Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.

Photo / Image: East-coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) perform a high-altitude low-opening jump during bilateral training with Croatian special forces, June 9, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katie Cox)

Executive Summary

This weekly briefing summarizes developments in special operations forces (SOF), global conflicts, intelligence, and national security from the past week. Iran submits another peace deal, Trump decides to move troops out of Germany, Acting U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine resigns, stalemate in Ukraine, K2 health concerns, and more. U.S. may begin to protect vessels in Strait of Hormuz.

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Key Outlooks

• Iran Introduces a new Phased Proposal
• Trump pulling troops from Germany?
• Acting U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Resigns
• Pentagon Brief to Senate on FY 2027 Budget
• DoD is Advancing AI Integration
• History and Future of the Kurds
• Russia Suffered Net Loss of Territory in April 2026
• May 12th – Senate Hearing on SOF