Good Morning. 

Russia hosts regional talks on Taliban cooperation in Afghanistan, the Pentagon allocates $1.2B for weapons and ship maintenance after Middle East operations, the U.S. cybersecurity chief reassures voters about election integrity despite foreign threats, Western allies enhance spy satellite collaboration to counter China and Russia in space, and Chinese scam hubs reemerge in Myanmar as Beijing eases pressure on the military junta.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

U.S. Weighs Options for Iranian Oil Site Strikes as Middle East Tensions Soar

• The U.S. is discussing potential strikes on Iranian oil facilities in retaliation for Iran's missile attack on Israel, while Israel continues air strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.

• Israel has ordered evacuations in parts of southern Lebanon, suggesting an imminent military operation, and has conducted strikes near Beirut's airport targeting a high-ranking Hezbollah official.

• The G7 nations have condemned Iran's attack and reaffirmed support for Israel's security, but also called for restraint and a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

Counterterrorism

• Russia is hosting a meeting of regional countries to discuss cooperation with Taliban-governed Afghanistan. ➚

• Houthi rebels are sending threatening emails to Greek shipping companies. ➚

• Yazidi ex-ISIS captive rescued from Gaza in international operation. ➚

• Iran sees panic buying, airspace closure after Israeli threats. ➚

• Kim Jong Un warns of nuclear response to sovereignty breach. ➚

Military & Defense

• Pentagon to spend $1.2B restocking weapons and maintaining ships after Middle East operations. ➚

• UK cedes Chagos Islands to Mauritius, keeps Diego Garcia base. ➚

• Suspected Israeli strike hits near Russian base in Syria. ➚

• Vietnam protests alleged Chinese attack on fishing boats near Paracels. ➚

Cybersecurity

• U.S. cybersecurity chief assures voters of election integrity despite foreign threats and misinformation campaigns. ➚

• North Korean hackers deploy new VeilShell backdoor in Southeast Asian cyberattacks. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Western allies boost spy satellite collaboration to counter space threats from China and Russia. ➚

• DOJ and Microsoft disrupt Russian FSB espionage operation targeting government agencies. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Chinese scam hubs resurge in Myanmar as Beijing eases pressure on junta. ➚ 

• Mexican army seizes local police weapons in Culiacan amid cartel violence. ➚

The America Builds podcast sits at the nexus of national security, technology, and venture capital. Hosts Will Allen and Hayley Menser interview the brilliant operators and investors pushing the boundaries of frontier technology.