The Cipher Brief

The Cipher Brief is an online platform focused on security discussions, linking the private sector with top security professionals. We provide insightful analysis of current news and events, aiding readers in understanding and managing the complicated and often unpredictable global security landscape. Founded by former CNN Intelligence Correspondent Suzanne Kelly, The Cipher Brief operates on the principle that simply reporting on security incidents or global threats is not enough to address larger issues. By involving the private sector in constructive conversations about solutions, we aim to drive progress and foster better outcomes.

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Trump’s Dangerous Game with El Salvador

2 days ago | thecipherbrief.com | Walter Pincus

Posted: April 22nd, 2025 OPINION – “We have offered the United States of America the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system. We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee.
The Pathways to a New U.S.-Iran Nuclear Deal

1 week ago | thecipherbrief.com | Tom Nagorski

BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT – In the early days of the Trump administration, talk of peace deals and ceasefires were focused on the wars in Ukraine and in Gaza. Nearly 3 months later, the Russia-Ukraine negotiations are faltering, and a Gaza cease-fire has collapsed, but there is fresh hope on a third geopolitical front: negotiations for a new agreement to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
The Myth and Reality of Russia’s Illegals

1 week ago | thecipherbrief.com | Shaun Walker

April 15th, 2025 BOOK REVIEW: The Illegals: Russia’s Most Audacious Spies and Their Century-Long Mission to Infiltrate the WestBy Shaun Walker / KnopfReviewed by: Kenneth Dekleva The Reviewer — Dr. Kenneth Dekleva served as a Regional Medical Officer/Psychiatrist with the U.S. Dept.
In Hegseth Panama Visit, Reading the 'Untranslated' Comments

1 week ago | thecipherbrief.com | Walter Pincus

Posted: April 15th, 2025 OPINION — “Together with Panama in the lead, we will keep the canal secure and available for all nations through the deterrent power of the strongest, most effective and most lethal fighting force in the world. We will do this in partnership with Panama. Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence, and we will do this along with other capable like-minded allies and partners.
Who is Putin's Special Envoy Kirill Dmitriev?

2 weeks ago | thecipherbrief.com | Tom Nagorski

A Russian businessman with longstanding ties to the U.S. was Putin's emissary of a choice for a critical visit to the White House Posted: April 10th, 2025 EXPERT INTERVIEW – The visit of Kirill Dmitriev to Washington last week marked the first time in more than three years that a envoy from the Kremlin had visited the White House.
What A U.S. Commander’s Testimony Tells Us About Russia’s War on Ukraine

2 weeks ago | thecipherbrief.com | Walter Pincus

Posted: April 8th, 2025 OPINION — “The Russian economy has been both bolstered and distorted by this war. Specifically, the Russian government has had to turbo-charge their defense sector and in so doing they have created very strong inflationary pressures throughout the economy, but especially in the civil sector. They’ve responded to that with high interest rates to hold inflation down.
Expert Q&A: What is the Actual State of China’s Nuclear Force?

2 weeks ago | thecipherbrief.com | Hans M. Kristensen

Posted: April 7th, 2025 EXPERT Q&A — The Pentagon has regularly warned in recent months about China’s rapid nuclear buildup, a potential sign of Beijing preparing for a “major-power war.” The Department of Defense has reported a steady pace of China’s nuclear modernization and expansion efforts, from new missile silo fields to development of ballistic missile submarines.
Abrupt Changes at the top of the National Security Agency Risk Destabilization

2 weeks ago | thecipherbrief.com | Suzanne Kelly

EXCLUSIVE CIPHER BRIEF REPORTING — The Cipher Brief was the first to report on Thursday in the weekly Dead Drop column that Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), General Timothy Haugh, who also serves as Commander of U.S. Cyber Command (USCC), and NSA Deputy Director Wendy Noble were unexpectedly fired or reassigned.
If It’s Trump v. Greenland’s Leaders, I’m Betting on Greenland

3 weeks ago | thecipherbrief.com | Walter Pincus

Posted: April 1st, 2025 OPINION — “We respect that the United States needs a greater military presence in Greenland, as Vice President Vance mentioned this evening [last Friday]. We – Denmark and Greenland – are very much open to discussing this with you, with an open mind. We still have the [Greenland] defense agreement [between the United States and Denmark] from 1951.
Intel Chiefs Detail Top Threats - and Get a Grilling Over Signal Leak

1 month ago | thecipherbrief.com | Tom Nagorski |Ethan Masucol

SPECIAL REPORT – The U.S. Intelligence Community’s (IC) annual assessment of threats facing the U.S. puts narcotics trafficking at the top of the list – ahead of menaces involving China, Iran, Russia, Islamic terrorism and cyberattacks. It also paints a portrait of Russia that’s much darker than the image promoted by President Trump and his negotiators.