Source: Government of Sweden
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has entered into two agreements with ammunition manufacturers Nammo and Rheinmetall Denel Munition. The orders include a substantial amount of artillery shells and represent the largest investment in artillery ammunition in Sweden since the 1980s.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aarushi Bhandari, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Davidson College
In 2001, social theorist bell hooks warned about the dangers of a loveless zeitgeist. In “All About Love: New Visions,” she lamented “the lack of an ongoing public discussion … about the practice of love in our culture and in our lives.”
Back then, the internet was at a crossroads. The dot-com crash had bankrupted many early internet companies, and people wondered if the technology was long for this world.
The doubts were unfounded. In only a few decades, the internet has merged with our bodies as smartphones and mined our personalities via algorithms that know us more intimately than some of our closest friends. It has even constructed a secondary social world.
Yet as the internet has become more integrated in our daily lives, few would describe it as a place of love, compassion and cooperation. Study after study describe how social media platforms promote alienation and disconnection – in part because many algorithms reward behaviors like trolling, cyberbullying and outrage.
Is the internet’s place in human history cemented as a harbinger of despair? Or is there still hope for an internet that supports collective flourishing?
I explore these questions in my new book, “Attention and Alienation.”
In it, I explain how social media companies’ profits depend on users investing their time, creativity and emotions. Whether it’s spending hours filming content for TikTok or a few minutes crafting a thoughtful Reddit comment, participating on these platforms takes work. And it can be exhausting.
Even passive engagement – like scrolling through feeds and “lurking” in forums – consumes time. It might feel like free entertainment – until people recognize they are the product, with their data being harvested and their emotions being manipulated.
Blogger, journalist and science fiction writer Cory Doctorow coined the term “enshittification” to describe how experiences on online platforms gradually deteriorate as companies increasingly exploit users’ data and tweak their algorithms to maximize profits.
For these reasons, much of people’s time spent online involves dealing with toxic interactions or mindlessly doomscrolling, immersed in dopamine-driven feedback loops.
This cycle is neither an accident nor a novel insight. Hate and mental illness fester in this culture because love and healing seem to be incompatible with profits.
In his 2009 book “Envisioning Real Utopias,” the late sociologist Erik Olin Wright discusses places in the world that prioritize cooperation, care and egalitarianism.
Wright mainly focused on offline systems like worker-owned cooperatives. But one of his examples lived on the internet: Wikipedia. He argued that Wikipedia demonstrates the ethos “from each according to ability, to each according to need” – a utopian ideal popularized by Karl Marx.
Wikipedia still thrives as a nonprofit, volunteer-ran bureaucracy. The website is a form of media that is deeply social, in the literal sense: People voluntarily curate and share knowledge, collectively and democratically, for free. Unlike social media, the rewards are only collective.
There are no visible likes, comments or rage emojis for participants to hoard and chase. Nobody loses and everyone wins, including the vast majority of people who use Wikipedia without contributing work or money to keep it operational.
Wikipedia is evidence of care, cooperation and love hiding in plain sight.
In recent years, there have been more efforts to create nonprofit apps and websites that are committed to protecting user data. Popular examples include Signal, a free and open source instant messaging service, and Proton Mail, an encrypted email service.
These are all laudable developments. But how can the internet actively promote collective flourishing?
In “Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We Want,” sociologist Ruha Benjamin points to a way forward. She tells the story of Black TikTok creators who led a successful cultural labor strike in 2021. Many viral TikTok dances had originally been created by Black artists, whose accounts, they claimed, were suppressed by a biased algorithm that favored white influencers.
TikTok responded to the viral #BlackTikTokStrike movement by formally apologizing and making commitments to better represent and compensate the work of Black creators. These creators demonstrated how social media engagement is work – and that workers have the power to demand equitable conditions and fair pay.
This landmark strike showed how anyone who uses social media companies that profit off the work, emotions and personal data of their users – whether it’s TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram or Reddit – can become organized.
Meanwhile, there are organizations devoted to designing an internet that promotes collective flourishing. Sociologist Firuzeh Shokooh Valle provides examples of worker-owned technology cooperatives in her 2023 book, “In Defense of Solidarity and Pleasure: Feminist Technopolitics in the Global South.” She highlights the Sulá Batsú co-op in Costa Rica, which promotes policies that seek to break the stranglehold that negativity and exploitation have over internet culture.
“Digital spaces are increasingly powered by hate and discrimination,” the group writes, adding that it hopes to create an online world where “women and people of diverse sexualities and genders are able to access and enjoy a free and open internet to exercise agency and autonomy, build collective power, strengthen movements, and transform power relations.”
In Los Angeles, there’s Chani, Inc., a technology company that describes itself as “proudly” not funded by venture capitalists. The Chani app blends mindfulness practices and astrology with the goal of simply helping people. The app is not designed for compulsive user engagement, the company never sells user data, and there are no comments sections.
What would social media look like if Wikipedia were the norm instead of an exception?
To me, a big problem in internet culture is the way people’s humanity is obscured. People are free to speak their minds in text-based public discussion forums, but the words aren’t always attached to someone’s identity. Real people hide behind the anonymity of user names. It isn’t true human interaction.
In “Attention and Alienation,” I argue that the ability to meet and interact with others online as fully realized, three-dimensional human beings would go a long way toward creating a more empathetic, cooperative internet.
When I was 8 years old, my parents lived abroad for work. Sometimes we talked on the phone. Often I would cry late into the night, praying for the ability to “see them through the phone.” It felt like a miraculous possibility – like magic.
I told this story to my students in a moment of shared vulnerability. This was in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the class was taking place over videoconferencing. In these online classes, one person talked at a time. Others listened.
It wasn’t perfect, but I think a better internet would promote this form of discussion – people getting together from across the world to share the fullness of their humanity.
Efforts like Clubhouse have tapped into this vision by creating voice-based discussion forums. The company, however, has been criticized for predatory data privacy policies.
What if the next iteration of public social media platforms could build on Clubhouse? What if they brought people together and showcased not just their voices, but also live video feeds of their faces without harvesting their data or promoting conflict and outrage?
Raised eyebrows. Grins. Frowns. They’re what make humans distinct from increasingly sophisticated large language models and artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT.
After all, is anything you can’t say while looking at another human being in the eye worth saying in the first place?
Aarushi Bhandari does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Is there any hope for the internet? – https://theconversation.com/is-there-any-hope-for-the-internet-259251
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)
**STATE-BY-STATE FACT SHEET** Republicans Slash Vital Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Funding for States
Washington, DC — House Appropriations Committee Republicans today released the draft fiscal year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill, which will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow. The bill raises costs for American households, undermines infrastructure investments, and weakens our national security.
For 2026, the Energy and Water bill provides $57.3 Billion in discretionary funding. Within that amount, the bill provides $24.1 Billion for nondefense programs, a cut of over $675 Million, or 2.7 percent, below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level, and $33.2 Billion for defense programs, a cut of $91 Million, or 0.3 percent, below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The legislation:
“House Republicans have once again produced a reckless and short-sighted proposal that betrays working families and undermines America’s future. Their FY26 Energy and Water bill would gut the Department of Energy’s clean energy and efficiency programs — slashing investments that lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and protect our national security,” Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09) said. “This bill cedes American leadership in the global energy race to our adversaries like Communist China. It also weakens vital nuclear nonproliferation programs that help keep our country and allies safe. By turning their backs on communities still suffering from the legacy of our early atomic weapons programs, Republicans show how little regard they have for America’s promises. We must invest in our energy independence in perpetuity — not abandon it. I strongly oppose this bill and will continue fighting for policies that uplift our communities and secure our energy future for all the generations to come.”
“Once again, instead of working to find ways to address the cost-of-living crisis, House Republicans introduced a bill that would make the problem worse,” Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “Middle class, working class, and vulnerable Americans continue to struggle to pay their bills, but House Republicans’ 2026 Energy and Water funding proposal slashes resources for programs that lower energy costs for families and businesses and eliminates resources that provide clean, affordable, secure energy to households. While President Trump continues to inflame tensions with our adversaries, House Republicans’ bill would leave our country more vulnerable to nuclear threats and yield American leadership of the world’s energy future to China. With this bill, Republicans are failing to confront the climate crisis and putting tens of thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs at risk. This legislation is an attack on the country’s energy future. Democrats are at the table and ready to pass legislation that actually lowers energy costs for the American people and ensures America leads the global transition to a clean energy economy.”
A summary of House Republicans’ 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill is here. A fact sheet is here. The text of the bill is here. The subcommittee markup will be webcast live and linked on the House Committee on Appropriations website.
A state-by-state breakdown of the amount of funding House Republicans are trying to slash from the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) programs is here.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)
**STATE-BY-STATE FACT SHEET** Republicans Slash Vital Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Funding for States
Washington, DC — During today’s Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee markup of the 2026 funding bill, House Democrats exposed how the bill increases costs for American households, undermines infrastructure investments, and weakens our national security.
The bill:
From Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur’s (D-OH-09) opening remarks:
“Sadly, this Republican Energy and Water bill does not meet our nation’s imperative for the future. America must become energy independent in perpetuity. This bill fails to address the cost-of-living crisis and instead will result in higher energy bills for families and businesses. China is investing record levels in energy, but this bill retreats from US global leadership in the future clean energy economy. America can and must do better. America’s future relies on the new age frontiers of energy and water.”
From Appropriations Committee Ranking Rosa DeLauro’s (D-CT-03) opening remarks:
“Energy demand is higher than ever and only increasing. Cheap, reliable energy is the basis of a modern economy. We have to increase energy supply or costs will continue to rise for the American people – and we will be dependent on importing energy to meet our goals. Instead of focusing on ways to help lower energy costs, House Republicans are using this bill to further gut critical federal resources and advance their own agenda…I cannot support this bill. Instead of working with Democrats to lower prices and invest in technology that promotes our energy independence, House Republicans are pushing a bill that raises energy costs for families and businesses and eliminates good-paying jobs. We can and must come together to improve this bill to help lower costs and support our country’s energy independence and national security.”
A summary of the bill is here. A fact sheet is here. The text of the bill is here. Information on Community Project Funding in the bill is here.
A state-by-state breakdown of the amount of funding House Republicans are trying to slash from the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) programs is here.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Senator Rosen Helped Write And Pass the Legislation To Provide A 3.8% Pay Raise for Troops, Deliver For Nevada’s National Security Installations, And Benefit Nevada Servicemembers
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced several major wins for servicemembers in Nevada that she helped secure in the bipartisan national defense bill that advanced out of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The Senate’s bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA) contains thirty provisions championed by Senator Rosen, including the core of her FORGOTTEN Veterans Act. This bill classifies the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) as contaminated from nuclear testing and toxic activities, requires the Defense Department to document servicemember exposures to radiation and toxins that happen stateside, and requires the Air Force to identify all those who served at classified locations within the NTTR since 1951 and establish a process for them to provide proof of having served there, so that they can finally have a basis to submit PACT Act claims.
The Senate NDAA also authorizes several key military construction projects, including to support the readiness of the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno to receive C-130J aircraft to carry out their dangerous fire fighting mission. Additionally, it includes Senator Rosen’s amendment to break down a key barrier for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) crews who conduct combat operations – such as Creech Air Force Base – to continue to be able to access critical mental health services through the VA once separated from the military. The NDAA also supports enlisted retention efforts through higher pay, provides a 3.8% pay raise for all troops, and does not authorize any funding for defense nuclear waste storage at Yucca Mountain.
“One of my top priorities is working to strengthen our national security and ensure our military has all of the resources it needs to support servicemembers and keep Nevadans safe. I’m proud to have helped shape a strong, bipartisan national defense package that supports our servicemembers in Nevada, strengthens our alliances, and enhances our military readiness,” said Senator Rosen. “This bipartisan legislation includes key provisions I secured to support critical national security installations in Nevada, provide our servicemembers with a deserved pay raise, and eliminate barriers for those who served within the Nevada Test and Training Range to submit PACT Act claims for toxic and radiation exposure. I’ll always work across party lines to keep Nevadans safe.”
Rosen-led provisions in the FY26 NDAA include:
Radiation and Toxic Exposure Documentation: Requires DOD to document all servicemember exposures, including those that occur domestically, so it can be seen by the VA after they’ve separated from the military; classifies the NTTR as contaminated; and requires the Secretary of the Air Force to identify all those who served within the NTTR since January 27, 1951 (the date of the first nuclear test), establish a process for veterans to provide proof of their assignment within the NTTR, and make all efforts to identify individuals without requiring them to submit evidence of their stationing.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crew Mental Health Access: Directs the military service secretaries, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to establish a status identifier or equivalent recognition to note the combat participation of remotely piloted aircraft crews, in order to allow continued access to combat-related mental health services through the VA once the servicemember separates from the military. This is based on Senator Rosen’s bipartisan CARE for RPA Crews Act.
Veteran Training Records: Directs the Pentagon to assess the feasibility of providing military training and qualification records to post-9/11 veterans to assist them in obtaining civilian jobs. This builds on Senator Rosen’s bipartisan Translating Military Skills into Civilian Jobs Act, which was signed into law as part of the FY2025 NDAA, which only applied to those currently serving, not veterans.
Designating Creech Air Force Base as Remote & Isolated: Designates Creech AFB as a remote installation, making it eligible for additional funding for things like morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) activities, and medical services such as dental. This is to support Creech Airmen and their families, who often have to live an hour’s drive from Creech, because Creech has no on-base housing, limited off-based housing, and few services such as child care.
Nevada Air National Guard Fuel Cell Hangar: Authorizes $5.4 million for a larger fuel cell hangar at the Air National Guard Base in Reno, which is necessary for the base’s candidacy to receive C-130J aircraft, which are larger than the current fleet of C-130Hs. Senator Rosen has been working to secure C-130J aircraft for the Nevada National Guard to provide them with more capable aircraft for their dangerous fire fighting mission.
Nevada Air National Guard Engine Maintenance and Support Facility: Authorizes $3.2 million to expand the facility at the Air National Guard Base in Reno. This project is also necessary for the base’s candidacy to receive C-130Js.
Expansion of Nevada Army National Guard Armory in Henderson: Authorizes over $2.3 million for the expansion of the Nevada Army National Guard Armory in Henderson to help alleviate cramped working conditions.
Fallon Range Training Complex Improvements: Authorizes $47 million to accelerate modernization of the Fallon Range Training Complex to route the highway and natural gas pipelines around range B-16.
Enlisted Retention Pay: Authorizes the Department of Defense to provide retention incentive pay to enlisted servicemembers that have a college degree in a field related to their military specialty to help improve recruitment and retention.
Report on Initiatives that Negate the Need for Nuclear Testing: Directs the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration to brief Congress on how technological advancements and ongoing initiatives – including modernization of the underground laboratory at the Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS) – will provide greater certainty on the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of our nuclear stockpile, which negates the need for nuclear testing.
Report on Incentive Programs for After-Hours Child Care: Directs the Department of Defense to brief Congress on their efforts to create and implement incentive programs that would encourage Family Child Care providers to expand their services, support military spouses, and provide after-hours childcare, which would support r Creech Airmen and their families, who often work outside of normal business hours due to the global operations they support.
Report on Integration of Military Service Outcome Data with State Educational Systems: Directs the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to brief Congress on the feasibility of establishing a data sharing system to assist states in accessing military enlistment data to better inform students about military careers.
Hearing Aid Coverage for Children of Retired Servicemembers: Extends hearing aid coverage to children of all retired servicemembers, including retired members of the reserve components.
Creech Air Force Base Health Assessment: Directs the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Defense Health Agency, to assess behavioral and social health conditions affecting servicemembers and families stationed at Creech.
Cyber Talent Management: Creates a DoD talent management program to support cyber personnel transitioning from active duty to the reserves. The provision also authorizes U.S. Cyber Command to carry out a pilot program to provide skill incentive pay to help retain the top Cyber talent in the Cyber Mission Force.
Tibetan Plateau Strategy: Requires an expanded report on China’s military strategy on the Tibetan Plateau, directing the Department of Defense to analyze the risks related to China’s control of natural resources – particularly water – on the Plateau.
Report on Department of Defense Paint Facilities for Corrosion Control: Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to Congress on the status of facilities worldwide – including at Nellis Air Force Base – that conduct sanding and blasting operations of paint containing Hexavalent Chromium—a toxic, cancer-causing chemical used in paint on aircraft to prevent them from corroding.
Rosen-backed provisions included in the FY26 Senate NDAA:
Prioritize C-130J Recapitalization: Prohibits the Air Force until 2028 from spending funds on C-130J modernization until all Air National Guard units flying legacy C-130Hs, such as the Nevada Air National Guard in Reno, are set to receive C-130Js.
SkillBridge Protection: Protects the existing SkillBridge program for all enlisted servicemembers. SkillBridge provides transitioning servicemembers opportunities to participate in training and development with potential post-service employers during their last 180 days of military service, so they can gain invaluable skills, and be more prepared for life after service. Senator Rosen helped introduce bipartisan legislation with Senator Cruz to expand the SkillBridge program.
IVF for Military Families: Ensures that In-vitro Fertilization ( IVF) and fertility-related care shall be covered under TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select for both servicemembers and their spouses for up to three cycles.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and had both of her daughters through in vitro fertilization (IVF)—successfully secured a provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) approved last week which would require TRICARE coverage of fertility services, including IVF for servicemembers who rely on it to build their families. Duckworth’s provision—which mirrors her IVF for Military Families Act that she introduced earlier this year—would ensure servicemembers and their families have access to the same level of IVF coverage that Members of Congress and other federal workers already receive. The SASC-passed bill will soon be considered by the full Senate.
“Even before I was wounded, I had made the difficult decision to delay building a family because I knew getting pregnant would impact my ability to be an Army aviator and to advance in the career I loved. Because of the miracle of IVF—and my access to reproductive healthcare through the VA—I’m now a mom to two beautiful girls. The reality is that members of the uniformed services face unique challenges when trying to start or build a family, and studies show that servicemembers and Veterans have higher rates of infertility compared to the general population. Given how much we ask of our heroes, we should do what we can to support them in building their families.
“After successfully securing this provision in last year’s bill that passed through committee, I’m so proud my colleagues helped me build on this progress to include it in this year’s bill as well. It’s past time our nation provides uniformed servicemembers with the same access to IVF that all Members of Congress already have and ensure our heroes can access the fertility treatment they need to start the families they’ve dreamed of.”
This is the second time Duckworth secured this provision in an NDAA bill that passed through committee. Last year, Republicans blocked Duckworth’s IVF amendment from the final NDAA bill—after the same amendment was included in the committee-passed version.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—successfully secured a provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that SASC approved last week and the full Senate will now consider that would strengthen public trust of the military, enhance civil rights and curb misuse of our military for civilian law enforcement. As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation’s military into our communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, the Senator’s provision—which is a modified version of her Military in Law Enforcement Accountability (MiLEA) Act—would ensure that servicemembers identify themselves properly to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties.?
“In my own experience serving in the National Guard, I saw firsthand the difference drawing a bright line between the roles of our military and law enforcement can make in terms of maintaining public trust in our military,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud my colleagues agreed that this is a necessary requirement to provide accountability to the public during tense moments when troops might be interacting with citizens, from protests to natural disasters to humanitarian crises, and I hope the rest of my colleagues in the Senate do too.”?
In addition to this provision, Senator Duckworth also secured a provision that would require the Department of Defense to provide legal training to all servicemembers, including a refresher within 90 days of any mobilization or deployment, on their responsibilities under the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement, defense support for civil authorities and standing rules for the use of force within the United States. This provision would ensure all servicemembers know their legal obligations during deployments both at home as well as abroad and protect American civil rights especially in light of the Trump Administration’s increasing misuse of troops to support law enforcement within the United States.
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Source: United States Department of Defense
Germany committed to a permanent brigade in Lithuania, a sizable purchase of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, an increase in defense spending and being a key nexus for providing support to Ukraine during a meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
National two-minute silence will be held at 12 noon on 15 August 2025 to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day
Members of the public are encouraged to participate in a national two-minute silence on Friday 15 August to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
A Service of Remembrance will honour and remember those who fought and died during the Second World War in the Far East at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which will be broadcast live on BBC1 from midday.
It will host a spectacular tribute to veterans involving 400 members of the Armed Forces, the Red Arrows and historic aircraft from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
This follows four days of events in May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.
However, at that time 80 years ago, thousands of British and Commonwealth military personnel continued to fight Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific for a further three months when Victory over Japan (VJ Day) was declared on 15 August 1945, following Imperial Japan’s surrender to Allied Forces. Alongside British Armed Forces, hundreds of thousands of people served in the Far East from countries including pre-partition India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nepal and from African nations.
The Service of Remembrance will be run in partnership with the Royal British Legion and will be attended by Second World War veterans, VJ association members, senior politicians, and military personnel. It will pay tribute to the British, Commonwealth and Allied veterans who served in the Far East theatres of war, the Pacific and Indian Ocean territories.
The event will include a guard of honour of Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force and music provided by military bands. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will lead a breathtaking flypast featuring the historic Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircrafts.
Veterans attending will include Burma Star recipients, British Indian Army veterans and those involved in the Battles of Kohima and Imphal, as well as Prisoners of War held across the region and veterans stationed in the UK or Commonwealth countries, who contributed to the war effort.
The service is a ticketed event, but members of the public visiting the Arboretum on the day are invited to observe the two-minute silence and watch the service on large screens at a nearby public viewing area.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
Those who continued to fight bravely in Asia and the Pacific in those last few months of the Second World War must never be forgotten.
It is so important for us as a nation to come together on this important anniversary to remember our VJ Day veterans and hear their stories first-hand so we can ensure that their legacy is passed on to future generations and their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Defence Secretary John Healey said:
VJ Day was the final victory in a war that changed the world, and we honour those who served in the Far East with enduring gratitude.
Just as we proudly marked VE Day, we reflect on the courage, sacrifice and resilience shown by so many to secure peace.
Their legacy must never be forgotten, and it’s our duty to pass their stories on to future generations.
Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:
We encourage everyone across the country to take a moment to reflect during the two-minute silence on VJ Day, to watch the Service of Remembrance live on the BBC or at the Arboretum, and pay tribute to those from Britain and across the Commonwealth who fought in the Far East in the Second World War.
It was so moving to see the nation come together for VE80 and to be putting veterans at the heart of these commemorations – now we have one of our last chances to honour all those VJ Day veterans whose service and sacrifice finally brought an end to the War.
Second World War veteran and RBL ambassador Tom Berry, 101, from Cheshire, who was serving on HMS Tartar in the Pacific when Japan surrendered, said:
For veterans like me and all those who carried on fighting until VJ Day was announced, this will be a very emotional day – a moment in history. I’ll be watching the service at home, and I’d ask the country to do the same – to stop and remember all those who gave so much for our freedoms, and those who never made it back.
The national commemorations will commence with a government reception to celebrate VJ Day with veterans.
Government buildings and High Commissions across the globe will also be lit up on 15 August to commemorate VJ Day.
In addition, Imperial War Museums (IWM) will be screening I Saw The World End, a digital public artwork by celebrated artist and designer Es Devlin, at Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday 6th August to commemorate the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
IWM will also invite visitors to reflect on the events leading up to the end of the Second World War through paper dove and crane making activities at IWM London and IWM North.
On VJ Day itself, IWM will premiere a new contemporary film exploring the events and significance of VJ Day and the war in Asia and the Pacific. The film, which can be seen at IWM North and outdoor screens in locations across the UK, is produced in partnership with SODA (School of Digital Arts), part of Manchester Metropolitan University. A new augmented reality experience at IWM North will also engage audiences in a deeper exploration of the Second World War in Asia and the Pacific and its significance, bringing to life some of the personal stories, sound and film from IWM’s collection.
Following the success of IWM’s VE Day Letters to Loved Ones initiative, the public are asked to delve into their family history to find letters sent by relatives to loved ones that provide fresh insight and first-hand testimonies of VJ Day and the war in the Far East. Digital copies can be uploaded onto the official VE/VJ80 website.
James Taylor, IWM’s Principal Curator of Public History said:
The story of the Second World does not finish with VE Day on 8 May 1945, with intense fighting in Asia and the Pacific continuing for another three months, and the destruction of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Through this varied programme of activities, we will shine a light on these often-overlooked stories from the final months of the Second World War. Through public film screenings, digital experiences, and artist commissions, IWM will give people the opportunity to delve deeper into the significance of the war in Asia and the Pacific and its lasting global impact.
The Government is working with partners across the UK, including the Devolved Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure commemorations are inclusive and UK-wide.
The Commonwealth War Graves will continue their Every Story For Evermore campaign through events, new content, and augmented reality tours at international sites. These will include Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries at Nairobi in Kenya, Sai Wan in Hong Kong, Kranji in Singapore, Kanchanaburi in Thailand, and Yokohama in Japan. This will enable international audiences to learn about the men and women who continued to serve in the Second World War after VE Day.
Director of Education, Engagement and Volunteering at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Simon Bendry, said:
As part of the anniversary commemorations marking the end of the Second World War, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is encouraging people around the world to pause and reflect on the human cost of conflict.
We commemorate more than 580,000 casualties who died during the Second World War, and we invite the public to ensure their stories are never forgotten by exploring and contributing to our online story collection, For Evermore, and by joining commemorative events taking place across the globe. From sites in the UK to Japan, from Kenya to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, local communities will have opportunities to honour and remember those who gave their lives and acknowledge the huge sacrifices made in pursuit of peace.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)
Washington, July 14, 2025
“This NDAA puts our warfighters first. Modernizing their tools, improving safety, and delivering on our promises to military families. It’s about cutting waste, building strength, and putting America First,”said Rep. Bergman. “As Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, I fought alongside my colleagues to ensure this bill addresses the real challenges facing our servicemembers. We’re delivering results that will make our military stronger, safer, and better prepared for the fight.”
Key provisions in the FY26 NDAA include:
Toxic Exposure Accountability: Builds on the momentum of the recently introduced Military PFAS Transparency Act by incorporating key provisions requiring detailed cleanup plans, risk assessments, and safeguards to protect military families from harmful chemicals at Camp Grayling, Wurtsmith Air Force Base, and military installations nationwide.
Indo-Pacific Strategy: Streamlines contested logistics, enhances Air Mobility Command’s readiness, and expands additive manufacturing near forward-operating locations.
Military Construction Reform: Cuts red tape and construction costs by eliminating outdated mandates, allowing faster, more cost-efficient construction of barracks and childcare facilities, and investing $120 million in new military labs.
Servicemember Housing: Adds $240 million for new barracks, strengthens oversight of private military housing, and demands DOD accountability on health and safety obligations.
Energy Independence: Advances next-generation nuclear energy by expanding deployment on military bases, investing $20 million in advanced nuclear fuel, and streamlining DOD nuclear energy initiatives.
Military Aviation Safety: In response to deadly trends, this year’s NDAA mandates an independent safety review and key reforms to improve rotary wing training and maintenance safety practices.
Training Innovation: Accelerates use of cutting-edge simulators, extended reality, and synthetic environments to improve readiness and reduce costs.
Maintenance & Readiness: Addresses F-35 parts shortages, boosts amphibious ship maintenance funding, and demands accountability for aircraft mission-capable rates.
Made in America: Protects U.S. supply chains by prohibiting taxpayer funds from flowing to adversaries and requiring American-made military food and energy supplies.
Source: United States Airforce
During the exercise the 354th AEW will rapidly deploy and regionally maneuver fifth-generation capabilities like the F-35A Lightning II while executing Agile Combat Employment techniques.
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) —
The 354th Air Expeditionary Wing is participating in exercise Resolute Force Pacific 25, to test its ability to quickly and effectively command and control air assets throughout the Pacific, July 10 – August 8.
REFORPAC 25 is the largest Air Force contingency training exercise in the Pacific, training military members to maintain readiness and execute missions under stress throughout multiple locations in the Pacific, including Guam, Japan, and international airspace.
“REFORPAC will demonstrate how our Airmen generate and employ lethal combat airpower at effective scale and scope to achieve combatant commander objectives,” said Col. Matthew Johnston, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. “Collaborating with our allies, partners, and Joint Forces we will validate our ability to maintain robust command and control in the region while maneuvering our forces and executing missions.”
During the exercise the 354th AEW will rapidly deploy and regionally maneuver fifth-generation capabilities like the F-35A Lightning II while executing Agile Combat Employment techniques.
“The women and men of the 354th AEW are focused on generating combat airpower while optimizing and enhancing the asymmetric advantages we have in the free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Lt. Col Erik Gonsalves, 355th Mission Generation Force Element commander. “We’re using intense training exercises like REFORPAC to test and refine our skills in unique situations and austere locations, challenging us to solidify or update our gameplan to ensure we are ready to respond swiftly and effectively.”
Large scale exercises like REFORPAC make the 354th AEW more capable of delivering lethal airpower to combatant commanders in defense of national military objectives.
“REFORPAC demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability, multilateral cooperative arrangements with our Allies and partners, advancing common interests, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” said Johnston. “By working with our multinational and joint partners the 354th AEW becomes a stronger and more capable wing that demonstrates our collective commitment to maintaining regional stability.”
REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more lethal deterrent force. The DLE series encompasses all branches of the Department of Defense, along with allies and partners, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles.
Source: United States Airforce
Department of the Air Force leaders commended top performers within the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings during a visit to Whiteman AFB.
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFNS) —
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin visited Whiteman Air Force Base on July 10 to commend Airmen on the success of Operation Midnight Hammer.
The June 21 operation saw seven B-2 Spirit deliver an overnight strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities, the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history. In a timeline of just weeks, members of the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings turned strategic planning of an unprecedented operation into global execution.
“The success of this mission demonstrates the precision and potency of a combat-ready Air Force and strategic innovation,” Meink said. “The warfighting capability of the Total Force Airmen here and the B-2 Spirit was tested with the world watching, and Team Whiteman performed flawlessly.”
The complex operation incorporated decoy bombers that flew west over the Pacific Ocean. This deceptive tactic was known ahead of time by only a select few mission planners at Whiteman AFB and key leaders at the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command headquarters. The seven aircraft that executed the mission deployed a total of 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, which was the first operational use of the “bunker buster” bombs.
During their visit, the senior leaders thanked the members at Whiteman AFB who contributed to the operation and coined those who exemplified excellence throughout all stages of the mission.
“The U.S. Air Force’s ability to project airpower globally with minimal notice is unmatched,” Allvin said. “Our advantage stems from Airmen who are mission-focused and able to adapt to a rapidly evolving strategic landscape. The Airmen here have set the standard for operational precision and execution.”
The pressure of the high-stakes mission was not only felt by the B-2 pilots and operation’s planners. Given a deadline of nearly one week, Airmen assigned to the 509th Maintenance Group were tasked with building and loading the GBU-57 MOPs, refueling the aircraft, and performing preflight inspections ensuring the bombers could carry out their lengthy flights and deploy the weapons.
“I could not be prouder of the men and women of Team Whiteman,” said Col. Joshua Wiitala, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “Operation Midnight Hammer showed the world that we are ready to deliver precision global strike when called upon. We are humbled by the recognition the team is receiving from our nation’s leaders for their perseverance and dedication to our one-of-a-kind mission.”
Being the only installation in the world to operate a stealth bomber makes Whiteman AFB an integral component to U.S. Strategic Command’s mission of deterring strategic attack. As showcased by Operation Midnight Hammer, the B-2 is not only a visible shield, but an invisible sword, ready to deliver lethality – anytime, anywhere.
Source: United States Navy
PORTLAND PORT, England – Exercise Sea Breeze 25-2 officially concluded following two weeks of multinational mine countermeasure operations in the waters off the United Kingdom’s southern coast July 11, 2025.
Exercise Sea Breeze 25-2 officially concluded following two weeks of multinational mine countermeasure operations in the waters off the United Kingdom’s southern coast July 11, 2025. Naval forces from 14 nations, including NATO allies and partners, demonstrated coordination and enhanced interoperability in a dynamic maritime environment.
From June 30 to July 11, participating forces from Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Latvia, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States conducted joint mine hunting operations, dive and salvage missions, explosive ordnance disposal, and the deployment of cutting-edge robotic and autonomous systems (RAS).
The culminating demonstration showcased a unified application of these capabilities, reinforcing the collective strength and cohesion of participating nations in high-intensity, multi-domain scenarios.
“The U.S. Navy’s mission is to keep the seas open. Mines restrict that. Our MCM force is small, so we rely heavily on partners and allies. These exercises ensure we can interoperate and conduct mine countermeasure operations together,” said Capt. William Williams, the commodore of Mine Countermeasures Group 6.
At the center of the exercise was a fully integrated, combined headquarters that executed advanced staff planning, targeting operations, and command-and-control across a coalition force. The inclusion of RAS, electronic warfare integration, and real-time situational awareness significantly expanded the participating nations’ capacity to operate across domains.
This year, Exercise Sea Breeze 2025 occurred in two iterations, Sea Breeze 25-1 and 25-2. The first iteration, Sea Breeze 25-1, was hosted by the Romanian Armed Forces at Smardan Range, Romania, June 1-20, 2025.
Since 1997, Exercise Sea Breeze has brought together Black Sea nations, NATO Allies and partners together to train and operate with NATO members in the pursuit of building increased capabilities. Exercise Sea Breeze 2025 is an annual multinational maritime exercise, involving sea, land, and air components co-hosted by the United States and Ukraine to enhance interoperability and capability among participating forces.
Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allies, international partners, and other U.S. government departments and agencies to advance U.S. national interests, security, and stability in Europe and Africa.
Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division
Headline: Defense Contractor Berg Co. Agrees to Pay $3.3M to Resolve Allegations of Causing Fraudulent Bids
Berg Companies Inc. (Berg) has agreed to pay $3.3 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting, or causing the submission of, false claims under prime vendor contracts with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), which the Department of Defense (DoD) uses to purchase goods and services.
Source: United States Attorneys General
Berg Companies Inc. (Berg) has agreed to pay $3.3 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting, or causing the submission of, false claims under prime vendor contracts with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), which the Department of Defense (DoD) uses to purchase goods and services.
Berg, based in Spokane, Washington, manufactures rigid wall shelters and sells them to the federal government, including through various prime vendor programs. In September 2019, Berg was acquired by Hunter Defense Technologies, Inc., which is a defense contractor that is based in Solon, Ohio.
Berg was a vendor to Noble Sales Co. Inc. doing business as Noble Supply & Logistics (Noble), which is a Boston-based prime contractor to DLA for Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) contracts for the European Command. Under the MRO contracts, the DoD can place orders for goods and services through Noble. Noble is then required to solicit bids from two independently competing vendors for transactions below $25,000 and from three independently competing vendors for transactions at or above $25,000. According to DLA, MRO contracts are “a partnership aimed at achieving infrastructure savings, inventory cost reductions and favorable product pricing through leveraged buying.”
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Berg admitted that, from 2019 to 2021, Berg coordinated with Noble and two other Noble vendors to submit inflated quotes for Berg-made rigid wall shelters so that the other vendors would win the awards at inflated prices. In the first scheme, Berg admitted that it coordinated and submitted inflated quotes on two solicitations for the sale of 10 Berg-made rigid wall shelters that Noble awarded to a New Mexico-based vendor. In the second scheme, Berg admitted that it coordinated and submitted inflated quotes on 26 solicitations for the purchase of 29 Berg-made rigid wall shelters that Noble awarded to a Florida-based vendor. As a result of these schemes, the United States contends that the requirements were not competed as required by the prime vendor contract and the military customers were overcharged for the Berg-made rigid wall shelters.
“Bid rigging of this type inhibits competition on the products and on prices, thereby creating the risk that the government is purchasing inferior products at exorbitant prices,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement reinforces the Department’s commitment in using the FCA to pursue anti-competitive fraud.”
“As evidenced in this settlement agreement, these contractors manipulated and undermined the fair and open bidding process designed to save our military and taxpayers money,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “We commend Berg for cooperating with the government to resolve this matter and taking responsibility for this conduct. As this settlement demonstrates, not only will my Office continue to use the False Claims Act to help root out fraud, waste and abuse involving taxpayer funds, but it will reward those that accept responsibility and cooperate with the government.”
“Collusion in government contracting erodes public trust, distorts fair competition, and drives up costs for taxpayers and service members,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “Such conduct undermines the integrity of the procurement process and betrays the public’s expectation that government funds will be used responsibly. This resolution demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars, ensuring a level playing field for all businesses, and holding accountable those who seek to profit by manipulating federal contracting. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to defend the integrity of government procurement and safeguard the interests of the American people.”
“Today’s settlement announcement demonstrates the commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), along with our law enforcement partners, to aggressively pursue those who undermine the integrity of the DoD contracting process,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Gosch of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, DCIS Southwest Field Office. “DCIS will use all available resources to hold accountable those who betray the trust of the American taxpayer by corrupting the DoD procurement system for personal gain.”
“GSA OIG will continue to work with its investigative partners to hold government contractors accountable for concealing relevant information that may affect the award or performance of government contracts,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dattoria of the U.S. General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Division.
Berg cooperated with the government in this matter. As part of the settlement, Berg acknowledged and accepted responsibility for the facts that form the basis of this settlement.
This settlement resolves claims brought against Berg under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and to receive a share of the recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblowers, Mark G. Davis and Andrew G. Gunn, to receive a $561,000 share of the recovery. Davis is a U.S. Army veteran and former salesperson for one of the sub-vendors involved in the conspiracy allegation. Gunn is the managing director of a United Kingdom company that manufacturers storage equipment for United States military customers and sold its equipment through this prime vendor’s MRO contracts. The remainder of the matter remains under seal.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of New Mexico and District of Massachusetts, with assistance from the Defense Criminal Investigative Services, the Army Criminal Investigation Division, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General.
The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Samson Asiyanbi of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Cunniff of the District of New Mexico, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Ross and Brian LaMacchia of the District of Massachusetts.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Source: United States Navy
DARWIN, Australia — U.S. Marines with the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) are taking part in Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, Australia’s largest bilateral military exercise, to enhance interoperability and strengthen ties with the Australian Defence Force and U.S. Army joint forces across the Northern Territory (NT) this month.
Source: United States Navy
ATLANTIC OCEAN – The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit-Special Operations Capable (MEU (SOC)) successfully completed Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), demonstrating the ability to jointly operate across a full spectrum of military operations.
Source: United States Navy
SUVA, Fiji – Forward-deployed U.S. Navy submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) departed Fiji following a scheduled port visit on July 11, 2025. Frank Cable is underway supporting 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, operating with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Source: United States Navy
MANILA, Philippines – Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, traveled to the Republic of the Philippines alongside Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, July 9-11, 2025 to reaffirm the steadfast and enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance which is critical to advancing the two countries’ shared interests, signaling unwavering resolve, and aligning efforts to preserve regional stability.
Source: United States Navy
SEOUL, South Korea — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited South Korea on July 11, 2025, where he joined senior U.S., Japanese and South Korean military and government officials to underscore the criticality of trilateral military cooperation for addressing security challenges on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific.
Source: United States Navy
SAN DIEGO – The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Omaha (LCS 12) arrived at its San Diego homeport July 11, following a 10-month rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
“I’m excited to welcome home the crew of this mighty warship, who showed incredible dedication and leadership during their deployment,” said Capt. Jose Roman, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1. “From multiple exercises with our partners to ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in critical waterways throughout the Indo-Pacific, Omaha has a great deal to be proud of.”
Throughout deployment, the Omaha participated in several multi-national events including the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI), Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei, the Republic of Palau 30th Independence Anniversary, a joint sail with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Exercise Noble Wolverine, Exercise Cobra Gold 2025, and Exercise Noble Dingo.
“It’s been an honor to serve with this crew as they’ve achieved outstanding operational milestones and risen to meet every challenge,” said Cmdr. Kevin Smith, commanding officer of the Omaha Gold crew. “Today we welcome home the USS Omaha and the Blue crew, and celebrate the commitment and perseverance of every Sailor onboard, as well as their families who support them.”
In August 2024, the Omaha participated in OMSI, a Secretary of Defense program aimed at diminishing transnational illegal activity on the high seas in the Pacific Island nations of Oceania’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), as well as increasing interoperability with partner nations. The Omaha’s range and capabilities allowed the embarked U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment the ability to access the remote U.S. and Pacific Island nations’ EEZs.
The Omaha participated in CARAT Brunei 2024 alongside the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and other U.S. military assets. During the exercise, a variety of subject matter expert exchange events were conducted. They focused on topics such as cyber security, emission control, force protection, international maritime law, maritime domain awareness, and public affairs for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Bilateral training opportunities included best practices for a medical evacuation; mine countermeasures; visit, board, search and seizure; underwater demolition; and other topics. CARAT Brunei 2024 focused on dynamic naval capabilities, featuring cooperative evolutions that highlighted the U.S.-Brunei partnership and their shared goals of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Omaha participated in several events which celebrated the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Palau, marking the Republic of Palau’s independence from the United Nations trusteeship administered by the U.S.
In the early months of 2025, the Omaha participated in Exercise Noble Wolverine, Exercise Cobra Gold 2025, and Exercise Noble Dingo. Noble Wolverine was a joint U.S. and Canadian exercise. During Cobra Gold 2025, Omaha, alongside Republic of Korea, Republic of Singapore, and Kingdom of Thailand navies conducted division tactics and crew exchanges. Noble Dingo included several operations as part of a joint sail with the RAN’s Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“These Sailors are returning home to their families with significant operational experience.,” said Cmdr. Ryan Doyle, commanding officer of the Omaha Blue crew. “I am particularly proud of the resiliency and self-sufficiency that our Sailors demonstrated throughout the deployments.”
During deployment, the Omaha conducted eight port visits, including six to partner and allied nations: Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Hawaii.
The Omaha is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/comlcsron1/ or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/COMLCSRONONE/
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — Provocations and warmongering by armed groups advocating “Taiwan independence” are useless and will only lead to their self-destruction, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said Monday.
Jiang Bin made the statement in response to a journalist’s question about the creation of Taiwan’s first HIMARS multiple launch rocket system battery.
In order to secure American support for “Taiwan independence,” the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration is selling out Taiwan’s interests to the United States by squandering the Taiwanese people’s hard-earned money to pay for “defense costs,” the official said.
“Buying American weapons to give oneself courage is absolutely useless and self-deceiving, and resisting reunification by force is a dead end,” Jiang Bin said.
The official was also asked about the launch of the W121 air route by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which is a connecting route with the M503 route. The establishment and launch of the relevant air route is a routine action carried out by relevant departments in accordance with the needs of managing the development of civil aviation, and will benefit compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Jiang Bin noted.
However, as the official pointed out, the DPP authorities used the event to fan the so-called “military threat from the mainland” in a reckless attempt to raise security concerns, escalate confrontation and hinder cross-coast exchanges, which runs counter to public sentiment and is doomed to fail.
According to Jiang Bin, the root cause of the current cross-Strait tensions is that the DPP administration, in collusion with external forces, has been continuously carrying out provocations aimed at achieving “independence.”
“We hope that Taiwanese compatriots will see through the ‘true face’ of the DPP administration advocating ‘Taiwan independence’, recognize the grave danger of separatism, resolutely oppose separatist actions, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” the Chinese defense ministry spokesman concluded. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), worked with his committee colleagues this week to secure strong investments in Maine’s economy and America’s defense posture through the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs leading to a more prosperous Maine and a stronger national security for the United States.
The legislation passed out of committee in a bipartisan 26-1 vote and represents the first step in bipartisan negotiations to pass a fiscal year budget for the armed forces and national defense interests. It includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including: support for veterans, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), a comprehensive new approach to monitoring brain health, aggressive policies to strengthen America’s cybersecurity, provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country.
“For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions, and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, we are continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill out of Committee that will make our nation and state safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “As our global community faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country.
“There are many important provisions in this legislation – including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defense,” continued Senator King. “All told, this year’s defense bill will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the men and women who fight for our freedoms.”
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes King-backed provisions to:
INVEST IN MAINE SHIPBUILDING AND INSTALLATIONS.
The FY26 NDAA authorizes $550 million for DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that Bath Iron Works will build beyond the previously approved funding in the continuing resolution.
This legislation also authorizes the funding for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) modernization efforts – including the final phase of funding for the Dry Dock extension that will allow PNSY to continue to maintain the Navy’s submarine fleet.
The bill includes an effort co-sponsored by Senator King that empowers shipyards across the country to make their own hiring decisions based on the workforce needs of their property and not leave these determinations for military officials to make from a distance.
PREVENT AND PROTECT BRAIN HEALTH. Included in this legislation is a report specifically requested by Senator King to protect servicemembers from blast exposure and address TBI through weapons sensor development led by a Maine business. Also included is a provision encouraging the DOD to maintain robust oversight and ensure timely implementation of suicide prevention recommendations, particularly those of the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee.
HELP ADDRESS HOUSING ALLOWANCE SHORTFALLS FOR SERVICEMEMBERS. The FY26 NDAA will require the DOD to publish how housing allowances are calculated, what housing types are covered, and to pilot a new calculation method based on rental costs by bedroom size. This is on the heels of last year’s Defense bill which increased Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates. Maine servicemembers including members of the Coast Guard will benefit.
IMPROVE THE WARM HANDOFF. Included in this bill is a signature priority of Senator King’s that improves sharing of information between the Defense Department and State Veterans Agencies. Maine Bureau of Veterans Services advocated for this reform that will impact all servicemembers and help address the proven high-risk period when servicemembers leave the military.
SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE. The FY26 NDAA reaffirms that it is the policy of the United States to assist Ukraine in maintaining a credible defense and deterrence capability and to bolster defense and security cooperation with Ukraine to build a Ukrainian military that is capable of defending Ukraine and deterring future aggression.
ENHANCE DETERRENCE THROUGH CYBERSECURITY. The bill includes the King-led provision to require the DOD create a credible cyber deterrent strategy against cyberattacks by mid-2026.
MODERNIZE OUR NUCLEAR DETERRENT. As Cochairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is a Congressional leader working to ensure the bipartisan effort to provide oversight of strategic programs from the nuclear triad to missile defense. Sen King advocated to include important provisions addressing nuclear non-proliferation were included. The bill strengthens the nuclear triad and nuclear command and control including cyber protections and addressing concerns with artificial intelligence. The bill also includes important oversight of the NNSA and nuclear modernization programs, and missile defense programs to help address cost and defense industrial base concerns.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), worked with his committee colleagues this week to secure strong investments in Maine’s economy and America’s defense posture through the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs leading to a more prosperous Maine and a stronger national security for the United States.
The legislation passed out of committee in a bipartisan 26-1 vote and represents the first step in bipartisan negotiations to pass a fiscal year budget for the armed forces and national defense interests. It includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including: support for veterans, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), a comprehensive new approach to monitoring brain health, aggressive policies to strengthen America’s cybersecurity, provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country.
“For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions, and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, we are continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill out of Committee that will make our nation and state safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “As our global community faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country.
“There are many important provisions in this legislation – including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defense,” continued Senator King. “All told, this year’s defense bill will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the men and women who fight for our freedoms.”
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes King-backed provisions to:
INVEST IN MAINE SHIPBUILDING AND INSTALLATIONS.
The FY26 NDAA authorizes $550 million for DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that Bath Iron Works will build beyond the previously approved funding in the continuing resolution.
This legislation also authorizes the funding for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) modernization efforts – including the final phase of funding for the Dry Dock extension that will allow PNSY to continue to maintain the Navy’s submarine fleet.
The bill includes an effort co-sponsored by Senator King that empowers shipyards across the country to make their own hiring decisions based on the workforce needs of their property and not leave these determinations for military officials to make from a distance.
PREVENT AND PROTECT BRAIN HEALTH. Included in this legislation is a report specifically requested by Senator King to protect servicemembers from blast exposure and address TBI through weapons sensor development led by a Maine business. Also included is a provision encouraging the DOD to maintain robust oversight and ensure timely implementation of suicide prevention recommendations, particularly those of the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee.
HELP ADDRESS HOUSING ALLOWANCE SHORTFALLS FOR SERVICEMEMBERS. The FY26 NDAA will require the DOD to publish how housing allowances are calculated, what housing types are covered, and to pilot a new calculation method based on rental costs by bedroom size. This is on the heels of last year’s Defense bill which increased Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates. Maine servicemembers including members of the Coast Guard will benefit.
IMPROVE THE WARM HANDOFF. Included in this bill is a signature priority of Senator King’s that improves sharing of information between the Defense Department and State Veterans Agencies. Maine Bureau of Veterans Services advocated for this reform that will impact all servicemembers and help address the proven high-risk period when servicemembers leave the military.
SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE. The FY26 NDAA reaffirms that it is the policy of the United States to assist Ukraine in maintaining a credible defense and deterrence capability and to bolster defense and security cooperation with Ukraine to build a Ukrainian military that is capable of defending Ukraine and deterring future aggression.
ENHANCE DETERRENCE THROUGH CYBERSECURITY. The bill includes the King-led provision to require the DOD create a credible cyber deterrent strategy against cyberattacks by mid-2026.
MODERNIZE OUR NUCLEAR DETERRENT. As Cochairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is a Congressional leader working to ensure the bipartisan effort to provide oversight of strategic programs from the nuclear triad to missile defense. Sen King advocated to include important provisions addressing nuclear non-proliferation were included. The bill strengthens the nuclear triad and nuclear command and control including cyber protections and addressing concerns with artificial intelligence. The bill also includes important oversight of the NNSA and nuclear modernization programs, and missile defense programs to help address cost and defense industrial base concerns.
Source: Microsoft
Headline: Security Copilot capabilities in Microsoft Intune and Entra now generally available
When Microsoft introduced Microsoft Security Copilot last year, our vision was to empower organizations with generative AI that helps security and IT teams simplify operations and respond faster. Since then, we’ve continuously innovated and learned alongside our customers. They consistently tell us that practitioners love it when Copilot is built directly into the tools they use every day.
That’s why we’re focused on delivering deeply integrated, scenario-based experiences that align with Zero Trust principles, making it easier for IT and security professionals to ask questions, take action, and gain insights directly within their existing workflows. These experiences not only reduce friction but also help IT teams stay in flow, making smarter decisions faster and with greater confidence. And the impact is real: organizations using Security Copilot have seen a 54% reduction in time to resolve device policy conflicts, and a 22.8% drop in alerts per incident within three months of adoption, freeing up teams to focus on more strategic work.
We’re excited to announce the Security Copilot capabilities in Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra have moved from preview to general availability. This milestone reflects the critical role Intune and Entra play in modern security strategies, serving as the foundation for implementing a Zero Trust model. Intune enforces device compliance, app protection, and endpoint privilege management, while Entra governs identity access with Conditional Access policies and granular authentication controls. Together, they create a unified security posture that aligns with Zero Trust principles across devices, users, applications, and even agents. Security Copilot amplifies this foundation by providing AI-assisted guidance, autonomous agents, and insights accessible through natural language, helping IT teams scale operations, accelerate skilling, and proactively remediate threats at machine speed.
IT administrators often face a daily flood of data, alerts, and configuration details, making it difficult to quickly find the right information and act with confidence. AI is changing how people work, and Copilot in Intune is evolving how IT admins interact with and act on their endpoint management data. The Security Copilot in Intune general availability release introduces a brand new, Copilot-assisted data exploration capability. IT admins now have a dedicated page in the Intune admin center to ask Copilot for the data they need, take action, and complete endpoint management tasks, all without leaving their workflow. This capability allows admins to extract insights across Intune domains—devices, apps, security policies, users, compliance data, app configurations, and more—and act on it using its deep integration into the Intune functionality they are familiar with. It represents the first step in a foundational shift from traditional reporting and queries to Copilot-powered investigation and IT-empowered action.
This new Security Copilot capability is designed to simplify the most time-consuming IT workflows, like assessing security posture, managing updates, troubleshooting issues, and generating custom reports. Whether it’s identifying non-compliant devices, tracking patch failures, previewing policy impact, or automating remediation, Copilot brings together the data and actions IT needs in one place.
Admins can ask natural language questions like, “Show me devices that are not on the latest version of Windows and Office,” or “Which of my Endpoint Privilege Management rules are in conflict and what are the source profiles?” and take action instantly, without switching context.
Figure 1. New experience to explore your Intune data with Copilot assistance across workloads.
The new Explorer experience also includes support for Windows 365 Cloud PCs, giving IT administrators a consistent way to view and act on device details across both cloud and physical endpoints. We are excited to share that in the coming weeks, we’ll introduce additional AI capabilities in Intune with Copilot assistance for Windows 365, offering insights into Cloud PC connectivity and connection quality, licensing optimization, and performance issues tied to compute resources. These capabilities build on the momentum of virtual computing and the ability to stream Windows from the Cloud, enhancing the IT experience and delivering even more endpoint management value—especially for Windows-based environments.
The general availability release of Security Copilot in Intune also provides chat-based contextual assistance and includes integration with core and Microsoft Intune Suite solutions. Intune Advanced Analytics multiple device query (MDQ), and Copilot help admins write detailed Kusto Query Language (KQL) queries and Endpoint Privilege Management with Copilot assesses app risks for admins to make informed decisions before approving Windows users’ elevation requests. And with the Surface Management Portal in Intune, Copilot provides unified visibility and controls for IT across Surface devices, further strengthening security posture and streamlining operations.
Just as Security Copilot is transforming endpoint management in Intune, it’s also reshaping how identity is managed in Microsoft Entra.
Identity environments evolve daily—new user, apps, and permissions are constantly introduced, making it difficult for IT and identity admins to keep policies up to date and user access properly governed. Manual investigations done the traditional way can be very time-consuming and reactive, giving cyberattackers more time to exploit gaps. With more than 600 million identity-based attacks happening daily, organizations can’t afford slow, manual investigations or infrequent policy reviews.1
Security Copilot in Microsoft Entra, now generally available, brings AI-assisted reasoning, natural language prompts, and real-time insights across your identity and access estate, all within the Microsoft Entra admin center. We’ve made major enhancements to improve performance, scalability, and accuracy, enabling Security Copilot to better understand user intent, handle more complex questions, and deliver clearer answers.
We’ve also expanded coverage to support a broader set of real-world identity scenarios. Copilot in Entra now helps admins investigate users, troubleshoot sign-ins, manage access reviews and entitlements, monitor tenant health and service-level agreement (SLAs), optimize license usage, and analyze role assignments and recommendations—all grounded in Microsoft Graph data.
Admins can now ask natural language questions like, “Which enterprise applications have credentials about to expire?” and “What role does the user have?” to quickly surface insights and take action. Whether it’s reviewing access packages, identifying risky apps, or checking license availability, Security Copilot in Entra helps teams move faster, stay ahead of cyberthreats, and focus on what matters most.
At Microsoft Secure 2025, as part of our vision to deliver an AI-first, end-to-end security platform, Microsoft announced 11 AI-powered Security Copilot agents that are seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Security and partner solutions. These agents autonomously handle high-volume, high-value tasks, learn from feedback, adapt to workflows, and operate securely, reflecting our commitment to helping organizations achieve what was previously impossible—at machine speed.
Today marks a meaningful milestone in our journey toward an AI-first, end-to-end security platform: we’re announcing the general availability of the Conditional Access Optimization Agent in Microsoft Entra. This launch brings AI-powered automation to IT and security operations, helping teams bring proactive protection directly into identity workflows.
The Conditional Access Optimization Agent runs autonomously, scanning your environment for gaps, overlaps, and outdated policy assignments. It then recommends precise, one-click remediations to help close the gaps fast, turning reactive cleanup into proactive defense.
The Conditional Access Optimization Agent provides:
With the Conditional Access Optimization Agent, policy coverage becomes continuous. You gain daily protection, policy clarity, and built-in expertise without the manual lift. As one security leader put it:
“The Conditional Access Optimization Agent is like having a security analyst on call 24/7. It proactively identifies gaps in our Conditional Access policies and ensures every user is protected from day one, and with report-only mode and AI-driven recommendations, we can test and refine access policies without disruption. It’s a secure path to innovation that every chief information security officer can trust.”
—Julian Rasmussen, Senior consultant and Partner, Point Taken, Microsoft MVP
We’re in a new era of AI that has implications for IT operations and security. Now with Microsoft Security Copilot in Intune and Entra, you can make your organization future-ready with AI solutions that help organizations transform IT and security at machine speed.
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the embedded experience of Security Copilot across Microsoft Security products, we’re excited to introduce a new in-portal capacity calculator available in the Security Copilot standalone experience (Azure account required). This tool allows organizations to estimate the number of Security Compute Units (SCUs) they may need based on the number of Security Copilot users in each Microsoft Security product. Users can generate a quick estimate, providing a practical starting point for capacity planning. SCU allocations can be adjusted at any time as real-world usage patterns emerge. Learn more.
Explore more use cases for IT and identity admins in the Security Copilot adoption hub. Explore Copilot in Intune and Entra and take these steps to learn more:
To learn more about Microsoft Security solutions, visit our website. Bookmark the Security blog to keep up with our expert coverage on security matters. Also, follow us on LinkedIn (Microsoft Security) and X (@MSFTSecurity) for the latest news and updates on cybersecurity.
1Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024.
The data, insights, and events in this report represent July 2023 through June 2024 (Microsoft fiscal year 2024), unless otherwise noted.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) applauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) action to list the Omaha VA hospital project on their Five Year Development Plan, which places the project on the path to final construction.
“The Omaha VA hospital will turn 75 years old this year, and it’s clear it must be replaced to meet the standard of care our veterans need and deserve. That’s why I was glad to see the Omaha VA hospital project added to the VA’s Five-Year Development Plan, which will help spur the construction of this much-needed facility. I’ll continue to work through my position as a member of the Appropriations Committee to invest in and improve our VA infrastructure in Nebraska,” Fischer said.
Background:
Previously, the Omaha VA hospital replacement project was placed on the Strategic Capital Investment Planning (SCIP) Process Project List but with the VA’s recent action, the project has been placed on the VA’s Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). Now that the project has been moved onto the FYDP, the project has been locked in as a concrete commitment from the VA to begin the design and planning work and eventual construction.
Fischer’s VA work:
As a member of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Fischer has fought for investments in VA infrastructure. Last month, Fischer questioned VA Secretary Doug Collins on his plans to ensure a strong VA footprint and to support her CHIP IN for Veterans Act, which allows local communities to assist with the planning and construction of VA health care facilities.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) applauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) action to list the Omaha VA hospital project on their Five Year Development Plan, which places the project on the path to final construction.
“The Omaha VA hospital will turn 75 years old this year, and it’s clear it must be replaced to meet the standard of care our veterans need and deserve. That’s why I was glad to see the Omaha VA hospital project added to the VA’s Five-Year Development Plan, which will help spur the construction of this much-needed facility. I’ll continue to work through my position as a member of the Appropriations Committee to invest in and improve our VA infrastructure in Nebraska,” Fischer said.
Background:
Previously, the Omaha VA hospital replacement project was placed on the Strategic Capital Investment Planning (SCIP) Process Project List but with the VA’s recent action, the project has been placed on the VA’s Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). Now that the project has been moved onto the FYDP, the project has been locked in as a concrete commitment from the VA to begin the design and planning work and eventual construction.
Fischer’s VA work:
As a member of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Fischer has fought for investments in VA infrastructure. Last month, Fischer questioned VA Secretary Doug Collins on his plans to ensure a strong VA footprint and to support her CHIP IN for Veterans Act, which allows local communities to assist with the planning and construction of VA health care facilities.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NEW YORK, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Policy Advisors® LLC (GPA), a strategic advisory firm focused on sovereign wealth funds, has released a new SWF 2050™ briefing authored by Salar Ghahramani, titled Federated “Midas” U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund Launched, with a focus on how recent developments are transforming the United States’ approach to sovereign wealth investing, with significant implications for markets and strategic sectors like rare earths.
The briefing builds upon Ghahramani’s April 2025 SWF 2050™ report, Strategic Expansion in Critical Resources: New Directions for U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund Investments, which anticipated the growing role of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund in securing critical minerals, reshaping market dynamics, and mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities. In the latest analysis, Ghahramani details how these forecasts are beginning to materialize through concrete transactions and policy frameworks.
Ghahramani, who describes this emerging model as “Midas” to signify the use of sovereign capital to create transformative value across financial markets, supply chains, and strategic industries, writes that transactions like the Department of Defense’s equity stake in MP Materials exemplify this shift. “This is sovereign capital being deployed not merely for financial return, but to actively influence market structure, manage supply chain risks, and catalyze private investment—particularly in strategic industries such as rare earths,” Ghahramani said. “It’s an outside-the-box and highly creative approach, representing a significant departure from traditional sovereign wealth fund models and introducing new considerations for market participants.”
Unlike conventional sovereign wealth funds that operate as single, centralized entities, Ghahramani explains that the U.S. appears to be developing a federated architecture in which multiple Executive Branch agencies act as conduits and pillars of sovereign wealth investing. The Department of Defense, leveraging authorities under the Defense Production Act (DPA), can engage in direct equity stakes and strategic market interventions. The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is positioned to deploy capital into critical sectors tied to economic and national security objectives. The Department of the Treasury may emerge as a coordinating force, managing financial instruments and structuring sovereign investment strategies. Other agencies, including the Departments of Energy and Commerce, contribute through grants, loan guarantees, and sector-specific initiatives.
In the report, Ghahramani analyzes how this decentralized approach operates within existing statutory frameworks, offering regulatory pathways for sovereign-style investments through instruments such as equity stakes, loans, price floors, and revenue-sharing agreements.
Read the summary of the report here:
https://www.globalpolicyadvisors.com/swf-2050trade/federated-midas-us-sovereign-wealth-fund-launched
About Global Policy Advisors
Global Policy Advisors® LLC is a boutique sovereign wealth fund advisory to corporations, boards of directors, and institutional investors—including hedge funds, private equity firms, pension funds, and SWFs. GPA’s expertise is delivering actionable insights, strategy sessions, and executive briefings on the governance, operations, and investment strategies of sovereign wealth funds. The company is recognized for devising the first governance and policy roadmap for a U.S. sovereign wealth fund.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Saira Bano, Assistant Professor in Political Science, Thompson Rivers University
In the wake of recent strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian cities, military sites and nuclear facilities, a troubling paradox has emerged: actions intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons may actually be accelerating its pursuit of them and encouraging other countries to follow suit.
On June 13, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a military campaign aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. The operation began with a series of co-ordinated strikes targeting Iran’s top nuclear scientists, senior military officials and key members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Despite establishing air dominance, Israel did not possess the capability to destroy Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear facilities — especially the Fordow enrichment site, which is buried deep within a mountain.
Read more:
Why Israel and the U.S. are sure to encounter the limits of air power in Iran
On June 21, the U.S. carried out major airstrikes targeting Iran’s critical nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Using B-2 stealth bombers equipped with bunker-busting bombs, the operation aimed to cripple Iran’s deeply fortified nuclear infrastructure.
Three days later, Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, bringing the 12-day conflict to an end. While both sides declared aspects of the campaign successful, the war marked a dangerous escalation in regional tensions and raised renewed concerns over the future of nuclear nonproliferation and security in the Middle East.
The U.S. has consistently asserted that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. In 2006, Iran was subjected to international sanctions after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported the government was not in compliance with its nuclear energy obligations.
Under former president Barack Obama, the U.S. government pursued a diplomatic path, culminating in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under the deal, Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment to 3.67 per cent and allow intrusive IAEA inspections. In exchange, it received relief from some international sanctions.
In 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA, despite IAEA reports confirming Iran’s compliance. This decision undermined diplomatic trust and prompted Iran to scale back its commitments under the deal.
The Biden administration sought to revive the JCPOA, but Iran demanded binding guarantees that future U.S. governments would not again withdraw — an assurance Biden could not provide.
In the aftermath, Iran significantly escalated its nuclear activities. According to IAEA reports, Iran has more than 400 kilograms of enriched uranium to 60 per cent — an amount that, if further refined to 90 per cent, could be sufficient to produce 10 to 12 nuclear weapons.
Iran has long used its nuclear program as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the U.S. While Iranian officials have maintained their program is purely peaceful, the country produces more highly enriched uranium than it needs for domestic power generation. Enriching uranium has been a way for Iran to raise pressure on the U.S. to lift sanctions.
The second Trump administration resumed negotiations for a new nuclear deal aimed at imposing stronger constraints on Iran’s nuclear program.
Although five rounds of negotiations were held, a sixth round scheduled for June 15 was disrupted when Israel conducted a military strike on Iran two days earlier. The attack escalated tensions and derailed the diplomatic process, further complicating the possibility of reaching a renewed agreement.
Although Trump claimed the U.S. strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, initial intelligence assessments were more cautious, noting significant damage but not total destruction.
Although it maintains ambiguity about its nuclear program, Israel is seen to be the only country in the Middle East to possess nuclear weapons. It has taken military action to prevent other countries in the region from developing nuclear programs.
In 2007, Israel bombed a suspected nuclear reactor under construction in Syria. In 1981, Israeli fighter jets bombed a nuclear reactor in Iraq.
The Israeli government may have calculated that airstrikes could also effectively work against Iran. However, the difference is that Iran’s nuclear program is far more advanced than Syria or Iraq’s were. While the recent strikes may have set the program back by two years, Iran retains the knowledge and capacity to rebuild.
Ironically, the Israeli and U.S. strikes, which aimed to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities, may instead encourage Iranian officials to accelerate their efforts. Following the war, Iran ended all co-operation with the IAEA, expelling inspectors and cutting off access to its nuclear sites. Without IAEA personnel on the ground, it has become extremely difficult to monitor or verify the scope of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities each time it advances its nuclear program is not a sustainable strategy. Israel had hoped that a decisive military strike would trigger widespread unrest and potentially lead to the Iranian government’s collapse.
Instead, the opposite occurred: the Iranian public rallied around the flag, perceiving the attack as a blatant violation of national sovereignty. As a result, the government strengthened its domestic legitimacy and further suppressed political opposition.
For now, Iranian officials have maintained that they do not intend to develop a nuclear weapon. However, the Iranian parliament is preparing legislation to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, of which Iran is currently a signatory.
Exiting the treaty would remove a major legal and diplomatic constraint on Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. Should Iran decide to go down that path, it would likely trigger a nuclear arms race in the region.
Saudi Arabia has indicated that if Iran builds a nuclear weapon, it will seek to do the same.
The most effective way to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is through sustained diplomacy and a renewed nuclear agreement. A credible deal that includes robust verification mechanisms and IAEA inspections and sanctions relief remains the most viable solution.
Military strikes, by contrast, tend to backfire, and will likely reinforce the belief in Iran — and elsewhere — that only a nuclear deterrent can shield them from external threats.
Saira Bano does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran could fuel a new wave of nuclear proliferation – https://theconversation.com/u-s-and-israeli-strikes-on-iran-could-fuel-a-new-wave-of-nuclear-proliferation-260897
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement today after the Trump Administration announced plans to indiscriminately fire hundreds of civil service and Foreign Service Officers:
“Once again, Trump’s illegal, chaotic actions are putting our servicemembers at greater risk, undermining our national security and making all Americans less safe. It was Trump’s first Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis, who said ‘If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition…’
“Our diplomats are the first line of defense around the world, anticipating crises and providing invaluable expertise to help prevent conflicts from exploding into catastrophes. By deciding to indiscriminately fire hundreds of these devoted patriots without regard for their merit, expertise, Veteran status or years of experience, Trump is guaranteeing our nation’s response to foreign threats will be less informed, less intelligent and far less effective than before—all at a time when Trump himself is emboldening our enemies and inflaming already red-hot tensions abroad.
“This is a gift to our adversaries and a betrayal of our values. If Republicans care about our national security at all, they must speak out and rein in this President before it’s too late.”
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