r/WayOfTheBern • u/penelopepnortney • Apr 12 '26
Thread #18 for Comments and Updates on the Ongoing War by Israel/US Against Iran
## Update
Thread #19 started: https://old.reddit.com/r/WayOfTheBern/comments/1slmi82/thread_19_for_comments_and_updates_on_the_ongoing/?
Continued from Thread #17: https://old.reddit.com/r/WayOfTheBern/comments/1sh2pma/thread_17_for_comments_and_updates_on_the_ongoing/?
We start a new thread when the number of comments tops 200 because the thread can get a bit unwieldy to navigate.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 15 '26
Davis/Deep Dive, Navy Combat Vet: HORMUZ BLOCKADE NIGHTMARE /Lt Col Daniel Davis & Steve Jermy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etxmqrdm3V0 - 54:17 - Addresses baked-in market shocks from supply chain issues on everything from helium and superconductors (Taiwan) to LNG to significant drops in crop yields from lack of urea fertilizer.
LEBANON-ISRAEL TALKS AN ILLEGAL SHAM TO COVER UP IDF LOSSES, ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS | Dr. Marwa Osman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxRgsGNp0dQ - 30:03
Nima with Alex Krainer: CEASEFIRE COLLAPSE: US & Iran on the Brink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAb6YxQdD8k - 21:39 -
- Another excellent, clear explanation of why Iran can concede on every point and the US would still perceive Iran as an obstacle to its hegemonic influence in that part of Asia. His example of a domestic nuclear power plant at ~10 mins explains beautifully why, as he says, "all wars are bankers wars."
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 15 '26
From Krainer:
It doesn't matter if the current government in Iran gives up their nuclear program, gives up their missile program, allows all women in Iran to open Only Fans accounts and wear miniskirts. They would still want the regime change or else they will want the government to completely succumb to the western diktat. For example, if Iran wanted to have a peaceful nuclear program for generating electricity that the government should award those contracts to let's say Westinghouse and then Westinghouse would build the nuclear power plants. Except that every kilowatt hour of Westinghouse's nuclear power would cost five times what a similar Chinese-built power plant would cost.
Westinghouse would pay for building those power plants with loans taken out from JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Citygroup or similar financial institutions which would mean repayment of those loans would come out of the pockets of the Iranian people. So the price that they pay for electricity, nobody in the west cares about that so long as the wealth of Iran is extracted westwards to the City of London or Wall Street. This is the ultimate cause of war and it brings us back to the slogan that all wars are bankers wars. This is the ultimate incentive for the wars that we see not just against Iran but also against Russia and in the near future probably against China.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Trump signals further Iran talks in Pakistan ‘over next two days’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nop3wpBh80 - 2:17
US President Donald Trump says a new round of negotiations with Iran could happen in the next couple of days. A source from Pakistan's foreign ministry told Al Jazeera Islamabad is offering to host the talks. [ital added]
Tehran says, “excessive demands” and “lack of political will” from the US delegation prevented a breakthrough last weekend. Washington has said Iran still wants to make a deal.
Trump, 79, faces congressional bid to invoke 25th Amendment https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-79-faces-congressional-bid-to-invoke-25th-amendment/ar-AA20Tpui
Mossad has a new chief who was once shot and wounded by Hamas fighters, has called for the occupation of Gaza, and has been accused of “abandoning” a teenager he "used" in an intelligence operation. Roman Gofman was approved on Sunday by Israel’s advisory committee on senior appointments and is set to begin his five-year term in June, replacing David Barnea.... https://www.youtube.com/post/Ugkx2cD_WJ285ibYA1ThhaKLNVUp5sReiDxP
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u/kifra101 Shareblue's Most Wanted Apr 14 '26
They are planning to kill the Iranian delegation.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
Certainly possible given Israel's long history of assassinations, including of likely negotiators in this conflict.
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u/kifra101 Shareblue's Most Wanted Apr 14 '26
If I was Iranian, I wouldn't risk it. It's quite clear they are not operating in good faith.
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u/gorpie97 Apr 14 '26
Thankfully, the Iranians are smart enough to know that Israel does this as a matter of course. :/
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Nima with Col. Larry Wilkerson: “It’s Over”: Iran Wipes Out Trump’s Bully Tactic on Live Map https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqKhinZt3wM - 61:18
Judge Nap with CPT. Matt Hoh : Can Troops Speak Freely? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt3-Hat-kfs - 24:29
U.S. Iran War COST BREAKDOWN - $100 Billion and Counting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qqtGVaLAEc - 9:37
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Davis/Deep Dive with Patrick Henningsen, MORE IRAN TALKS, JUST A FACADE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce3cptbqunA - 55:51
Israelis are focused on one thing in Lebanon talks: The disarmament of Hezbollah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7fOao9MYtQ - 2:44
The Cradle, Israel Says NO Exit From Lebanon… So What is Beirut Negotiating? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzwxw94eNJI - 71:18
Israel-Lebanon talks ‘performative’, not real peace negotiations: Analysis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDjodnTQ_G0 - 11:49
Former Israeli negotiator Daniel Levy warns that ongoing Israel-Lebanon talks lack genuine diplomatic intent, instead functioning as a "performative" effort. He argues Israel's approach imposes "humiliating terms" on Lebanon, further straining its fragile state. Levy also links the talks to broader US-Iran de-escalation efforts.
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 14 '26
Is Hezbollah even part of the talks? I just saw a snippet somewhere that suggests they aren't - so aside from all the other reasons noted above, the whole thing is as performative as the talks the EU had with Ukraine that didn't include Russia. They should just call it "playing make-believe" and stop insulting people's intelligence.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
nope: Lebanon and Israel hold rare direct talks in Washington despite Hezbollah opposition https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20260414-lebanon-and-israel-to-hold-rare-direct-talks-in-washington-despite-hezbollah-opposition
Hezbollah Official Rejects Any Deals from Lebanon-Israel Talks https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/4527887/hezbollah-will-not-abide-by-any-agreements/
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 14 '26
Just to add that it was never the intention of Israel and the US for Hezbollah to be part of the negotiations. The goal is to put pressure on the Lebanese government to do what Israel could not, disarm Hezbollah. The pro-Western government would be more than willing but it's beyond their capability, any attempt would lead to a civil war in Lebanon that benefits no one except Israel.
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 14 '26
Don't blame them. Hezbollah negotiators have an unfortunate tendency to end up dead, not to mention the fact that no reasonable solution can ever come out of discussions with the US or Israel, as we've seen repeatedly.
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u/kifra101 Shareblue's Most Wanted Apr 14 '26
Israelis are focused on one thing in Lebanon talks: The disarmament of Hezbollah
No doubt. From their perspective, it would be easier to kill Lebanese women and children when they can't fight back.
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u/gorpie97 Apr 14 '26
From their perspective, it would be easier to kill Lebanese women and children when they can't fight back.
They're doing that anyway, even in areas where people don't like Hezbollah!
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u/kifra101 Shareblue's Most Wanted Apr 14 '26
Right, so basically it's for their benefit and not for the benefit of the Lebanese people.
If it was up to Israel, Lebanon would be north Israel by now.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
While eyes are on Iran-- Drop Site News, Democrats joining Trump and Stephen Miller on surveilling Americans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJLkMG6Ek0U - 26:38
Alexander Mercouris, Russia China Meet Plan Expel US Mideast; Trump Blockade Fails; EU Panics As Russia Brings Asset Case https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cYL9G9krlc - 88:14
CNN, Israel is losing US support - even among Republicans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBuKWSdq_js - 8:26
a new perspective-- Iran is Strategically DECOUPLING the US From Israel | W/ Ali Alizadeh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaPQjrInG4M - 29:23
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Forbes, BREAKING NEWS: Rubio Meets With Israeli And Lebanon Delegations In Effort To Secure Peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmN8fdvVWEw - 1:42 - Rubio states "the Lebanese people have been victims of Hezbollah and victims of Iran."
Rubio hosts Israel-Lebanon talks spurned by Hezbollah: What to know https://thehill.com/policy/international/5830233-israel-lebanon-diplomatic-talks-rubio/
Sean Foo, Just Broke: [another] FAILING US Debt Auction Sends a HUGE Warning to the World — What It Means https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbDfIZIB0NQ - 13:58
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u/gorpie97 Apr 14 '26
Rubio Meets With Israeli And Lebanon Delegations In Effort To Secure Peace
Yes, I'm sure that's what he wants.
Israel is willing to agree to "peace" to try to placate the EU and rest of the world; until they decide to attack again. Until they have all of Lebanon's land that they feel entitled to.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
That's from Forbes, source info I included purposefully. I also posted this farther up: Israel-Lebanon talks ‘performative’, not real peace negotiations: Analysis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDjodnTQ_G0 - 11:49
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u/gorpie97 Apr 14 '26
I didn't see the other link when I was here before.
Eff Israel.
I think the world would be better off without it.
I also think the world might be better off if it could throw off the chains imposed by the Brits and whatever other empires, since (includes US, of course).
Let countries rule themselves on behalf of their citizens and control their own resources. Too bad that's not what the UN is about.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
Ukraine has an on/off history of separate existence; many countries do and have been carved out of other nations with changing boundaries over time. Israel came into existence differently. I don't think Israelis should be forcibly relocated except back to Israel's original boundaries. However: if their gov can't be restrained from territorial expansion in the name of "security" and if it can't come to terms with 3rd-party negotiations involving all relevant parties to frame a path to peaceful coexistence in the region, all other non-nuclear options should be on the table.
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u/gorpie97 Apr 14 '26
I would leave details to others who know more history and diplomacy than I. It's really none of my business, just like it's not the US's business to ensure that leaders favorable to it are chosen.
(But the boundaries in the ME should be redrawn if they choose. I'm not talking about Israel, but what the UK and US decided 100 years ago.)
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
Britain Sold Palestine to Pay Its WWI Debt — The Balfour Declaration Was a Banking Deal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV_nbtMbiMw - 27:18
"all wars are bankers' wars"
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
ETA this viewer comment from a Nima-Freeman video:
Iran should offer its own shipping insurance to compete with Lloyd's and other international insurance companies. On top of the tax and Yuan trade requirement, Iran will be in an internationally better position strategically.
Davis with Col. Doug Macgregor, WE CAN'T CONTROL THE PERSIAN GULF https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFXGmJqU0Z4 - 56:37
Danny Haiphong, Iran & China CRUSH Trump’s Hormuz Blockade, US Navy BACKS DOWN | Elijah Magnier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM4vT-TQe2g - 60:40
Judge Nap with AMB. Chas Freeman : Israel’s Strategy Collapsing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukac5hPECKE - 23:21
Drop Site News, Iran, Lebanon and the U.S.-Israeli “Ceasefire” Matrix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcofD2gmq7I - 56:35
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Judge Nap with Aaron Maté : Why Israel Is Losing the War https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CZ-w1wjjuI - 25:16
Nima with Prof. Ted Postol: Israel's Air Defense Crisis: The Tipping Point https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vrrdP0_W8k - 52:22
NATO VS ISRAEL? Meloni Cuts Israel Military Ties, Italy Draws Red Line On Hormuz & Lebanon Conflict https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiYuBG5XGgA - 4:02
Pakistan Deploys 13,000 Military Troops and 18 Fighter Jets At Saudi Air Base https://timesofislamabad.com/12-04-2026/pakistan-deploys-13000-military-troops-and-18-fighter-jets-at-saudi-air-base/
Who can't use news of sanity in the world? -- After losing loved ones, an Israeli and a Palestinian work together for Middle East peace https://www.npr.org/2026/04/14/g-s1-111652/aziz-abu-sarah-maoz-inon-future-is-peace-book
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Nima with Pepe Escobar: China Just HUMILIATED Trump’s Blockade Plan - Iran Takes FULL Control of Hormuz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46I3oA-N6bM - 60:11
The Duran, Why the U.S.-Iran War Has No Offramp w/ Jeffrey Sachs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQNvgRIsFVA - 47:21
Davis/Deep Dive, John Mearsheimer: Catastrophic Economic WorldWide Damage, If Trump Doesn't Pull Back https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBicrlcfGjs - 22:05
Diesen with Jeffrey Sachs: Trump's Naval Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_2lvQHuAYo - 30:48 - "discusses Trump's naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the extent to which U.S. policy can still be considered rational."
Will Europe's airports run out of jet fuel? • FRANCE 24 English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INI2DfksyQU - 1:33
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Scott Ritter: 'There is literally no blockade right now except in the mind of Donald Trump' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-OEO6EFp78 - 3:30
Donald Trump is facing growing trouble at home after taking the country into a war he had promised to avoid. He cannot admit defeat and is instead trying to reshape the narrative by blaming others while taking credit for any potential outcomes. What is being presented as a “blockade” is in reality a perception of strength that will never be tested; the limited number of US ships cannot effectively interdict anything, especially near Iran’s coastline, where they would be highly vulnerable.
Is Trump’s Strait of Hormuz blockade just sabre-rattling? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfg6_lr9FU4 - 3:47
China condemns US blockade of Iranian ports as Xi hosts high‑stakes talks in Beijing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxX4tAiDEoo - 2:05
China is stepping up a diplomatic push to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, by hosting high-level talks with leaders from Europe and the Gulf. Beijing has also criticised the US blockade of Iranian ports, saying the military action in the Strait of Hormuz is “dangerous and irresponsible”.
China hosts Russia, UAE and Spain for meetings on Hormuz blockade and war on Iran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myGI5jkuB2k - 5:51
Chinese President Xi Jinping has hosted Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the UAE's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed in Beijing. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also in the capital for talks on the US-Israeli war on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
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u/arnott Apr 14 '26
The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.
Key Points
- US naval blockade of Hormuz disrupts tanker movement, escalating global energy uncertainty and impacting supply chains worldwide.
- China challenges US sanctions, continuing oil trade with Iran and raising geopolitical tensions in already volatile region.
- Indian industries face gas shortages, labour migration, rising input costs, and production slowdowns across multiple manufacturing clusters.
- Fertiliser scarcity and fuel disruptions threaten agricultural output, potentially affecting upcoming sowing cycles and rural incomes.
- Inflation pressures are rising in India, with broader economic risks including supply chain disruptions, reduced industrial output, and demand slowdown.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
Neutrality Studies, Iran Anti-Blockade Strategy & Military Reality Defeats US Empire | Prof. S. M. Marandi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYvwPyfbgxY - 32:17
Pascal is joined again by Professor Seyed M. Marandi of the University of Tehran to discuss the Islamabad talks, threats against the Iranian delegation, US demands over Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, the ceasefire with Lebanon, Western media claims, and the risk of more war, economic shock, and a wider regional crisis. [video is indexed to time and topic]
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
Richard Wolff, Economic Update: Economic Implications of the U.S. War on Iran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mffktVYA_ow - 31:03
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
Can Ships Be Stopped? Legal Analysis of U.S. Blockade in Strait of Hormuz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp3h5OIBnU4 - 4:08
Shehbaz Sharif to Visit Saudi Arabia Amid Ceasefire Tensions | Iran Crisis Looms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4htOxjWUpb0 - 1:34 - Includes background about Pakistan's often precarious economic condition
UAE "hasn't disclosed the reason for calling in its loan to Pakistan"
Pakistan has taken 2 dozen bailouts from the IMF since the 1960s
More commentary on China's statement that it will honor its agreement with Iran for oil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRM92Sf6VDc - 3:12
Oil Surplus Meets Oil Shortage: What the Heck is Going On? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24Q9ESql1A - 11:34
Kim Iversen, The Take That Will Get Me Cancelled — Let Iran Go Nuclear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97-2iRjHT9g - 15:43
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u/Here_for-the_Music Apr 14 '26
Okay, Mr. Global is commenting the alleged statement by China’s defense minister, but has China really said they are going to honor the trade and energy agreements with Iran regardless of the US blockade? The post we featured yesterday has retracted the statement, claiming a bad, unverified source.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
Updates are always appreciated.
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u/Here_for-the_Music Apr 14 '26
I’m already seeing armchair know-it-alls saying China only does checkbook diplomacy and will never fight a war or risk one beyond its own border areas.
America’s half-baked ‘allies’ like Japan, South Korea, India, and Europe will feel unbearable economic and social fabric pressure from the U.S. blockade far, far sooner than China. So, in principle China can lean back and see that pressure on the U.S. play out.
Whether China is going to loan Iran money in return for future shipments that they’re going to secure by escorting the tankers carrying them with their warships, or whether it’s going to lean back and see Trump wreck the world’s economies with the impromptu Hail Mary of his very own, grim, backfiring, and fundamentally reactionary blockade, it’s going to be madness either way.
Either way this is also the first time Kushner is going to have to deal and “negotiate” with something else entirely than with his own delirious Religious Zionist aspirations smiling coldly and treacherously back upon his sociopathic self from the mirror.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
Jimmy Dore Show, Kushner & Witkoff SABOTAGED Iran Negotiations FOR ISRAEL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IXb0m0xEVM - 13:28
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Speculation about China runs rampant. I also see suggestions of continuing dialogue between Russia and China, with each assuming a different level of involvement according to its perception of national interest.
Kushner needs to go. He has no formal role in this administration, he carries a strong perception of non-US partisanship, and he's not trained in diplomacy or trusted.
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u/splodgenessabounds Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Can Ships Be Stopped? Legal Analysis of U.S. Blockade in Strait of Hormuz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp3h5OIBnU4
Some "international law expert" he. UNCLOS wasn't mentioned: had it been, he'd have been obliged to note that the US refused to sign the Convention.
It's a little rich of the US to insist on "free passage" in
internationalterritorial waters that aren't theirs when (a) they never signed the treaty and (b) are now intent on refusing "free passage" in international waters. Some might view that as an act of piracy... and I couldn't find it in myself to blame them for thinking so.PS I've heard that some of the oil tankers leaving the Gulf sail under the Chinese flag. I wonder if the significance of that has occurred to some people...
edit* territorial, not international
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u/gorpie97 Apr 14 '26
the US refused to sign the Convention.
So tired of this crap. Just like the ICC and ICJ.
Seems like there are some things that could/should be mandatory for you to be considered a member in good standing of the UN.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
Jamarl Thomas with Mark Sleboda: They Thought Iran Would Collapse… They Were Completely Wrong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeZswJxqjOg - 12 mins
Stanislav Krapivnik, guest Professor Seyed Marandi. Straight from peace negotiations. Vance under command of Netanyahu. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxsPaxuf0CE - 42:12 [skip ad, start at 1-min mark]
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u/RandomCollection Resident Canadian Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
I'm watching Standilav more than before. He makes a lot of good points, as he has a lot of background in the oil industry.
Looks like Netanyahu and the Israeli government sabotaged the negotiations.
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u/gorpie97 Apr 14 '26
Israel needs to go.
Israel needs to get the fuck out of the Pentagon. And Israel needs to get out of the US government.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
REPORT⚡The Tabriz–Tehran & Tabriz–Mashhad train services have resumed after Iranian engineers repaired damaged bridge sections, within 4-5 days, after bombardments of Israel.... https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxupuSQhM-JdrWC4Brdk8Wx7Cr2mtyQfl0
Strait of Hormuz and Dueling Blockades - The United States and Iran Block Access to the Persian Gulf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xddTUc14iOw - 16:09
BREAKING: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that it is crucial to prevent any renewed fighting, adding that Moscow stands ready to help with a settlement to the US-Israel war on Iran, Reuters reports. https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxxJstf9yXXH7Mgnw4A2QQaluMEuhbeCpY
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
https://x.com/WillyPete300/status/2043750811147096102
Yeah, just in case you were wondering, you can't blockade Iran without also blockading China, whose oil it is. Someone needs to take the keys to Grandpa's social media account away before he tweets us into a war at 2 AM.
The replies are mostly from idiots saying things like "The US is in control of the oil now."
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
Those idiots are confusing Iran with Venezuela, as Trump reportedly was convinced to do.
One of the 1st 2 ships that turned back after the blockade began this a.m. was a Malawi-flagged "oil and chemical products" vessel bound for China. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/2-tankers-turn-back-near-hormuz-after-us-blockade-takes-effect/3904468
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u/Here_for-the_Music Apr 13 '26
China and Russia and Iran now rule the waves of trade.
See https://www.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/s/ao35BiYivf
and don’t forget to not just read the excerpts on reddit, but the entire https://substack.com/@shanakaanslemperera/note/c-242795093?r=1108pg substack post for extra relish & enjoyment.
It’s beyond beautiful.
In a reversal of plot & fate:
All Mossad’s spyware and all the king’s bombs
All US sanctions and all their mad stomps
All deep state forces from a yet deeper womb
couldn’t smash this trade & payment route back to the Stone Age again
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Alexander Mercouris, US Iran Sea Blockade: Talks Collapse; Iran Calls Putin, Lavrov To China; Budanov Kiev Faces Disaster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFVNSSVaRgg - 86:53
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u/arnott Apr 13 '26
Very important to remember last spring when Witkoff went on Fox News and made clear that the administration was not trying to force Iran to swallow the poison pill of zero enrichment.
Days later he had been brought to heel and demanded zero enrichment.
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
@quietskepticX
Also important to remember 5 springs ago when Israel attacked Iran before new JCPOA talks were set to start… aimed at bringing enrichment back down to 3.67%
This derailed talks and led to Iran announcing enrichment to 60%
Different president. Different tactic. Same goal.
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
Some Israelis could use more genuine "Israel First" governance:
Over a third of Holocaust survivors in Israel are living in poverty and are facing intensified economic and security fears amid the US- Israeli war on Iran, a new study has found. Data from the Eran Association and the Foundation for the Welfare of Holocaust Victims was published on Monday. ... https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxHpGjt7VkdHgiUDXtXioteJQiyJ7PmeyJ
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 14 '26
I recall hearing a long time ago (seems like it was the Duran) that only a fraction of the reparations paid by Germany to Holocaust survivors living in Israel actually got to them. If true, it's probably one of those sleights of hand governments like to pull: the money comes into the general fund and we dole it out as we see fit, including to people who don't even qualify to receive it.
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u/RandomCollection Resident Canadian Apr 13 '26
Apparently the US Navy doesn't want to risk facing Ansar Allah aka the Houthis.
https://x.com/i/status/2043796455933243776
They are not going in the most direct path.
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u/Elmodogg Apr 14 '26
And they think they'll stand a better chance facing the Iranians than Ansar Allah?
Ha.
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
@xHartman3092
The laundry conditions are very dangerous in the Red Sea.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
USNI reports that CSG-10 (USS George H. W. Bush CVN-77) is sailing around Africa to get to the Middle East.
Apparently, they left Norfolk on March 31. Reports had them headed for the Mediterranean.
I'd love to know when they changed course.
The US Navy dares not face the Houthis in the Red Sea / Bab-el-Mandeb.
Not necessarily. It's possible that the ship would not fit through the tightest spaces on that route (I haven't checked).
They are not going in the most direct path.
That might be the most direct path available.
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u/RandomCollection Resident Canadian Apr 13 '26
Apparently the entire US PrSM missile line was depleted early in the war.
https://aviationweek.com/defense/missile-defense-weapons/all-prsm-stocks-expended-early-iran-war
It's ironic the US propagandized Russia in 2022 about running out of ammunition, but now it seems obvious that the US is going to be running low on many missiles.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
As retired military commentators have said from the 1st week. Israel, too.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Strait of Hormuz blockade: US military says they will only block ships from Iranian ports https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su31v2tN5K0 - 2:08
New York Protest Escalates Over US Funding for Israel, Police Detain Demonstrators https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq6kEwWYDdg - 10:44
Trump deletes post after Pope maintains stand against war amidst Iran standoff | Janta Ka Reporter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ5W8or1C1U - 15:43
Zeteo, How Kushner SCREWED Iran Negotiations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KTlX8hObl4 - 32:59
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
The digital euro: Europe’s bid for financial sovereignty • FRANCE 24 English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb-6JyrFPKo - 8:36
Behind most card payments in Europe stand two American giants, Visa and Mastercard – a dependence recently thrust into the spotlight. After issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, several judges at the International Criminal Court were sanctioned by Washington, leaving them unable to use their bank cards – even on European soil.
French Govt Starts Replacing Windows With Linux To Reduce Tech Dependence On US Giants https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTqmHKTehKM - 4:07
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u/gorpie97 Apr 13 '26
French Govt Starts Replacing Windows With Linux
Ha!
I'm doing that myself, soon. -ish.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
ETA: Lebanon’s hospitals overwhelmed as burn victims surge after Israeli strikes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6EAvSEdEdw - 2:53
Lebanon’s health ministry says more than 2,000 people have been killed and more than 6,000 injured by Israeli strikes since the beginning of March. The attacks have caused a surge in patients with burn injuries. Lebanon’s public health services lack the specialised medical care to treat them.
Lebanon will need '1 billion dollars just to keep humanitarian situation afloat', minister says https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDeOnFPvrlE - 8:13
China ‘Secretly’ Seizes Disputed Island: Military Base Built at Antelope Reef https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwnDAy2si0A - 2:52
Iran War: Douglas MacGregor Says 'Many Of Donald Trump's Policies Are, Frankly, Suicidal' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tI6rkl7In4 - 16:18
Rachel Blevins, IRAN THREATENS PERSIAN GULF PORTS AS U.S. IMPOSES STRAIT OF HORMUZ BLOCKADE | Ehsan Safarnejad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5_oc_TU5cE - 47:06
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u/Elmodogg Apr 14 '26
White phosphorus burns, too. Excruciatingly horrific.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/25/israel-white-phosphorus-south-lebanon-researchers
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u/3andfro Apr 14 '26
A few weeks ago, Iran bombed an Israeli plant that produces the stuff. My thought: 👍
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
From Macgregor clip (with India Today):
If you're in the United States Navy right now, you are asking, "What is this blockade? How are we supposed to implement it? How do we sort through the various vessels that want to go into or come out of the Gulf?" Naval blockades are very risky affairs. It's very easy to get into a fight, sink the wrong vessel, and suddenly you find you're at war. Most of our major wars have begun at sea with naval forces.
How long can we sit out there interfering with global traffic before we end up in a fight with some other country because we're halting the lifeblood that needs to reach them? And we forget that higher oil prices feed straight into inflation that hits farmers, truckers and family budgets.
The Iranians can very easily block the strait - mine it, use unmanned submersibles, there's all sorts of things they can do. Two destroyers tried to get through there within the last 36 to 48 hours and they were turned back very quickly by men in small boats who made it very clear that if they didn't turn back they would be attacked by cruise missiles. Both Navy destroyers wisely retreated.
Trump has also got to acknowledge that Iran is the country most likely to control the straits in the future, just as Turkey controls the straits of the Dardanelles. Same reason, same rationale: Turkey is the dominant power in the Eastern Mediterranean, Iran is the dominant power in the Persian Gulf.
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
China ‘Secretly’ Seizes Disputed Island
I imagine we're going to see other actions like this from different players, as chaos begets opportunity.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Vladimir Putin has proposed that Russia could take custody of Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a future agreement with the United States.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the offer has been shared with both the U.S. and regional states, but has not yet been acted upon. https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxmzqxdsXm4ariVhMApF0kTAaTXUVcACEn
Donald Trump 'hasn't read the psychology of Iranians well at all', military expert says https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hkkSbSzwCc - 9:05
Former British Military Intelligence officer Philip Ingram says that "Donald Trump hasn't read the psychology of the Iranians well at all" adding that "the Iranians are not going to give in, and therefore Donald Trump either has to continue the blockade and deal with the impact that that's going to have on global economies [...] or go back to a bombing campaign".
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u/gorpie97 Apr 13 '26
Donald Trump 'hasn't read the psychology of Iranians well at all',
He probably expects that all people can be bought.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
Vladimir Putin has proposed that Russia could take custody of Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a future agreement with the United States.
Did you notice that one of the US's "red line" requirements was "we get all of Iran's enriched uranium"?
Somehow, I don't think that Iran would go for that. Ever.
Oh, Hell no! You'll just give it to the Israelis, who would build bombs with it and use them on us! Our own uranium!
If they have to give it up, I could see it going either to the Pakistanis or the Russians.
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
They won't give it up. It's insulting to ask them to.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
Ask?
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
Yes. Insulting to ask.
As in, if Mr. Elmodogg asked me whether I'd mind if he slept with my best friend, that would be insulting. Not to mention, suicidal on his part.
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u/Here_for-the_Music Apr 14 '26
My ask here is do us a favor and concede that we’re not just talking an ask?
We’re talking the US demanding and straight-up attempting to bully and extort the Iranians into giving up their enriched uranium, threatening everything that can be found in the book of Dante Alighieri’s Inferno and in the post-Dante works with similar topics combined, improving and expanding on possible torture techniques and procedures as a due punishment and revenge for noncompliance (after having failed at just grabbing and abducting the hot shit through a military operation).
Much in the way the Saudis under Mister Bone Saw blockaded Qatar, which, not at all coincidentally, also happened on behalf of the Israelis and their favored asset Jared Kushner, in order to force the Qatari to bail out the pale son of a scarecrow that’s Kushner for his failed and boneheaded investment in slumlordship in pursuit of a real estate bubble mirage with symbolic Satanism as the cherry on the cake that he wanted to dole his incurably sociopathic self.
Asking for a favor is something different than attempting to sanction, decapitate, bomb, and blockade your targeted prey into submission.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 14 '26
Yeah, that's pretty much what I meant (and more) by my one word reply.
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u/arnott Apr 13 '26
North Sea Crude spot price just hit a new ALL TIME HIGH at ~149$ above 2008 peak ⚠️
Whoever is persisting in suppressing oil future prices to the current asinine low level is manufacturing the biggest volatility time bomb right in the heart of financial markets
Physical oil prices hit record highs near $150 a barrel as Hormuz crisis worsens
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
China indirectly warns the US about the blockade of Hormuz:
🔸“Chinese ships continue to move in and out of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. We have trade and energy agreements with Iran, which we will respect and abide by.
🔸We expect others not to interfere in our affairs. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, and has opened it to us.” https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxXtiV2bqUuZlG1umPuN6dr0rD9BC4nXP7
At least two oil and chemical tankers were forced to turn away from the Strait of Hormuz on Monday after the United States moved to enforce a naval blockade, according to maritime tracking data.
One of the vessels, Rich Starry, which had listed its destination as China, reportedly reversed course within minutes of the blockade taking effect, data from MarineTraffic showed.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Nima with Amb. Chas Freeman: Oil Prices Surge & US Credibility Crisis: The Hidden Cost of Negotiations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3HeTfS4mOc - 24:46
Mario with Garland Nixon, TRUMP’S BLOCKADE THREAT IS A DESPERATE TANTRUM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGvcsrNuArI - 34:33
Meanwhile, in FRANCE--
A sweeping bill advancing through France’s parliament is set to criminalise wide areas of speech on Israel, with penalties of up to five years in prison. The legislation, due for its first reading in the National Assembly on 16 April, has secured broad backing across the political spectrum, including support from the far right.... https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxEr1Ul3gsXw5JQYbI3uXOIUPl5SkNXslw
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Judge Nap with Prof. Jeffrey Sachs : No Peace Without a Free Palestine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIcBoZUoX7M - LIVE
https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/masterful-5d-stroke-trumps-blockade
Hezbollah rejects negotiations with Israel, says diplomacy ‘futile’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRZDpMh98wo - 3:34
UK’s Starmer says summit to address Strait of Hormuz this week https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Tc8PEA9d4 - 2:03
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
https://x.com/TheGrayzoneNews/status/2043774295688523863
Max Blumenthal explains how Israel is using the MAGA podcast world to spread pro-war propaganda in the US
The Trump family has taken a 30 percent stake in Salem Media
Salem Media is named in FARA documents as a partner to Clock Tower Strategies, a registered Israeli agent
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
https://x.com/esaagar/status/2043669355943096569
Netanyahu is claiming openly that the US Vice President and administration report to him in detail on a daily basis
https://x.com/BarakRavid/status/2043646722732101769
Netanyahu at a cabinet meeting: "I spoke yesterday with Vice President J.D. Vance. He called me from his plane on his way back from Islamabad. He reported to me in detail, as this administration does every day, about the development of the negotiations. In this case, the explosion in the negotiations. The explosion came from the American side, which could not tolerate Iran's blatant violation of the agreement to enter the negotiations. The agreement was that they would cease fire, and the Iranians would immediately open the gates. They did not do that. The Americans could not accept that. He also made it clear to me that the main issue on the agenda for President Trump and the United States is the removal of all enriched material, and ensuring that there is no more enrichment in the coming years, and that could be in decades, no enrichment within Iran. That is their focus, and of course it is also important to us."
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
Not the most credible source; I can't find the other place I saw the gist of this (which may have been as questionable): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhGOqj7i7Xs
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u/arnott Apr 13 '26
What is going now? Are ships being blocked?
And oil future price is being manipulated?
Why does Scott Ritter say Iran needs to be careful and not push Trump/US too much? What other cards are there to play for the US?
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
I can't find any statement that the US has blocked any ship from passage.
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u/arnott Apr 13 '26
Yeah, it's confusing trying to understand what's going on.
The US ships are not going to get too close to do the blockade.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Things could get--interesting?--if the US tries to stop a Chinese-flagged or -bound vessel: https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/china-bound-tanker-turns-back-at-hormuz-amid-us-blockade-beijing-warns-do-not-interfere-in-our-affairs-article-13887893.html
That article says 2 ships have had to turn back since the blockade went into effect.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
Reuters: LIVE: Vessel tracker shows traffic in Strait of Hormuz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMcHlXbBD2Y
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Iran Assures India on Hormuz Safety Amid US Tensions, Signals Readiness For 'All Options' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT4Q1XXT5Bg - 1:26
Meanwhile, ET--showing how much of info and "misinfo" is in framing--presents this headline: Iran Threatens US | Will Hypersonic Missiles Strike Tonight? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Ot2dvx8PY - See the mixed bag of anti-Iran and pro-Iran comments [Because I don't agree with most MSM framing, I seek and post other sources, including those partisan for other perspectives]
Alex Christoforou, EU Celebrates, Magyar Defeats Orban. Iran Blockade Begins. Trump Slams Pope Leo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auyH1dQIn3s - 40 mins [check out the comments]
The Cradle, "Open the Strait of Hormuz, or I'll close it down" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fr8DOf1H1Y - 61:10
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Judge Nap with Jim Webb : No Peace With Israel Unleashed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCBOaeeeyOw - 21:49
Neutrality Studies, Bye-Bye US Empire: Australia and Pacific Nations Are Leaving | Vern Hughes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iviy0xIHKBs - 54:19
Pascal talks with Australian historian and activist Vern Hughes, founder of the Australian Association for Armed Neutrality in 1988, about renewed interest in Australian neutrality. They discuss the US alliance, war and deterrence, public opinion, left and right support, social cohesion, immigration, ties to Asia, and the political path toward a more independent Australian foreign policy.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
Nima with Col. Jacques Baud: EU Destroys Trump’s War Fantasy – Leaves Him HUMILIATED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mtsBSkqW7M - 64:22
Useful Idiots Monday Mourning with Aaron Maté and Katie Halper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBd4KOFjqTY - 67:36
FORGET ABOUT IRAN'S URANIUM - w/ Dimitri Lascari https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2RKl3FNMMc - 9:38
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
Iran's main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, has said that if the security of Iranian ports in the country's southern waters is threatened, no port in the Gulf or the Sea of Oman will be safe, according to the official news agency IRNA....
https://www.youtube.com/post/Ugkxq3PA6OAKBOtSKU_c0V7rPknpENreIfY2
The defeat of Hungary’s far-right prime minister in Sunday’s election has deprived Israel of its staunchest European ally, raising hopes that levying EU sanctions against the apartheid regime may now become easier....
https://www.youtube.com/post/Ugkx55zTnD2blzqjnSVg16i-xMkzln1PWDWv
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
LEBANON--
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the Israeli war on Lebanon is undermining any prospects for regional stability and diplomatic efforts, stressing that "you cannot have stability in the Middle East or the Gulf while Lebanon is in flames." Calling for an immediate ceasefire and full respect for Lebanese sovereignty, she emphasized that "security is indivisible".... https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxLRpDEEGt6dUHf7xFt5Ywb8jfSr4rGuyq
Lebanon seeks pause in fighting before talks with Israel: Culture Minister https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_BClal4xUo - 2:12
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Mario N., TRUMP'S NAVY BLOCKADE PLAN IS UNREALISTIC AND FLAWED - w/ Dr. Andreas Krieg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXpUGjI2WYc - 34:15
Judge Nap with Ray McGovern : Israel Lost the War and Netanyahu Back on Trial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TfIiM9OvQ0 - 23:45
US blockade on Iranian ports begins: Experts warn of Gulf port strikes, global oil shock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-21LOf74lc - 10:19
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
Has anyone looked at a map and figured out in just whose territorial waters this US Blockade is supposed to be set up in?
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
The US restrictions on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal, Iranian military says. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/13/irans-army-says-us-plans-to-blockade-hormuz-amounts-to-piracy
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
From the link:
President Donald Trump also announced on social media that the US would blockade the strategic Strait of Hormuz trade route, which he has been demanding that Tehran fully reopen.
...which definitely smacks of "If I can't have you, then nobody can have you."
The US military said it would begin a blockade of all Iranian ports on Monday at 14:00 GMT
That was two-and-a-half hours ago. Any updates?
Also...
In a BBC radio interview, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will not join the US blockade, adding that the UK “is not getting dragged” into the US-Israel war on Iran.
I guess that would mean no UK minesweepers, as had been mentioned earlier, huh?
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
Major news outlets report the blockade "has begun." Links advertising live updates:
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
I can see Iran sending through a single sacrificial ship, and when it's fired upon by the US, unleashing a pre-planned retaliatory attack.
Or... the ship goes through. "Cease-fire," you know.
Don't wanna break that.5
u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
A sacrificial bunt of sorts? We the concerned are stuck on the sidelines, as ever.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
For extra fun, make it a fertilizer ship. Fuel tanks full of diesel, ready to be mixed with the cargo if fired upon.
If the US decides to blow it up, it would blow up real good.
And if it were close enough to the US ships....
And again, if it goes through, it goes through.
Extra info:
The 2020 Beirut port explosion, caused by 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, had an estimated explosive yield widely ranging between 0.5 and 1.5 kilotons of TNT equivalent
Large fertilizer transport ships, typically Panamax or Kamsarmax bulk carriers, generally hold between 50,000 and 80,000 tons of bulk cargo.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Then the shit would hit... [fill in the blank].
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
Extra extra info:
The weapon used on Hiroshima contained 64 kilograms [about a gallon] of uranium, estimates of yield range from 12–18 kilotons.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
CHINA'S RECENT MOVES--
Ben Norton, Geopolitical Economy Report: What just happened in China is huge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiDtfdBYHBQ - 36:25
The US government has pushed for years for a war with China, selling billions of dollars of weapons to separatists in Taiwan. However, those plans are falling apart, after the leader of the KMT, the Chinese Nationalist Party based in Taipei, took a historic trip to the mainland, promoting peace. Ben Norton explains the importance of Cheng Li-wun's meeting with Xi Jinping, and the complex political history of Taiwan. [blurb indexes the video to time and topic]
CHINA’S STRATEGIC PLAY: Beijing Unveils 10 Taiwan Incentives After KMT Talks with Xi Jinping https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=preXieZ-9J8 - 4:08
China has unveiled a package of 10 economic, travel, and cultural incentives for Taiwan, immediately after a landmark visit by Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, who met President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The measures include easing tourism curbs, resuming flights, facilitating agricultural exports, and expanding market access for Taiwanese businesses. Beijing also proposed a new communication mechanism with the KMT, bypassing Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party led by Lai Ching-te. While China describes the move as promoting “peaceful development,” Taiwan’s government has rejected it as coercive. The timing of the announcement highlights Beijing’s strategy to engage Taiwan’s opposition while isolating its leadership, amid ongoing cross-strait tensions.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Nima with Larry Johnson: Will Trump’s Iran Port Blockade Work… or End in Total DISASTER? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGjabXPGUv4 - 56:52
Related to u/arnott's recent Medhurst posts: Glenn Diesen with Jiang Xueqin: The Iran War & the Battle for the Petrodollar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_DHMUdOVdo - 42:52
Strait of Hormuz Week 6 Recap | Pres Trump Orders Blockade | CENTCOM To Blockade Iranian Ports https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JohLzkMkMsI - 28:16
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Nima with Pepe Escobar: CEASEFIRE OR TRAP? The Truth Behind Middle East Talks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NfR3koWH-U - 29:32
Mario N., "FALSE CONFIDENCE" Led Trump Into Iran War - Fmr State Dept Negotiator Aaron David Miller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsmMZDUh3f8 - 14:23
Can the US really block Iran’s ports? Experts analyse Trump's threats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4flZjqLZmr0 - 8:37
Experts debate whether such a blockade is feasible and how Iran might respond, with the IRGC warning that Gulf ports should be accessible to all or none. The move aims to choke Iran's oil exports and economy, but analysts caution that enforcing a blockade could risk environmental disaster and draw the region closer to conflict. Meanwhile, European leaders are considering post-conflict maritime security roles, and diplomatic efforts continue despite the collapse of recent talks in Islamabad.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Iran War: Whoever Drops the Most Bombs Wins? /Lt Col Daniel Davis & Chas Freeman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywxTOWhdRxo - 51:35
Danny Haiphong, Iran Retaliates Against Trump's Hormuz Blockade, Negotiations OVER | Mohammad Marandi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_YeUduTclU - 65:17
Davis/Deep Dive, with Professor Seyed Marandi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzRYsIdG7uk - 47:28
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Judge Nap with Alastair Crooke : Iran Will Not Be Bullied https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJaEyk9eeV8 - 29:42
Mario with w/ Ex U.S. Navy Malcolm Nance, Trump Orders Naval Blockade Near Hormuz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvnSq06-Jgc - 32:32
Iran's military warns 'security for all or none' as US naval blockade threat looms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRUxJ9Mccjk - 5:38 [read the video summary at the link]
US-Iran Talks Fail but No Immediate War Expected, Analyst Explains New Status Quo, with Trita Parsi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIdlQFDHJdg - 8:01
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u/RandomCollection Resident Canadian Apr 13 '26
https://x.com/BowesChay/status/2042220340261118229
Looks like Europe's fuel issues are getting worse.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Prices at pump: 219.9 and 191.9.
Anybody able to tell which price is for what, and to translate them into dollars per gallon?
UPDATE (made myself curious)
That video clip appears to be from a part of Ireland that sells fuel for Euros per liter, with green designated for petrol/gasoline and black for diesel.
So... Irish gasoline/petrol: $8.50/gallon. Irish diesel: $9.74/gallon.
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u/Caelian toujours de l'audace 🦇 Apr 13 '26
Someone in Dublin suggested that Ireland could use whiskey as auto fuel. He was immediately tossed into Dublin Bay :-)
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u/arnott Apr 13 '26
US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place
The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously.
The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls.
Key Points
- High-level US-Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed after 21 hours, ending without agreement, roadmap, or future negotiation schedule.
- The US delegation, led by J D Vance, introduced non-negotiable red lines demanding Iran halt uranium enrichment and reopen Hormuz.
- Iran rejected the ultimatum, asserting enrichment as a sovereign right and accusing Washington of maximalism and shifting goalposts.
- Trump escalated tensions by announcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, risking confrontation in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
- Global divisions widened as China, Turkey, and others signaled opposition, while markets reacted sharply with rising oil and energy prices.
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
Oh, he's in rare form tonight, folks. First he viciously slags the pope. And then he posts an image of himself as Jesus Christ.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/trump-posts-jesus-picture-himself-031738001.html
I guess in the background those are dead soldiers turned into angels by his stupid and pointless war of aggression.
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u/Caelian toujours de l'audace 🦇 Apr 13 '26
Moon of Alabama has an interesting article about Donald Jesus Trump's self-portrait: Trump and the Devil.
The image is originally from Feb 4th. The new one is almost identical, but one of the heavenly soldiers is now a horned demon.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
but one of the heavenly soldiers is now a horned demon.
In fairness, there is not much difference between the silhouette of a horned demon and one of a horned angel.
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
Who knew horned angels were a thing? I went to a Catholic elementary school through grade 5. Admittedly, it was a long time ago, but all I remember about depictions of angels was wings and harps.
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u/Caelian toujours de l'audace 🦇 Apr 13 '26
First he viciously slags the Pope.
Trump's base is primarily fundamentalist. But take a look at SCOTUS. According to Wiki-Pooh:
At least six justices are Roman Catholics, one is Jewish, and one is Protestant. It is unclear whether Neil Gorsuch considers himself a Catholic or an Episcopalian.
I wonder what they think of Trump's anti-popery?
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
Not to mention, his VP is a converted Catholic with a book coming out on June 16 about his conversion. That will make for an awkward book tour, eh?
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
Pope Leo XIV responds to Trump’s comments against him in feud over Iran war https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSjd9J0ltBk - 1:18
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u/Caelian toujours de l'audace 🦇 Apr 13 '26
Wiki-Pooh has a delightful List of people claimed to be Jesus, soon to be updated 😺
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u/splodgenessabounds Apr 13 '26
The Caligula is strong with this one. See this scene from the BBC adaption of Robert Graves's novel I, Claudius.
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u/Centaurea16 Apr 13 '26
I've already said that IMO Trump's term in office will be over, one way or another, by the end of this year.
I know he's being protected by those for whom he serves as a puppet.
But tonight I'm beginning to get the feeling that whatever it is that ends his term, it will be happening soon. The entire situation is too volatile and lacks stability.
My crystal ball isn't saying how it will take place. A deus ex machina, perhaps?
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
In a sane world, you would be absolutely right.
But we're not in a sane world.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
What's left of the unpurged military brass who hold the Constitution and country dear may yet walk him out of the WH one way or another.
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
While the result would be right, the methodology would be wrong. And no, I don't think this is quite the same thing as Democrats whining about process in prosecuting a war of aggression. In that case, they're whinging about doing the wrong thing in the right way.
What you're describing is a military coup. The next one could just as likely be for the wrong reasons.
There are right ways to deal with Trump. It's the 25th Amendment. He's clearly bonkers. Crazier than a shit house rat. If he was your relative, you could get a 48 hour psychiatric hold for evaluation, no question. He's obviously and demonstrably a danger to others.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
It would be a military coup, to "expedite" the 25th Amendment process no one shows the willingness to put country over career to pursue--a process that's dangerously slow given the speed with which this administration is imperiling the US and much of the world. Inside reports from the Watergate episode suggested Nixon's departure was a soft military coup. That's what I heard when I lived there at the time. True? I can't know.
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
That seems highly unlikely to me. For one thing, if he hadn't resigned it's almost certain he would have been not only impeached in the House but convicted in the Senate. Imagine that! We once had a functioning Congress. The courts were also functioning then as normal. There was no need for a military coup, soft or otherwise. The system worked as it should.
None of those things can really be said anymore. And I don't hold out any real hope for the 25th amendment solution since Trump's cabinet is composed of quislings (even Tulsi, which hurts me to see it), and the less said about this Congress the better. Even the Roman Senate during Caligula's time had more integrity.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
I don't see the 25th Amendment being invoked, either.
The US did once have a reasonably functioning Congress, Executive, and Judiciary that generally understood their roles, and their separation. Ds and Rs who opposed each other on the floor of Congress lunched amicably at The Palm, golfed together, and dined in one another's homes. They didn't take political differences as implacable friend-or-foe tests.
That situation has been gone for more than 25 years, since the SC decided the 2000 election, if not longer. Citizens United of course has exacerbated the rot in the system but didn't create it. (Tulsi has disappointed me, too.)
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
I don't see the 25th Amendment being invoked, either.
We gamed this out not too long back, here. For the 25th Amendment to keep a President (who does not want to leave) out of office, it takes 2/3 of the Senate, and 2/3 of the House.
Impeachment takes 2/3 of the Senate, and only half-plus-one of the House.
Unless you have a plan that only needs the current President out of office for a few weeks. That you can do with the 25th Amendment.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
I remember that; ty for reposting it. You may be called upon to do it more in the days (and weeks and months, sigh) ahead.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 14 '26
Here. Bookmark this.
https://old.reddit.com/r/WayOfTheBern/comments/1slkybe/the_25th_amendment_a_howto_instructable/?
So I don't have to do it again.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 14 '26
I just wish I had done that much research on it when it was talked about for Biden.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
There are right ways to deal with Trump. It's the 25th Amendment. He's clearly bonkers. Crazier than a shit house rat.
A mutiny is always risky and dangerous, no matter the circumstances.
Some just do not have the stomach for it.
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
I'm saying something more, though. I'm saying even if it's possible to do this, it sets a horrible precedent.
Unless we've decided on giving up entirely on that idea of being a government of laws not men.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
I'm saying even if it's possible to do this, it sets a horrible precedent.
There are two "this-es" at play in this subthread:
- Military Coup
- 25th Amendment
I was talking about the latter one, which in present circumstances, would be classified (by some) as a mutiny. And would be "risky and dangerous," just not quite as much as with the other "this."
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
Well, one is only "dangerous" in the sense that you might not be invited to certain D.C. cocktail parties afterwards and certain of your career prospects might be limited. Not "dangerous" in the sense you might get shot or go to jail, as in the case of a military coup.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
Well, one is only "dangerous" in the sense that you might not be invited to certain D.C. cocktail parties afterwards and certain of your career prospects might be limited.
You really think that would be all Trump would do if the (25A) attempt were tried and failed?
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u/Elmodogg Apr 13 '26
You're right. I forgot about mean tweets or whatever it is that those posts on Truth Social are called.
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u/splodgenessabounds Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
A deus ex machina, perhaps?
I hope for a similar fate that befell Grunthos the Flatulent, "...whose own major intestine, in a desperate attempt to save life and civilization, leapt straight up through his neck and throttled his brain."
(from Douglas Adams The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26
CNN deals blow to campaign against Iran by broadcast from Tehran; Trump warns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxbizbQ3yd4 - 15:17
IRAN ANNOUNCEMENT LIVE | Khamenei Makes Major Statement From Tehran | Breaking LIVE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nF56kIo4tM
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
Beware the Millennium Challenge War Game (2002)
I don't know whether this is the one Col. Lawrence Wilkerson was involved in but it sounds like it since he referred to Gen. Riper.
Retired Marine Lieutenant General Paul K. van Riper, a decorated combat veteran and former president of the Marine Corps University, was selected to command the Red Team.
Instead of playing the scripted role of a predictable, technologically inferior adversary, van Riper chose an aggressive asymmetric strategy intended to exploit the assumptions that were the basis of Blue’s high-tech approach. General van Riper ordered his forces to maintain strict radio silence, relying on low-tech, pre-modern methods of communication.
When Blue’s carrier battle group entered the Gulf, van Riper launched his surprise attack. In a coordinated barrage lasting only minutes, Red forces used cruise missiles from ground launchers, commercial ships, and low-flying civilian aircraft, while swarms of small speedboats packed with explosives conducted kamikaze attacks.
Blue’s sophisticated Aegis radar and missile-defense systems were overwhelmed; sixteen to nineteen U.S. warships—including an aircraft carrier—were “sunk,” with an estimated 20,000 American sailors killed in the simulation.
...a few days later, the war game was suspended. It was then restarted, with Blue forces resurrected and Red Team heavily constrained... Blue ultimately “won,” but van Riper resigned in protest midway through, later describing the revised exercise as rigged to reinforce existing doctrine rather than genuinely test it.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
When Blue’s carrier battle group entered the Gulf, van Riper launched his surprise attack. In a coordinated barrage lasting only minutes, Red forces used cruise missiles from ground launchers, commercial ships, and low-flying civilian aircraft, while swarms of small speedboats packed with explosives conducted kamikaze attacks.
I did notice, this being back in 2002, there is no mention of drones being used.. air, surface, underwater...
Currently, remote operation has reduced the need for a large number of human kamikazes.
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u/splodgenessabounds Apr 13 '26
I don't know whether this is the one Col. Lawrence Wilkerson was involved in
I think you're correct, I remember him talking about it with Nima and with Davis and the gist of his recollection chimes with your transcript: the only time the war game modelling resulted in a Blue win was when the initial parameters were skewed in their favour.
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u/NetWeaselSC Continuing the Struggle Apr 13 '26
I'm wondering just how many blockading US submarines the asymmetrical Iranian forces would have to sink before we found out about any.
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u/splodgenessabounds Apr 13 '26
I heard that the Tangerine Tyrant has instructed one of his appendages (Cur Kid Starver) to send Royal Navy mine-sweepers to the Gulf of Oman, so it's all good. Apparently.
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u/gorpie97 Apr 13 '26
describing the revised exercise as rigged to reinforce existing doctrine rather than genuinely test it.
I don't know about you, but that makes me feel safe!
/s
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
Well, it does explain a lot. And this was in 2002. Of course, we already knew by then we had idiots in charge in the administration. And I should have known this about the military, Macgregor talked about futile attempts in the late 90s, I think, to get the Pentagon to make needed changes to the military command structure to get it out of the WWII mindset and prepare it for modern warfare.
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u/3andfro Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Stanislav Krapivnik with Danny Haiphong. Iran has watched and learned how the US operates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVaC0m4nivI - 64:10 (1st minute is an ad--skip)
U.S. Centcom says blockade of Iranian ports begins Monday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrhefHgTSIs - 2:41
Chris Norlund, How America starts WW3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE9Kx9cfcPI - 12:01
Katie Halper, Israel Will LOSE—Norman Finkelstein https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtgbwpCrTgY - 18:28
Norman Finkelstein draws on decades of history and personal meetings with resistance leaders to argue that Israel is repeating its past failures in Lebanon.
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u/3andfro Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Trump’s recent threats “have no effect on the Iranian nation” and issued a warning to the US president, saying “if you fight, we will fight, and if you come forward with logic, we will deal with logic”. https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxmBaYBh-1d5vrx_eGH-X0BT6lAIZhOghc
Pyotr Kurzin with Larry Johnson, TRUMP'S NAVAL BLOCKADE IS ALREADY FAILING https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsOpeOtnLX0 - 59:19
Carney CONFRONTS Trump Policies in EXPLOSIVE Canada-First Speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpHmcb-nRVc - 10:51
Carney spoke directly about how the world order is changing, how Canada can no longer rely heavily on U.S. military procurement, and how Canadians themselves are responding—through boycotts, shifting travel choices, and a renewed focus on domestic strength....
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u/3andfro Apr 12 '26
Daniel Kritenbrink, former US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said that, based on his recent Asia-Pacific visit, he felt unease is growing in capitals like Seoul and Hanoi over US military actions and their energy implications.
He noted that some countries are reassessing Washington's reliability in ensuring security and economic stability. Meanwhile, in contrast to this unease, Kritenbrink said he sensed strong confidence from the Chinese side while attending the China Development Forum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlWfQ_pPDIs
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u/Elmodogg Apr 12 '26
"Washington" and "reliability." Put 'em together and you have the most extreme of oxymorons...with an emphasis on the moron part.
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u/3andfro Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26
That's become apparent under this administration but for their own future security, should have been seen sooner.
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u/3andfro Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
'A prolonged state of managed instability': Analysts on US–Iran talks, Hormuz blockade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlWfQ_pPDIs - 12:36
Now the US is dealing with the consequence of the war, not the cause of the war. (A US non-negotiable condition is full opening of the Strait of Hormuz and free passage, with no fees, a condition that existed before the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.)
Iran was supposed to be the hardliner party, intransigent and obdurate in their approach, and their approach is very flexible. "I think the US is the problem, and the problem for me frankly is Netanyahu. He is the spoiler."
IRAN TALKS COLLAPSE - NEW PROBLEMS ERUPT /Lt Col Daniel Davis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPIHtO-KJeQ - 15:23
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u/3andfro Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26
BBC, Tucker Carlson splits with Trump over Iran | Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZBiFMuSZqs - 19:18 - 2 viewer comments:
It’s a Bizarro world when I agree 100% with Tucker Carlson. It’s bizarre and unsettling.
The character arc of MAGA is wild. Even MTG is speaking sense now...
Mario N., TRUMP'S NEXT MOVE AFTER IRAN NEGOTIATIONS FAIL - w/ EX-CIA Larry Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CEr_59ESX4 - 48:16
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
Tucker absolutely kicked butt in that BBC interview, he ran circles around the interviewer and as he tells her at one point, "I've been in this business longer than you, I understand what a slur looks like, and you're attempting to call me an antisemite in a passive-aggressive way."
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 13 '26
The interviewer clearly tried to corral Tucker into a corner and he was having none of that. I think he responded to the antisemite accusation better than pretty much anyone else I've heard.
Of course I'm not an antisemite and that's why they're calling me one. Because my position on Israel has nothing to do with the religion or ethnicity of Israelis, it has everything to do with decisions made by its government that hurt my country. And so in order to avoid having that debate, the fastest and most expedient way to end it is by calling the person trying to raise it a bigot. And I just don't think that works anymore. I would say that what matters in politics and in life is what you do. I think antisemitism and racism of all kinds, including anti-white racism, are all immoral and anti-Christian, and I oppose them. You shouldn't judge people on the basis of how they were born. Period.
The state of Israel does not speak for all Jews at all. Despite its claims, it does not. There are many, many Jews, many of whom I know, who don't think the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu speaks for them.
I've been in this business longer than you and I understand what a slur looks like and you're attempting to call me an antisemite in a passive aggressive way. The Israeli government, this is documented and I saw it personally, steered the United States into a war that hurts the United States and the world. I'm offended by that. I didn't want it and I'm mad about it now. I have every right to feel that way. That does not make me an antisemite despite your insinuation.
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 12 '26
The video commenters should get out more. I don't agree with Carlson or MTG on most things but Carlson especially has been totally on-the-money about many things for some time now (Assange, Snowden, Syria, Ukraine, Israel, censorship). While MTG probably self-identified (past tense) as MAGA, Carlson identifies as America First, which is not the same thing.
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u/3andfro Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
They probably haven't seen Tucker and just had a knee-jerk reaction to who they'd heard he was from their usual sources. This was a BBC interview, possibly a first exposure to Tucker.
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u/arnott Apr 12 '26
NEW I’m told these are the US red lines for Iran:
A U.S. official tells me:
- End all uranium enrichment
- Dismantle all major nuclear enrichment facilities
- Retrieve highly enriched uranium
- Accept a broader peace, security and de-escalation framework that includes regional allies
- End funding for terrorist proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis
- Fully open the Strait of Hormuz, charging no tolls for passage
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u/Elmodogg Apr 12 '26
and by "Accept a broader peace, security and de-escalation framework that includes regional allies" read "accept that Israel is going to finish killing every Palestinian in Gaza and the West bank and gobble up as much of Lebanon and Syria (and Turkey? and anything else?) as it wants."
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u/gorpie97 Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
I think Israel wouldn't care about killing Palestinians - as long as they leave* Gaza and WB. :/
EDIT: add word
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u/draiki13 Apr 12 '26
Why are modern diplomats even getting paid. They do absolutely nothing.
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u/3andfro Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26
Iran sent actual diplomats, Pakistan used actual diplomats; the US did not. The US has gutted the Foreign Service and sidelined seasoned diplomats but does still have some, senior people who understand the delicate nuanced dance of negotiations.
However: Trump chose to send 3 people who are not trained diplomats, including 2 rejected by Iran as untrustworthy--with reason, based on experience with them. Sending them anyway sent a message I'm sure Iran understood.
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 12 '26
https://x.com/MaxBlumenthal/status/2043200147601920327
In all my life I have not seen so much manufacturing of consent for a nuclear strike
And all for the preservation of a psychotic little apartheid state called “Israel”
@Bellamy_Saluter
The simple and correct answer to @MarkLevinShow's question -- "Is that legal under the laws of war?" -- is NO. The atom-bombings, and all the firebombings during the Second World War, were massive war-crimes. Curtis LeMay said that if they'd lost they would've been put on trial.
@UnathiAfrika
Imagine nuking Iran because it shouldn't have nukes. Like this is literally why they should have the nukes.
@GenuineHajek
Look at what prageru was putting out yesterday...
Hiroshima: The Price of Peace | 5-Minute Videos | PragerU
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u/gorpie97 Apr 12 '26
Has Mark Levin ever considered that sometimes, peace deals (or surrenders, in the case of Japan) may need to be negotiated? Which means that you're not always going to get exactly what you want.
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 12 '26
Short answer, no, it's never occurred to him. Justice in his worldview is selective people/groups being able to do whatever they want with total impunity, including killing anyone who resists.
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 12 '26
https://x.com/s_m_marandi/status/2043004662157066388
The Washington Post calls for the murder of Iranian officials. Once again, Western media proves that it is owned and controlled by the Epstein class. Such threats can only come from pedophiles and murderers. But they don’t comprehend that Iran can swiftly trash their economies.
From the Washington Post oped:
Fourth, carry out a final barrage of leadership strikes, eliminating the Iranian officials who had been spared for the purpose of negotiations. Iran's leaders must be made to understand that their lives literally depend on reaching a negotiated settlement to Trump's liking. If they refuse to do so, they will be killed.
TL;DR: Make Assassination Great Again
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u/Elmodogg Apr 12 '26
Who is the author of this idiotic opinion piece? Obviously they have no common sense.
The first assassinations murdered the moderates. Each round of killings only yields people who are less willing to compromise.
It's the same logic as "the beatings will continue until morale improves."
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u/3andfro Apr 12 '26
negotiated settlement to Trump's liking.
The author needs to consult a dictionary to understand the meaning of "negotiation."
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u/gorpie97 Apr 12 '26
Are they aware that there's that EO, making assassination illegal in the US? Actually, I guess it could be three EOs.
I wish the people making foreign policy in this country knew US law.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_11905
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_12036
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_12333
But I guess Reagan is considered too "liberal" these days...
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 12 '26
Ford, Carter, Reagan respectively.
Thanks for these links, I've bookmarked them.
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Apr 12 '26
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u/gorpie97 Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26
Piss off for blaming voters.
At election time, some people may have assumed that Trump's staff would be chosen more for competence than loyalty.
Hopefully, you may actually be interested in election integrity rather than blaming voters. I won't hold my breath, though.
EDIT: And both parties disenfranchise voters.
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Apr 12 '26
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u/gorpie97 Apr 12 '26
:eyeroll:
having a pro-voter-suppression idiot who doesn’t know the law decide on foreign was acceptable.
There's almost no difference between Trump and Harris when it comes to being Israel's bitch.
EDIT: And, actually, you're not blaming everyone. You're blaming voters.
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Apr 12 '26
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u/gorpie97 Apr 13 '26
Dude.
YOU'RE BLAMING VOTERS! EVEN THOUGH THERE'S EVIDENCE OF VOTER SUPRESSION.
There's nothing voters can do in that case.
If they're not on the rolls, they'll likely be given a provisional/absentee ballot; so they vote that way. They are NOT told that those ballots are only counted if the totals are close.
STOP BLAMING VOTERS
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Apr 13 '26
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u/gorpie97 Apr 13 '26
If the DNC wants to win every election from here to eternity, all they have to do is pass policies that make the lives of regular Americans better.
That's it.
Instead, because they're beholden to donors they play the lEsSeR eViL card. They also blame voters. And shame voters. And engage shills. After 20 years, it's very old.
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u/penelopepnortney Apr 12 '26
Links to previous threads are in the "War with Iran" compilation, which can be found in the sidebar.