Memorandum
Subject: July Newsletter
To: All Readers and Interested Parties
From: Greg Smith, Author
Date: 2 JUL 2025
BACKGROUND:
On July 2, 1776, the fledgling American Congress voted to dissolve the connection between Great Britain and “this country”, declaring the United Colonies of North America to be free and independent from British rule. Two days later, the Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. In doing so, these men openly affirmed a rebellion against the British crown. The text of the declaration makes this abundantly clear with the closing line: “we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
Although the war had begun more than a year earlier, there had not been much to rally around. British troops were already landing in New York while the bell was ringing in celebration of the Declaration at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Through more than a year of fighting, the Continental Army saw few successes, and the prospect of eventual victory seemed slim. The Declaration became a rallying cry for independence. Copies were posted at gathering places, pubs, and rooming houses to energize the people. General George Washington had the text read aloud to the Continental Army to strengthen their resolve.
Two hundred and forty-nine years later, we continue to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and parties. Yet, Ronald Reagan observed that “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” His warning has never been more urgent than it is today. Reagan feared a nuclear war between superpowers. Today, at least nine countries possess nuclear weapons, and others actively seek them.
INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENTS:
The United States’ strike against Iranian nuclear facilities inflicted significant damage to Iranian facilities, destroying or severely degrading Iranian nuclear efforts. Combined with prior Israeli strikes targeting key scientists and military leaders, Iran’s nuclear programs are in disarray. It will take months for the extent of the damage to be fully understood. Some initial reports include conflicting information about the efficacy of the strikes and the long-term damage inflicted. Meanwhile, Iranian efforts are already underway to clear away debris and begin repairs at the targeted facilities.
Some reports indicate that at least some of the enriched uranium was removed from the sites over the weeks leading up to the US strikes. Both Israeli and United States officials dispute these assertions. These sites have been under constant surveillance since construction began, so it is unlikely that large quantities of enriched uranium could have been removed. What is unknown is if the remaining materials can be recovered during salvage and repair operations. If the material is recovered, it may be unusable for further enrichment, but it could potentially be repurposed. Radiological Dispersion Devices (RDD) (i.e., “dirty” bombs) could distribute radioactive materials in population centers or contaminate municipal water supplies.
In the mid-2000s, terror groups such as al Qaeda actively sought nuclear materials for attack plans. Although they concluded that radiological materials were beyond their capability at that time, would their calculus change if radiological materials were given to them? Could terrorists smuggle radiological material into the US, Europe, or other nations? Almost certainly, either in small quantities carried by martyrs acting as radiological mules, or through gaps and vulnerabilities in the global transportation network.
In the wake of the combined Israeli and American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran and Israel agreed to a cease-fire. However, the enmity between the countries is deep-seated and long-lasting, so prospects for a lasting peace seem unlikely. Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi and Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani issued separate religious decrees, or fatwas, against US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The fatwas call for the assassination of both leaders as “enemies of God”.
On June 27, U.S. federal Agents raided a suspected human trafficking hub in Los Angeles. Agents arrested two Iranian nationals in addition to seven other Iranian nationals in the days leading up to the raid. Some of those detained were listed on the FBI terror watch list. The strikes in Iran may have forestalled some dangers, but the world remains a dangerous place.
CURRENT OPERATIONS UPDATE:
The first rewrite of Killer’s Reign is complete! I am working on a scene inventory and reverse outline to identify areas that can be improved for clarity, reworked, or cut. My goal is to identify and close any gaps in the narrative to enhance readability. The reverse outline process will take a few weeks. Once the improvements are made, the manuscript will head off for a first review by my editor. While the editor has Killer’s Reign, I am also continuing the process of rewriting my previous novel, Sleeper Cell.
COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE:
The threats described above serve as the foundation for my novel, Sleeper Cell. Both Killer’s Reign and Sleeper Cell draw from current events and potential real-life scenarios. Although works of fiction and entirely from my vivid imagination, the events and characters that drive the narrative reflect current reality and my own experiences.
Check my website regularly for more information about my books and stories, updates on current events, and interesting tidbits of intelligence.
Be Informed. Be prepared. Be Ready.
Greg Smith
Author
