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Expert analysis made easy. Breaking down the news with data, charts, and maps.

Edited by Brady Africk and Hannah Bowen

Happy Thursday! In today’s newsletter, we examine the latest updates on tensions between the United States and Iran, statistics for online dating, and the impacts of available electricity and public opinion on artificial intelligence data centers.

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1. The Stakes of US-Iran Talks ([link removed] )

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Topline: Amid ongoing tensions, Iran is unlikely to make meaningful nuclear concessions in its upcoming proposal to the United States, write ([link removed] ) researchers at AEI’s Critical Threats Project. On February 20, President Trump gave Iran a deadline of 10 to 15 days to agree to a nuclear deal, and Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Iran will present a proposal to the US that can be discussed in a future round of talks. However, Iran may calculate that it can delay US strikes by offering only a conciliatory proposal.

A State of Discontent: The Iranian public continues to express anger and frustration with the regime’s refusal to address public grievances. On February 20, at memorial ceremonies that marked the end of the 40-day mourning period for those killed by security forces during the January 2026 protests, Iranians held 20 protests across eight provinces. The regime’s heavy security measures and unwillingness to address underlying issues with its public will likely make it challenging to stop future protest waves.

Military Preparedness: Iran could use a delay in talks to continue preparing for a military conflict with the US or Israel. Throughout the past few weeks, Iranian military officials have made numerous visits to their air defense and naval bases to inspect their combat readiness and defensive capabilities. Current and former US officials have stated that the US may be ready to launch an extended military assault on Iran but is waiting for the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the region.

"Iranian negotiators have previously offered to dilute enrichment levels or build a regional enrichment facility on Iranian soil, which clearly do not meet the stated US demand for zero enrichment, in order to continue negotiations without encroaching on Iran’s red lines."

—Brian Carter ([link removed] ) et al.

More on Iran
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2. Who Enjoys Dating? ([link removed] )

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Topline: In an era defined by an abundance of available statistics and competing narratives, it can be difficult to parse through and develop a shared understanding of the world. AEI’s Daniel A. Cox reveals ([link removed] ) notable findings on US dating trends that challenge and confirm previously established relationship narratives in the US.

Who Has a Positive Online Experience: College-educated men are the demographic most likely to have a positive experience in online dating, with nearly two-thirds of them reporting as much in surveys. More than half of college-educated women have also had positive online dating experiences. This contrasts starkly with noncollege-educated men and women, less than half of whom have had a positive online dating experience.

Online Dating and Superficial Qualities: The format of many dating apps emphasizes physical attractiveness, which has led to speculation as to whether women are increasingly basing romantic decisions on physical appearance—an attribute historically prioritized by men. Women are more likely to report that it was difficult to find someone they were attracted to when dating online, and most single women are less interested in dating shorter people. But height matters less to women than do nonphysical attributes, such as their partner’s employment status and personal habits.

"Dating apps are great at optimizing for superficial qualities in partner selection."

—Daniel A. Cox ([link removed] )

More on Dating
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3. Do People Want Data Centers Built Near Them? ([link removed] )

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Topline: Data centers are imperative to the growth and development of artificial intelligence. Slowing their build-out will slow the technical advances and economic spread of generative AI, argues ([link removed] ) AEI’s James Pethokoukis. But data show that public sentiment surrounding the construction of these sprawling farms remains highly dependent on electricity costs and facility location.

Next-Door Data Centers: Just 28 percent of 2,000 people surveyed say they would oppose the building of a new data center in their area, but only 37 percent support a facility within three miles of their home. Public opinion is also highly sensitive to electricity costs. Among those who would initially support the building of a new data center in their area, nearly two-thirds would remain supportive if it raised their power bill by just $5. However, at a $10 increase, that support slips to about half, and by $25, opponents outnumber supporters.

The Need for Voltage, Not Votes: Recent analysis shows that local pushback usually slows data center projects or pushes them to other locations rather than stopping them altogether. Lawmakers are trying to shift more electricity costs onto data centers rather than voters, but higher power prices may have a limited impact on the growth in the demand for power to be used by future data centers as the need for these centers increases. The true test of AI’s growth isn’t public opinion and politics but whether there’s enough electricity available to power the data centers.

"The biggest thing that could slow AI isn’t politics or local protests, it’s whether there’s enough electricity available to power those warehouse-sized supercomputers. Now that’s something that should be front of mind for America’s political class."

—James Pethokoukis ([link removed] )

More on AI and Data Centers
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Dive into More Data

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The Future of Nuclear Deterrence ([link removed] )

More on the New START Treaty
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Can Congress Reform Infrastructure Permitting? ([link removed] )

More on Infrastructure Permitting Reform
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Special thanks to Isabella Grunspan, Drew Kirkpatrick, and Rosalie Blacklock.

Thanks for reading. We will be back with more data next Thursday!

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