April 25, 2025

Welcome to FDD Action's Weekly NatSec Roundup.

ICYMI: FDD launched its Air and Missile Defense Program on Tuesday. FDD’s RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Bradley Bowman, and Lydia LaFavor joined Politico’s Paul McLeary for a kickoff discussion.

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🚨 NEED-TO-KNOW THIS WEEK

President Trump welcomes Russian President Putin as he arrives to attend their bilateral meeting at the G20 Japan Summit, June 28, 2019. (Official White House Photo/Shealah Craighead)

1. The U.S. presented its “final offer” peace framework to Ukrainian officials last week in Paris amid threats it will “move on” if progress is not made. Meanwhile, Russia continued to attack Ukraine during and following the Easter “truce,” which was announced by Putin in the hope of currying favor with President Trump.

What Russia would get: The proposal calls for a ceasefire and immediate Russia-Ukraine talks to implement it. In return, as part of a final deal, the U.S. would officially recognize Russian control of Crimea and de facto recognize nearly all other Russian-occupied territory. Ukrainian membership in NATO would be ruled out and the U.S. would lift all sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014.
What Ukraine would get: For its part, Ukraine would receive an unspecified “security guarantee” involving willing states. Ukraine would also regain control over the small part of Kharkiv Oblast Russia has occupied plus certain Russian-occupied nuclear and water infrastructure sites as well as unimpeded passage of the Dnipro River. Lastly, Ukraine would be promised funds to rebuild.
Giving Putin the wrong incentives: Despite Moscow’s rejection of U.S. ceasefire proposals that Kyiv accepted, Russia has faced little to no consequences for dragging out negotiations. Moreover, the offer to recognize Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea sends a dangerous message to Putin and other revisionist autocrats. In addition, threatening to walk away from talks could perversely incentivize Russian defiance, explains FDD’s John Hardie. This is because the U.S. washing its hands of the war may not be a terrible outcome for Moscow.
The right incentives: Russia's further foot-dragging should result in tougher economic sanctions. Meanwhile, Washington should focus on helping Ukrainian forces exhaust the Russian military, taking advantage of Russia’s dwindling equipment stocks. Congress can do its part by passing a “Ukraine Leverage Package” that enables the Pentagon to sustain U.S. assistance once Kyiv’s stocks of Biden-pledged arms begin to dwindle.
Congress also has a say on sanctions relief: The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) — signed by Trump in 2017 — allows Congress to block the removal of many Russia sanctions. Sanctions relief for Moscow could increase the risk of a follow-on invasion by allowing Russia to speed up its military rebuild. Congress must maintain U.S. sanctions and export controls targeting Russia’s military industry. If there is sanctions relief, sanctions should snap back if Russia renews its aggression.
Congress also has a say on Crimea: In CAATSA (and other laws), Congress explicitly opposed U.S. recognition of Russia’s annexation of occupied Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. Congress has passed multiple laws barring the use of funds for that purpose. Those prohibitions should be extended.
Watch Putin’s actions, not his words: Russia launched a major missile and drone barrage on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities on Thursday amid the ceasefire proposal frenzy. The Kyiv attack killed at least 12, the deadliest on the city since mid-2024. Trump quickly decried the attack, imploring Putin to “STOP!” But unless Trump makes good on previous threats to increase pressure, Putin is unlikely to change course.

2. The U.S. and Iran held a second round of direct nuclear talks on Saturday, this time in Rome, with Oman again serving as mediator. The third round of talks originally scheduled for Wednesday were delayed until tomorrow.

A deeply troubling statement: Following talks last weekend, Oman announced that the two sides agreed to enter discussions that would allow Tehran to maintain a peaceful nuclear energy program and leave Iran “completely free of nuclear weapons.” But this statement is deeply troubling and raises concerns that the U.S. may have already conceded to allowing Tehran to retain enrichment capabilities, contradicting Trump’s demand for the full and verifiable dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program, FDD CEO Mark Dubowitz warned.
The seven deadly sins of a failed nuclear deal: FDD Action partnered with the Vandenberg Coalition, National Union for Democracy in Iran, Veterans on Duty, and Advancing American Freedom to outline the critical failures of the 2015 nuclear deal and guide the current administration’s approach away from the same pitfalls. The seven deadly sins of the JCPOA include allowing Tehran to retain its enrichment capabilities, ignoring Iran’s growing missile arsenal, enabling Iran to set the terms of compliance inspections, and relieving sanctions on sponsors of anti-American terror.
Trump admin’s leverage-maxing strategy: “Sanctions don’t impede negotiations; they help set the terms,” write FDD’s Behnam Ben Taleblu and Janatan Sayeh. The Trump admin’s escalating crackdown against Iran’s illicit oil trade, “offers a powerful means to build leverage as negotiations unfold.” Days before the second round of negotiations, the Treasury Department sanctioned a Chinese “teapot” oil refinery for importing illegal Iranian oil and updated guidance to maritime stakeholders on Iran’s sanctions evasion schemes. On Tuesday, the administration targeted an Iranian liquified petroleum gas (LPG) network, which was quickly denounced by Iran as indicative of a “lack of seriousness of the U.S.” amid nuclear negotiations. If anything, it is to the contrary, showing that the admin is very serious about U.S. success in Iran talks.
Nuclear progress as talks lurch ahead: UN nuclear watchdog head, Rafael Grossi, visited Iran last week and warned that Tehran has “conducted research and even testing some of the necessary elements for (a) nuclear device” and that Iran’s breakout time for a nuclear weapon “would be a matter of months, not years.” Meanwhile, satellite images revealed newly fortified tunnel complexes and an expanded security perimeter around the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant, which likely hold advanced centrifuges. While Grossi sought clarification from Iran on this news, he said Tehran replied "none of your business." Tehran “has no intention of dismantling its nuclear program peacefully,” but rather is using the talks to “buy time," wrote Dubowitz.
A limit to “maximum pressure”? FDD’s Reuel Marc Gerecht argues that while Trump’s tough sanctions on Iran have crippled its economy, they have “never made the clerical regime abandon its nuclear ambitions.” Gerecht cautions that protracted nuclear talks serve Tehran’s interests by shielding the regime from consequential military action. Iran is also comfortable entering a nuclear deal short of full, permanent, and verifiable nuclear dismantlement. Which makes sense, considering they accepted one just like it 2015 for the same reason – it leaves the regime with the power to sprint to nuclear weapons at a time of its choosing.
✔ 👏 Well Said! Dismantlement is the only way to a stable Middle East and U.S. national security, as Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) noted. Cornyn backed Trump’s commitment to a non-nuclear Iran on Tuesday and emphasized that if negotiations do not yield a complete dismantlement of Tehran’s nuclear program, the President should instead pursue dismantlement by “any means necessary.” Members of Congress need to continue to voice support for dismantlement.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Armadillo, load into a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during air assault training, Al-Tanf Garrison, Syria, Feb 25, 2025. (U.S. Army / Staff Sgt. Fred Brown)

3. As the Pentagon makes moves to draw down U.S. forces in Syria, members of Congress have met with Syria’s President Sharaa and floated discussions of sanctions relief for the regime.

Drawdown in Syria: The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. will reduce forces in Syria in coming months, leaving fewer than 1,000 of some 2,000 troops there now. The Pentagon said the move “reflects significant steps we have made toward degrading ISIS’ appeal and operational capability.” But ISIS attacks actually spiked last year and have continued this year, warned FDD’s Bradley Bowman. He added that premature or excessive troop force reductions “risk an ISIS resurgence that we will regret.”
Filling the void will be Turkey, which continues to seek security agreements with Damascus that would allow Turkish troops a permanent presence inside of Syria. “While the United States eyes an exit from Syria, Turkey is quietly filling Iran’s shoes, propping up Syria politically and embedding loyalists in key security posts,” explains FDD’s Ahmad Sharawi.
House takes Damascus: Reps. Cory Mills (R-FL) and Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) visited Syria in the first trip to the country by U.S. legislators since long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in December. Mills met directly with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to discuss conditions for lifting U.S. sanctions and peace with Israel. Mills said he will brief Trump and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on his factfinding mission and deliver a letter from Sharaa.
Syria policy, or lack thereof: Washington has been wary of Syria’s new regime, which is led by members of the U.S.-designated terrorist group HTS that overthrew Assad and has ties to Al Qaeda. While Sharaa has pled moderation, the U.S. has rightly been cautious, judging by actions instead of words. As of now, long-standing Syria sanctions still in place target anyone dealing with the government except for humanitarian reasons.
Conditions for sanctions relief: The conditions Rep. Mills communicated included Sharaa ensuring the destruction of all remaining chemical weapons; counterterrorism cooperation with U.S. allies; demonstrating how he will deal with foreign fighters in the country; and assurances to Israel. Sharaa wants the U.S. to lift sanctions placed on Syria for the Assad regime’s crimes, which have crippled the economy. He also signaled an openness to join the Abraham Accords “under the right conditions,” while adding some U.S. conditions need to be discussed or modified.
Proceed with caution: Damascus “needs to show it will not be a sanctuary for any kind of terrorism” before sanctions, FDD’s David Adesnik urged. While Senate Foreign Relations Committee leaders recently demanded the administration ease sanctions on Syria, this would be premature. Lifting sanctions now would empower Sunni Islamists and allow Iran’s military to engage in regional destabilization, explained FDD Action's Tyler Stapleton. Indeed, the Senators’ letter comes as Sharaa considers citizenship for foreign terrorists who have settled in Syria, a non-starter for sanctions relief.
Not a debate: Has Syria under Sharaa earned the right for U.S. sanctions relief? Spoiler alert: it has not. Adesnik joi ned Foreign Policy’s Counterpoint podcast to break down why sectarian violence, Sharaa’s aversion to democracy, and the integration of foreign Islamist fighters into Syria’s security forces should discourage the U.S. from easing economic pressure on Syria until those concerns are properly addressed. Listen here.

🏛️ AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Secretary Rubio meets with Qatari PM and FM Al Thani at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., April 22, 2025. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)

1. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his Qatari counterpart and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Washington on Tuesday to discuss the U.S.-Qatar “strategic” relationship and ongoing security challenges in the Middle East.

U.S. and Qatari officials reportedly discussed a range of issues, including easing sanctions on Syria and ensuring greater regional stability. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Qatari Minister of State Mohammed Al Khulaifi to discuss President Trump’s planned visit to Qatar next month. Rubio and Al Thani discussed challenges in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, and Rubio expressed gratitude for Qatar’s role in releasing U.S. citizens from Afghanistan.
Big red flags: While Qatar has been considered a “major non-NATO ally,” Doha has politically and financially supported U.S.-designated terror groups like Hamas and Al-Qaeda and cooperated with Iran. It also has long harbored terrorists targeting America. Yet the Trump administration announced a foreign military sale (FMS) to Qatar worth nearly $2 billion. As FDD’s Natalie Ecanow points out, the sale conflicts with the FMS program’s intention to strengthen U.S. security.
Rethinking the relationship: Instead of rewarding Qatar with advanced U.S. technology, Ecanow urges the White House to leverage FMS to compel Doha to end its support of Hamas.
Why does everybody bow before this terror-supporting country? FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer unpacks this loaded question in Commentary Magazine.

President Trump signs executive orders alongside Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and wounded warriors in the Oval Office, Apr. 23, 2025. (Official White House Photo / Molly Riley)

2. President Trump signed an executive order (EO) enhancing reporting requirements for foreign gifts to U.S. universities on Wednesday. It comes amid several congressional and state-level efforts to do the same.

What the EO does: “Full and timely disclosure of foreign funding.” Specifically, the order enhances transparency and reporting standards, requiring disclosure of the purpose of any foreign funds and that the information be made publicly available.
Real teeth: The EO clarifies that certain federal grant funds could be revoked for failure to comply with foreign funding disclosure requirements.
Mounting concerns of foreign influence in higher ed: In July 2023, FDD’s Craig Singleton testified to the House that America’s adversaries are using access to college campuses to “stifle free speech protections, monitor student activities, and propagate disinformation.” Singleton highlighted the national security threat posed by Chinese efforts to recruit talent from major U.S. research universities and how the CCP uses Confucius Institutes on campuses as a tool of soft power, including to shape college curriculums.
Senate on deck: While the EO is important to limit and expose foreign influence at U.S. universities, the specifics remain unclear as the Secretary of Education crafts new rules. This should be a nudge to the Senate to take up the House-passed DETERRENT Act (H.R.1048). Unlike an EO that can be undone, making this bill law would be a longer boost to U.S. national security. This bill would lower reporting thresholds from $250,000 to $50,000 – and to $0 for countries of concern, such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, FDD’s Natalie Ecanow breaks down.
Now for the data: The Department of Education revealed that between February and October 2024, 225 U.S. universities self-reported over 5,600 foreign gifts worth over $4 billion. Bermuda, Canada, Qatar, Germany, and Japan were the five largest foreign donors during this period. The President’s EO, however, notes that one study found that between 2010 and 2016 less than half of required foreign gifts were reported because of limited enforcement.

3. The State Department unveiled plans for a “comprehensive reorganization” that it says will bring Foggy Bottom into the 21^st Century. The announcement called the current department structure “bloated, bureaucratic, and unable to perform its essential diplomatic mission.”

On the chopping block: The first stage of the plan will eliminate 132 department offices (a 22% reduction) and see around 700 positions cut. A proposed organizational chart outlines the elimination of the Undersecretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights; the Office of Global Criminal Justice; and the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. A new position focused on countering emerging foreign threats would be created. The deadline to implement the planned changes is July 1.
State also proposed overhauling and downsizing its global footprint last week, which would include shuttering ten embassies and 17 consulates. Diplomatic missions to Eritrea, South Sudan, and Malta would be closed, while consulates in some major cities would be “resized” into “FLEX-style” posts. The moves follow the Trump admin’s proposal to slash the State Department’s budget in half and see programs like the National Endowment for Democracy completely defunded. Funding for global health promotion, “development assistance,” and international organizations would also be reduced.
Congressional oversight: Passed in the FY23 NDAA, the Congressional Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State is authorized to hold hearings and meetings and provide recommendations to both Congress and the White House on modernizing and reforming Foggy Bottom’s operations. Despite being appropriated $2 million in both FY23 and FY24, Congress did not provide additional funding to the Commission in the March Continuing Resolution. Congress should lock in the Commission’s mandate to drive efficiency and ensure continuity between administrations. Lawmakers must ensure the Commission completes its work in a timely and transparent manner.

📆 COMING DOWN THE PIKE

Today, April 25 –

A trade delegation from India wraps up three days of talks with the U.S., reportedly to solve pending issues before formal negotiations on a U.S.-India bilateral trade deal begin. The delegation’s visit follows Vice President JD Vance’s trip to India last week. During his visit, Vance called for deepened energy and defense cooperation between the U.S. and India and set the foundations for future trade negotiations.

Saturday, April 26 –

For the third time, the U.S. and Iran will hold direct nuclear talks, this time back in Muscat, Oman. It will also be the first round of expert-level technical talks. Leading this week’s technical negotiations will be senior State Department official Michael Anton, along with a team of career department officials. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff will be present as well and lead talks in Rome the following week.

In case you’re new here: U.S. negotiators must insist on a deal that provides full, permanent, and verifiable nuclear disarmament. FDD’s Orde Kittrie, Andrea Stricker, and Behnam Ben Taleblu break down what that means and how the 2015 JCPOA failed to accomplish that goal.

President Trump and the First Lady will travel to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in the first trip abroad of his second term. A bipartisan cadre of 10 representatives will join them, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Ann Wagner (R-MO). Former President Biden and First Lady Jill will also attend. Meanwhile, Zelensky is reportedly pushing to meet directly with Trump on the sidelines, but Washington has yet to respond publicly to the request.

Tuesday, April 29 –

The HOUSE OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM Military and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee holds an open hearing, Securing the Skies: Addressing Unauthorized Drone Activity Over U.S. Military Installations. The subcommittee will receive testimony from senior U.S. defense and civil aviation officials.

What’s the concern with consumer drones? FDD’s RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery explains that Chinese-manufactured drones can be used to surveil sensitive locations like U.S. military bases and transmit data back to China where it becomes CCP property. To secure American airspace from spy drones, Montgomery urged lawmakers to extend a Pentagon ban on the use of Chinese-made drones to state and local agencies, and even to some private-sector firms.

The HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS European Subcommittee holds an open hearing, Shaping the Future of Cyber Diplomacy: Review for State Department Reauthorization. Annie Fixler, director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, will testify on the role of the State Department in bolstering cybersecurity around the globe.

Background – Back in March, Fixler and FDD’s Johanna Yang highlighted the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) as a key tool lawmakers can leverage to provide critical cybersecurity capacity-building to U.S. partners following USAID’s funding cuts. The CDP “has the expertise to prioritize funding based on Washington’s global cyber priorities,” offering an economical and effective path for U.S. global cybersecurity leadership.

The HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds an open hearing, Exploring the Potential of Deep-Sea Mining to Expand American Mineral Production. The hearing will examine how deep-sea mining can secure American mineral supply chains.

Background – Last month, FDD’s Elaine Dezenski and Alexander St. Leger explained how the Trump administration is working to undermine China’s critical mineral dominance, including streamlined mining regulations.

The HOUSE SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE holds a markup to consider legislation that will advance American interests in space and strengthen cybersecurity for America’s scientific advances and research.

The HOUSE ARMED SERVICES Readiness Subcommittee holds an open hearing, Energy, Installations, and Environment Update, to hear updates from the administration on energy and environmental challenges facing U.S. military installations.

The SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE holds a nomination hearing to consider Michael P. Cadenazzi Jr. to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy and Vice Admiral Scott W. Pappano, to be Principal Deputy Administrator National Nuclear Security Administration.

Wednesday, April 30 –

The SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE holds an open hearing, Biomedical Research: Keeping America’s Edge in Innovation. The committee will receive testimony from biomedical researchers on how America can keep innovating in the biomedical field.

The SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE holds an open hearing, to receive testimony on industry views on partnership with the Department of Defense and the Defense Industrial Base. The committee will receive testimony from private defense industry executives on private-public partnerships for U.S. defense.

Rebuilding America’s defense industrial base: Private industry has a major role to play in ensuring America’s defense industrial base (DIB) can sufficiently counter foreign threats. FDD’s Bradley Bowman and Ryan Brobst detail necessary reforms to the DIB, including prioritizing procurement speed and enhanced munitions requirements in their monograph Arsenal of Democracy.

The HOUSE ARMED SERVICES Strategic Forces Subcommittee holds an open hearing, Missile Defense & Missile Defeat Programmatic Updates. The committee will receive testimony from senior Pentagon officials for missile defense on updates to U.S. missile defense programs.

A growing threat: As lawmakers receive updates on U.S. missile defense efforts, FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) released a detailed visual that explains and analyzes each type of air and missile defense system currently in the U.S. arsenal, as well as some used by U.S. partners and key adversaries. The visual coincided with the launch of FDD’s Air and Missile Defense Program within the CMPP.

The HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE holds an open hearing, The Need for an Authorized State Department. The committee will receive testimony from former State Department officials as the administration plans major changes to the department.

Thursday, May 1 –

The SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE holds a nomination hearing to consider Matthew L. Lohmeier to be Under Secretary of Air Force, Justin P. Overbaugh to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and Daniel L. Zimmerman to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.

🔍 WHAT'S MOVING ON THE HILL

✔ Endorsed: Bilirakis-Schneider Letter to the U.S. Bureau of Political-Military Affairs – Led by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), co-chair of the House Hellenic Caucus, and Brad Schneider (D-IL), this letter warns the State Department’s top military bureau about Turkey’s reported plans to transfer its Russian-made air defense systems to Syria. The lawmakers argue that Ankara’s plan would mark a dangerous regional escalation, undermine U.S. sanctions and force deterrence, and degrade Israel’s security. They call on the bureau to properly assess the regional impacts of Turkey’s proposed weapons transfer in light of Turkish President Erdogan’s repeated defiance of NATO norms and hosting of U.S.-designated terrorists.

✔ Endorsed: Schneider-Landsman-Goldman Letter to U.S. Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff – Led by Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL), Greg Landsman (D-OH), and Dan Goldman (D-NY), this letter stresses to Witkoff the importance of restoring unfettered IAEA access to Iran’s nuclear sites before nuclear negotiations can advance. Tehran proposed a three-staged nuclear agreement, but inspections by the IAEA (the UN’s nuclear watchdog) would not be permitted until stage two and only after the U.S. and European partners lift sanctions. The lawmakers argue proper inspections are crucial to ensure Iran complies with any agreement and fundamental to serious nuclear talks.

💡 HERE'S AN IDEA (OR TWO)

Strategically wield the U.S. economic toolkit to secure our economy and supply chains. As the world witnesses a generational re-ordering of global trade, alliances, and capital, FDD’s Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP) hosted a conversation on the Trajectory of U.S. Economic Statecraft with CEFP Head Elaine Dezenski and former Iran Envoy and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State under Trump, Brian Hook.

Here are some of our policy takeaways:

Institutionalize economic statecraft coordination: (AKA an “Economic Pentagon”) We have tariffs and many other economic tools at our disposal, but we don’t have the connective tissue within the U.S. government to balance out how we’re using these tools or a doctrine to govern their use. Policymakers need to move quickly to build this connective tissue so that we can utilize all the economic tools available appropriately and take the guesswork out of it. This would also go a long way to reinforcing relationships with our allies to bring more continuity and strategy into the decision of when we wield certain economic tools.
Target tariffs: Tariffs should focus on “exquisite manufacturing” of key technologies (e.g., semiconductors, robotics, battery production). Helping protect and build domestic industry in advanced manufacturing will not only provide the jobs of the future, but also ensure our financial viability and global leadership. It also recognizes that we cannot and should not reshore everything, especially lower-value goods.
Ally-shore when we can't reshore: When we can't reshore, the next best thing is to move key supply chains to places where we have a democratic alignment to remove geopolitical risks. That’s called ally-shoring, and it will be necessary for our critical mineral acquisition, especially for the defense industrial base. It’s even more important since China has placed restrictions on certain critical minerals that we have to move quickly to secure. Now, we have an opportunity to create well-crafted, transparent critical minerals deals with the right allies and partners to set a model for what investments will look like while adding value at home and for our partners.

📣 WINNING MESSAGES

📘 KEEPING UP W/ FDD

On Iran

Iran x Iraq – Iran Displays Missiles and Drones at Baghdad Military Expo (Janatan Sayeh | FDD’s Long War Journal | April 22, 2025)

Iran’s Weak Axis – Tehran Is Exposed: A Unique Opportunity to Confront the Iranian Nuclear Threat (Eyal Hulata and Major General (Ret.) Amir Eshel | FDD Memo | April 23, 2025)

Houthi Sanctions – New Sanctions Against the Houthis Take Aim at the Terrorist Group’s Banking Sector (Bridget Toomey | FDD Policy Brief | April 24, 2025)

Disarming Hezbollah – Lebanon Reprimands Iran Ambassador Over Criticism of Hezbollah Disarmament Moves (FDD Flash Brief | April 25, 2025)

On Israel

Turkish Aggression – Erdoğan Sets His Sights on Israel (Reuel Marc Gerecht | The Atlantic | April 19, 2025)

Hamas Financial Struggles – Hamas Reportedly Unable to Pay Fighters Amid Israeli Campaign Against Finances (Joe Truzman | FDD’s Long War Journal | April 22, 2025)

Weapons for Turkey – The U.S. Should Not Sell Weapons to Turkey (Sinan Ciddi and Jonathan Schanzer | Newsweek | April 23, 2025)

On Russia & Ukraine

Russia in Syria – In Call to Lift Sanctions, Syrian Interim Leader Underlines Support From Russia and Turkey (FDD Flash Brief | April 23, 2025)

Russia Missile Attack – Many Dead as Russian Missile Barrage Causes Carnage in Kyiv (FDD Flash Brief | April 24, 2025)

On China

U.S.-Vietnam Ties – Bolstering Defense Ties, Vietnam Reportedly Agrees to Purchase American F-16s (Jack Burnham | FDD Policy Brief | April 24, 2025)

In Other News

U.S. Missile Defense – Air and Missile Defense Systems (FDD Visual | April 22, 2025)

Funding Fentanyl – Treasury Report Highlights Role of Financial Transactions in America’s Fentanyl Crisis (Anthony Ruggiero | FDD Policy Brief | April 23, 2025)

Muslim Brotherhood – Jordan Drops the Hammer on the Muslim Brotherhood (Ahmad Sharawi | FDD Policy Brief | April 24, 2025)

Terror in India – Lashkar-e Taiba front group claims responsibility for deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India (Bill Roggio | FDD’s Long War Journal | April 24, 2025)

Paraguay Designates IRGC – ‘Unwavering Commitment to Peace’: Paraguay Designates Iran’s IRGC a Terrorist Organization (FDD Flash Brief | April 25, 2025)

🥳 ON A LIGHTER NOTE…

🎆 Celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary, which will reach a peak in 2026 for the signing of the Declaration of Independence, have already kicked off this past weekend.

Bostonians marked the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard round the world” – the beginning of America’s War of Independence at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. The celebrations began with a reenactment of Paul Revere's ride and the ensuing Battle of Lexington plus a morning salute in Concord. Patrons also enjoyed a pancake breakfast, a five-mile run, and a skydiving show from U.S. Army parachuters.
The White House has joined into the tributes too on X.

🕯️ As you may remember from high school U.S. history, Paul Revere famously alerted minutemen of approaching British troops the night before the battle. Two lanterns were lit in a Boston church to warn that the British were coming “by sea” across the Charles River.

📅 Mark your calendars! Here are some highlights from the next spate of 250th anniversaries this year:

Jun. 14: US Army Birthday
Jun. 15: George Washington appointed Commander-in-Chief
Jun. 17: Battle of Bunker Hill
Oct. 13: US Navy Birthday
Nov. 10: US Marine Corps Birthday

For all upcoming semi-quincentennial celebrations, visit america250.org’s calendar of events.

👋 Thanks for sticking with us! Until next week.

P.S. If you liked this and don’t want to wait another week for more, check out FDD Action’s new X account for endorsement updates and timely analysis on breaking national security news.