CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies

War with Iran

Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Monford/U.S. Navy via Getty Images

What Are U.S. Military Options in Iran?

As Washington weighs force against Tehran alongside ongoing negotiations and an economic blockade, CSIS’s Benjamin Jensen evaluates six military options ranging from coercive diplomacy and targeted strikes to a prolonged sea control campaign and covert action.

by Benjamin Jensen

Photo: Iranian Presidency/Anadolu via Getty Images

Only the Gulf Can End the Iran War

by Allison Minor and Nate Swanson

Photo: ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images

Latest Analysis: War with Iran

China

A New Supercarrier Emerges

Recent satellite imagery provides new insights into the construction of China’s fourth aircraft carrier, confirming that the vessel will be significantly larger than China’s existing carriers and could rival the United States’ supercarriers in size.

Digital Feature by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, Aidan Powers-Riggs, and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — May 21, 2026

Photo: Nelson ALMEIDA / AFP via Getty Images

Deepfakes Are Dominating Global Elections, and Regulation Is Playing Catch-Up

As AI-generated deepfakes become increasingly prevalent in elections worldwide, governments are struggling to distinguish political expression from deception and enforce regulations before misleading content reaches voters.

by A’ndre Gonawela and Kuhu Badgi