Chemali.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 15 Jul 2026
459 - The fire that barely ceased | feat. Miad Maleki
Headlines:
Sad news on Sunday morning. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina passed away following a brief illness after returning from a trip to Ukraine.Iraqi prime minister Ali al-Zaidi is due in Washington today for high level talks with the Trump Administration.Channel 12 in Israel released the contents of a handwritten letter penned in 2022 by none other than Yahya Sinwar.
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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 Fellow Miad Maleki.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 13 Jul 2026
458 - Inside Israel's Operation Arnon | feat. Hannah Puder
FDD Senior Fellow Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with documentary filmmaker and "Operation Arnon" producer Hannah Puder.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 10 Jul 2026
457 - Axis of Aggressors and NATO's path forward | feat. Cam McMillan
Bradley Bowman, senior director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP), fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with CMPP Senior Research Analyst Cam McMillan.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
456 - What to watch at the NATO summit | feat. Celeste Wallander
RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI), fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with Celeste Wallander, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs of the United States.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
455 - Lebanon's 14-point path to sovereignty | feat. Ahmad Sharawi
Headlines:
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is giving the Iran-backed Iraqi militias until September 30 to give up their weapons.Iraq and Syriaagreedon Monday to strengthen cooperation across a number of sectors, including energy and border security, but also water, agricultuare and transport.Israeli forces eliminated three senior Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives in Gaza.The International Monetary Fundreachedan agreement with Egypt that could unlock over $1.6 billion for the country.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 01 Jul 2026
454 - The jet engine deal fueling Turkey's NATO moment | feat. Steven A. Cook
Headlines:
Israel and Lebanon, under the auspices of the United States have entered into a new diplomatic agreement.Reports out of Israel suggest that Hamas may be making some sort of a comeback.Egypt and Iran played soccer against eachother on Friday in Seattle. That’s not really news. The World Cup match, which ended in a 1-1 draw was overshadowed by the fact that both countries were outraged that their game was designated as a Pride Match.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Steven A. Cook, Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 29 Jun 2026
453 - The proxy that hasn't barked (yet) | feat. Edmund Fitton-Brown
Headlines:
Remember the Gaza Board of Peace? Yeah. It’s been pretty quiet lately. Well, presentatives from the Board are planning tomeetin Cyprus next week.OPEC, the oil cartel for oil-producing nations, is in danger oflosinganother member.Secretary of State Marco Rubio just wrapped up a three-daytourof the Gulf.Confusion continues over the state of affairs in Lebanon.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Fellow Edmund Fitton-Brown.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 26 Jun 2026
452 - What Washington left on the negotiating table | feat. Rep. Max Miller (R-OH)
Headlines:
Saudi mediareportedthat Hamas leaders recently met with French officials on an undisclosed date in an unspecified location in the Middle East. Really informative, right? So now, for something more specific. This is the first reported meeting between Hamas and European officials since October 7.Turkey just concluded joint militarydrillswith Qatari land forces.Iran and Oman agreed to form a joint working group to keep talks going on the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Rep. Max Miller (R-OH).
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 24 Jun 2026
451 - The U.S. and Iran's diplomatic dance | feat. Eli Lake and Janatan Sayeh
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring the Free Press columnist Eli Lake and FDD expert Janatan Sayeh.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 22 Jun 2026
450 - Does the MOU play Strait into Tehran's hands? | feat. Bernard Haykel and Jonathan Hessen
Does the MOU play Strait into Tehran's hands? | feat. Bernard Haykel and Jonathan HessenFDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts Bernard Haykel and Jonathan Hessen.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 19 Jun 2026
449 - Ankara's media shadow war | feat. Eitan Fischberger
Headlines:
President Trumpsuggestedthat Syria should fight Hezbollah instead of Israel.Sources told theWall Street Journalthat the U.S. is going to allow Iran to begin selling oil and fuel as soon as the ceasefire deal is signed.France and Britain are planning to deploy a multinationalcoalitionto the Strait of Hormuz if and when the ceasefire with Iran comes into effect.We spend a lot of time talking about war in the Middle East, but don’t forget that there’s a brutal civil war ravaging Sudan. Foreign powers have gotten involved on both sides — and Iran is one of them.
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FDD Turkey Program Director Sinan Ciddi fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with Middle East analyst Eitan Fischberger.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 17 Jun 2026
448 - The Iran ceasefire fallacy | feat. Haviv Rettig Gur
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Haviv Rettig Gur, host of theAsk Haviv Anythingpodcast and Middle East Analyst atThe Free Press.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 15 Jun 2026
447 - Is this a done deal? | feat. Miad Maleki, Ahmad Sharawi, and Bradley Bowman
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP episode of the FDD Morning Brief featuring FDD experts Miad Maleki, Bradley Bowman, and Ahmad Sharawi.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 12 Jun 2026
446 - The Ceasefire War | feat. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Conricus, RADM (Ret.) Montgomery, and Behnam Ben Taleblu
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, and Behnam Ben Taleblu.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 10 Jun 2026
445 - How the IRGC engineered its own survival | feat. Rafaela Siewert
Headlines:
Yesterday, Iran launched missiles at Israel for the first time since the April ceasefire took effect.President Trump urged Netanyahu not to strike back at Iran — to no avail.Israel doubles down on its efforts to disarm Hamas in Gaza.
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FDD Research Analyst Mariam Wahba fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with Rafaela Siewert of The Free Press.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 08 Jun 2026
444 - Qatar's $400 billion grip on America | feat. Natalie Ecanow
Headlines:
The duplicitous, conniving, and corrupt state of Qatar is going to provide 6 billion dollars to Iran’s collapsing economy.The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, is going to pack up and go home come December 31st.Yesterday, Hezbollahrejectedthe latest ceasefire agreement, despite both the Israeli and Lebanese governments agreeing to move forward.The rump of the Islamic Republic has been hyping a statement supposedly issued by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei claiming that Tehran has dealt the U.S. and Israel a quote, “decisive blow,” and that both countries have been deeply humiliated. That’s pretty rich coming from a man who hasn’t been seen since the first day of the war. Except in the form of a cardboard cutout or an AI rendering.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
To read Natalie's latest memo on Qatari influence, please visit:https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2026/06/03/mapping-qatars-400-billion-footprint-in-the-united-states/
Fri, 05 Jun 2026
443 - Where does Europe stand on Iran? | feat. Simone Rodan-Benzaquen
Headlines:
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Israel and Hezbollah agreed to stop shooting — basically, a sort-of ceasefire under which Israel would stop striking Beirut and Hezbollah would stop attacking Israel. However, to no one’s surprise, the shooting has continued.The Iranian regime is planning a three-dayfuneralfor the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which will reportedly take place in mid-June.Bahrainbannedits citizens from traveling to Iran and Iraq for somewhat obvious security concerns.Another round of Iransanctionshit the books yesterday. This time, Treasury targeted Iran’sdigitalasset exchanges and their leaders for helping the IRGC access the international financial system and evade U.S. sanctions.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation withSimone Rodan-Benzaquen, FDD's senior envoy for Europe.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 03 Jun 2026
442 - The deal that dooms the Iranian people | feat. Moj Mahdara
Headlines:
The Israeli military is on the move in Lebanon. The IDF is set to move further north to do more damage to Hezbollah.We’ll keep with Lebanon and note here that the Europeans are nudging their way into this theater. The Brits are saying that they want the Israeli advance to end. The French have done the same.Ahmad al-Sharaa, the newish leader of Syria, says he wants all the remaining sanctions on his country lifted.One of the biggest Iran-backed militias in Iraq, Kataeb Hezbollah, says it will not disarm, despite calls from the United States to do so.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Iranian-American entrepreneur and activist Moj Mahdara.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 01 Jun 2026
441 - The unfinished war on terror | feat. Joseph Zacks
Headlines:
The Sultanate of Oman committed to increase trade and economic relations with Iran.The Treasury Department slapped sanctions on the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which is the body that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard stood up to extort vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.The IDF carried out astrikein Beirut yesterday — it was the first Israeli strike in Beirut in three weeks.The U.S. government isexpandingits probe into the United Nations Relief and Works Agency — a.k.a. “UNRWA,” a.k.a. Hamas in UN clothing.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Joseph Zacks, FDD Adjunct Fellow and former deputy assistant director for counterterrorism for the CIA.
Learn more at:https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 29 May 2026
440 - Law and order in the Iran war | feat. Natasha Hausdorff
Headlines:
Israeli media reported that Shin Bet chief David Zini met with former Palestinian Authority security official Mohammad Dahlan in the United Arab Emirates.The regime in Iranexecuteda man accused of spying on behalf of the Mossad.The IDF expanded operations in Lebanon, pushing past the ceasefire line delineated in April — the so-called “Yellow Line.Iranian hackers wereresponsiblefor a breach of the Los Angeles transport authority earlier this year. An Israeli cybersecurity firm traceddigitalevidence to a known operation that’s believed to be affiliated with Tehran.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with UK international lawyer and barrister Natasha Hausdorff.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 27 May 2026
439 - What's the deal with the Iran deal? | feat. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus & Behnam Ben Taleblu
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus and Behnam Ben Taleblu.
They dissect the latest on the Iran deal: what we know, what we don't, and what we're watching.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 25 May 2026
438 - The anti-Israel propaganda pipeline feeding mainstream media | feat. Jacki Alexander
Headlines
Treasury sanctioned nine Hezbollah enablers who help preserve the terrorist group’s chokehold on Lebanon by obstructing peace or disarmament efforts. German federal prosecutors brought criminal charges against two individuals suspected of helping Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps plot the murder of Jewish leaders in Germany. The Trump administration is threatening to revoke the visas for the Palestinian delegation to the United Nations if ambassador Riyad Mansour doesn’t withdraw his candidacy for vice president of the UN General Assembly.Some bold statements coming out of Tehran.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Jacki Alexander, president and CEO of HonestReporting.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 22 May 2026
437 - Can the IDF stop Hezbollah's FPV drones? | feat. Ryan Brobst
Headlines:
The Trump administration rolled out another batch ofIran sanctions, as well as a secondpackagetargeting four individuals associated with Palestinian terror groups and the Gaza flotilla.It’s official. Hamas has a new leader in Gaza.The world’s largest cable-laying companysuspendedwork in the Persian Gulf after Iran demanded that the company obtain permits and pay fees to continue repairing subsea cables.Israeli troopsreportedlyfound a document in Gaza last yearindicatingthat Hamas spent the January to March 2025 ceasefire training new recruits.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ryan Brobst, deputy director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 20 May 2026
436 - Hezbollah's West Africa money trail | feat. Daniel Swift
Headlines:
Iranian drone attacks, whether launched by the regime or its Iraqi proxies, continue to plague the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Remember the yellow zone in Gaza? You know, the territory that Israel controls and that surrounds the red zone that is still controlled by Hamas? Looks like Israel is slowly gaining ground on the terror group.The outrage continues over Nicholas Kristof’s column inThe New York Timesaccusing Israel of training dogs to r*pe Palestinians in jail.The Israeli government just passed a death penalty law for West Bank Palestinians convicted of murder.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Daniel Swift, a senior research analyst from FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 18 May 2026
435 - Washington's week with Beirut and Beijing | feat. David Daoud and Craig Singleton
Headlines
We’ve got another flotilla on the way to Israel. Just what we all needed, right?A Hezbollah droneattackwounded four Israeli civilians in northern Israel.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s officesaidon Wednesday that Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates during the war with Iran to meet with Emirati Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.Fatah, the Palestinian Authority’s dominant faction, is on day two of a three-dayconferenceto elect members to its Central Committee and Revolutionary Council, which is essentially the party’s parliament.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts David Daoud and Craig Singleton.
They examine the takeaways from the U.S.-China summit, the deadlock over Hezbollah's disarmament in the Israel-Lebanon talks, and what Washington can achieve on both fronts.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 15 May 2026
434 - Why bombs alone won't beat Iran | feat. Andrew Fox
Headlines:
The UAE and Saudi Arabia both struck Iran during the latest round of conflict.Operation Economic Fury continues apace.Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs in Doha.Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow defense systems have been working overtime but, after weeks — if not months — of speculation, the chair of Israel’s Rafael defense firmassertedthat the country is not short of missile interceptors.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Andrew Fox of the Henry Jackson Society.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 13 May 2026
433 - Groundhog Day in Gaza | feat. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib
Headlines:
Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan met with a group of Hamas officials in Ankara over the weekend.TheNew York Timesreported over the weekend that Russia is shipping drone components to Iran through the Caspian Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.TheWall Street Journalran an exclusive on Saturday detailing how the Israelis set up a secret military post in Iraq that hosted special forces and served as a logistical hub for the Israeli Air Force.With elections slated for the fall, a heated political debate is erupting in Israel over Hamas and the October 7 attack.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, founder and director of the Realign for Palestine project at the Atlantic Council.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 11 May 2026
432 - A broke and belligerent Iran | feat. Norman Roule
Headlines:
The Iranian regime and the United States traded fire in the Strait of Hormuz last night.The Trump administrationissuedanother batch of sanctions as part of Operation Economic Fury.Reportsyesterday suggested that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait blocked the United States from using their bases and their airspace after President Trump announced Project Freedom.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claims he met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei — but it’s unclear if and when that meeting took place.An Israeli strike in Gaza killed the son of Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Norman Roule, former National Intelligence Manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and current Non-Resident Senior Adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 08 May 2026
431 - Qatar's ICC influence operation | feat. Eugene Kontorovich
Headlines:
Reports broke suggesting that U.S. intelligence indicates Iran would need about nine months to a year to build a nuclear bomb.The United States, in partnership with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar proposed a UN Security Resolution to defend freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.The United Arab Emirates came under attack on Monday and again yesterday. These were the first attacks on the UAE since the ceasefire took hold last month.
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FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation between guest interviewer Cliff May, FDD Founder and President, and Eugene Kontorovich, Executive Director of George Mason University Scalia Law School’s Center for the Middle East and International Law.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 06 May 2026
430 - A Middle East in flux | feat. Ahmad Sharawi, guest hosted by Sinan Ciddi
Headlines:
Hezbollah has been deploying a new category of dronethat the IDF has struggled to counter.OPEC+, the broader alliance of oil-producing nations that includes OPEC members and additional producers like Russia,met on Sunday and agreed to bump up oil production by188,000 barrelsa day starting in June.U.S.-Iran negotiationshit another wallthis past weekend.
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FDD Turkey Program Director Sinan Ciddi fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with FDD Senior Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 04 May 2026
429 - The blockade bleeding Iran dry | feat. Max Meizlish, guest hosted by Natalie Ecanow
Headlines:
The Global Sumud Flotilla is back — this time without Greta Thunberg.Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a written statement yesterday to mark National Persian Gulf Day. Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems reportedly signed a letter of intent with Volkswagen to acquire one of VW’s factories in western Germany.

FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with FDD Research Fellow Max Meizlish.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 01 May 2026
428 - From Epic Fury to Economic Fury | feat. Rich Goldberg
Headlines:
The United Arab Emirates announced that it’s leaving theOrganization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, orOPEC.Tensions are brewing between Israel and Ukraine over allegations that Israeli authorities are allowing vessels carrying “stolen” grain to dock at Haifa port.Earlier this week, Israeli journalist Amit Segal posted a few paragraphs on X explaining that, according to his sources, Qatar is cutting off Hamas. No more money, no more hosting.
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FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation between Jon and FDD Senior Advisor Richard Goldberg.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 29 Apr 2026
427 - Israel on trial | feat. Roy K. Altman
Headlines:
An attempt on the life of the president of the United States on Saturday night.The talks scheduled between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States over the weekend didn’t happen. A serious exchange of hostilities over the weekend between Israel and Hezbollah over there in the Land of the Cedars.Security services in Israel busted a Hamas financing cell in the West Bank and Gaza.The political pair of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid are teaming up again for another run in Israel.

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Roy K. Altman, federal judge and author of the upcoming book, Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 27 Apr 2026
426 - Can Lebanon break free from Hezbollah? | feat. Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Headlines:
Israeli authoritieschargedtwo IDF Air Force mechanics with spying on behalf of Iran.France is getting feistier, threatening to impose sanctions on Israel if Jerusalem doesn’t change course in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.President Trump attended a meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors at the White House yesterday.A couple of announcements out of Washington relating to those nasty Iraqi militias. First, a 10 million dollar bounty on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji of the group known as Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, or KSS.The city of Islamabad is reportedly still on a high security alert, as the Pakistani government continues to prepare for another round of talks between the United States and Iran.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD's Hussain Abdul-Hussain.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 24 Apr 2026
425 - The Gulf's crude awakening | feat. Bernard Haykel
Headlines:
At least two maritime vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz overnight, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations.The Treasury Department issued a fresh batch of Iransanctions, this time targeting Iranian missile and drone procurement networks.The UAE government dismantled an Iran-linked terrorist cell that wasallegedlyplanning terrorist attacks and sabotage operations in the country.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Fellow Bernard Haykel.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 22 Apr 2026
424 - Iran's dirty hand in Sudan | feat. Ambassador Fernandez, guest hosted by Mariam Wahba
Headlines:
The U.S. negotiation team is heading to Islamabad for round two of U.S.-Iran talks, and they’re opening under considerably worse conditions than round one.Egypt is working with Pakistan on lasting U.S.-Iran peace, says Egypt's Foreign Minister.Sudan enters its fourth year of war amid the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis.
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FDD Research Analyst Mariam Wahba fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with Ambassador Alberto Fernandez, vice president of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 20 Apr 2026
423 - China's MidEast reckoning | feat. Gen. H.R. McMaster
Headlines:
A ten-day ceasefire is now in effect in Lebanon.The Treasury Department issued a fresh batch ofsanctionstargeting a network of people, companies, and ships involved in illicitly smuggling Iranian oil.A group of U.S. senators sent aletterto acting Attorney General Todd Blanche asking him to explain why the Trump administration dropped a criminal case against Turkey’s Halkbank.Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani,metwith a pair of Kurdish leaders yesterday to discuss the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces — or SDF — into Syria’s state forces.Word on the street is that there wasmeetingbetween the U.S. and Hamas in Cairo earlier this week.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor to the President of the United States and chairman of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 17 Apr 2026
422 - The unsettled score in Iran | feat. David Adesnik
Headlines:
Lebanon and Israel held direct talks for the first time in decades.The Trump administration is gearing up for its blockade of Iranian vessels in the Persian Gulf.There are plans for new ceasefire talks in Islamabad.The UK and France areplanningto host virtual talks to iron out a strategy for securing the Strait of Hormuz.A defense cooperation memorandum of understanding between Italy and Israel that’s automatically renewed every five years since 2005 expired on Monday. Yesterday, Romeannouncedthat it’s ending the agreement amidst the ongoing war in the Middle East.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with David Adesnik.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 15 Apr 2026
421 - Can Iran bypass the blockade? | feat. Miad Maleki
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Fellow Miad Maleki.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 13 Apr 2026
420 - FDD Morning Brief SITREP | The stakes behind the Iran ceasefire
Headlines:
The IDF said iteliminatedHezbollah chief Naim Qassem’s personal secretary in a strike near Beirut.Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salamsaidthat Beirut isn’t going to let any other government negotiate for a ceasefire on its behalf.The Trump administration isreportedlyconsidering moving troops out of NATO countries after several of them hamstringed American efforts in Iran.Iran continues to strangle the Strait of Hormuz.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP episode of the FDD Morning Brief featuring FDD Senior Fellow Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus and FDD CMPP Senior Director Bradley Bowman.
They examine the implications of the ceasefire and negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 10 Apr 2026
419 - The art of the ceasefire deal? | feat. Khosro Isfahani
Headlines:
Yesterday, the IDF said it completed the deployment of ground troops to a so-called anti-tank line in south Lebanon.An American journalist kidnapped in Iraq last week is on her way home.A firefight broke out adjacent to the Israeli consulate in Istanbul yesterday.Massive explosion at the Panama Canal yesterday.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with NUFDI Research Director Khosro Isfahani.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 08 Apr 2026
418 - The 20-year war on freedom | feat. Yana Gorokhovskaia
Today's headlines:
The regime in Tehran somehow managed to shoot down an American F-15 fighter jet over the weekend.The aviators from that downed F-15 are both ok.Donald Trump’s Truth Social post yesterday seems to suggest that the April 6 deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz has been extended until tomorrow night.The internet blackout continues inside Iran. The war in Lebanon continues. Tough day in Israel yesterday, with a building in Haifa absorbing a direct hit from a ballistic missile, while cluster munitions also hit dozens of locations across central Israel. Turkey is somehow getting its oil tankers out of the Strait of Hormuz.

Featured FDD piece: "Islamist Turkey: A Base for Muslim Brotherhood Jihadism" - FDD Memo, Sinan Ciddi and William Doran
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Freedom House's Yana Gorokhovskaia.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 06 Apr 2026
417 - Is Turkey the new Iran? | feat. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, guest hosted by Sinan Ciddi
Today's headlines:
Turkey is working with Iranian authorities to securepermissionfor 11 Turkish-owned ships to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.Israeli forceseliminatedthe commander of Hezbollah’s southern front.The International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank are joining forces tocoordinatea response to the ongoing war with Iran.

Featured FDD piece:"Islamist Turkey: A Base for Muslim Brotherhood Jihadism" - FDD Memo, Sinan Ciddi and William Doran
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FDD Turkey Program Director Sinan Ciddi fills in for Jonathan Schanzer, providing timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation with world-renowned Turkey scholar Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak.
Fri, 03 Apr 2026
416 - Hezbollah versus Lebanon | feat. Hagar Chemali
Today's headlines:
Trouble continues in the Strait of Hormuz.Kosovoannouncedthat it plans to deploy troops to the U.S.-backed international stabilization force for Gaza.The Iranian ambassador is still in Lebanon, and the Lebanese government is still effectively beholden to Hezbollah.Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi wants President Trump to end the war.
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FDD Research Analyst Mariam Wahba delivers headlines ahead of a conversation between FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer and "Oh My World!" host Hagar Chemali.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 01 Apr 2026
415 - 30 days of Roaring Lion | feat. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amir Eshel
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Fellow Major General (Ret.) Amir Eshel.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 30 Mar 2026
414 - The splintering axis of evil | feat. Ilan Berman
Today's headlines:
U.S.-Israeliair superiority continuesIranian air defenses remain downIsrael eliminated the head of Iran’s navyThe Islamic Republic is preparing for a ground warU.S. President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for the regime to make a dealBeirut declared Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon persona non grata and instructed him to leave the countryHezbollah continues to batter northern Israel with rocketsThe U.S. embassy in Iraq told American citizens to leave Iraq immediatelyIDF chief of staff informed the cabinet that the army could collapse on itself if the war continues at this pace due to manpower shortages
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Fri, 27 Mar 2026
413 - Washington's war with itself | feat. Rep. Gottheimer (D-NJ)
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 25 Mar 2026
412 - Is the U.S. maxing out the pressure on Iran? | feat. Brian Hook
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with former U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 23 Mar 2026
411 - Winning the sanctions war | feat. Peter Doran
FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Adjunct Senior Fellow Peter Doran, who authored the FDD Monograph "Winning the Race of the Red Queen: How U.S. Sanctions Can Outpace Russia’s Evasion."
They discuss how Russia and Iran have adapted to U.S. sanctions, why economic pressure often falls short, and what it will take for Washington to regain the upper hand.
Learn more: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/
Fri, 20 Mar 2026
410 - Washington's two-front war | feat. Lewis Libby
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Distinguished Fellow Lewis Libby.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
409 - The mullah's monarchy | feat. Ray Takeyh
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ray Takeyh of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
408 - The Iran war's dire straits | feat. Jonathan Hessen and RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special FDD Morning Brief SITREP featuring FDD experts RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery and Jonathan Hessen.
They examine the tactical picture in Iran, the threat to the Strait of Hormuz, and what states could become key players in the conflict.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/
Fri, 13 Mar 2026
407 - Will Epic Fury finish the regime? | feat. Einat Wilf
FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Einat Wilf, chair of the Knesset's Oz Party.
They assess public sentiment in Israel, the danger of leaving the Islamic Republic weakened but intact, and why the fight against the regime’s ideology could define the region’s future.
Learn more:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
406 - FDD Morning Brief SITREP | The Iran war is testing the Gulf
THE WAR IN IRAN IS TESTING THE GULF
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP episode of the FDD Morning Brief featuring Ebtesam AlKetbi of the Emirates Policy Center and FDD Senior International Fellow Eyal Hulata.
They examine how Operation Epic Fury is impacting Gulf countries.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 09 Mar 2026
405 - FDD Morning Brief SITREP | The military partnership fueling Epic Fury
THE MILITARY PARTNERSHIPS FUELING EPIC FURY
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus and Bradley Bowman. They examine the U.S.-Israel military synchronization powering Operation Epic Fury as it unfolds.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/
Fri, 06 Mar 2026
404 - FDD Morning Brief SITREP | A wounded regime and the U.S.-Israel alliance
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts Janatan Sayeh and Cameron McMillan.
They provide timely situational updates and analysis on the evolving war with Iran and the military dimensions of Operation Epic Fury.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/
Wed, 04 Mar 2026
403 - A post-Khamenei Iran | feat. Nadav Eyal
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Israeli journalist Nadav Eyal.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/
Mon, 02 Mar 2026
402 - Erdogan's neo-Ottoman ambitions | feat. Sinan Ciddi
ERDOGAN'S NEO-OTTOMAN AMBITIONS
HEADLINE 1:The Palestinian Authority is still paying money to terrorists.
HEADLINE 2:The Trump administration continues to heap financial pressure on Iran.
HEADLINE 3:A construction project in Gaza seems to be in the works.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Turkey Program Senior Director Sinan Ciddi.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
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Featured FDD Pieces:
"Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub" - Keti Korkiya, The Hill
"The US should stop indulging Hungary and Slovakia" - Ivana Stradner and Dalibor Rohac, Washington Examiner
"Saving the European-American marriage" - Clifford D. May, The Washington Times
Fri, 27 Feb 2026
401 - Has Australia lost its way? | feat. Erin Molan
HEADLINE 1:Iran wants to buy anti-ship missiles from China.
HEADLINE 2:India's prime minister touched down in Israel today.
HEADLINE 3:In case you missed it, Syria recently transferred thousands of ISIS prisoners to Iraq.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Erin Molan, former television presenter for Sky News Australia and host of The Erin Molan Show.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
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Featured FDD Pieces:
"What if the Iranian Regime Is Stronger Than Trump Thinks?" - Reuel Marc Gerecht and Ray Takeyh, The New York Times
"How Did the United States End Up on the Same Side as the Muslim Brotherhood in Yemen?" - Bridget Toomey, FDD Insight
"The Islamic Republic’s Weaponization of Global Terror" - Mark Dubowitz and Edmund Fitton-Brown, The Iran Breakdown
Wed, 25 Feb 2026
400 - The goal isn't a better deal — it's a free Iran | feat. Mark Dubowitz
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Chief Executive Mark Dubowitz.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 23 Feb 2026
399 - An ancient city's modern divide | feat. Yishai Fleisher
AN ANCIENT CITY'S MODERN DIVIDE
HEADLINE 1:Iran and Russia held joint naval exercises in and around the Gulf of Oman.
HEADLINE 2: The European Union officially designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
HEADLINE 3:Israel carried out a large counterterrorism operation in the town of Hebron this week.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Yishai Fleisher, who serves as the international spokesperson for the Jewish Community of Hebron.
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
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Featured FDD Pieces:
"Europe Looks to Israeli Tech to Defend Tanks" - Brad Bowman and Justin Leopold-Cohen, Real Clear Defense
"Free Jimmy Lai!" - Cliff May, The Washington Times
"Ukraine, four years in" - LinkedIn Newsletter: This Week at FDD
Fri, 20 Feb 2026
398 - Is Washington too sold on Syria's new strongman? | feat. Andrew Tabler
HEADLINE 1:More countries are planning to contribute troops to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza.
HEADLINE 2:The Lebanese government provided an update on disarming Hezbollah.
HEADLINE 3:Qatar is taking some heat right now from an unlikely place: the Israeli left.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Andrew Tabler of The Washington Institute.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
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Featured FDD Pieces:
"Allies, Adversaries, and the Axis" - Bradley Bowman and LTG (Ret.) H.R. McMaster, Foreign Podicy
"Did Iran Use Chemical Weapons on Protesters?" - Andrea Stricker (writing with Gregory D. Koblentz), The National Interest
"Trump could be missing the opportunity to rebuild the Navy efficiently and quickly" - RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, New York Post
Wed, 18 Feb 2026
397 - "Peace through strength" or posture without strategy? | feat. Steve Hayes
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Steve Hayes, CEO and editor of The Dispatch.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 16 Feb 2026
396 - Will war return to Gaza? | feat. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib
HEADLINE 1:The United States smuggled thousands of Starlink internet terminals into Iran.
HEADLINE 2:Remember the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation? A security firm based in North Carolina called UG Solutions helped secure the group’s aid distribution sites. Well, UG Solutions might be coming back.
HEADLINE 3:Israel successfully completed new tests with its David’s Sling missile defense system.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Gaza native who serves as the founder and director of the Realign for Palestine project at the Atlantic Council.
Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
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Featured FDD Pieces:
"Egypt Tests Trump’s Pledge to Defend Persecuted Christians" - Mariam Wahba, Newsweek
"A few words of advice on Iran and Gaza" - Cliff May, The Washington Times
"Al Jazeera Centre for Studies: Academic Veneer Normalizing Terrorism" - Toby Dershowitz and Qatar expert Eitan Fischberger, FDD Insight
Fri, 13 Feb 2026
395 - Trump drew a red line. Tehran crossed it. Now what? | feat. Rich Goldberg
HEADLINE 1:Turkish forces aren’t leaving Syria anytime soon.
HEADLINE 2:Israel indicted two more individuals for allegedly spying on behalf of Iran.
HEADLINE 3:Indonesia is planning to participate in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza.
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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/
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Featured FDD Pieces:
"Whither the Hamas solidarity movement?" - Ben Cohen, JNS
"Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Houthis But Were Afraid to Ask" - Cliff May and Edmund Fitton-Brown, Foreign Podicy
"Weaponized Mass Migration" - RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
394 - Is Turkey Iran's successor? | feat. Reuel Marc Gerecht
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Reuel Marc Gerecht, a former CIA Iranian-targets officer and current FDD resident scholar.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 09 Feb 2026
393 - What will it take to rebuild Gaza? | feat. Ghaith Al-Omari
HEADLINE 1:Even with talks this weekend, Iran continues to escalate in the Middle East.
HEADLINE 2:Israel continues to even the score from October 7.
HEADLINE 3:And I really don’t like this: Egypt and Turkey signed a military cooperation agreement in Cairo.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ghaith Al-Omari, senior fellow at The Washington Institute and former senior advisor to the Palestinian Authority.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/
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Featured FDD Pieces:
"Should Western Tech Giants Partner With Pro-Hamas Network Al Jazeera?" - Toby Dershowitz and Asher Boiskin, The Cipher Brief
"Why Is the Trump Administration Wiring Venezuelan Oil Revenue to Qatar?" - Natalie Ecanow, The Dispatch
"Sudanese Army Breaks Key Siege as U.S. Leads Humanitarian Aid Push" - Mariam Wahba, FDD Policy Brief
Fri, 06 Feb 2026
392 - Gaza's societal reconstruction | feat. Adi Schwartz
HEADLINE 1: UNRWA is back in the news. And that’s generally not a good thing for the UN’s most corrupt agency.
HEADLINE 2:Earlier this week, the IDFdroppedsome sort of non-toxic chemical substance near the Blue Line. The Israelis have been consistently clearing greenery to ensure unhindered lines of sight. UNIFIL was outraged.
HEADLINE 3: Lebanon’s army chief headed to Florida this week for meetings with his American counterparts.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Israeli journalist and "The War of Return" co-author Adi Schwartz.
Learn more at:https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
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Featured FDD Pieces:
"After Erdogan: Who Will Control Turkey?" - Sinan Ciddi and William Doran, FDD Memo
"Reimagining Mediterranean Security with Greek Minister for National Defense Nikos Dendias" - FDD Event
"Trump Administration Foreign Policy Tracker: February" - FDD Experts
Wed, 04 Feb 2026
391 - Is this the end of UNRWA? | feat. Asaf Romirowsky
IS THIS THE END OF UNRWA?
HEADLINE 1:The Islamic Republic of Iran has designated every European military as a terrorist organization.
HEADLINE 2:Looks like the EU Commission has fired a senior official after a scandal involving Qatari influence and lavish gifts.
HEADLINE 3:Hamas claims that it has killed several members of Israel-backed paramilitary groups operating in Gaza.
HEADLINE 4:The Israelis have opened up the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza after a year of keeping it closed.
HEADLINE 5:The government of South Africa and Israel are engaged in a nasty diplomatic spat right now.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Asaf Romirowsky, executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME) and the Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA).
Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Mon, 02 Feb 2026
390 - Al-Sharaa's Kurdish gambit | feat. Ahmad Sharawi
HEADLINE 1:Turkish authorities detained six people suspected of spying for Iran.
HEADLINE 2:The Saudis are in town, led by the crown prince’s brother.
HEADLINE 3:South Africa reportedly is moving ahead with investigations into naval drills that took place in early January.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi.
For all past episodes:https://bit.ly/3LENwPr
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Featured FDD Pieces:
"Iran Protests Highlight South Africa’s Broken Moral Compass" - David May, The Algemeiner
"Two Bad Apples Threaten to Spoil the Gaza Board of Peace" - Natalie Ecanow and Sinan Ciddi, National Review
"In the Eye of the Storm" - Mark Dubowitz and Rich Goldberg, The Iran Breakdown
Fri, 30 Jan 2026
389 - Could the Maduro playbook work on Khamenei? | feat. Elliott Abrams
HEADLINE 1: A delegation of Hamas officials arrived on Monday in…wait for it…Turkey.
HEADLINE 2:This is not a parody:Hamas wants to be part of Gaza’s new government.
HEADLINE 3: The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Middle Eastern waters yesterday.
AND BONUS HEADLINE 4:The IDF is still hammering Hezbollah in Lebanon.
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FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Elliott Abrams, who formerly served as U.S. Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela.
For all past episodes:https://bit.ly/3LENwPr
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Featured FDD Pieces:
"Israel’s hostage agony finally ends — but its Gaza mission is far from over" - Mark Dubowitz, New York Post
"Iranian Influence Operation Floods X With Anti-Protest Messaging" - Max Lesser and Maria Riofrio, FDD Policy Brief
"Why Is Saudi Arabia Abandoning Peace?" - Hussain Abdul-Hussain, The National Interest
Wed, 28 Jan 2026
388 - U.S. forces amass as Iranian protesters die — where's the strike? | feat. Michael Rubin
FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a pre-recorded conversation between Jonathan Schanzer and Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum.
For all episodes:https://bit.ly/4qHfzNp
Mon, 26 Jan 2026

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