Ryan Robertson

Omaha

Investigative Reporter, Anchor and Producer at Straight Arrow News

Multimedia Consultant at pacificlife.com

Husband, Father, Journalist and fact teller. Contributor for @StraightArrow__ RT's aren't endorsements

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Articles

The cost of Israel's war with Iran

1 week ago | san.com | Brett Baker |Jake Larsen |Mathew Grisham |Ryan Robertson

As the saying goes, war is hell — but it’s also expensive. The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, driving up the costs. With every volley of missiles fired, sortie launched and bomb dropped, military operations are costing millions of dollars. One of the most significant expenses is Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. Experts estimate that when Iran fires a wave of missiles, the cost to intercept can range from tens of millions to $200 million a day.
US military surging forces in Mideast after Israel strikes Iran

1 week ago | san.com | Jake Larsen |Matt Bishop |Ryan Robertson

When Israeli jets launched a sweeping preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the United States initially insisted its ally had acted alone. But in the days since, U.S. military movements and official rhetoric suggest a rapid and significant shift that aligns America more directly with Israel’s goals in the region. Israel said it had no choice but to act, claiming Tehran was dangerously close to acquiring a nuclear weapon.
US Navy makes history with unmanned underwater vehicle

2 weeks ago | san.com | Matt Bishop |Ryan Robertson

In a stealthy, first-of-its-kind mission beneath European waters, the U.S. Navy successfully launched and recovered an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) from a submerged submarine, all without a single diver in the water. The operation, carried out by the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791), marked the first-ever forward-deployed torpedo tube launch and recovery of an autonomous UUV to complete a tactical objective.
Trump warns of military action if Iran talks collapse, CENTCOM confirms plans

2 weeks ago | san.com | Ally Heath |Cole Lauterbach |Jake Larsen |Ryan Robertson

U.S. Central Command, known as CENTCOM, prepared a range of military responses if ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran break down, Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla confirmed during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, June 10. Kurilla told lawmakers he had provided both President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with multiple options if Iran does not give up its enrichment program, according to Reuters.
Guard, not police: Troops in LA have strict legal boundaries

2 weeks ago | san.com | Matt Bishop |Ryan Robertson

[Ryan Robertson]PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FEDERALIZED 2,000 CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS IN THE WAKE OF THE ANTI-ICE PROTESTS IN CALIFORNIA. BUT AS THE U-S CONSTITUTION MAKES ABUNDANTLY CLEAR, SOLDIERS ARE NOT COPS. PRESIDENT TRUMP DEPLOYED THE TROOPS UNDER TITLE X OF THE U-S CODE…WHICH IS THE SAME AUTHORITY THE PRESIDENT WOULD USE IF DEPLOYING THOSE SAME SOLDIERS OVER SEAS.
Russia recruits Cubans for the frontlines in Ukraine

2 weeks ago | san.com | Bast Bramhall |Matt Bishop |Ryan Robertson |William O. Jackson

Ukrainian intelligence estimates that nearly 20,000 Cubans have signed contracts with the Russian military since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. According to testimony and reports, many were allegedly lured by promises of high pay, Russian citizenship and job opportunities. Some traveled to Russia without a visa, as Cuban citizens are permitted to enter the country without a visa for 90 days. Recruiters reportedly offered between $2,000 and $2,500 per month.
Israel confirms first use of laser weapons in combat

4 weeks ago | san.com | Alex Delia |Ally Heath |Jake Larsen |Ryan Robertson

Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed the use of laser-based air defense systems during its current conflict, marking the first official acknowledgment of deploying directed-energy weapons in combat. The ministry used two systems to intercept dozens of aerial threats, primarily drones launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon. Officials declined to specify when they deployed the systems or how many interceptions were successful.
Russia suggests June 2 peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul

4 weeks ago | san.com | Alex Delia |Ally Heath |Emma Stoltzfus |Ryan Robertson

Russia has proposed a new round of direct peace talks with Ukraine for June 2 in Istanbul, following a prisoner exchange of 1,000 for 1,000 earlier in May 2025. In a phone call on Wednesday, May 28, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed Moscow’s latest proposals with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, referencing efforts to implement agreements from the May 19 call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
US sending Israel more than a planeload of weapons every day

4 weeks ago | san.com | Cassandra J. Buchman |Ryan Robertson

In the same week Israel marked 600 days since the deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, the United States sent the 800th planeload of weapons and munitions to the Israel Defense Forces. The planes received on Tuesday, May 27, were loaded with guns, bombs and ammunition, and were in addition to the 140 ships laden with military aid also sent to Israel.
Trump pushes for Iran nuclear deal; Israel warns of possible attack

1 month ago | san.com | Cassandra J. Buchman |Jake Larsen |Ryan Robertson |William O. Jackson

President Donald Trump is pursuing a new nuclear deal with Iran as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that military action could come soon if diplomacy fails. The two leaders remain divided on how to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, with Netanyahu pushing for a full dismantling of Iran’s enrichment facilities and Trump aiming to negotiate limits backed by the threat of force. Talks have focused on curbing Iran’s nuclear program while avoiding a military clash.