The U.S. Department of war is reportedly drafting a revised classified nuclear strategy led by defence planners to give the Commander-in-Chief new options in regional conflicts. The policy focuses on integrating lower-yield tactical nuclear weapons to defend allies from attacks by Russia or China. We break down what tactical nukes are, and what this strategy means for NATO allies.

Trump Goes Nuclear, Prepares for War with China, Russia | GRAVITAS 

Donald Trump's military strategy is facing renewed scrutiny as concerns grow over U.S. weapons stockpiles and defense production. Questions are mounting over whether Washington can simultaneously support Ukraine, maintain pressure on Iran, deter China, and reassure allies without overstretching its military resources. As debates intensify over Patriot missile supplies, logistics, and industrial capacity, analysts warn that inventory shortages could become a major strategic challenge for the United States.

Trump's War Strategy Under Fire | U.S. Weapons Shortage Raises Questions Over Ukraine, Iran & China

Reports claim U.S. President Donald Trump clashed with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over concerns about shrinking U.S. munitions stockpiles amid ongoing military operations. According to reports, Trump sought answers over missile shortages and the Pentagon's preparedness, while the White House has disputed accounts of a major confrontation and insists the United States has sufficient weapons supplies.

Donald Trump Reportedly Clashed with Pete Hegseth Over the Shortage of Munitions 

Preparing for a probable long-term strategic shift, the US Department of Defense is drafting a new nuclear strategy that prepares for the potential use of shorter-range tactical weapons in a regional war against China or Russia. The Defense Department policy chief Elbridge Colby is reportedly drafting a nuclear weapons strategy to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia or China, reported NBC News.&nbsp;The strategy will underline the possible use of shorter-range tactical weapons in the event of a territorial dispute.&nbsp;The tactics shared with NBC News by five people familiar with the matter reflect internal planning rather than an adopted policy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strait-of-hormuz-deal-with-oman-being-finalised-iran-s-foreign-ministry-1785945741501">Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman being ‘finalised’: Iran’s foreign ministry</a>&nbsp;Under the new framework, the retaliatory nuclear options presented to the US president during a crisis would be revised. Sources said the strategy would be aimed at preventing a conventional war from escalating into a nuclear one and denying an adversary any advantage in such a conflict.&nbsp;The new strategy will primarily focus on any probable regional confrontations with Russia and China, which Washington regards as its principal nuclear rivals.&nbsp;The strategizing is being overseen by Elbridge Colby, the deputy secretary of defense for policy, who played a key role in halting US military aid to Ukraine and in reshaping the American military presence in Europe.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-army-discards-whatsapp-over-spying-and-data-breach-fears-switches-to-china-s-wechat-1785933108236">Pakistan Army discards WhatsApp over spying and data breach fears, switches to China’s WeChat</a><h2>New plan to favour larger role for tactical nuclear weapons</h2>&nbsp;Colby is in favour of a larger role for tactical nuclear weapons in a shift from the current approach that relies on long-range strategic systems to destroy an enemy’s nuclear forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;He argues that adversaries already understand that the US is prepared to use such weapons.&nbsp;However, the approach has unsettled some specialists, who are of the view that the tactic could weaken deterrence by making the threat of a large-scale nuclear strike appear less credible. They also warned it might leave US forces less prepared for a full nuclear exchange in certain scenarios.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munir-protege-mohsin-naqvi-s-claim-of-unearthing-huge-scam-triggers-tremors-in-pakistan-s-power-corridors-1785869067161">Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors</a>&nbsp;Colby was due to present his proposals on Wednesday at a closed military event in Nebraska during a visit to US Strategic Command, which oversees the country’s nuclear forces.The strategy also seems to be at odds with President Donald Trump’s stated goal “that we should make our nuclear deterrence system great again,” which implies that he wants more deterrence capabilities, not fewer.&nbsp;<h2>130 bodies on watchlist of US Defense Department</h2>&nbsp;The Defense Department’s watchlist names 130 organisations and institutions across China, Russia, and Iran whose activities it considers a threat to US national security.The reassessment gains urgency since the last strategic arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow lapsed in February 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump and his administration have earlier signalled that they were weighing the deployment of additional nuclear weapons and some form of nuclear testing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/organised-groups-turned-students-stir-into-violent-protest-says-sheikh-hasina-1785936691644">‘Organised groups turned students’ stir into violent protest,’ says Sheikh Hasina</a><h2>NATO members evince interest in hosting US nuclear weapons</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, several eastern-flank NATO members, including Poland and the Baltic states, have shown interest in hosting US nuclear weapons.Earlier decisions to cancel planned deployments and redirect military assets unsettled some European nations, which fear gaps in the deterrence and have started making autonomous arrangements, like Norway’s move to join France's nuclear umbrella.&nbsp;The Pentagon previously cautioned that the US faces two major nuclear rivals at the same time in China and Russia. Moreover, China is receiving training, intelligence and advanced military technology from Russia as it helps Moscow in the war against Ukraine.

Under the new framework, the retaliatory nuclear options presented to the US president during a crisis would be revised. The strategy would be aimed at preventing a conventional war from escalating into a nuclear one and denying an adversary any advantage in such a conflict.

Preparing for a probable long-term strategic shift, the US Department of Defense is drafting a new nuclear strategy that prepares for the potential use of shorter-range tactical weapons in a regional war against China or Russia. The Defense Department policy chief Elbridge Colby is reportedly drafting a nuclear weapons strategy to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia or China, reported NBC News. The strategy will underline the possible use of shorter-range tactical weapons in the event of a territorial dispute. The tactics shared with NBC News by five people familiar with the matter reflect internal planning rather than an adopted policy. Also Read: Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman being ‘finalised’: Iran’s foreign ministry Under the new framework, the retaliatory nuclear options presented to the US president during a crisis would be revised. Sources said the strategy would be aimed at preventing a conventional war from escalating into a nuclear one and denying an adversary any advantage in such a conflict. The new strategy will primarily focus on any probable regional confrontations with Russia and China, which Washington regards as its principal nuclear rivals. The strategizing is being overseen by Elbridge Colby, the deputy secretary of defense for policy, who played a key role in halting US military aid to Ukraine and in reshaping the American military presence in Europe. Also Read: Pakistan Army discards WhatsApp over spying and data breach fears, switches to China’s WeChat New plan to favour larger role for tactical nuclear weapons Colby is in favour of a larger role for tactical nuclear weapons in a shift from the current approach that relies on long-range strategic systems to destroy an enemy’s nuclear forces. He argues that adversaries already understand that the US is prepared to use such weapons. However, the approach has unsettled some specialists, who are of the view that the tactic could weaken deterrence by making the threat of a large-scale nuclear strike appear less credible. They also warned it might leave US forces less prepared for a full nuclear exchange in certain scenarios. Also Read: Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors Colby was due to present his proposals on Wednesday at a closed military event in Nebraska during a visit to US Strategic Command, which oversees the country’s nuclear forces. The strategy also seems to be at odds with President Donald Trump’s stated goal “that we should make our nuclear deterrence system great again,” which implies that he wants more deterrence capabilities, not fewer. 130 bodies on watchlist of US Defense Department The Defense Department’s watchlist names 130 organisations and institutions across China, Russia, and Iran whose activities it considers a threat to US national security. The reassessment gains urgency since the last strategic arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow lapsed in February 2026. Trump and his administration have earlier signalled that they were weighing the deployment of additional nuclear weapons and some form of nuclear testing. Also Read: ‘Organised groups turned students’ stir into violent protest,’ says Sheikh Hasina NATO members evince interest in hosting US nuclear weapons Meanwhile, several eastern-flank NATO members, including Poland and the Baltic states, have shown interest in hosting US nuclear weapons. Earlier decisions to cancel planned deployments and redirect military assets unsettled some European nations, which fear gaps in the deterrence and have started making autonomous arrangements, like Norway’s move to join France's nuclear umbrella. The Pentagon previously cautioned that the US faces two major nuclear rivals at the same time in China and Russia. Moreover, China is receiving training, intelligence and advanced military technology from Russia as it helps Moscow in the war against Ukraine.

Under the new framework, the retaliatory nuclear options presented to the US president during a crisis would be revised. The strategy would be aimed at preventing a conventional war from escalating into a nuclear one and denying an adversary any advantage in such a conflict.

Pentagon draws up new nuclear strategy in the event of war with Russia and China

Israel says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while reporting that an Israeli soldier was injured during operations. The Israeli military says it will continue targeting what it describes as Hezbollah threats inside a security zone.

The developments come as the United Nations voices concern over Israeli military actions, particularly after large-scale explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to reject calls for disarmament despite a U.S.-backed framework agreement aimed at reducing hostilities.

U.S. Running Out of Missiles? Israel-Hezbollah Clash Escalates Amid Iran War

The Trump administration is facing mounting criticism over how US military casualties from the Iran conflict are being reported. A controversy erupted after four American service members who died during the conflict temporarily disappeared from the Pentagon's casualty reporting website before reappearing under a different category.

Critics argue the reclassification could obscure the true human cost of the conflict and influence legal and political debates surrounding the war. Democratic lawmakers have demanded greater transparency, while questions continue over whether the administration's reporting complies with the War Powers Act and provides the public with a complete picture of US military losses.

Pentagon Under Fire Over Iran War Casualty Records | Trump Administration Faces Backlash

The US House of Representatives has narrowly approved its version of the Fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorising a record $1.15 trillion in military spending. The bill passed despite strong Democratic opposition over its cost, the Iran conflict, and provisions aimed at strengthening Pentagon ties with Israel.

US: Pentagon gets $1.15 trillion boost

The US House of Representatives has narrowly approved its version of the Fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorising a record $1.15 trillion in military spending. The bill passed despite strong Democratic opposition over its cost, the Iran conflict, and provisions aimed at strengthening Pentagon ties with Israel.


US House of Representatives pass Republican-backed defence bill 

The Middle East conflict has entered another dangerous phase as the United States launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure. President Donald Trump declared that Iran is "not ready to make a deal," while insisting Tehran will eventually agree under mounting military pressure.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, intensifying fears over global shipping routes and energy security. Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones, while the US House approved a $95 billion budget package supporting operations linked to the Iran conflict. The United States and Saudi Arabia also signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement. In South America, mass protests erupted in Argentina against President Javier Milei's austerity measures, while Tesla missed Wall Street expectations despite billion-dollar profits.

US hits Iran for 12th night | Trump says Iran not ready for deal | Houthis strike Saudi tankers

The Pentagon says nearly 100 U.S. military personnel have been injured over the past two weeks amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The development comes as President Donald Trump issues a fresh warning to Iran over attacks linked to the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.

 US-Iran War: Pentagon says nearly 100 US personnel injured over last two weeks 

The US-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase as American forces carried out their 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets. Iran responded with fresh regional attacks while tensions spread across Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington is "not finished" with Iran and threatened further strikes on fortified nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, the Houthis' blockade threats and disruptions to global shipping continue raising fears of a wider regional war and an energy crisis.


US-Iran war escalates: Trump warns more strikes as Hormuz Crisis deepens | West Asia War

Two US service members were killed and another went missing in action in Jordan after Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeted US and partner forces, the Pentagon said on Saturday.&nbsp;US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attack took place on Friday while American and partner forces were defending against the Iranian barrage. The military said four US service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan but have since been discharged. Personnel treated for minor injuries have returned to duty.&nbsp;"Two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Additionally, one service member is currently missing," CENTCOM said in a statement.&nbsp;"Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals. They have since been discharged. Other personnel who were evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty," it added.<h3>Iran suspends MoU commitments as tensions deepen</h3>The development comes as the United States continues strikes inside Iran for a seventh consecutive day following Tehran's attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Earlier on Saturday, Iran announced it was suspending all of its ceasefire commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States, marking a fresh escalation in tensions between the two countries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-s-signature-worthless-and-invalid-iran-s-supreme-leader-vows-to-teach-us-unforgettable-lessons-1784393918947">Trump's signature 'worthless and invalid': Iran's supreme leader vows to teach US 'unforgettable lessons'</a>&nbsp;Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran had suspended its commitments under the MoU as US military attacks continued, according to Iran's Fars news agency.&nbsp;"The US has violated and suspended all its commitments within the framework of the Islamabad MoU," Gharibabadi said.&nbsp;Later, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since assuming office following the death of his father, issued a fresh warning to Washington. He said the renewed US attacks despite the framework agreement proved that President Donald Trump's signature could not be trusted.&nbsp;"Now that the American enemy seeks to incite war and bear its most serious consequences, it should know that the dear Iranian nation and the axis of resistance have unforgettable lessons to offer it," Khamenei said in a statement carried by state television.&nbsp;He added that US violations of the agreement "once again demonstrated to everyone the worthlessness of the American president's signature."

Two US service members were killed and another went missing in Jordan after an Iranian missile and drone attack, as Tehran suspended its MoU commitments with Washington and issued fresh warnings to the United States.

Two US service members were killed and another went missing in action in Jordan after Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeted US and partner forces, the Pentagon said on Saturday. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attack took place on Friday while American and partner forces were defending against the Iranian barrage. The military said four US service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan but have since been discharged. Personnel treated for minor injuries have returned to duty. "Two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Additionally, one service member is currently missing," CENTCOM said in a statement. "Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals. They have since been discharged. Other personnel who were evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty," it added. Iran suspends MoU commitments as tensions deepen The development comes as the United States continues strikes inside Iran for a seventh consecutive day following Tehran's attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier on Saturday, Iran announced it was suspending all of its ceasefire commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States, marking a fresh escalation in tensions between the two countries. Also Read: Trump's signature 'worthless and invalid': Iran's supreme leader vows to teach US 'unforgettable lessons' Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran had suspended its commitments under the MoU as US military attacks continued, according to Iran's Fars news agency. "The US has violated and suspended all its commitments within the framework of the Islamabad MoU," Gharibabadi said. Later, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since assuming office following the death of his father, issued a fresh warning to Washington. He said the renewed US attacks despite the framework agreement proved that President Donald Trump's signature could not be trusted. "Now that the American enemy seeks to incite war and bear its most serious consequences, it should know that the dear Iranian nation and the axis of resistance have unforgettable lessons to offer it," Khamenei said in a statement carried by state television. He added that US violations of the agreement "once again demonstrated to everyone the worthlessness of the American president's signature."

Two US service members were killed, and another went missing in Jordan after an Iranian missile and drone attack, as Tehran suspended its MoU commitments with Washington and issued fresh warnings to the United States.

US military confirms two service members killed in Jordan as Iran-US tensions deepen

The Pentagon announced a mandatory annual testosterone screening program for U.S. military personnel aged 30 and older. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the policy aims to identify and treat hormone deficiencies to optimize troop readiness and operational performance, with any resulting Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) being entirely voluntary.


Can testosterone levels measure military readiness?

The U.S. military has introduced annual testosterone deficiency screenings for service members aged 30 and above as part of its routine health evaluations. Announcing the initiative, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the program is intended to ensure troops maintain healthy testosterone levels so they can perform at their best. According to the Pentagon, service members found to have low testosterone will be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy, with officials emphasizing that the initiative is focused on restoring natural hormone levels rather than providing artificial performance enhancement.

U.S. Military introduces testosterone testing for troops over 30 | Pentagon's new health policy

The US Department of Defense is reportedly seeking $80 billion to cover costs from the ​Iran war and other expenses. This comes as US President Donald Trump faces backlash over spending billions of taxpayer dollars on the Middle East conflict as oil prices and inflation reached soaring high in the country. This comes after the US and Iran virtually signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.According to a Wall Street Journal report, citing people familiar with the matter, Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg made the request to lawmakers seeking the fund. The newspaper added that the Pentagon has expressed concerns over running out of money for operations in the coming months unless a new wartime spending bill is passed by Congress. The situation may lead to the US military needing to make cuts in training and troop deployment along the US-Mexico border as part of a crackdown against illegal aliens.Last month, the Pentagon said that the cost of the Iran war has reached nearly $29 billion. However, Democrats and other critics have suggested that the actual cost, including the damage caused by Iranian attacks, may be much higher.AlMeanwhile, concerns about the shortage of US weapons stockpiles have also surfaced – a claim that the Trump administration has repeatedly denied. Doubts renewed after the US paused arms sales to Taiwan, with acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao citing the conflict in the Middle East as the reason behind the move.If approved, the proposed $80 billion funding package would be allocated to replenishing munitions, covering military personnel salaries, and supporting naval operations.<h2>Trump admin faces backlash over war</h2>Meanwhile, several lawmakers have warned that they will oppose any additional war funding unless Congress formally authorises the conflict. Democrats have accused Trump of violating the constitutional authorisation by launching military action without congressional approval.Under the War Powers Act, a US president must obtain congressional authorisation within 60 days of committing American forces to hostilities. Democrats argue that the deadline has already passed, putting the administration in violation of the law.

The Pentagon is reportedly seeking $80 billion for Iran war costs and military operations. The request faces opposition from lawmakers, who question rising expenses, stockpile concerns and Trump's legal authority.

The US Department of Defense is reportedly seeking $80 billion to cover costs from the Iran war and other expenses. This comes as US President Donald Trump faces backlash over spending billions of taxpayer dollars on the Middle East conflict as oil prices and inflation reached soaring high in the country. This comes after the US and Iran virtually signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to a Wall Street Journal report, citing people familiar with the matter, Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg made the request to lawmakers seeking the fund. The newspaper added that the Pentagon has expressed concerns over running out of money for operations in the coming months unless a new wartime spending bill is passed by Congress. The situation may lead to the US military needing to make cuts in training and troop deployment along the US-Mexico border as part of a crackdown against illegal aliens. Last month, the Pentagon said that the cost of the Iran war has reached nearly $29 billion. However, Democrats and other critics have suggested that the actual cost, including the damage caused by Iranian attacks, may be much higher. Al Meanwhile, concerns about the shortage of US weapons stockpiles have also surfaced – a claim that the Trump administration has repeatedly denied. Doubts renewed after the US paused arms sales to Taiwan, with acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao citing the conflict in the Middle East as the reason behind the move. If approved, the proposed $80 billion funding package would be allocated to replenishing munitions, covering military personnel salaries, and supporting naval operations. Trump admin faces backlash over war Meanwhile, several lawmakers have warned that they will oppose any additional war funding unless Congress formally authorises the conflict. Democrats have accused Trump of violating the constitutional authorisation by launching military action without congressional approval. Under the War Powers Act, a US president must obtain congressional authorisation within 60 days of committing American forces to hostilities. Democrats argue that the deadline has already passed, putting the administration in violation of the law.

The Pentagon is reportedly seeking $80 billion for Iran war costs and military operations. The request faces opposition from lawmakers, who question rising expenses, stockpile concerns and Trump's legal authority.

Pentagon running out of money? Trump admin seeks $80 billion for Iran war costs

The latest batch of declassified Pentagon UFO files—released under the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE)—has unveiled a chilling and unresolved incident from 2023. Federal law enforcement agents reported observing a massive, glowing orange "mother orb" hovering near a sensitive national security site in the western United States, appearing to "hatch" or release multiple smaller red objects.


Pentagon UFO Files Show 'Mother ORB' Releasing Smaller Objects 

A brand new batch of declassified government UAP files has just dropped, and the details are absolutely wild. The new documents shared by US department of war reveal that a massive glowing mother orb was spotted directly over Colorado's highly secure Cheyenne Mountain nuclear command base. Even more shocking, witnesses watched the giant craft release a swarm of smaller objects into the restricted airspace. While the Pentagon confirms the strange lights and multiple aerial incidents, they are refusing to take a stand on where these objects came from. We break down the files, the tracking data, and the mystery behind this incredible military base intrusion.


Nuclear Base Breached? | Pentagon Files Expose Giant Mother Orb | Secret Programs & Close Encounters

The US Senate is about to pass a bill that legally mandates unprecedented, permanent integration between the US and Israeli defence, intelligence, and military-technological ecosystems. Section 622 of the intelligence authorisation bill titled “United States-Israel Intelligence Sharing Enhancement” does not necessarily join CIA and Mossad, but it requires the President to “expand and enhance intelligence sharing with the Government of Israel” on every topic of interest especially West Asia. This integration is driven primarily by Section 224 of the House version of the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), known as the "United States-Israel Defence Technology Cooperation Initiative. The proposal comes as Israel witnesses a plummeting support within the United States, specifically around military aid to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister has claimed that it would be fine to phase out the military aid. Washington provides Israel with about $3.8bn a year in military assistance. The 10-year agreement runs through 2028.<h2>Structural shifts in the US-Israel intelligence and military relationships</h2>If passed, then the US-Israel relationship, which is one of the closest partnerships in the world and is centred around defence aid by the US to Israel, will move towards network integration and data fusion between the two nations. The US will be required to appoint an “executive agent”: a single official to coordinate military cooperation between the US and Israel. Instead, the CIA and Mossad, sharing curated intelligence reports on a case-by-case basis, will interlink their digital infrastructure. This dedicated official will be solely responsible for synchronising, testing, and managing joint US-Israel defence research, development, and data sharing. This change essentially bypasses any political or diplomatic channel and intertwines the two nations in an institutional and bureaucratic framework.Former US intelligence official claims that what Congress is trying to do now is find different ways of entrenching the relationship so deeply in America’s own defence industrial base that it’s impossible to root it out. Section 224 of the National Defence Authorisation Act would mandate Israeli defence technologies into the core US military supply chain and vice versa. This implies that cutting-edge spyware, data analytics, from artificial intelligence to drones and cyber-operations, will be jointly operated, giving both nations incredible leverage over each other.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-birthday-gift-for-trump-us-iran-deal-friday-israel-jeopardises-agreement-1781502735540">No birthday gift for Trump: US-Iran MoU to be signed on Friday as Israel tries to jeopardise agreement</a><h2>US-Israel friction in the intelligence networks</h2>The US-Israel intelligence relationship is witnessing growing friction in recent times, driven by growing mutual threat assessment. The Defence Intelligence Agency last month elevated its counterintelligence threat level for Israel to "critical"—its highest internal classification. According to reports from NBC and the NYT, Israeli intelligence services have intensified surveillance efforts aimed at top-tier American policymakers- Steve Witkoff, US chief negotiator and special envoy; Elbridge Colby, Pentagon policy chief; Michael DiMino, Senior Middle East policy official. The Israeli Embassy in Washington vehemently denied the reports, calling the espionage allegations "completely false." The case of US Navy analyst Jonathan Pollard, whose conviction for spying for Israel in 1985 remains a historic blueprint for the friction between the two nations. He was given a hero's welcome in Israel. Eventhough both sides on the surface deny spying reports, there has been historical evidence of aggressive clandestine operations on American soil. Many analysts note that the leaks of increasing counter-intelligence threat levels coincide with the discussion around Section 224 of the National Defence Authorisation Act and Section 622 of the Intelligence Authorisation Bill. &nbsp;

New US congressional proposals could permanently integrate American and Israeli intelligence and defence networks. The move comes amid renewed scrutiny over espionage allegations and growing tensions within intelligence circles.

The US Senate is about to pass a bill that legally mandates unprecedented, permanent integration between the US and Israeli defence, intelligence, and military-technological ecosystems. Section 622 of the intelligence authorisation bill titled “United States-Israel Intelligence Sharing Enhancement” does not necessarily join CIA and Mossad, but it requires the President to “expand and enhance intelligence sharing with the Government of Israel” on every topic of interest especially West Asia. This integration is driven primarily by Section 224 of the House version of the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), known as the "United States-Israel Defence Technology Cooperation Initiative. The proposal comes as Israel witnesses a plummeting support within the United States, specifically around military aid to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister has claimed that it would be fine to phase out the military aid. Washington provides Israel with about $3.8bn a year in military assistance. The 10-year agreement runs through 2028. Structural shifts in the US-Israel intelligence and military relationships If passed, then the US-Israel relationship, which is one of the closest partnerships in the world and is centred around defence aid by the US to Israel, will move towards network integration and data fusion between the two nations. The US will be required to appoint an “executive agent”: a single official to coordinate military cooperation between the US and Israel. Instead, the CIA and Mossad, sharing curated intelligence reports on a case-by-case basis, will interlink their digital infrastructure. This dedicated official will be solely responsible for synchronising, testing, and managing joint US-Israel defence research, development, and data sharing. This change essentially bypasses any political or diplomatic channel and intertwines the two nations in an institutional and bureaucratic framework. Former US intelligence official claims that what Congress is trying to do now is find different ways of entrenching the relationship so deeply in America’s own defence industrial base that it’s impossible to root it out. Section 224 of the National Defence Authorisation Act would mandate Israeli defence technologies into the core US military supply chain and vice versa. This implies that cutting-edge spyware, data analytics, from artificial intelligence to drones and cyber-operations, will be jointly operated, giving both nations incredible leverage over each other. Also Read: No birthday gift for Trump: US-Iran MoU to be signed on Friday as Israel tries to jeopardise agreement US-Israel friction in the intelligence networks The US-Israel intelligence relationship is witnessing growing friction in recent times, driven by growing mutual threat assessment. The Defence Intelligence Agency last month elevated its counterintelligence threat level for Israel to "critical"—its highest internal classification. According to reports from NBC and the NYT, Israeli intelligence services have intensified surveillance efforts aimed at top-tier American policymakers- Steve Witkoff, US chief negotiator and special envoy; Elbridge Colby, Pentagon policy chief; Michael DiMino, Senior Middle East policy official. The Israeli Embassy in Washington vehemently denied the reports, calling the espionage allegations "completely false." The case of US Navy analyst Jonathan Pollard, whose conviction for spying for Israel in 1985 remains a historic blueprint for the friction between the two nations. He was given a hero's welcome in Israel. Eventhough both sides on the surface deny spying reports, there has been historical evidence of aggressive clandestine operations on American soil. Many analysts note that the leaks of increasing counter-intelligence threat levels coincide with the discussion around Section 224 of the National Defence Authorisation Act and Section 622 of the Intelligence Authorisation Bill.

New US congressional proposals could permanently integrate American and Israeli intelligence and defence networks. The move comes amid renewed scrutiny over espionage allegations and growing tensions within intelligence circles.

How Washington plans to embed Israel into America's defence and intelligence ecosystem

The Pentagon has lifted a temporary lockdown after authorities determined a reported threat was a false alarm. Security measures were put in place as officials assessed the situation at the US Department of Defense headquarters.

Pentagon Lifts Lockdown After Security Threat Turns Out To Be False Alarm 

The Pentagon was placed under partial lockdown after a hazardous materials incident triggered emergency protocols, forcing evacuations from multiple floors as firefighters and hazmat teams rushed to the scene. The incident unfolded amid soaring tensions surrounding the US-Iran conflict, fuelling speculation and heightened security concerns in Washington. Officials said an air quality issue was detected inside the building, prompting precautionary measures while investigations continue.


Amid Iran War: Pentagon Lockdown, Firefighters on Scene, People Evacuated From Several Floors 

A new Congressional Research Service report has revealed the scale of American losses during the Iran conflict, with 42 US military aircraft reportedly damaged or destroyed. The losses include advanced platforms such as F-15s, an F-35 stealth fighter, MQ-9 Reaper drones and refuelling aircraft. Pentagon officials say the war has already cost nearly $29 billion, largely due to repair and replacement expenses. The conflict has also intensified debate over modern air warfare and the vulnerability of high-value military assets.


US Apache Helicopter Goes Down Near Hormuz, Trump Says 'Pilots Fine' After Army Helicopter Crashes

The US Department of Defence has raised its internal counterintelligence threat level concerning Israel to the highest possible tier, according to two current US officials and one former official familiar with the matter. The move follows what officials described as a significant escalation in espionage activity targeting American federal systems and reflects growing concern within the US national security establishment over surveillance operations attributed to its closest West Asia ally.&nbsp;The officials said the policy shift highlights the increasingly fraught balance between public strategic cooperation and private counterintelligence competition. Although Washington and Tel Aviv continue to present a close security partnership built on intelligence sharing and joint counter-terrorism efforts, the Pentagon has reportedly intensified defensive measures against Israeli intelligence activity on US networks.<h2>Snowden-era documents cited as historical backdrop</h2>The latest alarm has also revived debate over the extent of Israeli espionage against the United States. Declassified NSA documents from 2007, later made public through disclosures associated with whistleblower Edward Snowden, identified Israel as one of the most aggressive foreign intelligence threats targeting US government systems, according to officials and analysts familiar with the material.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-should-be-realistic-iranian-fm-crushes-trump-s-desire-to-meet-mojtaba-khamenei-know-details-1780748378190">‘We should be realistic’: Iranian FM crushes Trump’s desire to meet Khamenei</a>&nbsp;Those records indicated that US counterintelligence agencies were already tracking sophisticated efforts to penetrate sensitive government infrastructure nearly two decades ago, establishing what security officials describe as a long-running pattern of unauthorised intelligence collection directed at American targets.<h2>Defence systems and banking networks seen as key targets</h2>Current and historical assessments point to the Defence Department as a primary target of the alleged espionage campaign. Officials said the operations have focused on obtaining military technology, communications records and strategic logistics information from internal defence networks.&nbsp;Analysts also cited concern about intrusions into financial-sector systems. Access to banking databases could provide foreign operatives with visibility into international transaction flows, economic telemetry and other data valuable for trade and policy intelligence, according to security specialists familiar with the threat assessments.<h2>A zero-trust alliance</h2>The decision to place Israel-related counterintelligence concerns at the Pentagon’s top internal threat tier underscores what officials describe as a dual-track relationship: close diplomatic and military cooperation on one hand, and aggressive cyber-defence measures on the other. US cyber-security teams are said to operate under a “zero-trust” posture when protecting defence communications and federal networks, applying stringent safeguards regardless of alliance status.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-deepmind-ceo-says-we-don-t-have-much-time-to-prepare-for-the-new-human-era-what-are-agi-capabilities-he-is-warning-about-agi-debate-1780740577596">Why is Google DeepMind CEO warning about Artificial General Intelligence?</a>&nbsp;Neither the Pentagon nor Israeli authorities have publicly confirmed the reported threat-level change. The officials who discussed the matter did so on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak about internal counterintelligence assessments.

The Pentagon has raised its counterintelligence threat level regarding Israel to the highest tier following escalated espionage targeting US networks, reviving historic Edward Snowden-era concerns about the ally’s surveillance operations.

The US Department of Defence has raised its internal counterintelligence threat level concerning Israel to the highest possible tier, according to two current US officials and one former official familiar with the matter. The move follows what officials described as a significant escalation in espionage activity targeting American federal systems and reflects growing concern within the US national security establishment over surveillance operations attributed to its closest West Asia ally. The officials said the policy shift highlights the increasingly fraught balance between public strategic cooperation and private counterintelligence competition. Although Washington and Tel Aviv continue to present a close security partnership built on intelligence sharing and joint counter-terrorism efforts, the Pentagon has reportedly intensified defensive measures against Israeli intelligence activity on US networks. Snowden-era documents cited as historical backdrop The latest alarm has also revived debate over the extent of Israeli espionage against the United States. Declassified NSA documents from 2007, later made public through disclosures associated with whistleblower Edward Snowden, identified Israel as one of the most aggressive foreign intelligence threats targeting US government systems, according to officials and analysts familiar with the material. Also read: ‘We should be realistic’: Iranian FM crushes Trump’s desire to meet Khamenei Those records indicated that US counterintelligence agencies were already tracking sophisticated efforts to penetrate sensitive government infrastructure nearly two decades ago, establishing what security officials describe as a long-running pattern of unauthorised intelligence collection directed at American targets. Defence systems and banking networks seen as key targets Current and historical assessments point to the Defence Department as a primary target of the alleged espionage campaign. Officials said the operations have focused on obtaining military technology, communications records and strategic logistics information from internal defence networks. Analysts also cited concern about intrusions into financial-sector systems. Access to banking databases could provide foreign operatives with visibility into international transaction flows, economic telemetry and other data valuable for trade and policy intelligence, according to security specialists familiar with the threat assessments. A zero-trust alliance The decision to place Israel-related counterintelligence concerns at the Pentagon’s top internal threat tier underscores what officials describe as a dual-track relationship: close diplomatic and military cooperation on one hand, and aggressive cyber-defence measures on the other. US cyber-security teams are said to operate under a “zero-trust” posture when protecting defence communications and federal networks, applying stringent safeguards regardless of alliance status. Also read: Why is Google DeepMind CEO warning about Artificial General Intelligence? Neither the Pentagon nor Israeli authorities have publicly confirmed the reported threat-level change. The officials who discussed the matter did so on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak about internal counterintelligence assessments.

The Pentagon has raised its counterintelligence threat level regarding Israel to the highest tier following escalated espionage targeting US networks, reviving historic Edward Snowden-era concerns about the ally’s surveillance operations.

‘Spying among friends’? Pentagon’s SECRET Israel alert revives explosive Snowden claims

Reports suggest the Pentagon is likely to cancel its planned missile deployment to Berlin, signaling a potential shift in US defense strategy in Europe. The move comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and evolving NATO security priorities. Officials have not confirmed the decision, but the development has raised questions about transatlantic military coordination.


Reports: Pentagon Likely to Cancel Missiles Deployment to Berlin

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Reports: Pentagon Likely to Cancel Missiles Deployment to Berlin