Author profile

Follow author updates

Vaughn Cockayne

Vaughn Cockayne is a Foreign Affairs Correspondent for The Washington Times. He is an Ohio native and holds a bachelor's degree in Multi-Platform Journalism from Bowling Green State University. Vaughn previously worked as a freelance writer, covering data security and privacy issues before joining The Washington Times. He can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.

Articles by Vaughn Cockayne

Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei pens letter to Putin ahead of nuclear talks with U.S.

Iran's foreign minister traveled to Moscow on Thursday to deliver a message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of Iran's continued nuclear negotiations with the U.S. on Saturday.

April 17, 2025

Space Force ups aggressive language with Space Warfighting framework

The U.S. Space Force released its Space Warfighting structure on Thursday, providing servicemembers and partners with an outline on how the service wants to reach and maintain military dominance in space.

April 17, 2025

British army uses radio wave weapon to take down drone swarms, official says

British soldiers have tested a groundbreaking new radio wave weapon, taking down swarms of drones in the first test of its kind, U.K. officials said.

April 17, 2025

Cuts to NASA science budget sees bipartisan opposition

The bipartisan chairs of the congressional planetary science caucus have come out against the White House's proposed NASA budget cuts in the first instance of across-the-aisle opposition to the plan.

April 16, 2025

UAW employees at General Dynamics authorize strike

Unionized workers at General Dynamics Electric Boat have voted to authorize a strike, the United Auto Workers announced this week.

April 16, 2025

Pentagon IG report reignites feud over Space Command headquarters relocation

A new report from the Pentagon's inspector general has added to the debate over the permanent location of Space Command headquarters.

April 16, 2025

Leaked State Department memo shows major budget cuts, but officials say it is not a done deal

The State Department is planning to close agencies, consulates and several U.S. diplomatic missions to advance President Trump's "America First" agenda, according to an internal memo recently leaked to the press.

April 15, 2025

Space Development Agency to reinstate director following probe

Space Development Agency Director Derek Tournear will be reinstated this week following an investigation into its satellite-contracting conduct.

April 15, 2025

Iran’s supreme leader says nuclear talks with U.S. could go either way

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says he is neither optimistic nor pessimistic about ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States.

April 15, 2025

Captured Chinese soldier says he was inspired by Russian propaganda to join fight in Ukraine

One of two Chinese soldiers who were captured fighting for Russia in Ukraine said propaganda videos on China's version of TikTok inspired him to join the Russian military.

April 15, 2025

DOGE faces new lawsuit over USIP takeover

Former employees and donors of the U.S. Institute of Peace filed a lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency, adding to the growing battle over the independent organization.

April 14, 2025

SpaceX delays launch of Starlink satellites

SpaceX's launch to send 21 new Starlink internet satellites into orbit was delayed Friday morning for an undisclosed reason, but the company expects the Falcon 9 to take off at 9:15 p.m. EDT from the Kennedy Space Center.

April 11, 2025

U.S. Space Force removes commander of Greenland base following comments critical of Vance visit

The U.S. Space Force confirmed Thursday that it had removed the commander of the Pituffik base in Greenland, citing comments critical of Vice President J.D. Vance.

April 11, 2025

Iran says it may expel nuclear inspectors if military threats continue

Iran may sever ties with the International Atomic Energy Agency if threats of external military force from the U.S. continue, an advisor to the Islamic Republic's supreme leader said Thursday.

April 10, 2025

Former employees, diplomats urge judge to block DOGE takeover of USIP

Hundreds of former diplomats and military members joined fired U.S. Institute of Peace employees in calling on a district court judge to block the Trump administration's effort to shutter the independent organization.

April 10, 2025

AI data cloud company Snowflake to provide support to Defense Department

Data cloud company Snowflake announced Thursday that it has been authorized to provide artificial intelligence-powered data storage for the Department of Defense and its related agencies.

April 10, 2025

Defense contractor Anduril tests hypersonic rocket motor for the Navy

U.S. defense technology company Anduril announced this week that it completed two successful live-fire tests of its 21-inch hypersonic rocket motor for the Navy.

April 9, 2025

Anduril announces new AI-powered underwater sensor network

U.S. defense technology company Anduril announced the production of Seabed Sentry, an AI-powered underwater sensor array that provides accurate, real-time information about the seafloor.

April 3, 2025

Russia warns of ‘irreversible global catastrophe’ if U.S. attacks Iran

Russia said Thursday that any attacks on its ally Iran would be unacceptable and illegal, warning of irreversible consequences if the U.S. were to bomb the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities.

April 3, 2025