FDD Morning Brief

Einat Wilf, chair of Israel's Oz Party and former Knesset member, brings sharp analysis on Israeli public mood and the drive to decisively confront the Islamic Republic. Short takes cover who will set the war’s end, why negotiations may fail, Iran’s regional strikes and ideological aims, and how Gulf-Israel alignments could reshape Middle East politics.

Eyal Hulata, former Israeli national security advisor with deep military and regional strategy experience, and Ebtesam AlKetbi, Emirati political scientist focused on Gulf security and resilience. They discuss Gulf civilian defenses and UAE alarm responses. They compare Israel’s air-defense systems and long-range attack experience. They explore Gulf political unity, UAE–US military coordination, and shifting regional partnerships.

Jonathan Conricus, former IDF spokesperson now FDD senior fellow, offers frontline Israeli military assessments. Bradley Bowman, FDD senior director and national security analyst, examines U.S.-Israel operational coordination. They discuss Iran’s regional strike strategy, reported axis cooperation, Hezbollah’s actions and responses, and deep U.S.-Israel military integration.

Cameron McMillan, military analyst specializing in strike campaigns and missile threats, and Janatan Sayeh, Iran watcher focused on succession and regime behavior, break down recent operations. They discuss targeting Tehran’s repression infrastructure and Kurdish-region strikes. They cover U.S.-Israel air integration and the race to find mobile missile launchers. They examine risks of arming peripheral militias and Iran’s shift to proxies.

Nadav Eyal, Israeli journalist with deep knowledge of Israeli politics and security, shares frontline perspective. He describes life in Israel under strikes and the risks on the northern front with Hezbollah. They discuss Israel’s capacity for simultaneous operations, planning for Iran’s future leadership, covert exile networks, tight U.S.-Israeli military coordination, regional realignment, and the idea of targeting Iran’s energy sector.

Sinan Ciddi, Senior Director of FDD's Turkey Program and regional expert on Turkish foreign policy. He maps potential successors to Erdogan and key power players. He outlines Turkey’s long-term military footprint in Syria and risks of a U.S. pullout. He explains Ankara’s expanding bases and influence across Africa and lays out Erdogan’s neo-Ottoman strategic vision.

Erin Molan, Australian TV presenter known for commentary on politics and culture, and vocal support of Israel after October 7. She discusses standing by her views despite blowback. She talks about learning the Middle East, reactions to the Bondi Beach attack, and critiques of Australia’s government and preparedness amid Chinese pressure.

Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and Iran policy expert. He breaks down Iran's succession and security structure. He warns about risky U.S.–Iran talks and IAEA pitfalls. He describes the scale of student-led protests and regime repression. He flags signs of possible military escalation and outlines what should be demanded in negotiations.

Maritime maneuvers by Iran and Russia in the Gulf of Oman set a tense regional backdrop. The EU's designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group raised diplomatic stakes. Intense security operations and debates over sovereignty, residency, and governance in Hebron take center stage.

Andrew Tabler, Syria expert and senior fellow with on-the-ground experience, breaks down shifting power in northern Syria. He discusses militia custody changes and risks from released detainees. He explains regional patrons vying for influence and Turkey’s leading role. He assesses al‑Shara’s gains and Washington’s gamble in relying on him.