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Middle East

Former CIA Director on the Priority Intelligence Requirement in Iran

Former CIA Director on the Priority Intelligence Requirement in Iran

EXPERT INTERVIEW – Tehran’s response on Monday to U.S. attacks against its nuclear facilities over the weekend was measured and possibly calibrated [...] More

IranNuclearIntelligenceIsraelMiddle Eastmilitary

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The Intelligence Behind the Strike: Was Everyone Wrong About Iran’s Nuclear Program?

Dr. Clement Renault

The Intelligence Behind the Strike: Was Everyone Wrong About Iran’s Nuclear Program?

OPINION — On June 13, 2025, just after midnight, Israel launched a military operation against Iran, citing an urgent need to halt Tehran’s march [...] More

Middle EastAlternative Perspectives
Experts Assess Iran Strikes, Response and What Comes Next

Experts Assess Iran Strikes, Response and What Comes Next

EXPERT SUMMARY -- Given this weekend’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and the incredible fast pace at which events are unfolding, The Cipher [...] More

Middle EastIranNuclear
How Resilient is the Energy Market in Midst of Middle East Crisis?

How Resilient is the Energy Market in Midst of Middle East Crisis?

EXCLUSIVE EXPERT PERSPECTIVE -- One would have thought that the outbreak of a major war between Iran and Israel with daily missile salvos, would have [...] More

Middle EastIranSecurity/Stability

Amid Crisis, A Lesser-Told Story of US-Iran Similarities Holds Some Hope

Dr. Jerry Laurienti

Amid Crisis, A Lesser-Told Story of US-Iran Similarities Holds Some Hope

OPINION — As experts studiously debate what the latest Israel-Iran fighting will lead to, including a possible Iranian collapse, one enduring but [...] More

Middle EastDr. Jerry Laurienti
What Would It Take to End the Regime in Iran?

What Would it Take to End the Regime in Iran?

CIPHER BRIEF REPORTING – As U.S. President Donald Trump demands Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and hints that Iran’s Supreme Leader could also be [...] More

Middle EastIran
How Things Could go from Worse to Devastating for Iran

How Things Could go from Worse to Devastating for Iran

CIPHER BRIEF REPORTING – Given the state of damage Iran has suffered since Israel launched a devastating round of airstrikes targeting nuclear and [...] More

Middle EastIranNuclear

The Houthi Balancing Act After Israel’s Attack on Iran

Edmund Fitton-Brown

The Houthi Balancing Act After Israel’s Attack on Iran

Ari Heistein

The Houthi Balancing Act After Israel’s Attack on Iran

OPINION — How will the Houthis respond to the devastating Israeli strikes on Iran? This moment could prove decisive for both the Iran-led axis and [...] More

Middle East
The Attack that Knocked Back Iran’s Nuclear Program

The Attack that Knocked Back Iran’s Nuclear Program

EXPERT INTERVIEW — Israeli airstrikes against targets associated with Iran’s nuclear program early Friday have seemingly dealt a devastating blow as [...] More

Middle East
The Trump AI Deals in the Gulf: Measuring the Value Against the Security Concerns

The Trump AI Deals in the Gulf: Measuring the Value Against the Security Concerns

EXPERT INTERVIEWS – When the White House announced multibillion-dollar artificial intelligence deals with the UAE and Saudi Arabia earlier this [...] More

Middle EastTech/Cyber

A U.S. President Pursuing Peace

Ambassador Joseph DeTrani

A U.S. President Pursuing Peace

OPINION — It’s gratifying seeing President Donald Trump personally pursuing peace and reconciliation in a world ravaged by war and conflict. His [...] More

AsiaMiddle EastEuropeAmbassador Joseph DeTrani

Security will be a Critical Aspect of New AI Center

Rick Ledgett

Security will be a Critical Aspect of New AI Center

EXPERT PERSPECTIVE — The recent signing of an agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the United States to create a large scale joint center [...] More

Middle EastCipher Brief Expert Viewnational security
How the U.S. is Tapping a Much Bigger Well in The Middle East
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an expert deep dive

How the U.S. is Tapping a Much Bigger Well in The Middle East

EXPERT DEEP DIVE – President Donald Trump’s first official trip to the Middle East during his current administration may have tapped a well that runs [...] More

Middle EastTech/Cyber