If you can't beat 'em, join 'em?

First issue:  Will anyone take Chumpo up on his offer of Protection making the transit?  It's not like he's doing such a great job protecting Kuwait or Bahrain.

Second issue:  To do this kind of Protection, he'd need to send a Battleship along with the Commercial vessel through the Straight.   That would give the Towel Heads the opportunity to try out one of those new Submarine Drones we've been hearing so much about.  An FSoA Navy boat getting sunk would be a Political Disaster for Il Trumpoliuni.  He'd also definitely want to retaliate with a Nuke.





RE

The activity risks of returning the region to full-fledged conflict, one that was tamped down by a fragile ceasefire and the MOU. But Miller, the retired read admiral, said he was not sure the U.S. "ever really factually exited a period of conflict" with Iran.

He's not sure?  Not a day went by during the Ceaseless Fire where the FSoA didn't bomb something and the Iranians retaliated.  Also, what exactly is the difference between "full fledged" conflict and what is currently ongoing?  How many more bombs does it require to be full fledged?  They're basically hitting as many targets as they have enough planes, drones or missiles left to deliver the explosives with each day.

Harrison Mann, a former executive officer of the Defense Intelligence Agency's Middle East/Africa Regional Center, said the definition of "insanity is trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result" and that is what is unfolding as President Trump continues to rely on strikes in hopes of shaking Iran's control of the strait.

Another Captain Obvious analysis.  We know Trumpolini is insane, and we know he has no plan for how to win this war besides bombing Iran back to the Stone Age.  Which, even if successful would only leave behind a failed state exporting "Terrorists" out from the region to wreak havoc all over the entire neighborhood.  There also would be about Zero Oil still flowing out from Iran, a situation which the Chinese would not appreciate.  Given Russia is ALSO having problems exporting their oil, that's a whole lot of the Black Gold missing from the market.  I doubt Venezuella and the FsoA can make up for the shortfall, especially at prices anybody can afford.   As a strategy, BIBTTSA is Lose-Lose.

Counting down the days until the lines of SUVs form up outside the Gas n' Go.

RE

As connection difficulties are frequent:

"The valor of the Islamic fighters and the honor of the courageous people in the southern regions (of Iran) in recent days are examples of this reality, the Leader said in a message on July 17, 2026, regarding the great epic of the farewell to Martyr Imam Khamenei, as well as an elaboration on key issues of the country.

The following is the full text of his message, according to the rahbar.ir website:

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

To the magnanimous, extraordinary nation of Iran!

Greetings, salutations, and thanks to you. Through your unparalleled, historic epic, which was manifested in your unprecedented rising up to bid farewell to Iran's martyred Leader, you've established a new benchmark in the manifestation of bi'tha and the resolute will of our Islamic-Iranian identity. You have demonstrated this through your magnificent appreciation, loyalty, insight, and extraordinary devotion to the Leader of the Islamic Ummah and the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

The warmth of your ardent hearts, your tearful eyes, and the steadfast determination of the tens of millions of people who stretched across tens of kilometers in Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, and other cities and villages, have filled the friends of the Iranian nation and the free people of the world with admiration, while throwing the arrogant enemies of Iran into astonishment, bewilderment, rage, and fright.

Coinciding with this historic epic, the repeated breaches of the agreement by the Great Satan [the US] regarding the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the Presidents of Iran and the United States have once again laid bare a fundamental truth: the signature of the US President is utterly worthless and devoid of credibility. It further reaffirms that coercion, totalitarianism, and brutality are inseparable components of the US creed and doctrine.

Today, the Great Satan has once again revealed its true, unmasked face, so that this dark episode of criminality and broken promises serves as yet another indisputable testament to the US's deceitfulness, irrationality, unreliability, and malicious nature.

Now that the American enemy is seeking to escalate the conflict thereby incurring even heavier costs and further humiliation, it should know that the noble nation of Iran and the Resistance Front have unforgettable lessons in store for it. The valor of the Islamic fighters and the honor of the courageous people in the southern regions in recent days are examples of this reality.

It's necessary to tell you, the loyal, proud people of Iran, that one of the most fundamental imperatives at this juncture is to steadfastly uphold the united front and sacred unity throughout all levels of society, among officials, and in all spheres in order to realize the lofty ideals of the Islamic Revolution and to protect the dignity and independence of our beloved Iran, particularly in the face of the criminal, cunning US enemy.

As has been repeatedly, emphatically emphasized in the past, safeguarding this unity and refraining from division, discord, political disputes, and increases in social differences is everyone's duty. To this end, the role of officials and people who care and are concerned about the Revolution, Imam [Khomeini], and the martyred Leader, is of more importance and sensitivity in ensuring the cohesion and solidarity of the nation.

Accordingly, our noble nation, while maintaining its trust in the dedicated officials in all three branches of government – whose efforts for the welfare and prosperity of the people are clearly evident – will remain vigilant and actively engaged in the arena to ensure the safety of Islamic Iran's interests.

It's entirely possible that certain individuals, with absolute sincerity and out of a genuine goodwill, may have some criticisms regarding the performance of certain officials. In my view, while such dedication and concern for the system is a valuable asset – much like the individuals themselves – and is inherently desirable, these dear people, some of whom have outstanding insight, must exercise caution. They must ensure that this approach does not, first, cause injustice with regard to the innocent, as such injustice itself becomes a source depriving one from (God's) blessings and grace. Second, they must be careful it doesn't fracture our unity and social cohesion. If these points are taken into consideration, criticism will instead increase prosperity and help affairs to advance.

The enemy mustn't detect any sign of weakness from us, including this particular vulnerability. Whenever we are completely careful about this point, the enemy will inevitably be forced to retreat.

Once again, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to each and every one of our dear people, who are themselves the primary mourners of the martyred father of the Ummah. Despite hardships, certain limitations, and adversities, they've forged a historic epic with the momentous farewell ceremony for Iran's martyred Leader.

I would also like to thank the esteemed maraji' al-taqlid (Religious Authorities); our scholars; intellectuals; elites; people active in areas of culture, society, and politics; as well as the dedicated efforts of our civilian and military institutions. Furthermore, I extend my sincere thanks to the officials and representatives of the triumphant Resistance Front and our glorious Islamic movements for their solidarity and presence.

It's my earnest hope that all those who have participated, shown their solidarity, and shared their heartfelt support in any capacity during this historic epic will be blessed by the grace and special prayers of our Master (Imam Mahdi) – may God hasten his noble reappearance.

Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei

Tir 26, 1405

[July 17, 2026]

Quote from: RE on Jul 18, 2026, 07:17 AMHe's not sure?  Not a day went by during the Ceaseless Fire where the FSoA didn't bomb something and the Iranians retaliated.  Also, what exactly is the difference between "full fledged" conflict and what is currently ongoing?  How many more bombs does it require to be full fledged?  They're basically hitting as many targets as they have enough planes, drones or missiles left to deliver the explosives with each day.

RE

Basically true, but Trump plans to drag the war out as long as he can.  For sure into the midterms, and if anybody tries to make a serious attempt to broker a peace, some of Trump's boys will snuff them.

Trump cultivates chaos and thrives in it.  Chaos covers his crimes.  The idea that he was ever a peace president is ignorant and delusional.

This certainly affects how many bombs are dropped and where.



Namely, Trump said the following last week of Iranians and their leadership: "They're scum. They're sick people.... They're vicious, violent people.... It's just a waste of time dealing with them. They're liars.... There's something wrong with them. They're cuckoo."

CHAOS must be maintained, that is the most important thing to Trump and the most important thing for America to learn.

 

CHAOS and more CHAOS



CHAOS is the point.  Seasoned with fear.  Stupefy the public!  Making them torpid and oblivious to the Trump crimes.  Make them beg for more buggery.

Not a time for Troubadours to make it to Bombay.  Are you still puzzled as to the nature of his game?

CHAOS - are you in or out?  You have to choose, and your choice will be weighed against a feather.  The up elevator, or the down elevator.  Which one are you getting on?

At least this article reports that the Ceaseless Fire agreement has collapsed, rather than saying it "looks shaky" or some other nonsense.  Slightly more realistic journalism. 🙄

Far as overseas travel goes, definitely not a good time to be planning a Cruise to hit the Casinos in Dubai. lol.  Wouldn't recommend being an Amerikan Tourista in London or Paris either.

Far as Assymetric Warfare goes, this would be about the time I'd start to expect some type of Cyber Attack or perhaps an actual physical bombing of some energy infrastructure target here on Home Soil by Iranian Black Ops.  They've got to have some agents and/or sleeper cells over here.  If not over here, maybe hit an Amerikan Embassy somewhere in Europe.

Piracy also seems to be revving up around Yemen and the Ukraine War is spreading out into Poland and the Baltic states.  More action in the South China Sea as well with the FSoA Coast Guard (!) buzzing the waters around the Phillipines.  IOW, the Oil Resource Wars are evolving from Regional Conflict toward a genuine World War.  So far the Chinese have managed to stay out of the Party directly, but the way things are going I wouldn't be surprised if they move on Taiwan sometime soon.

SpaceX has lost half it's value, and even Big Blue (IBM) took a big hit last week, so the AI Bubble is looking very shaky.  We're getting closer to tipping over the edge.

RE

Millions of similar texts have flooded American cellphones in recent months. They are written with artificial intelligence, pushed by a longtime Trump adviser's firm—and paid for by the Israeli government.

 
 

 

The US state department has also issued a warning to Americans that "Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world."

You heard it here first again! 😀

I mentioned this would be about the time the Iranians would expand the Asymetric Warfare to targets outside MENA.  The main issue is that if it was a major op it would really escalate the conflict.  Also, they don't want to kill civilians, because that would give moral propaganda back to the FSoA.

The other escalation here is that up to now China has been given a pass by both sides.  However, if they stop Chinese ships loading Saudi Oil, China will have to do something.

I think now you DEFINITELY can consider this WWIII taking off.

The game is afoot Watson!

RE

This is what the Great Orange Satan has done.

As usual, I can't reach any of those links.

RE

Sometimes if you hop around on the Tor browser you can find a location that is not blocked.  I'm usually able to get to them directly, and do not have to play that game.



Iranians know more about Americans than Americans know about Iranians.

 

 

No, really?  Who cooda node? 🙄

A long and very historical/academic analysis of the current approach to diplomacy being pursued by Trumpolini and his crew of syncophants, which was Doomed to fail not just because the approach is short sighted, but because the people negotiating it have no goal other than finding ways they can profit from the mayhem.  Once you grasp that Trumpolini's goals are all directed by self-enrichment, everything becomes predictable.

His latest deal allowing the Saudis to develop their own Nukes is a case in point.  These are the same folks who flew planes into the WTC.  They are more trustworthy to have their own Nuke weapons than the Towel Heads in Tehran?  The difference?  The House of Saud will happily invest in Chump's Casinos, or whatever his latest scheme is for laundering money.  The Saudi Princes are just as corrupt as His Royal Trumpness, and they all get along famously.  The only substantive difference is the Saudi's can legally marry the 9 year old concubines in their harems if they so choose.

Far as the long term prospects for Peace in MENA, it's irrelevant who is POTUS on that score.  One simple principle is all you need to know:

As long as their is econmically profitable Oil & NG to be extracted from beneath the desert sands of that neighborhood, there can never be Peace.

The battle for the Oil in MENA has been under contest either through overt military action or covert assasinations and regime changes continuously from before WWI began until the present.  Capitalism always requires the use of force to take ownership of resources out of the Commons and into Private hands.  For different ideological reasons, neither the Ruskies or the Iranians have been willing to play ball with the Rockefellers and their successors, and now as the last of the cheap oil is running thin, the battle has gone hot again.  The math is simple.  Raise the cost of the cheap oil left in Iran and Russia by creating wars and the expensive oil trapped in shale can be profitable.

Problem there of course is it's only profitable if Konsumers can afford to buy it, and ever increasing numbers can't.

That won't stop the wars though.

RE

 

EVERYBODY KNOWS the answer to that question.  Just follow the $MONEY$ !! 🙄

Chump knows at best he only has 2 more years to grift as much money as he can from the FSoA Taxpayer and other corrupt Dictators  he is pals with.  He'll make any deal that will in some way transfer $BILLIONS$ into his pocket before he leaves the WH.  He's jealous that so far Elon holds the record for most successful grifter of the FSoA Taxpayer and wants to catch him before leaving the Oval Office.

Far as the Saudi Nukes go, I already mentioned how it effectively Torpedos any justification for not letting the Iranians have their own Nuke program.  You can kiss off Nuke Non-Proliferation, everybody and his brother is gonna want their own Nukes now.  As I've mentioned before also, there's nothing secret or technically that difficult about building a Fission bomb.  Anybody with a degree in Theoretical Physics from a decent University knows the principles and the engineering isn't very complex.  Main problems are getting enough Uranium and Heavy Water to do the enrichment without accidentally starting a chain reaction during the processing.

Besides the Saudis and Iranians, folks currently without Nukes who could start building them who I'm sure have the technical wherewithal to do it right now are the Germans, Italians, Japanese, South Koreans, Brazilians, Argentinians, Egyptians, South Africans, all the Scandinavians and Baltics, Poland, Czechia, Australia and possibly Turkey.

I also could easily see a non-state actor with good financing producing a Turnkey "Suitcase" Nuke Prefab where all you need to do is Add U-235 and it's Ready to Blow.  Not big enough to vaporize a whole city, just say lower Manhattan below Canal Street. lol.  Pick up the Suitcase for $1M from an International Arms Merchant and another $1M for the Uranium.  Or Plutonium, once somebody builds a Breeder reactor and wants to make extra money on the side.

Anyhow, one can only hope this Deal Fuckery by Dimwit Don is the final nail in the coffin and the Repugnants get thoroughly DEMOLISHED in November and lose both Houses of CONgress by a wide margin.  Not counting on it, but one can only take a deep drag off the Hopium Bong.

RE

I saw one of these pictures yesterday, and I had to click away quick before I lost my shit.

 

So the country that flew jets into the Trade Towers and started the war on terror which completely changed the fabric of American life gets to have nukes.  The same regime that cut Jamal Khashoggi into chunks small enough to put into a Safeway shopping bag gets to have nukes.

Do I have this right?

While another country with advanced medicine and who makes their own cars can't have nukes and must be Annihilated from the face of the earth because, if they had nukes it is a known fact they would let one of their nutcases use them.

Do I have this right?

QuoteWashington has spent decades enforcing severe economic sanctions, kinetic strikes, and intense military pressure against Iran specifically to dismantle its domestic uranium enrichment capabilities and block any path to a weapon. The official U.S. stance has long maintained that allowing regional states to master the nuclear fuel cycle introduces unacceptable proliferation risks.

The bullshit excuse to invade Iran no longer is needed apparently.  That makes sense since Trump does not have a way to stop the war an excuse to keep it going is not needed.

And the Iran war is now old enough that most of America can be convinced that Biden started it anyway.

Those fucking Dems.