Long War Journal Archives - FDD's Long War Journal

Analysis: Khamenei warily accepts US deal as Tehran eyes rebuilding Hezbollah

Janatan Sayeh — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:15:56 +0000

Days after Tehran and Washington reached a memorandum of understanding over ending the recent conflict, Iran's new supreme leader is distancing himself from the agreement as hardliners clash over its implications. Meanwhile, reports that Iran is preparing to increase support for Hezbollah and statements from senior regime figures suggest that Tehran views any sanctions relief as an opportunity to rebuild proxy capabilities.

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Gaza peace plan sees slow progress after Hamas meets in Cairo

Seth Frantzman — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 20:27:54 +0000

Efforts to advance the US-backed peace plan for Gaza have continued amid difficult negotiations over Hamas’s disarmament and the future security structure of the enclave. Talks in Cairo involving Hamas, Egyptian officials, and representatives of the Board of Peace have focused on implementing key provisions related to weapons restrictions and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force.

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Analysis: Ukraine unveils reforms to address manpower shortage

Maksym Panchokha & John Hardie — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:26:43 +0000

Ukraine hopes a set of sweeping reforms will help redress its chronic shortage of manpower by providing clear terms of service and better pay. However, its promises to begin discharging long-serving troops and reform controversial mobilization procedures raise questions about how it will accomplish these goals simultaneously.

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Pirate attacks on ships in the Gulf of Aden are on the rise

Bridget Toomey — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:53:33 +0000

Since late April, armed attackers in small skiffs, using tactics consistent with pirates, have been attacking ships off Yemen’s southern coast and other waters around the Horn of Africa at a rate not seen since 2011, when piracy in the region was at its peak.

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi meets US envoy amid militia pressure

Seth Frantzman — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:59:22 +0000

US Envoy to Iraq and Syria Tom Barrack’s recent visit to Iraq on June 15 highlighted Washington’s efforts to support stability, security cooperation, and political reform in the country amid continuing regional tensions. Discussions focused on strengthening ties between Baghdad and Washington, disarming Iranian-backed militias, and advancing energy deals.

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Generation Jihad | Fog of the deal

The LWJ Editors — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:28:22 +0000

President Trump said that a two-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the US and the Islamic Republic of Iran that will end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz. But will this deal bring about a lasting peace in the region, or has peace just become another five-letter word? FDD Senior Fellow David Daoud and Bill Roggio speculate as to what will become of the Middle East and America’s influence in the region as this very thin MOU moves forward.

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IDF confirms killing Hezbollah commander responsible for creating Iran-backed militias in Iraq

Bill Roggio — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:51:04 +0000

On June 14, the Israeli military confirmed that it killed Ali Mousa Daqduq, a wanted and dangerous Hezbollah military commander. Daqduq was a key architect of the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and a top Hezbollah commander involved in leading attacks inside Israel. He was previously reported killed in the fall of 2024, but his death was never confirmed.

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Venezuela reshuffles foreign relationships as oil production grows

Samuel Ben-Ur — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:09:45 +0000

As Nicolás Maduro’s foreign minister and vice president, interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez previously helped build Caracas’s ties to Russia, China, and other US adversaries. Despite Washington's desire for Venezuela to now orient toward the West, Rodríguez is also courting middle powers that can give Caracas room to maneuver, an effort aided by Venezuela’s recovering oil economy.

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Iraq’s prime minister prepares US visit amid Iran threats and militia focus

Seth Frantzman — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:40:58 +0000

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi is set to visit Washington, DC, as his government seeks investment, security cooperation, and support for efforts to strengthen state authority. A central focus of his agenda is bringing weapons held by Iranian-backed militias under government control, a process Baghdad hopes to advance before the planned end of the US anti-Islamic State mission in September 2026.

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IDF targets Hamas middle managers, reports 15 strikes and ceasefire violations May 29–June 10

Samuel Ben-Ur — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:36:41 +0000

Following the high-profile eliminations of two Hamas military wing leaders, the Israeli military turned to targeting lower-level officials in the group who are leading its rearmament push, as well as members of other Gaza terrorist organizations.

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Houthis attack Israel and announce ban on Israeli vessels in the Red Sea

Bridget Toomey — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:16:22 +0000

The Houthis in Yemen launched two missiles at Israel and declared a blockade of Israeli vessels in the Red Sea on Monday. The Iran-backed terror group conducted this attack during waves of Iran’s own missile attacks against Israel.

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Analysis: Turkish interior minister states dream of governing Jerusalem, provoking Israel

Sinan Ciddi — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 02:20:49 +0000

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci recently sparked controversy by expressing his desire to one day govern Jerusalem and suggesting that territories once ruled by the Ottoman Empire could again fall under Turkish sovereignty. Ciftci's remarks are the latest indication that senior Turkish officials continue to view Jerusalem not merely as a symbol of the Palestinian cause, but as part of a broader historical mission that seeks to expand Ankara's influence across the Middle East.

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Russia reopening military schools to expand officer training pipeline

John Hardie — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 21:22:34 +0000

Moscow announced that it will re-establish the Chelyabinsk Higher Tank Command School, one of more than a dozen new schools Russia is standing up to expand its officer-training pipeline for a larger military that has been heavily attrited by the war in Ukraine.

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Houthis emphasize solidarity and coordination with Iran-led Axis of Resistance

Bridget Toomey — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:48:02 +0000

The Houthis in Yemen reiterated support for their partners in the Iran-led Axis of Resistance, singling out Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. While leaving the door open to further involvement in the ongoing regional conflict, the group stopped short of saying it would join the fighting.

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Generation Jihad | Gaza: Smoldering battlefield?

The LWJ Editors — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:57:08 +0000

Despite multiple attempts by Israel to quell the fighting in Gaza and decapitate Hamas's leadership, the group continues a guerilla-style resistance. The IDF now fights on three active fronts: Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza. But it’s perhaps the forgotten war in Gaza that could resume major hostilities if left unchecked. Bill Roggio speaks with FDD Research Analyst Samuel Ben-Ur about next steps in Gaza.

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Several Iranian-backed militias in Iraq say they accept state control of weapons

Seth Frantzman — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:27:59 +0000

Iraq’s new government is attempting to bring weapons held by Iranian-backed militias under state control, a move that could reshape the role of armed groups linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Several militias have announced plans to place their arms under government authority and disengage from the PMF, while others remain opposed or have issued mixed signals.

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Generation Jihad | The next caliphate battleground

The LWJ Editors — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:11:05 +0000

While attention remains fixed elsewhere, jihadist groups are expanding across Africa. Bill Roggio and Caleb Weiss revisit the growing threats in Mali, Nigeria, and Somalia—and why the continent remains one of the most consequential battlegrounds in the war against Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.

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US Syria Envoy Barrack tapped for Syria and Iraq role

Seth Frantzman — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:53:15 +0000

Syria is seeking to deepen ties with the US and expand regional diplomacy as the countries pursue discussions on reconstruction, sanctions relief, and economic recovery. Simultaneously, Syria faces ongoing regional shifts, including emerging trade routes, increased use of Syrian airspace, and broader tensions affecting reconstruction and political integration.

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Generation Jihad | Everybody wants a McWar

The LWJ Editors — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:45:14 +0000

Iran's military has been shattered. The Strait of Hormuz remains contested. Three months in, Bill Roggio and FDD's Jon Schanzer examine why quick victories are rare, patience is scarce, and this war is entering its most consequential phase yet.

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Muqtada al Sadr announces integration of his militia into the Iraqi state

Bridget Toomey — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:32:39 +0000

Iraqi nationalist cleric Muqtada al Sadr announced that his militia, Saraya al Salam, will integrate into state security institutions. This development comes as Iraq’s new political leadership is navigating the issue of disarming Iran-backed militias.

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Syria holds elections in Kurdish-majority areas, finds Assad-era chemical weapons

Seth Frantzman — Sat, 30 May 2026 19:27:21 +0000

Syria moved forward with another round of local elections on May 24 as the government seeks to strengthen its legitimacy and extend authority following years of conflict. The vote came as Damascus said it was working with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to turn over remnants of the previous Assad regime’s chemical weapons program.

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Israel reportedly targets Imam Hossein Division missile commander in Beirut strike

David Daoud — Fri, 29 May 2026 23:44:34 +0000

On May 28, Israel conducted its first strike in weeks targeting Beirut. The Israelis have yet to confirm it, but reporting indicates that the intended target was Ali al Hussaini, a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Forces’ Imam Hossein Division. This division, whose origins were in the Syrian Civil War, has been reinforcing Hezbollah throughout the conflict with Israel that began in October 2023.

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IDF kills new Hamas military leader, reports 10 ceasefire violations May 21–May 28

Samuel Ben-Ur — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:12:47 +0000

Less than two weeks after Hamas named Mohammed Odeh as its new military commander, Israel eliminated him. The IDF also targeted a number of other high-profile Hamas members as the terrorist group continues refusing to disarm.

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Shabaab spokesman congratulates JNIM, denounces Western powers in Eid message

Caleb Weiss — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:37:15 +0000

During his message for Eid al Adha, Ali Mohamad Rage, Shabaab’s top spokesman, congratulated the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), Al Qaeda’s branch in West Africa, for its recent victories in Mali. Rage also praised Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and denounced American and Turkish activities in Somalia.

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Iran conducts new attacks on Kurdish opposition groups in northern Iraq

Seth Frantzman — Wed, 27 May 2026 14:47:15 +0000

The Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) said Iranian drones and a missile struck one of its facilities near Erbil on May 25, wounding nine Peshmerga, while other camps were reportedly also targeted in recent weeks. Kurdish Iranian opposition groups, operating from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region for decades, formed a coalition to coordinate activities in February. The attacks come as Iraq’s new government seeks to curb armed groups and address regional security concerns.

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Generation Jihad | POV: FPV (or: “The Anarchist Cookbook of war”)

The LWJ Editors — Tue, 26 May 2026 18:53:25 +0000

Hezbollah's missiles may be depleted, but cheap FPV drones are changing the battlefield — slipping past defenses, targeting Israeli troops, and exposing a dangerous new vulnerability. Bill Roggio and David Daoud unpack Hezbollah’s drone evolution, the psychological warfare behind the footage, and why Israel may be drifting back toward the failed security zone dynamics of the past.

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Amid security threats, Syria attempts to cement stability, international ties

Seth Frantzman — Fri, 22 May 2026 12:01:08 +0000

A car bombing in central Damascus on May 19 killed one soldier and wounded civilians, as Syrian forces conducted raids against suspected militants in Deir Ez Zor. Damascus is also advancing reconciliation efforts with Kurdish groups and pursuing international diplomatic engagement.

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Generation Jihad | Dune: the Brotherhood jihad

Bill Roggio & Edmund Fitton-Brown — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:47:16 +0000

Before Hamas. Before Al Qaeda. Before the Islamic State. There was… the Muslim Brotherhood. And for nearly a century, it has played the long game by building influence across the Middle East and even deep inside the West. Bill Roggio is joined Edmund Fitton-Brown to discuss.

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Hamas replaces military wing leader, IDF reports 19 Gaza ceasefire violations May 6–20

Aaron Goren — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:35:12 +0000

After the elimination of Al Qassam Brigades leader Izz al Din al Haddad on May 15, Hamas has reportedly turned to longtime senior member Mohammed Odeh to take the reins of the group’s military wing. As Hamas reportedly rearms and reconstitutes its strength, the IDF reports that its members and other Palestinian terrorists have continued to violate the ceasefire in Gaza.

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Saudi Arabia and UAE say drone attacks were launched from Iraq

Seth Frantzman — Wed, 20 May 2026 13:35:55 +0000

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said that recent drone attacks targeting their territory originated from Iraq, increasing pressure on Baghdad to address the activities of Iranian-backed militias operating inside the country. The incidents come amid continued regional tensions involving Iran and have intensified scrutiny of Iraq’s newly formed government.

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