In its first six days, the Iran war has racked up a staggering $11.3 billion, Defense Department officials recently told lawmakers. The confidential estimate, shared behind closed doors, left some senators reeling and raised questions about the conflict’s accelerating costs.

China, the world’s top crude oil and LNG importer, has strategically built up oil stockpiles, diversified supply routes, and promoted electrification. These measures make it notably more resilient to disruptions, especially those arising from the crisis in the Middle East.

Even as conflict unfolds in Iran, NATO forces have turned their attention to the Arctic, where U.S. nuclear submarines are engaged in Operation Ice Camp Boarfish. This large-scale drill underscores the growing strategic importance of the Arctic in global military planning.

Two Russian bombers approaching Alaska prompted a swift and sizable response from the United States. Even while occupied in Iran, NORAD’s determined move highlights America’s commitment to protecting its airspace and projecting strength at home.

In a fiery Pentagon speech, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth touted what critics call a dangerously escalated show of force against Iran. The article from Activist Post portrays U.S. leadership as “deranged Armageddon cultists,” underscoring mounting concerns over militaristic rhetoric and its impact on civilians.

President Trump’s sudden shift on Kurdish forces has set off alarms in Washington. This policy zigzag comes amid reports of a CIA initiative, in coordination with Israel’s Mossad, to arm thousands of Kurdish fighters near Iran’s northwestern border. Questions now arise over how this development will affect regional stability.

Water desalination facilities in Iran and on the Persian Gulf island of Bahrain were recently attacked, placing a core survival resource in jeopardy. The assaults highlight the vulnerability of vital water infrastructure in a region heavily dependent on artificial fresh water solutions.

Parallels between the conflict in Iraq nearly 25 years ago and heightened talk of war with Iran reveal similar arguments about threats and timing. While each nation’s situation remains distinct, critics contend that Iran’s supposed danger may be overstated.

At the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, American unmanned platforms took center stage. Middle East Bureau Chief Agnes Helou reports on advanced drones operating in the air and at sea, reflecting a growing trend in modern defense technology.

Is this conflict driven by deep-rooted beliefs, or do economic interests lurk beneath the surface? With no coherent explanation for the violence facing Iranian civilians, questions arise about whether Evangelical fundamentalist doctrines or a familiar quest for resources command the day’s events.

Oil has surged past $100 per barrel, rattling markets as the war in Iran shows no signs of easing. With Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 futures all down before the opening bell, investors brace for a turbulent trading day.

Artificial intelligence is changing the face of modern warfare in Iran. Military versions of software, originally developed for business and daily life, are driving faster intelligence, more precise targeting, and rapid damage assessments.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has allegedly expanded its drone targets to include major data centers operated by Amazon and Microsoft in the Gulf. These attacks represent the first known instance of a commercial data facility being physically struck, signaling the arrival of a new phase of infrastructure warfare.

In a bold opinion piece, the authors warn that the Trump administration’s stance on Iran may echo the path that led the U.S. into the Iraq War. They express concern that Democratic leaders have not opposed these policies vigorously enough, suggesting a dangerous repetition of history.

The U.S. Air Force’s X-68A looks strikingly similar to a cruise missile but can do far more than fly straight. Able to fire its own missiles, this experimental plane marks a milestone in America’s high-tech aerospace developments.

Iran may be looking to acquire 9K333 Verba MANPADS from Russia, a portable air-defense system designed to shoot down helicopters and low-level aircraft. While such rockets could bolster Iran’s arsenal, experts suggest they are unlikely to threaten advanced air forces.

Hill Air Force Base in Utah has officially retired the A-10 Warthog, marking the end of decades spent maintaining one of the U.S. Air Force’s most iconic close-air-support aircraft. The Ogden Air Logistics Complex, based at Hill AFB, supported the Warthog’s operations for many years and is now shifting focus to other programs.

China’s pursuit of its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier marks a decisive step in the country’s military expansion. The Pentagon believes Beijing could field up to nine carriers within the decade, fueling concerns about shifting power dynamics at sea.

Iran has sought closer military partnerships with China and Russia for years, hoping for reassurances of support in the face of rising U.S. pressure. Despite forging ties on several fronts, Beijing and Moscow remain reluctant to provide the direct assistance Tehran desires.

China’s decision to construct an ammunition plant in Kuwait signals its growing defense ambitions in the Gulf. Yet, even with this new project, the United States remains the most influential security partner in the region.

Slovakia is exploring the possibility of acquiring more Block 70 F-16 fighter jets to bolster its air defenses. Prime Minister Robert Fico argues that upgrading the country’s aerial capabilities is crucial for maintaining a reliable national defense.