As predicted, Israel's air force conducted multiple strikes on Iranian targets across the country overnight on 12-13 June following breakdown in talks between the U.S and Iran over its nuclear program. 

Targets included military installations, air bases, and nuclear facilities. Israel killed Hossein Salami, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC); Mohammad Bagheri, Iranian Armed Forces chief of staff; and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Forces, along with other officers and scientists in attacks on Tehran and elsewhere.

As of morning hours EST, Israeli strikes were still ongoing, targeting the Natanz nuclear site and military operations at Mehrabad and Bushehr airports. Israel has said they are planning for 14 days of military operations if needed, while President Trump issued a statement saying, "it will only get worse" for Iran and says a deal must be made "before there is nothing left."

Iran retaliated with a mass drone swarm, but almost all were intercepted before making it to Israeli airspace with remaining drones shot down by Israel's Iron Dome air defense system. The IRGC has pledged a "proportionate and decisive" response at a time of its choosing. Israel is bracing for several major waves of ballistic missile barrages. 

Tensions are rising in the Middle East as nuclear negotiations with Iran are faltering. On 11 June 2025, the United States (U.S.) ordered embassies within range of Iran to convene emergency action committees and report back to Washington on their risk mitigation measures. In Iraq, the U.S. Embassy officially began to draw down non-essential staff. Iran has vowed to strike U.S. forces across the region should its nuclear installations come under attack. With negotiations at an impasse, the region is preparing for conflict ahead of a possible final round of negotiations in Oman on 15 June 2025.

Ukraine Braces for Putin's Retaliation

"Ukraine's attack might slow the massive aerial bombardments of the major Ukrainian cities. However, the only way to bring the Russians to the negotiating table would be to halt their advances on the battlefield."

In an article in Newsweek, Global Guardian Head of Research and Intelligence Zev Faintuch provided more perspective on how Ukraine's "Operation Spiderweb" drone attack across Russia has rattled the country and what comes next in the conflict. 

Putin Suffers His Worst Week of 2025

"...this operation can be seen as an opening move in a strategic campaign involving deception, covert prepositioning and strategic psychological warfare."

In an article in Newsweek, Global Guardian Head of Research and Intelligence Zev Faintuch weighed in on the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launching a drone attack across Russia, its impact, and what comes next in the war. 

Ukraine’s surprise attack shows it may take a ‘major drone strike’ to change US defense policy, experts say

"Ukraine proved how easy it is to hide a drone swarm in a truck bed, get close to the target, then swarm and destroy targets in a minute or two. Drones are cheap and easy to lethally modify. This know-how is readily available to all State and non-state enemy actors."

In a new piece on Fox News, Global Guardian VP of Client Risk Management Seth Krummrich provides perspective on current U.S. defense policy regarding drones, and how Ukraine's recent use of them factors in to new thinking on the subject. 

Israel says it used air-defense lasers to shoot down drones

"It’s unclear if this system can kind of overcome those inherent challenges with direct energy weapons.”

In a piece on NewsNation, Global Guardian Senior Intelligence Analyst Zev Faintuch provides perspective on a new Israeli weapon that shoots down drones using air defense lasers, and what that technology means for future conflicts. 

Cryptocurrency Investors Up Personal Security Measures After Series of Violent Kidnappings Targeting Their Peers

“They knew he would be able to identify them and their location, so he was lucky to have been able to escape—the end game would have been bad."

In a new article in Security Management, Global Guardian VP, Client Risk Management James Wiggins weighed in on the brazen cryptocurrency-related crimes that have taken place over the past six months, and what the proper security response should be. 

In Global Guardian's monthly Risk Barometer, our Intelligence Team highlights current global hotspots with the potential to impact your business operations and travel. Read below for analysis on the threats we are closely monitoring this month and click here to subscribe for regular intelligence updates.

Connected Cars are Driving New Cyber Risks

“As cars join the ranks of internet-connected devices, they face the same data breach risks as your computer or cell phone. But the stakes are even higher.” 

In a new op-ed for Security Info Watch, Global Guardian intelligence Analyst Joe Chafetz explains how our cars are becoming the next frontier in the world of cyber risks and warfare. Learn about the current and future vulnerabilities of internet-connected cars, and steps you can take to shore up your defenses, in the full piece. Read more about this and other emerging threats in Global Guardian's latest Worldwide Threat Assessment. 

US Warns Iran 'Too Close for Comfort' to Nuclear Weapons

"I believe the Middle East is the US's center of gravity for President Trump's second term, the place where he will make or break his Presidential legacy... I expect the U.S. will make a significant outreach to Iran."

In Newsweek, Global Guardian Vice President of Client Risk Management Seth Krummrich weighed in on the stance that the Trump administration is taking towards Iran, which is reportedly enriching uranium with the goal of obtaining nuclear weapon capacity.