The Cipher Brief

The Hormuz Standoff: Global Energy Flow Severs After 'Epic Fury' Strikes

As tankers idle and insurers pull coverage, Iran’s mine threat turns the world’s most vital oil chokepoint into a high-stakes test of U.S. deterrence and global economic resilience.

Commercial vessels divert to UAE coasts amid navigation issues

The Hormuz Standoff: Global Energy Flow Severs After 'Epic Fury' StrikesAs tensions in and around Iran proliferate, the narrow waterway between Iran [...] More

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Cipher Brief Experts bring context to today’s global events

Purpose-Built or Perilous: Congress Faces a Critical FBI Headquarters Decision

Purpose-Built or Perilous: Congress Faces a Critical FBI Headquarters Decision

OPINION – Congress is weighing a decision with critical National Security implications for generations to come: where to locate the next FBI [...] More

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PRAISE (MY) LORD AND PASS THE AMMUNITION: Oy vey! The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, (MRFF) an outfit that holds that “No religion or religious philosophy may be advanced by the United States Armed Forces over any other religion or religious philosophy” says they have received an ungodly number of complaints from servicemen and women about some of their leaders describing the ongoing war in and around Iran as a crusade. One report said that a “combat-unit commander told non-commissioned officers at a briefing Monday that the Iran war is part of God’s plan” This leader allegedly added that President Trump was [...] More

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State Secrets

Investor Gilman Louie has spent much of his career focused on future national security. Tapped by former CIA Director George Tenet to be the first CEO of the Agency’s venture capital arm and later becoming an advisor and venture capital investor, Louie has spent decades working to identify the technologies that will ensure future national security. He told State Secrets podcast host Suzanne Kelly what clues we have about China’s future ambitions and why he believes we’re facing an Oppenheimer moment with AI.