National Security and Defense

Two F-35B combat aircraft from the United States Marine Corp depart after re-fueling from an RAF Voyager aircraft over the North Sea on October 08, 2020 in flight, above Scotland.
United States President Donald Trump walks through the Cross Hall as he arrives for a "One, Big, Beautiful" event in the East Room of the White House on June 26, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
Caption
United States President Donald Trump walks through the Cross Hall as he arrives for a "One, Big, Beautiful" event in the East Room of the White House on June 26, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
Commentary
mike_watson
mike_watson
Fellow and Deputy Director, Center for Strategy and American Statecraft
4 Min Read
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Marine One and departing the White House on June 24, 2025, less than 12 hours after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. (Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
Caption
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Marine One and departing the White House on June 24, 2025, less than 12 hours after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. (Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
Commentary
3 Min Read
US and Israeli flags are projected on the historic walls of the Old City near Hebron Gate in Jerusalem after the United States carried out airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites on June 22, 2025. (Gazi Samad via Getty Images)
Caption
US and Israeli flags are projected on the historic walls of the Old City near Hebron Gate in Jerusalem after the United States carried out airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites on June 22, 2025. (Gazi Samad via Getty Images)
Podcast
michael_doran
michael_doran
Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East