Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- July 1, 2019

Qasem Soleimani commands Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Quds Force. Picture: Four Corners/ABCSource:ABC

News.com.au: The mysterious spy chief that commands Iran’s military forces

As Iran ups the nuclear ante by confirming it has breached a key nuclear limit, there is one formidable man who will play a major role if tensions boil over.

He’s the mysterious spy chief dubbed the “Darth Vader” of the Middle East, who could play a critical role as US tensions with Iran reach breaking point.

On Monday, Iran upped the nuclear ante by confirming it had breached the limit of its uranium stockpile set under the 2015 nuclear deal.

The move could strike a body blow for hopes that the escalating situation could be defused, more than one year on after President Trump declared he would withdraw the US from the deal, saying it had a “decaying and rotten structure.”

Read more ....

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- July 1, 2019

Nuclear monitor confirms Iran exceeds uranium stockpile limit -- The Hill

Middle East War: How Iran Could Attack the U.S. Navy's Aircraft Carriers -- Kyle Mizokami, National Interest

Israeli spymaster says Iran responsible for recent attacks -- ABC News/AP

US deploys F-22 stealth fighters to Qatar amid Iran tensions -- Al Jazeera

F-22 Raptor stealth aircraft arrive in Qatar -- UPI

EXCLUSIVE: Countries May Begin Backfilling US Troops in Syria Within Weeks, Envoy Says -- Defense One

US Navy eyes new launchers on destroyers for hypersonic weapons -- Defense News

Oshkosh Defense awarded $320M to supply FMTVs for U.S., allies -- UPI

The elite military veterans nurturing the new generation of professional gamers -- CNN

U.S. Navy SEAL's war crimes trial winds to close in San Diego -- National Post/Reuters

Navy SEAL Trial Exposes Divide in Normally Secretive Force -- Military.com/AP

Bowe Bergdahl Seeking New Trial or Clemency Due to Trump Comments -- Military.com

Military's 3.1% Pay Raise Passes Senate as House Prepares to Do Battle Over Iran -- Military.com

Trump's pick for Pentagon chief wins allies on Capitol Hill -- The Hill

The US Navy wants Congress to slow its roll on ‘Buy American’ -- Defense News

President wraps up South Korea visit by thanking troops and those who support them -- Stars and Stripes

Trump reportedly wants tanks on the National Mall for his July 4th blowout in DC -- Business Insider

Trump is getting a Blue Angels and Air Force One flyover for his takeover of D.C.'s July 4 celebration but still wants TANKS on the Mall for his speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial -- Daily Mail

This Is the Rifle the U.S. Army Uses to Kill the Bad Guys and Win Wars -- Kyle Mizokami, The National Interest

This US Army soldier just shot the military's first-ever perfect score in a service rifle competition -- Task & Purpose

Study This Missile Photo: The Navy Is Betting It Can Win a War -- David Axe, National Interest

Outgoing US special operations general warns of growing threat in Africa -- Stars and Stripes

Pentagon: U.S. Is Falling Behind Russia in Global Influence -- Matt Stieb, NYMag

Pentagon study: Russia outgunning US in race for global influence -- Politico

Space Force & Beyond: Gen. Raymond’s 3-Ring Space Circus -- Theresa Hitchens, Breaking Defense

US, UK and Israeli F-35 pilots train together -- Air Force Times

Germany military helicopter crashes near Hanover -- DW

Germany approved for $122M guided missile purchase through U.S., NATO -- UPI

UK sends largest royal navy presence to Baltic Sea in over 100 years in show of power to Russia -- The Independent

No Warship Like It: One More Nuclear Battlecruiser for the Russian Navy -- National Interest

Taiwan's new chief of military staff takes office -- Focus Taiwan

Mexican president says he would like to disband the nation's army. -- National Post/Reuters