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DAILY INTEL BRIEF — MAY 30, 2026 Bottom line: President Trump is meeting aides to finalize a US-Iran ceasefire extension that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, hours after Iran used a Chinese-made missile to down a US F-15E over the waterway. 1. US-IRAN: CEASEFIRE DECISION ▸ President Trump is meeting senior aides to decide on a 60-day ceasefire extension and limited sanctions relief. ▸ The draft agreement would reopen Hormuz shipping and begin nuclear talks, pending approval by both leaders. ▸ Iran’s top negotiator urged caution, citing deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran. 2. STRAIT OF HORMUZ: F-15 DOWNED ▸ Multiple reports indicate Iran shot down a US F-15E Strike Eagle with a Chinese-made surface-to-air missile. ▸ The incident occurred over the Strait of Hormuz; US officials are investigating the claim. ▸ China denies supplying the weapon system used in the strike. 3. IRAN STRIKES KUWAIT BASE ▸ Iran launched a missile at Ali Al Salem Air Base, injuring five US service members and damaging two MQ-9 drones. ▸ The attack follows reported US ceasefire violations and precedes the current ceasefire talks. 4. ISRAEL-LEBANON: GROUND ADVANCE ▸ Israeli forces crossed the Litani River and are operating in Beirut and the Bekaa Valley. ▸ Troops reached the outskirts of Nabatieh, seizing dominant terrain in southern Lebanon. ▸ Israeli airstrikes on May 29 killed five people and damaged a church and school in southern Lebanon. 5. GAZA CONTROL UPDATE ▸ Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel controls 60 percent of Gaza and set a 70 percent target. ▸ The Gaza death toll surpassed 72,938 as operations continue. Watch next: ▸ Whether President Trump approves the 60-day ceasefire extension. ▸ Any Iranian response to the reported F-15 downing. ▸ Status of Hormuz shipping after the security level was raised to critical. How will the reported downing of a US F-15 affect final approval of the ceasefire deal?

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DAILY INTEL BRIEF — MAY 29, 2026 Bottom line: A Russian Shahed-type drone struck a residential building in Galați, Romania, injuring civilians and marking the first direct attack on NATO territory since the war began. 1. RUSSIA-ROMANIA: NATO STRIKE ▸ A Russian drone hit a multi-storey residential building in Galați, eastern Romania, causing serious injuries. ▸ Emergency services responded on site; the incident is the first confirmed strike on a NATO member state. 2. US-IRAN: CEASEFIRE DEAL ▸ US and Iranian negotiators finalized a 60-day memorandum extending the ceasefire and opening nuclear talks. ▸ The agreement requires final approval from President Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. ▸ Vice President Vance stated the sides are close to reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. 3. ISRAEL-LEBANON: GROUND ADVANCE ▸ Israeli forces crossed the Litani River and entered Beirut and the Bekaa Valley, targeting Hezbollah positions. ▸ The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 3,324 deaths since March 2 from Israeli operations. ▸ Israeli airstrikes killed at least 14 people in southern Lebanon and damaged a church and school. 4. GAZA CONTROL: NETANYAHU UPDATE ▸ Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel controls 60 percent of Gaza and set a 70 percent target. ▸ The United Nations added Israel to its blacklist of parties committing sexual violence in conflict. 5. DR CONGO: EBOLA SURGE ▸ Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo exceeded 900, outpacing containment efforts. ▸ WHO Director-General Tedros called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern provinces to allow aid delivery. Watch next: ▸ Final decision by President Trump and Iranian leadership on the 60-day ceasefire extension. ▸ Status of UAE airstrikes against Iranian targets and any further US action near Bandar Abbas. ▸ Russian drone activity along NATO's eastern flank following the Galați strike. How will NATO members respond to the first direct strike on alliance territory?

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DAILY INTEL BRIEF — MAY 28, 2026 Bottom line: US and Iranian forces exchanged direct strikes near Bandar Abbas and the Strait of Hormuz while Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US and Kuwaiti targets, marking the widest escalation of state-on-state hostilities since the ceasefire began. 1. US-IRAN: STRAIT STRIKES ▸ US forces struck an Iranian military site near Bandar Abbas after it threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. ▸ The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated by striking a US airbase near Bandar Abbas. ▸ US and Iranian forces exchanged fire after IRGC units confronted an American oil tanker in the Strait. ▸ Iran launched four drones at a US commercial vessel in the Arabian Sea; all were intercepted and the launch site was struck. 2. IRAN-KUWAIT: MISSILE BARRAGE ▸ Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones aimed at a US airbase in Kuwait. ▸ The attack marks the first direct Iranian strike on Kuwaiti territory in the current conflict. ▸ No casualties have been reported from the intercepted barrage. 3. ISRAEL-LEBANON: EVACUATION ORDERS ▸ Israel declared most of southern Lebanon a combat zone and ordered evacuations south of the Zahrani River. ▸ The Israel Defense Forces issued a forced evacuation order for Tyre and surrounding towns. ▸ Israeli airstrikes killed at least eight people in Sidon, including two children. 4. GAZA OPERATIONS ▸ Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel controls 60 percent of Gaza and set a 70 percent target. ▸ Israeli forces killed Mohammad Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas's military wing. 5. DIPLOMACY AND ENERGY ▸ US and Iranian negotiators finalized a 60-day memorandum to extend the ceasefire and begin nuclear talks. ▸ Global oil prices rose after the new US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. Watch next: ▸ Final approval of the US-Iran ceasefire extension by both governments. ▸ Further Iranian retaliation following strikes on Bandar Abbas. ▸ Israeli ground operations south of the Zahrani River. How will the United States respond if Iran conducts additional strikes on US forces or commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz?

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DAILY INTEL BRIEF — MAY 27, 2026 Bottom line: Israel assassinated Hamas military chief Mohammad Odeh in Gaza and ordered the full evacuation of Tyre, Lebanon, as US forces struck Iranian sites near Bandar Abbas and President Trump threatened military action against Oman over Strait of Hormuz access. 1. ISRAEL-HAMAS: HAMAS CHIEF KILLED ▸ Israeli forces killed Mohammad Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas's military wing, in a targeted strike in the Gaza Strip. ▸ Odeh previously led Hamas intelligence operations during the October 7 attacks. ▸ Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Defense Minister confirmed the operation. 2. ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH: TYRE EVACUATED ▸ The Israel Defense Forces ordered the complete evacuation of Tyre, Lebanon, except the Old City, directing residents north of the Zahrani River. ▸ Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah headquarters in the Tyre area. ▸ Separate strikes across southern Lebanon killed at least 31 people and injured 40. 3. US-IRAN: BANDAR ABBAS STRIKES ▸ US Central Command conducted self-defense strikes on Iranian missile sites and boats near Bandar Abbas. ▸ Iran accused the United States of violating the ceasefire and reported multiple explosions in the city. ▸ South Korea stated that missiles used in a recent attack on a South Korean vessel near the Strait of Hormuz match Iranian Navy and IRGC systems. 4. US-IRAN: TRUMP THREATENS OMAN ▸ President Trump warned that the United States may bomb Oman if it does not ensure open passage through the Strait of Hormuz. ▸ Iran denied reaching any agreement with the United States on Hormuz shipping access. ▸ The US Navy redirected 109 commercial vessels as part of the blockade enforcement. 5. UKRAINE: SEVASTOPOL ATTACKED ▸ Ukrainian forces struck the Russian Central Bank branch and naval aviation headquarters in occupied Sevastopol using Storm Shadow missiles and over 20 drones. ▸ Russia warned the United States to evacuate diplomatic staff from Kyiv ahead of planned systematic strikes on military targets. Watch next: ▸ Trump Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Wednesday focused on the Iran file. ▸ Norway-France nuclear defense alliance implementation timeline. ▸ North Korea follow-on missile tests after AI-guided system debut. What threshold would trigger direct US military action against Iranian leadership?

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DAILY INTEL BRIEF — MAY 26, 2026 Bottom line: US forces struck Iranian missile sites and fast boats near Bandar Abbas and the Strait of Hormuz on day 88 of the conflict, while Israel launched ground operations north of the Yellow Line in southern Lebanon and declared war on Hezbollah. 1. US-IRAN: GULF STRIKES ▸ US Central Command conducted self-defense strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and fast boats near Bandar Abbas. ▸ Additional US strikes targeted Iranian missile positions near the Strait of Hormuz. ▸ Iran accused the United States of violating the ceasefire and vowed heavier retaliation if strikes continue. ▸ The US Navy resumed escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz under Operation Project Freedom. 2. ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH: LEBANON INCURSION ▸ Israeli forces began ground operations north of the UN Yellow Line in southern Lebanon. ▸ The Israel Defense Forces struck more than 70 Hezbollah positions using over 85 munitions. ▸ Prime Minister Netanyahu declared Israel at war with Hezbollah and ordered intensified strikes across Lebanon. ▸ Hezbollah launched its largest drone attack to date, firing more than 15 drones into northern Israel. 3. ISRAEL-HAMAS: GAZA STRIKES ▸ Israeli forces assassinated Mohammad Odeh, the newly appointed leader of Hamas's military wing, in the Gaza Strip. ▸ Airstrikes on Gaza killed multiple civilians, prompting Hamas to accuse Israel of undermining ceasefire mediation. 4. RUSSIA-UKRAINE: KYIV THREATS ▸ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of systematic strikes on decision-making centers in Kyiv. ▸ Russia urged the United States to evacuate American citizens and diplomatic staff from the capital. ▸ Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 111 of 122 Russian drones launched overnight, with strikes recorded at 11 locations. 5. KOREAN PENINSULA: MISSILE TESTS ▸ North Korea fired multiple close-range ballistic missiles approximately 80 km into the Yellow Sea from near Jongju. Watch next: ▸ Outcome of US-Iran ceasefire talks resuming in Qatar. ▸ Scale of Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon. ▸ Russian follow-through on threats against Kyiv. How will the simultaneous US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and Israeli ground operations in Lebanon affect the trajectory of ceasefire negotiations?

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DAILY INTEL BRIEF — MAY 25, 2026 Bottom line: US fighter jets sank two Iranian patrol boats in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering IRGC anti-ship missile launches against American vessels, while Russia conducted a landing operation in Kyiv and launched a massive missile and drone barrage across all districts of the capital. 1. US-IRAN: STRAIT CLASH ▸ US fighter jets struck and sank two Iranian patrol boats in the Strait of Hormuz. ▸ IRGC forces responded by launching anti-ship missiles at American military vessels. ▸ Explosions and gunfire continue along Iran's southern coastline near Bandar Abbas. 2. RUSSIA STRIKES KYIV ▸ Russian forces conducted a landing operation in Kyiv, filmed from close range on May 24. ▸ Russia launched dozens of cruise and ballistic missiles, including Kalibr, Kh-101, Iskander-K, and Zircon hypersonic missiles, striking all districts of the capital. ▸ Additional strikes hit Kropyvnytskyi and Dnipro, with large fires reported and casualties likely. 3. RUSSIA WARNS US ON KYIV ▸ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that systematic strikes on military targets in Kyiv will begin. ▸ Russia urged the United States to evacuate American citizens and diplomatic staff from the city. ▸ The warning follows a Ukrainian drone attack on the Luhansk State Pedagogical University. 4. ISRAEL ESCALATES IN LEBANON ▸ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is at war with Hezbollah. ▸ Israeli forces struck over 70 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon using more than 85 munitions. ▸ Israeli strikes killed Hezbollah fighters on motorcycles in the Tyre District. 5. EBOLA DECLARED GLOBAL EMERGENCY ▸ The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ▸ Dozens have died and confirmed cases have spread to Uganda. ▸ Armed attacks on health facilities have caused infected patients to flee, hampering containment efforts. Watch next: ▸ US and Iranian negotiators continue talks on a 60-day ceasefire extension and phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. ▸ Russian forces prepare additional strikes on Ukrainian defense industrial facilities in Kyiv. ▸ Israeli operations expand against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and Beirut. How will the United States respond to direct Iranian missile attacks on its vessels in the Strait of Hormuz?

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DAILY INTEL BRIEF — MAY 24, 2026 Bottom line: Russia struck Kyiv with an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile and conducted its largest combined drone and missile barrage on the capital since the war began, while the United States and Iran reported progress toward a deal on enriched uranium and the Strait of Hormuz. 1. RUSSIA STRIKES KYIV WITH ORESHNIK ▸ Russia launched an Oreshnik ballistic missile at Kyiv Oblast, with additional strikes using Iskander, Kinzhal, and Tsirkon missiles plus over 600 drones. ▸ Ukrainian defenses intercepted 55 of 87 reported incoming weapons; explosions occurred across all districts of the capital. ▸ Strikes hit the Antonov Aircraft Plant, Artem Defense Plant, and Kvadrat shopping mall, with at least four confirmed fatalities. 2. US-IRAN DEAL PROGRESS REPORTED ▸ President Trump stated the United States and Iran are finalizing an agreement that includes Iranian surrender of its enriched uranium stockpile. ▸ US officials said Iran has agreed in principle to dispose of 440 kilograms of enriched uranium and negotiate suspension of further enrichment. ▸ Iranian officials rejected claims of an imminent full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and stated one or two clauses remain unresolved. 3. US MAINTAINS HORMUZ BLOCKADE ▸ President Trump said the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will remain until a deal is finalized. ▸ Iran warned it will break the blockade and withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty if provoked. ▸ Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated an announcement on the Iran situation could come later today. 4. EBOLA OUTBREAK SPREADS TO UGANDA ▸ The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after dozens died in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ▸ Confirmed cases have now reached neighboring Uganda, triggering coordinated international containment measures. 5. BOMB KILLS 10 ON PAKISTAN TRAIN ▸ A bomb exploded on a military shuttle train near Quetta, killing at least 10 and injuring dozens more. ▸ Three coaches derailed; no group has claimed responsibility. Watch next: ▸ Any US-Iran announcement expected later today ▸ Ukrainian assessments of damage to defense plants in Kyiv ▸ WHO coordination meetings on Ebola containment How would a completed US-Iran deal affect the ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities?

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DAILY INTEL BRIEF — MAY 23, 2026 Bottom line: President Trump stated that the United States and Iran are finalizing a deal expected to be announced shortly, while also indicating he will decide by Sunday whether to resume military strikes. 1. US-IRAN DEAL NEARS ANNOUNCEMENT ▸ President Trump announced that the United States and Iran are finalizing a deal, with an announcement expected soon. ▸ US and Iranian negotiators, including Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalifbaf, have approved a draft proposal to end hostilities on all fronts. ▸ Pakistani mediators reported that an interim peace deal has been agreed upon and described it as fairly comprehensive. 2. STRAIT OF HORMUZ TALKS ADVANCE ▸ The United States and Iran are close to agreeing on a 60-day ceasefire extension that includes gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. ▸ The proposed terms also cover talks on Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, eased port restrictions, and release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds. ▸ US Central Command has redirected 100 ships to enforce a blockade at the mouth of the Gulf of Oman. 3. TRUMP SETS SUNDAY DEADLINE ▸ President Trump stated he will likely decide by Sunday whether to resume the war with Iran, describing the chances of a nuclear deal as a solid 50/50. ▸ The administration is preparing a new round of military strikes against Iran, with intelligence and military personnel canceling Memorial Day weekend plans. ▸ Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there is a chance Iran will accept a nuclear deal as early as Saturday. 4. IRAN PLOT AGAINST IVANKA TRUMP ▸ Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi operative trained by Iran's IRGC, was arrested in Turkey and extradited to the United States. ▸ He is accused of plotting to assassinate Ivanka Trump as revenge for the US killing of Qasem Soleimani. ▸ The plot was foiled by Turkish and US intelligence cooperation. 5. UKRAINE STRIKES AND RUSSIAN RESPONSE ▸ A Ukrainian drone strike on a technical college and dormitory in occupied Starobilsk, Luhansk Oblast, killed at least one person and wounded 35 students. ▸ Russia launched an intermediate-range Oreshnik ballistic missile at Ukraine, triggering nationwide air raid alerts and multiple explosions in Kyiv. ▸ Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned that Russia is preparing a major combined strike using the hypersonic Oreshnik missile. Watch next: ▸ Final approval of the US-Iran draft agreement by both governments within the next 24 hours. ▸ President Trump's decision by Sunday on whether to resume strikes. ▸ Russian follow-on missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure following the Oreshnik launch. How would confirmation of a US-Iran deal by Sunday alter the planned military preparations already underway?

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DAILY INTEL BRIEF — MAY 22, 2026 Bottom line: The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo killed dozens and spread to Uganda, triggering a global containment response. 1. WHO DECLARES EBOLA EMERGENCY ▸ The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ▸ Dozens have died and confirmed cases have spread to neighboring Uganda. ▸ The declaration activates coordinated international measures to contain cross-border transmission. 2. US DEPLOYS 5,000 TROOPS TO POLAND ▸ President Trump ordered 5,000 additional US troops to Poland following the election of President Karol Nawrocki. ▸ The deployment strengthens NATO's eastern flank after a Brigade Combat Team rotation was halted. ▸ The move occurs amid ongoing tensions with Russia. 3. US PAUSES TAIWAN ARMS SHIPMENTS ▸ Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee that arms shipments to Taiwan have been paused. ▸ The pause ensures munitions remain available for the ongoing conflict with Iran. ▸ The decision marks a shift in US defense priorities. 4. IRAN REVIEWS US NUCLEAR PROPOSAL ▸ Iran's foreign ministry confirmed Tehran is reviewing the latest US response to its nuclear proposal. ▸ President Trump stated that negotiations are on the "borderline" of collapse. ▸ Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei banned the transfer of enriched uranium abroad, stalling talks. 5. STRAIT OF HORMUZ TENSIONS RISE ▸ Iran is negotiating with Oman to establish a permanent toll system for commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. ▸ US Central Command reported that 94 vessels have been redirected and four disabled since the naval blockade began. ▸ President Trump asserted US control of the strait and opposed any tolls. Watch next: ▸ US officials have canceled Memorial Day plans as the administration prepares possible strikes on Iran. ▸ Ukraine launched a large-scale drone raid targeting Moscow and other Russian regions. ▸ Satellite imagery confirmed IRGC missiles struck Israeli air bases near Haifa in March. What impact would a confirmed US strike on Iran have on global oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz?

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DAILY INTEL BRIEF — MAY 21, 2026 Bottom line: Russia delivered nuclear munitions to Belarus for three-day drills involving over 65,000 troops, while the United States indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro and advanced military planning against Havana. 1. RUSSIA DELIVERS NUCLEAR MUNITIONS ▸ Russia has delivered nuclear munitions to Belarus as part of a three-day nuclear exercise. ▸ The drills include live launches of ballistic and cruise missiles and involve 7,800 pieces of equipment. ▸ President Putin warned the West against forcing Russia to use nuclear weapons. 2. US INDICTS RAUL CASTRO ▸ The Department of Justice has indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro. ▸ The announcement is scheduled for 1 p.m. and marks an escalation in U.S. pressure on Havana. ▸ Pentagon and intelligence officials are developing military options against Cuba. 3. IRAN NUCLEAR TALKS STALL ▸ Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei banned the transfer of enriched uranium abroad. ▸ Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. nuclear proposal while President Trump warned talks are on the borderline of collapse. ▸ The United States and Iran have agreed on a draft framework for ending hostilities. 4. UKRAINE HITS RUSSIAN OIL ▸ Ukraine struck 10 major Russian oil sites in the first 20 days of May. ▸ Six facilities were forced to halt operations, including sites in Moscow, Ryazan, and Tuapse. ▸ Forward Russian assault groups advanced to within 10 km of Kramatorsk. 5. US DEPLETES MISSILE STOCKS ▸ The United States expended over 200 THAAD interceptors and more than 100 SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors defending Israel. ▸ The operation used roughly half the Pentagon's THAAD inventory. Watch next: ▸ Outcome of the scheduled 1 p.m. announcement on the Raul Castro indictment. ▸ Status of the draft framework for ending U.S.-Iran hostilities. ▸ Russian nuclear drill developments over the next two days. How might the indictment of Raul Castro and concurrent military planning affect U.S. relations with Cuba?