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What Iran Is Learning from Russia’s War and Why the U.S. Should Be Concerned

KREMLIN FILES/COLUMN: The war in Ukraine is often framed by optimistic academics, and some policymakers as a cautionary tale—an example of how [...] More

Is the U.S. lagging when it comes to drone warfare superiority?

When Iranian Shahed drones began tearing through the Gulf in the opening hours of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, killing American service [...] More

U.S. Intel’s Sobering Assessment of Iran’s War Resilience

Six weeks into Operation Epic Fury, with airstrikes having killed a sitting supreme leader, wiped out scores of top military and intelligence [...] More

What’s on The Cipher Brief’s Digital Channel

REALLY OUT THERE — Congressman Tim Burchett (R,TN) told Piers Morgan last week, that yes, aliens are real, and he's been briefed on the videos and pictures. He also said that speaking out about the issue may be the reason behind a steady stream of death threats. Burchett has been pushing for full UAP disclosure and recently urged President Trump to "peel back the layers of that onion." He also believes ETs are currently hiding under the sea, though he says he’s not worried - reasoning that any civilization capable of interstellar travel would have "barbecued us a long time ago" if that were the plan. Not exactly [...] More

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What does “success” look like in a conflict with Iran - and what comes next? In this in-depth conversation, General David Petraeus joins The Cipher Brief’s Suzanne Kelly to unpack the military and strategic realities shaping today’s most consequential conflicts. From the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to the unresolved risks around Iran’s nuclear program, Petraeus explains what’s at stake not just for the U.S., but for the global economy. But the real story? Ukraine. Petraeus calls it the true test case for the future of war - where drones, autonomy, and rapid innovation are redefining the battlefield in real time.