FOREIGN POLICY

APRIL 8. 2026

Hegseth’s Divine War

The U. S. defense secretary is using the military to promote Christian nationalism, experts say.

Why Trump Mishandled Iran

The U. S. president has a history of following other world leaders—or his gut—instead of his own intelligence officers and experts.

Iran Conflict Threatens Armenia-Azerbaijan Progress

Trump’s Iran policy might undermine his one successful peace accord.

U. S. and Iran Agree to 2-Week Cease-Fire

The announcement came less than two hours before Trump’s deadline was set to expire.

APRIL 7. 2026

Another Chinese Politburo Member Falls

Ma Xingrui is the latest official ensnared by anti-corruption purges.

Will Trump Attack or TACO?

T-minus four hours until either Tehran accepts a cease-fire deal or the United States attacks Iran’s civilian infrastructure.

The Iran War Is Exposing Iraq’s Weaknesses

Baghdad doesn’t control much of its own territory.

Why Energy Has Become a Foreign-Policy Weapon

Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is a reminder of how everything is fair game in an era of great-power competition.

Trump Is Attacking Iranians, Not Just Iran

The destruction of infrastructure is killing ordinary people.

Preventing an Iranian Bomb Is Only Getting Harder

A weaker, angrier, more suspicious regime with a less cautious supreme leader and leverage over Hormuz. What could go wrong?

The War Will End With a Hormuz Toll Booth

Iran will likely control the waterway. The question is whether diplomats find a way of making that workable.

The Gulf’s Wartime Unity Is Unraveling

Some states want escalation; others are pushing for restraint.

Trump’s New Cyber Strategy Is Catnip for Beijing

Washington thinks offensive cyber power will restore deterrence. It’s mistaken.

Southeast Asia’s Coming Food Crisis

Myanmar will be hit worst.