Atlantic Council

The U.S. has used nearly all its stockpile of long-range missiles during the Iran war, according to sources cited by CBS News. Matthew Kroenig, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, provided analysis on the issue.

A US government map of Africa mislabeled all countries during a State Department presentation at the AIDS 2026 conference in Rio de Janeiro, sparking online criticism. The map, which included an AI watermark from OpenAI, incorrectly placed Nigeria in the Sahara Desert, Mozambique in the Horn of Africa, and Ivory Coast on the continent's eastern side. The State Department acknowledged responsibility, attributing the error to a team member who hastily edited the slide deck.

US and Saudi strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq created tension between Washington and Baghdad, as Iraqi leadership condemned the attacks despite Trump's claim of coordination. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's efforts to strengthen US ties and rein in militias were complicated by the strikes, leading to the cancellation of his planned Saudi Arabia visit.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is avoiding direct advocacy for specific actions in the Iran war during discussions with President Donald Trump, opting for cautious advice amid strained relations. The U.S. and Israel are considering options like nuclear deals, economic pressure, and military action to counter Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.

Ukraine's extensive use of drones has caused significant disruptions to Russian military operations, including strikes on vessels and oil infrastructure. However, the article argues that while drones are part of modern warfare's future, they are not a sole solution due to experimental nature and lack of clear engagement rules. NATO is increasing its drone development and exercises in response to Ukraine's success and Russian drone activities.

The White House is preparing new global tariffs following previous levies that were invalidated by US courts. The Trump administration's 10% duties on trading partners expired after 150 days without Congressional approval, and a successor regime is expected. New proposals include 50% tariffs on Canada, based on allegations of unfair trade practices, and are unlikely to be overturned, with analysts predicting a lasting protectionist policy.

President Trump met with Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House, having previously supported his candidacy over Nouri al-Maliki due to concerns about ties to Iran. The meeting focused on Iraq's efforts to disarm Iran-backed militias and Trump's influence in the political transition.

China is using AI tools, including American ones like ChatGPT, to launch covert propaganda campaigns against U.S. AI infrastructure development. OpenAI identified a campaign where Chinese-linked users generated polarizing content about data centers, aiming to slow construction and tip the global AI race in China's favor. The article highlights China's broader use of AI for surveillance, repression, and targeted propaganda to advance its geopolitical interests.

A report by the International Institute of Strategic Studies warns Russia is using a shadow fleet of old ships to launch drones near European military and nuclear sites, testing NATO air defenses and causing disruptions. Between 2024 and 2026, 144 suspected drones were recorded near sensitive locations in multiple NATO countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, with over 1,000 sightings in Germany in 2025.

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have differing approaches to implementing President Donald Trump's national security agenda, particularly in the Middle East. Vance criticizes Israel's actions in Lebanon affecting Iran negotiations, while Rubio supports Israel and led a preliminary agreement on Lebanon. The White House denies any rift between them despite internal administration reports of strategic differences.

European companies are facing hybrid attacks including drone surveillance, sabotage, and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. The article highlights the need for closer government-private sector collaboration to address these threats, citing a Swedish committee as a model for effective coordination.

NATO chief Mark Rutte announced tens of billions in new defense-related contracts to be unveiled at the alliance's July summit in Ankara. The summit will also include a pledge of support for Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in attendance.

The US and Iran are nearing a preliminary framework agreement, but analysts from the Atlantic Council and Brookings Institution caution it is an initial step rather than a comprehensive deal. The agreement, likely a memorandum of understanding (MoU), would set principles for further negotiations and require sustained US leverage and European coordination.

Rising inflation and energy prices in the US have intensified political divisions, with Democrats criticizing President Donald Trump's Iran policy and trade tariffs for worsening economic conditions. Senate and House leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, accuse Trump of starting a 'reckless war' with Iran, which they claim has spiked gas prices and eroded household incomes. Analysts link the conflict to global energy market disruptions, amplifying inflationary pressures.

The global economic outlook worsened amid the US-Iran conflict, with Bangladesh seeking IMF support, Africa facing slower growth due to fuel prices, Asian countries grappling with currency declines, and Latin America projected to experience slower growth. The African Development Bank warned of significant downside risks.

Russia warned of major attacks on Kyiv, urging diplomats to leave, following weekend strikes including a hypersonic missile. Analysts suggest Russia is losing momentum, with Ukraine gaining ground for the first time since summer 2024, indicating a potential shift in the war's favor.

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a 72-hour ceasefire. The ceasefire was brokered by the US and expired on Monday. Both countries are exchanging blame for the violation.

The U.S. military seized two Iranian-linked oil tankers this week, which are part of a global 'shadow fleet' involved in illicit activities. Elisabeth Braw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, discusses the implications of these shadow vessels with NPR's Juana Summers.

Gazans in Deir al-Balah are holding local elections for the first time in 22 years, but experts warn the vote could empower Hamas, which refuses to disarm. Analysts like Jonathan Schanzer and Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib argue the election risks legitimizing Hamas and undermining ceasefire efforts, as the group maintains control through taxation, education systems, and police presence.

The article discusses the rise of AI-driven propaganda, or 'slopaganda,' in modern warfare, highlighting examples like AI-generated LEGO videos and memes depicting U.S. leaders. Experts warn this low-cost, viral content is reshaping information warfare, blurring lines between satire and misinformation while posing risks of trivializing conflicts.

The Atlantic Council discusses how a potential US-Iran truce is being interpreted as a Rorschach Test, reflecting differing geopolitical perspectives. The article explores how the truce's implications are viewed through various ideological lenses.