This week on The LOWDOWN, we break down the most critical open-source intelligence from July 15–21, 2025, focused on strategic competition with Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. We cover major developments across the DIMEFIL framework—Diplomatic, Informational, and Military shifts shaping global power dynamics, plus economic sanctions, financial adaptations, espionage arrests, and internal security crackdowns. Whether you're on the watch floor, prepping an intel brief, or grinding through mission planning, this is your weekly situational awareness update.

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In this episode of The LOWDOWN, we break down the direct Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets as of June 13, 2025. Using only verified sources, we cover Israel’s air and covert operations, Iran’s drone retaliation, key damage assessments, multidomain effects, and the global reaction. We also report current threat levels to U.S. forces in CENTCOM. This is a concise, tactical OSINT briefing built for warfighters and decision-makers.

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In this episode of The LOWDOWN, host Josh “HOTAS” Patten delivers a hard-hitting analysis of global security threats spanning multiple Areas of Responsibility (AORs). From Russia and Iran’s newly signed 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty to China’s expanding military cooperation with Moscow, this episode covers how key adversarial nations are aligning to challenge U.S. and allied interests.

Key topics include:

• Russia-Iran Military and Economic Expansion – A deep dive into their joint military exercises, energy collaboration, and financial strategies to bypass Western sanctions.
• China-Russia Strategic Coordination – How Beijing and Moscow are reinforcing their economic and military alliance to counter U.S. influence in Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
• Ukraine War Escalation – New details on North Korean combat troop deployments to Russian-held territories and the impact of Ukraine’s drone warfare on Moscow’s defenses.
• Iran-Venezuela Drone Threat – The significance of Tehran’s drone production facility in South America and its potential impact on Western Hemisphere security.
• Maritime Axis of Upheaval – A breakdown of joint naval operations between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, and their challenge to U.S. naval dominance.

With the Council on Foreign Relations’ "Conflicts to Watch in 2025" report highlighting flashpoints from Taiwan to Syria, The LOWDOWN provides in-depth insights into how shifting alliances and emerging threats could reshape the global security landscape.

Stay sharp, stay informed—this is The LOWDOWN.