Note addendum on late breaking China actions. Today’s briefing is dominated by a single high-risk inflection: the US launched “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz overnight, Iran declared it a ceasefire violation and threatened to attack American forces, and a tanker was struck by projectiles within hours of the announcement. Simultaneously, diplomatic signals from both sides remain alive — Iran is reviewing the US reply to its 14-point proposal — creating a classic dual-track moment where military and diplomatic clocks are running in opposite directions. The NATO fracture over Germany deepens in parallel, with reports that Spain and Italy … Continue reading Morning Briefing — Monday, 4 May 2026 · 07:15 EST · ~1,310 words