Caitlin Talmadge
@proftalmadge.bsky.social
MIT professor, Brookings senior fellow, series editor at Cornell Press ⎮ Foreign policy, military operations, civil-military relations, nuclear weapons, authoritarianism ⎮ Views are my own ⎮ Book: The Dictator's Army
https://www.caitlintalmadge.com/
https://www.caitlintalmadge.com/
Pinned
Never has so much US combat power been assembled with so little explanation to the public, allies, or Congress regarding why or how it will be used. Never.
The administration still doesn't get that Iran has a vote on when this conflict ends.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Iran’s Secret Plan to Escalate the War
Intercepted communications and other intelligence suggest a strategic shift by hard-line leaders to raise the costs for the U.S. and its regional allies.
www.wsj.com
August 18, 2026 at 2:48 PM
The administration still doesn't get that Iran has a vote on when this conflict ends.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Delighted to have joined The Beijing Brief podcast from Taipei for a discussion of Taiwan's defense policy and security environment with Ryan Hass and Jon Czin! www.brookings.edu/articles/how...
How secure is Taiwan? The view from Taipei | Brookings
Ryan Hass and Jon Czin are joined by Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Caitlin Talmadge for a special episode of The Beijing Brief from on the ground in Taipei. Drawing on conversations with Taiwane...
www.brookings.edu
August 18, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Delighted to have joined The Beijing Brief podcast from Taipei for a discussion of Taiwan's defense policy and security environment with Ryan Hass and Jon Czin! www.brookings.edu/articles/how...
I'm old enough to remember when South Korea was the linchpin of US plans to increase ship building capacity.
(That was 3 days ago btw.)
(That was 3 days ago btw.)
August 17, 2026 at 11:24 AM
I'm old enough to remember when South Korea was the linchpin of US plans to increase ship building capacity.
(That was 3 days ago btw.)
(That was 3 days ago btw.)
Saying the Lincoln has among the lowest number of mental health cases among US carriers isn’t the great talking point you think it is
August 17, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Saying the Lincoln has among the lowest number of mental health cases among US carriers isn’t the great talking point you think it is
Translation: Trump launched a war with the unrealistic goal of eliminating Iran's nuclear program at low cost, a goal now being jettisoned in a desperate attempt to return to the status quo ante in the Strait, which is also likely to fail.
August 16, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Translation: Trump launched a war with the unrealistic goal of eliminating Iran's nuclear program at low cost, a goal now being jettisoned in a desperate attempt to return to the status quo ante in the Strait, which is also likely to fail.
If you need more convincing on why large unhardened bases are a big vulnerability both in the Gulf and Indo-Pacific
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u...
Navy and USS Lincoln’s Problems Are Tied to Attacks on U.S. Base Early in War
Diego Garcia, a tiny island 2,200 miles from the Gulf of Oman, took over as the Navy’s logistics hub after Iran damaged a base in Bahrain.
www.nytimes.com
August 16, 2026 at 11:11 AM
If you need more convincing on why large unhardened bases are a big vulnerability both in the Gulf and Indo-Pacific
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u...
“Chances are this MOU is both the first and last deal that Trump and Iran ever sign" www.wsj.com/politics/nat...
Trump Pledged No Forever Wars. Now He Risks Forever Talks With Iran.
Tehran has a well-worn playbook for drawing out negotiations and putting off concessions that cross its redlines.
www.wsj.com
July 3, 2026 at 11:51 AM
“Chances are this MOU is both the first and last deal that Trump and Iran ever sign" www.wsj.com/politics/nat...
More evidence that US-Iran agreement has not effectively addressed Iran's continuing ability to interfere with traffic in the Strait-- a source of Iranian strategic leverage that did not exist before the war.
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/26/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/26/w...
After Attacking Cargo Ship, Iran Presses Its Claim to Authority Over Strait
www.nytimes.com
June 26, 2026 at 3:36 PM
More evidence that US-Iran agreement has not effectively addressed Iran's continuing ability to interfere with traffic in the Strait-- a source of Iranian strategic leverage that did not exist before the war.
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/26/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/26/w...
Iranian long-range precision strike in the Gulf is a harbinger of serious threats to U.S. power projection not only there but also in the Indo-Pacific. Mara Karlin and I wrote a piece on this a couple weeks ago @brookings.edu linked below.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
How Iran Devastated an American Naval Base—and Caused a U.S. Recalculation
Satellite imagery reveals for the first time the extent of what Iran destroyed at Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
www.wsj.com
June 26, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Iranian long-range precision strike in the Gulf is a harbinger of serious threats to U.S. power projection not only there but also in the Indo-Pacific. Mara Karlin and I wrote a piece on this a couple weeks ago @brookings.edu linked below.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Nothing new for Presidents and Secretaries to fire generals-- that is entirely their right. But doing so en masse without explanation is unprecedented and corrosive, as Admiral McRaven perfectly explains in this piece.
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Americans Deserve Answers From Hegseth
The president and the secretary of defense have a right to remove officers, but also an obligation to explain their actions.
www.theatlantic.com
June 26, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Nothing new for Presidents and Secretaries to fire generals-- that is entirely their right. But doing so en masse without explanation is unprecedented and corrosive, as Admiral McRaven perfectly explains in this piece.
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
"A senior administration official said Iran knows U.S. is unwilling to return to war, raising possibility that Tehran could close the Strait again for its own diplomatic leverage. The official said the agreement is likely to be less restrictive than the 2015 deal." www.wsj.com/world/middle...
The Race to Land an Iran Deal Loomed Large Behind Trump’s UFC Birthday
In one weekend, Trump veered from threatening the “ultimate alternative” against Iran to celebrating what he called a “great deal” to end the war.
www.wsj.com
June 16, 2026 at 1:28 PM
"A senior administration official said Iran knows U.S. is unwilling to return to war, raising possibility that Tehran could close the Strait again for its own diplomatic leverage. The official said the agreement is likely to be less restrictive than the 2015 deal." www.wsj.com/world/middle...
There is a lot we don’t know about the MOU US and Iran apparently plan to sign later this week, but a few things stand out based on reports we are seeing: 1/4
June 15, 2026 at 2:37 PM
There is a lot we don’t know about the MOU US and Iran apparently plan to sign later this week, but a few things stand out based on reports we are seeing: 1/4
Some questions about the purported US-Iran MOU:
- Why was war necessary to achieve what is in this agreement?
- How does this agreement improve on the JCPOA that Trump abandoned in 2018 even though US certified Iran as being in compliance? 1/2
- Why was war necessary to achieve what is in this agreement?
- How does this agreement improve on the JCPOA that Trump abandoned in 2018 even though US certified Iran as being in compliance? 1/2
June 15, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Some questions about the purported US-Iran MOU:
- Why was war necessary to achieve what is in this agreement?
- How does this agreement improve on the JCPOA that Trump abandoned in 2018 even though US certified Iran as being in compliance? 1/2
- Why was war necessary to achieve what is in this agreement?
- How does this agreement improve on the JCPOA that Trump abandoned in 2018 even though US certified Iran as being in compliance? 1/2
THIS: "Even if the ceasefire holds, the strategic landscape has shifted in ways that cannot be undone. Iran’s months‑long blockade shattered a decades‑old taboo and demonstrated its ability to weaponise the strait at will."
www.lloydslist.com/LL1157463/A-...
www.lloydslist.com/LL1157463/A-...
A fragile thaw in Hormuz but timing and sequence now matter
A 60‑day US–Iran ceasefire promises to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, triggering rapid market reactions, but the maritime sector remains cautious amid unclear rules, unresolved nuclear negotiations and fears of reclosure
www.lloydslist.com
June 15, 2026 at 2:35 PM
THIS: "Even if the ceasefire holds, the strategic landscape has shifted in ways that cannot be undone. Iran’s months‑long blockade shattered a decades‑old taboo and demonstrated its ability to weaponise the strait at will."
www.lloydslist.com/LL1157463/A-...
www.lloydslist.com/LL1157463/A-...
Delighted to share this @brookings.edu piece with Mara Karlin on the long-term military implications of the Iran war. www.brookings.edu/articles/the...
The end of the American way of war? | Brookings
The Iran war has demonstrated that U.S. forward-deployed forces in the Middle East no longer enjoy sanctuary from attack.
www.brookings.edu
June 10, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Delighted to share this @brookings.edu piece with Mara Karlin on the long-term military implications of the Iran war. www.brookings.edu/articles/the...
“Iran’s decisions show they believe they have the upper hand, with Trump deterred from renewing the fighting." www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Iran’s Attack on Israel Reveals New and Aggressive Regional Ambitions
The move to protect Hezbollah shows an appetite for risk that didn’t exist before the war.
www.wsj.com
June 9, 2026 at 1:26 PM
“Iran’s decisions show they believe they have the upper hand, with Trump deterred from renewing the fighting." www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Clearest sign yet that Iran doesn't believe it lost this war. Bodes very poorly for any deal-making with US. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/08/w...
Why Iran Risked an Attack on Israel
www.nytimes.com
June 8, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Clearest sign yet that Iran doesn't believe it lost this war. Bodes very poorly for any deal-making with US. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/08/w...
Iran appears to be entering the extended deterrence business. "Where it once used allies such as Hezbollah to insulate itself from conflict with Israel, it is now fighting Israel directly to defend its allies, Citrinowicz said." www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Trump and Netanyahu’s Rift Over Lebanon Is Deepening
The exchange of fire between Israel and Iran has brought new urgency to a simmering disagreement.
www.wsj.com
June 8, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Iran appears to be entering the extended deterrence business. "Where it once used allies such as Hezbollah to insulate itself from conflict with Israel, it is now fighting Israel directly to defend its allies, Citrinowicz said." www.wsj.com/world/middle...
👀 "Trump surprised Gulf allies by announcing Project Freedom. In response, the Kingdom informed the U.S. it would not allow the U.S. military to fly aircraft from Prince Sultan Airbase southeast of Riyadh or fly through Saudi airspace to support the effort." www.nbcnews.com/politics/whi...
Trump’s abrupt U-turn on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz came after backlash from allies
Saudi Arabia, a key Gulf ally, suspended the U.S. military’s ability to use its bases and airspace to carry out the operation, sources say.
www.nbcnews.com
May 7, 2026 at 9:10 AM
👀 "Trump surprised Gulf allies by announcing Project Freedom. In response, the Kingdom informed the U.S. it would not allow the U.S. military to fly aircraft from Prince Sultan Airbase southeast of Riyadh or fly through Saudi airspace to support the effort." www.nbcnews.com/politics/whi...
None of the Iran War's stated strategic objectives have been achieved. Highly repressive regime still in Tehran, nuclear program still intact, missiles & drones still launching. And US now suddenly pausing effort to re-open Hormuz-- a problem that did not exist before the war. It's mind-boggling.
May 6, 2026 at 12:28 PM
None of the Iran War's stated strategic objectives have been achieved. Highly repressive regime still in Tehran, nuclear program still intact, missiles & drones still launching. And US now suddenly pausing effort to re-open Hormuz-- a problem that did not exist before the war. It's mind-boggling.
Lots of care at this morning's Hegseth-Caine presser to emphasize that Project Freedom is distinct from Epic Fury, and that exchanges of fire yesterday remained low level. They sure don't want anyone bringing up the War Powers Resolution....
May 5, 2026 at 12:56 PM
Lots of care at this morning's Hegseth-Caine presser to emphasize that Project Freedom is distinct from Epic Fury, and that exchanges of fire yesterday remained low level. They sure don't want anyone bringing up the War Powers Resolution....
"European security officials say they are worried Tehran might later retaliate for the killing of senior Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by targeting a western leader or military asset." www.ft.com/content/63dd...
Iran’s covert war on opponents abroad
Experts say Tehran is likely to eventually seek retaliation against senior figures over the US-Israeli war
www.ft.com
May 5, 2026 at 11:40 AM
"European security officials say they are worried Tehran might later retaliate for the killing of senior Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by targeting a western leader or military asset." www.ft.com/content/63dd...
US decision to send warships into the Strait still carries significant risk. Not something you do if you think your blockade is about to produce coercive success from afar.
May 4, 2026 at 5:08 PM
US decision to send warships into the Strait still carries significant risk. Not something you do if you think your blockade is about to produce coercive success from afar.
"U.S. military forces including warships and aircraft actively protected several commercial vessels from Iranian attacks Monday" www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Fighting Flares Up in Iran War as U.A.E. and Ships Are Attacked
The Emirates accused Iran of its first attack during the cease-fire as the U.S. deployed warships and jets to protect vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
www.wsj.com
May 4, 2026 at 5:08 PM
"U.S. military forces including warships and aircraft actively protected several commercial vessels from Iranian attacks Monday" www.wsj.com/world/middle...
I would love to be wrong, but this feels like a nothing burger. Essentially a coordination cell. Reinforces that Iran still controls the Strait and US is reluctant to regularly send in warships. www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Trump Says U.S. Will Guide Stranded Ships Through Strait of Hormuz
The plan is an arm’s-length effort to unblock the vital supply waterway that doesn’t involve escorts by U.S. warships.
www.wsj.com
May 4, 2026 at 2:44 PM
I would love to be wrong, but this feels like a nothing burger. Essentially a coordination cell. Reinforces that Iran still controls the Strait and US is reluctant to regularly send in warships. www.wsj.com/world/middle...