Daily Intelligence Brief - Mar 23, 2026
TODAY’S BRIEFING:
US-Iran tensions continue to simmer, with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani labeling Trump’s peace talk claims as “fake news.” In response, the US is postponing some strikes in its war against Iran, reportedly using diplomatic leverage to negotiate an end to the conflict. Meanwhile, Trump has stated that US and Iran held “very good” talks, suggesting a potential shift in rhetoric.
In other global developments, the US military has cut ties with Chinese battery suppliers, with Korea stepping in to provide alternative energy solutions. Ex-US official Robert Einhorn sees a low possibility for a Trump-Kim summit during President Trump’s anticipated trip to China.
domestically, the US is reorganizing its federal downsizing efforts and regulatory rollbacks. The dollar-based order is under stress as global power structures realign.
Watch for:
- Further diplomatic shifts between Iran, US, and other regional actors
- Potential escalation of proxy conflicts in the Middle East
- Impact on energy markets, particularly with regards to China’s growing role in global supply