Today's Defense Pulse
U.S. Treasury expands sanctions on Iran-linked shipping network
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced a new sanctions round targeting a global network of shipping firms, tanker operators and intermediaries tied to Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical trades. Entities in Hong Kong, the UAE, India, Qatar, Singapore, China, Liberia and the Marshall Islands were added to the Specially Designated Nationals list.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Disciplined Growth Acquisition Corp raises $150M in IPO
How the Pentagon Is Working to Wriggle Out of China’s Rare-Earths Grip
The Pentagon warned that the United States remains 95% dependent on China for rare‑earth minerals, a vulnerability that threatens national‑security supply chains. In response, the Defense Department has pledged over a billion dollars in direct investments and secured billions in defense stockpiles to jump‑start domestic refining. Washington also announced a bilateral framework with Australia to co‑develop mining and processing capabilities, while allies such as Canada’s Almonty Industries are building non‑Chinese processing plants. These coordinated moves aim to dilute China’s near‑monopoly on critical minerals essential for defense technologies.
US Mitigation Efforts Fail to Ease Hormuz Crisis
As the #Strait_of_Hormuz closure enters week three and continues to drive oil prices higher, here's a list of at least six mitigating attempts by Washington, and their impact : 1⃣ Tried to downplay the closure, saying war will be over "very...
Australian Navy Unprepared, Declines Biden’s Red Sea Request
They turned down Biden’s request to do this in the Red Sea too. This has nothing to do with Trump… it has everything to do with the fact the Australian Navy is woefully unprepared to defend itself against China and can’t...
Japan Not yet Planning Hormuz Escort Mission, PM Takaichi Says
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, said Tokyo is not planning to dispatch naval vessels to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, despite a public request from U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision remains pending as Japan evaluates what...
Trump Mulls Iran Oil Depot Seizure, Escalating Tanker Bottleneck
"Trump is also weighing a seizure of Iran's critical oil depot on Kharg Island — a move that would require U.S. boots on the ground — if tankers remain bottled up in the Persian Gulf, U.S. officials say." He realizes that...
US President Appears to Beg China for Naval Support
"Evan Feigenbaum, an Asia expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that, after 10 years of US warnings about the need to constrain China, 'we’re now in a bizarro world where the president actually appears to be begging...
Electronic Surveillance Under Scrutiny as Trump Targets Left Wing Groups as “Domestic Terrorists”
Congress is set to vote on renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Act, a key authority that permits the NSA and FBI to collect electronic communications without individualized warrants. The renewal comes as President Trump has issued an executive...
With Ferry Strikes, Ukraine Narrows Russia's Options at Kerch Strait
Ukraine struck two Russian ro‑ro rail ferries, the Slavyanin and Avangard, disabling both vessels in the Kerch Strait. The attacks leave Russia without any operational rail ferries on the Black Sea, forcing reliance on the Kerch Bridge for bulk rail...
Global Race Accelerates Development of Directed Energy Weapons
Yes, and AeroVironment is not the only manufacture of directed energy weapons. Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems manufacturers the drone and missile proven Iron Beam. India’s DRDO working aggressively on directed energy weapons (such as the 30kW laser-DEW Mk-II(A) and...
US May Abandon Region, Opt for Iran's Destruction
If China is doing this, USA might be forced to destroy Kharg and go home and leave the mess. If China and Russia supports Iran and Europa is not helping USA, then USA cannot secure a stable solution, but must...
USS Tripoli Amphibious Assault Ship Sprinting To Middle East
The U.S. Navy dispatched the America‑class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA‑7) from Sasebo, Japan, carrying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and roughly 2,500 Marines. The deployment, slated to reach the Middle East within one to two weeks, underscores the rapid...
China’s Iran Oil Choice Shapes US Exit Strategy
Context is that China needs oil from Iran. The cacth22 is: 1. China helps: USA wants to get a fast offramp and avoid boots on the ground - will happen if China helps (then Russia is in a Catch22). China is unlikely...
China Resumes Taiwan Encirclement Flights After Unexplained 10‑Day Pause
China Resumes Military Flights Around Taiwan After Sudden 10-Day Hiatus—Beijing hasn’t explained why it abruptly stopped what had become a routine practice, nor its resumption @joyuwang https://t.co/z19UmfOrMn https://t.co/z19UmfOrMn
When Efficiency Becomes Fragility: Hyperscalers and the Next Frontier of National Security
The article argues that hyperscale cloud providers and frontier AI firms are evolving from mere vendors into critical components of national security infrastructure. By storing intelligence, processing operational data, and delivering high‑performance computing, they enable modern defence and critical‑infrastructure missions...
Navy's Ship‑decommissioning Prowess: Claim Quickly Retracted
As I’ve posted dozen of times before: the US Navy has become extremely good at decommissioning ships Ohhhhhhh, wait, hold the phone Belay my last 🎉🎉
Trump Eyes Kharg Island Seizure to Cripple Iran's Economy
Trump is drawn to the idea of seizing Kharg Island outright because it would constitute "an economic knockout of the regime" — essentially defunding Tehran, according to a US official - Axios
Trump Mulls Deal in the Mirror
Former President Donald Trump signaled openness to negotiations with Iran to resolve a dispute that has disrupted oil markets and nearly halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran wants a deal but the terms must include Tehran...
Escorts Aren't a Sideshow; Expertise Matters in Maritime Strategy
“Escorts are a sideshow” 🤡🤡 Now I’ve been critical of our ability to surge enough destroyers to conduct effective convoys…. But “sideshow”?? And what qualifies an energy advisor to understand maritime choke points? 60 Minutes should have called Sal @mercoglianos
Timing of Operations Before or After Hostilities Matters
I'm no Clausewitz but "whether those operations would begin before or after hostilities end" seems like kind of an important detail.
EU to Discuss Bolstering Middle East Naval Mission
European Union foreign ministers will discuss strengthening the Aspides naval mission, which currently patrols the Red Sea to protect merchant vessels from Houthi attacks. The mission operates two ships directly, with additional support from French and Italian vessels, and officials...
Pentagon Secures Lynas Samarium Supply for Defense by Q4
The Pentagon gets a rare earth deal with Lynas - the only reliable source of heavy rare earths outside China. They say they will be producing samarium - the stuff defence needs - by Q4 this year. https://t.co/Cjazr8r8sB
President Manufactures Excuse, Demands Chinese Fleet Precondition
Basically, the President is looking for an excuse to back out of the trip to Beijing and thus is trying to manufacture one? How else to possibly explain demanding a Chinese expeditionary naval deployment to the Gulf as a...
![The Downlink [Mar 15, 25] Space Power: Space Force West Scholars Axed. What’s The Future for Senior Professional Military Education?](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/a480f390449c6bb68974e5cbc66142e1.webp)
The Downlink [Mar 15, 25] Space Power: Space Force West Scholars Axed. What’s The Future for Senior Professional Military Education?
The U.S. Space Force has terminated its West Scholars program at Johns Hopkins SAIS, a three‑year initiative designed to provide senior officers with space‑focused graduate education. The cancellation is part of a broader cut that eliminates similar graduate‑level opportunities at...
War Appears Simple, Yet Its Complexity Defies Oversimplification
“Everything in war is very simple, but the simplest thing is difficult.” - Carl von Clausewitz Be mindful of “analysts” or media that oversimplify strategy, war,’warfare while not recognizing the uncertainty, fog and friction, complexity of geopolitics, and all the information...
De‑escalation Signaled by Seeking NATO and China Help
Clearly, a sense of de-escalation if we are asking for help from NATO and China 🫡
![Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Mar 15 ’26 Business Report]](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/e45ba119b35d1182ae082418e4f93eef.webp)
Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Mar 15 ’26 Business Report]
During the March 15 Defense & Aerospace Report podcast, analysts discussed how the escalating US‑Israel‑Iran conflict and extended Russian energy sanctions are pushing oil prices higher, despite a 400‑million‑barrel reserve release. Weaker U.S. employment data and modest Q4 2025 growth...
Official Claims On
This doesn't line up with any previous statements regarding the war being "won", the missile threat being "eliminated," and the U.S. not needing "late comers."
Trump Urges Europe to Join Iran War, Threatens NATO
Trump has sent a blunt message to European nations to join his war effort in Iran and help open up the Strait of Hormuz. “If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response I think it will be very bad...
Trump Administration to Announce Coalition to Escort Ships Through Strait of Hormuz: WSJ
The Trump administration is set to unveil a multinational coalition to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The coalition, reportedly involving several Gulf and allied nations, will coordinate naval patrols and...
I Support Big Tech in Defense for America’s Future
It is always weird when media outlets paint me as biased in wanting big tech to be more involved with the military, as if wanting more competitors is the natural state of things. No! I want it because I care...
Iran's Crisis Hits Tipping Point Amid Protests and Missiles
Protests, missiles, and a regime on the ropes — Iran is at a turning point. @therealryanmcbeth explains the forces driving one of the world’s most complex crises. Notes https://jordanharbinger.com/1297 Apple https://buff.ly/4MgofmR Spotify https://buff.ly/Pgrhilp Overcast https://overcast.fm/+BI_q8b6fgk
Why Iran Strikes May Drive Asian Nuclear Race, Hit China in the Middle East: Zhao Tong
Carnegie nuclear policy expert Zhao Tong warns that the recent US‑Israel strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader could push Tehran to accelerate its nuclear programme, while the United States’ unilateral actions under President Trump undermine the rules‑based order. He argues...
3/15/26 National Security and Korean News and Commentary
The March 15 2026 roundup highlights a surge in U.S. defense spending and technology integration, most notably a contract worth up to $20 billion with Anduril for autonomous systems. It also details the deployment of the Typhon missile family capable of striking targets...
Hormuz Closure Risks Boost Long Volatility Gains
They had all weekend to think something up. The best they could come up with is sailing into a turkey shoot… Think it’s time to accept the obvious. Hormuz opens when the Iranians want it to open. Only way Trump can...
Inaction Costs: US Will Reward Allies, Punish Bystanders
Maybe sounds like just words, but countries not chipping in here are running a risk. Let us look at the US perspective: 1. Iran is a terroist state, that has been supporting terroism for decades, had a 'death over...
White House Signals Iran War Has Weeks to Go
The White House warned that the war with Iran will persist for weeks rather than months, while President Trump floated the idea of negotiations without a clear cease‑fire request from Tehran. Asian economies, reeling from oil market shocks, are turning...
America's Pride in B‑21 Meets Public Funding Apathy
I sort of just figured all Americans would be proud of building the absolute best when it comes to aircraft. (this is from a post I did about the new B-21 stealth bomber and Plant 42 where it's being made) I think...
Venezuela Thread
A December 2025 forum thread debates whether the United States is positioning itself for a war with Venezuela. Participants cite oil reserves, the Monroe Doctrine, and the desire to curb Russian, Chinese and Iranian influence as possible motives. Others argue that...
US Officials Predict Quick End to Iran War, While Tehran Says It Can Outlast Foes
U.S. officials say the Israel‑U.S. war on Iran will conclude within weeks, prompting expectations of lower oil prices. President Trump threatened further strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island and announced a coalition to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran’s...
Why Is Steph Curry Investing in Israeli Security Tech?
Steph Curry, through his advisory role at Penny Jar Capital, has joined major venture rounds for Israeli cybersecurity firms Upwind Security and Zafran, contributing over $300 million and $30 million respectively. Both startups are led by veterans of Israel’s elite Unit 8200 intelligence...
Viribus Unitis: 2nd International Legion Reassigned to Assault Forces
Ukraine completed the restructuring of its International Legion, with the 2nd International Legion officially incorporated into the 253rd Assault Regiment on February 10, 2026. The battalion, previously the most vocal opponent of the Legion’s dissolution, will now operate as the 3rd Infantry...
The Iran-Israel-US War Is Exposing China’s Alliance Problem
The Iran‑Israel‑U.S. war underscores how the United States leverages a dense network of allies, from Gulf partners providing early‑warning data to Indo‑Pacific nations offering bases and logistics. U.S. officials highlighted Israel’s combat prowess, but the broader coalition’s role is the...
Market Retrospective: The Pakistan Air Force’s Drone Program Circa 2007 to 2026
From 2007 to 2026 the Pakistan Air Force assembled a uniquely diversified unmanned‑aircraft fleet, pulling platforms from Europe, China and Turkey. The acquisitions were opportunistic rather than centrally planned, with Chinese OEMs opening the armed‑drone market after European restrictions and...
U.S. War Deepens Iran's Dictatorship, Raises Gas Prices
He puts his name on everything, so let’s make sure his name is on this, too: —> “Overall, it has not toppled Iran’s dictatorship and might have strengthened it. We helped install a younger supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who may be...
North Korean Leader Kim Observes Test of Rocket Launch Systems with His Daughter
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his teenage daughter, observed a live‑fire test of twelve 600 mm ultraprecision rocket launchers off the country’s east coast. South Korean sensors detected about ten ballistic missiles launched toward the eastern sea, which...
Trump’s Erratic Demands Jeopardize Hormuz Cooperation, Iran Outlasts
It’s hard to see how international countries will cooperate with Trump on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open after 14 months of erratic demands. It’s one thing for Trump to complain about paying for European protection (somewhat understandable) but asking...
Nuclear Bomb Canal Proposal Ignoring Radiation Risks
What a genius idea: let’s detonate 12 nuclear bombs over the UAE and Oman to create a canal bypassing Hormuz. Who wants to introduce him to the Al Hajar mountains? ( (…we are leaving aside the small issue of radiation and...
African Nations Tiptoe Around Recruitment of Citizens by Russian Networks
Kenya’s foreign minister is traveling to Moscow to demand an end to Russian recruitment of Kenyan citizens, amid reports that over 1,000 Kenyans and more than 1,700 Africans overall have been enlisted to fight in Ukraine. African governments, including Ghana...
Urgent Call: Allied Warships Needed in Hormuz
Strait of Hormuz Update 15 March 2026 1⃣ Five Maritime Stories from Around the World 2⃣ Strait of Hormuz/Persian Gulf Update 3⃣ The Call for Allied Warships 4⃣ Minesweepers 5⃣ Historical Parallel to Strait of Hormuz Video: https://t.co/ETPsN2XFIX https://t.co/oOEKhMM28I
Autonomous Maritime Defense AI: Next VC Goldmine
1/ Fully automonous + maritime defense AI Institutional Investor: "Could Be the Next Big Investment Opportunity in Venture Capital... "... https://t.co/NoMGiNKai6