Hands off Iran!

Iran substitute 'The US'.

when are "we" going after the saudis anyway? i mean, that really actually is where al-quaeda is from, and it's a dictatorship with a bad human rights record, what am i missing here?

And they did such a good job when they tried that with the EU.
Hey, Brain! What are we going to do today? - The same thing we do every day, Pinky.

1. 'Iran's... government... poses a big problem for the United States and should be replaced, lawmakers said Sunday.'

2. South Korea's government poses a big problem for North Korea and should be replaced, Kim Jong-il said Sunday.

3. Britain is a 'failed state' living in the shadow of the US and would be better administered from Berlin, said Chancellor Schroeder yesterday.

4. The government of Greenland is out of touch with the wishes of the people and will be replaced at the next general election, said the people of Greenland.

That's right, it's 4 which is hopelessly idealistic and out of touch with present realities.

if anything the white house line in that slate article is MORE muted and LESS firebreathing, esp.given the scale of the victory being claimed in iraq (ie it actually — slightly — reflects acknowledgment of the difficulties ahead) (ok perhaps that's reading a lot into "that's hard", but the fact that they've stepped back from "we can now do anything" is a step AWAY from yr worst case, isn't it?)

What's so disheartening is that even the Democratic position is so far right:

'Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., a Democratic presidential hopeful who strongly backed the Iraq war, said "regime change" is the answer in Iran. He said he was not suggesting U.S. military action because of the pro-American attitudes of many Iranians.'

Which seems to imply that the fact that Iranians are not 100% anti-American is the only thing keeping the tanks from rolling into Teheran.

? I'm not spotting your connection, especially since that involved a sitting Democratic president.

The U.S. tiptoes around the Saudis because they have oil.

(Insert Louie Armstrong song chorus here, with extreme sarcasm.)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35772-2003May24.html

"It worked so well in Latin America":

In an interview in February with the Los Angeles Times, Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage drew a distinction between the confrontational approach the administration had taken with Iraq and North Korea and the approach it had adopted with Iran. "The axis of evil was a valid comment, [but] I would note there's one dramatic difference between Iran and the other two axes of evil, and that would be its democracy. [And] you approach a democracy differently," Armitage said.

At one of the meetings, in early January, the United States signaled that it would target the Iraq-based camps of the Mujaheddin-e Khalq (MEK), or People's Mujaheddin, a major group opposing the Iranian government.

The MEK soon became caught up in the policy struggle between the State Department and the Pentagon.

After the camps were bombed, the U.S. military arranged a cease-fire with the group, infuriating the Iranians. Some Pentagon officials, impressed by the military discipline and equipment of the thousands of MEK troops, began to envision them as a potential military force for use against Tehran, much like the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan.

But the MEK is also listed as a terrorist organization by the State Department. Under pressure from State, the White House earlier this month ordered the Pentagon to disarm the MEK troops -- a decision that was secretly conveyed by U.S. officials to Iranian representatives at a meeting in Geneva on May 3.

The MEK is considered a terrorist organisation by the (merely conservative) State department and a group of Northern-Alliance-like freedom fighters by the (ultra-hawk) Pentagon. Their camps are bombed during the Iraq war, but then a truce is made with them. But this infuriates the Iran government and pushes the Iranian state ever-faster towards nuclear armament (because it's clear that's the only way not to be invaded, see N. Korea).

Meanwhile the White House orders the Pentagon to disarm the MEK (perhaps to start their make-over into legitimate democracy campaigners in Iran), effectively splitting the group into two factions: 'politicians' who seek legitimacy and 'guerillas' with a bloody agenda. (Like the IRA, and like the GOP.) Nine days later the Saudi Arabian suicide bombings happen -- and the implication is that it's a splinter group involving the MEK guerillas who didn't believe in becoming a tool for US overt/covert operations against Tehran.

there's some complicated conspiracy theory that somehow involves Bush I and Reagan in some ploy to prevent the release of the hostages before the 1980 election. I cannot remember how credible it is.

Momus - the statement that Joe Lieberman represents the "Democratic position" is either ignorant or disingenuous.

Another tit-for-tat. Obviously it can all progress to collapse quickly but not seeing any more than that.

At least markets can react on a weekday

Speaking at the Nato summit, Trump says the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran is “over” because “I do not want to deal with them any more, they are scum”.

They are sick people, they are vicious, violent people.”

He then adds:

As far as I am concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them. They are liars. … There is something wrong with them. They are cuckoo. As far as I am concerned, it is over.”

Negotiations continue, apparently..

The Art of the Deal

love the idea of Jared and JD and that other incompetent facing their counterparts after that.

I wonder are the Iranians sending their top negotiators or are they also sending their most useless people so it’s a fair negotiation?

And that they did

Sorry that was draft post for idk what

works for a lot of things

and so it does

Iranian media reports US attack near nuclear power plant in Bushehr
We have some updates on the earlier reported explosions in the Bushehr province in southern Iran.

The semi-official Mehr news agency in Iran reported attacks in several locations “including military and civilian areas”. It added that attacks were reported near the nuclear power plant in Bushehr city and at a fishing port in the city of Asaluyeh.

Ehsan Jahanian, a local official in Bushehr, was quoted as saying there were no reports of casualties.

Mehr reported:

Jahanian stressed that further information regarding the extent of these attacks and the scale of any potential damage will be released through official channels, following a compilation of reports from the relevant authorities.”

There has been no immediate comment from the US.

lol

IRAN HATCHED FRESH PLOT TO ASSASSINATE TRUMP, ISRAEL INFORMED U.S. - WSJ

That’s some seriously pro-Iran propaganda. I might send off for a pamphlet.

do they need volunteers?

I love the smell of freshly hatched plots

lol

IRAN HATCHED FRESH PLOT TO ASSASSINATE TRUMP, ISRAEL INFORMED U.S. - WSJ

sure, yeah

sounds great tell me more

if what you're saying is true, I love it

It's the obvious reason why Trump started calling them scum and sick etc.

imagine a nation assassinating another nation's head of state

it's easy if you try

lol

ummm. what

https://bsky.app/profile/peark.es/post/3mqjv55cd7k2j

Surely won't happen, but nice Mafia fantasy there

remember when he floated going into a joint business of charging tolls with the Iranians? that was awesome

They'd set up a whole parallel system of toll gates. "Yeah I know you already paid their toll. That was theirs. Still gotta pay mine."

would this not spike the price of gas another dollar overnight

Just passing thoughts re: MOU was to 'negotiate' until end of year, stabilise prices and life in general, and maybe restart war till after the US elections. But no, nothing like that.

This is more of Trump throwing out crazy ideas designed to flood the media with non-stop Trump Content and attention away from his worst stuff, like Epstein, rigging the midterms, and raking in literal billions in graft.

cool name! the GUARDIAN of the Hormuz Strait! very prestigious!!

just think, the oil tankers will pay the toll to the guardian of the Hormuz Strait, and then they'll pull up to the Gulf of America to deliver it to refineries! what a patriotic petroeconomy!

A few thoughts on the latest escalation:

During the 40-day war, #Iran    had a clear targeting strategy, and each set of targets served a specific purpose. In the first stage, Iran targeted U.S. radar and early-warning systems at bases across the region. The aim was to enable longer-range strikes against Israel later. At the same time, Iran targeted those U.S. bases that could be used for a potential ground operation against Iran, including bases in Kuwait, Al-Harir in Iraq, as well as some bases in the UAE that could be used for operations against Iranian islands. At the same time, attacks on energy infrastructure in the region were intended to maximize economic pain.

This time, however, despite the effective resumption of war, Iran continues to target U.S. bases (in Kuwait and Bahrain) that have already been attacked several times. This may partly reflect efforts to strike new installations deployed by the United States at those bases. But when judged against current U.S. objectives, these attacks do not appear particularly helpful to Iran.

During the previous round of war, the U.S. had a broader set of objectives, including regime change, a potential ground operation to sieze HEU stockpile, and the targeting of Iran’s missile capabilities. In this round, however, the U.S. is focused on weakening Iran’s ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, and it is carrying out strikes toward that objective every night.

These operations rely primarily on capabilities that the United States already has in the region, as well as on the reimposition of the naval blockade, which depends on U.S. warships and naval forces. Iranian attacks therefore do not appear to be deterring the United States from continuing its strikes.

Therefore, it appears that Iran’s only strategy at this moment is to keep the Strait closed for as long as possible while the United States continues drawing down its strategic oil reserves, until the impact on the global oil market and the U.S. economy becomes irreversible. Iran hopes that this would push Trump to reconsider his position. Of course, this is a risky bet at a time when Iran remains under constant and heavy attack.

US may yet win..

But meanwhile Trump just saying something different each day. At a press conference today per AlJazeera-

Trump says he does not like ‘concept of a fee’ for Hormuz use
No one should be able to charge a fee for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Trump says during a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House.

Trump said on Monday that the US would charge a 20 percent toll on ships transiting through the strait. However, the US president told reporters today that he was then contacted by Gulf countries that said they’d rather invest in the US.

“They said, ‘We’d love to do it a different way. We’d love to invest in the US with billions and billions of dollars,'” Trump said.

“I don’t like the concept of a fee.”

We’d love to invest in the US with billions and billions of dollars,'” Trump said.

there was no such contact... this is complete bullshit

The Gulf States used Teddy Roosevelt as their intermediary contact.

imagine trying to negotiate with the united states

I know they're in a tough spot, but the WH Press Corps could ask "Which Gulf States want to invest billions in the U.S? Where do they plan to invest, in what industries? When will this happen?"

his unrealized threat yesterday to collect tolls was a failure, so he tries to spin it as an actual victory and they just nod along as he spews utter bullshit

know they're in a tough spot, but the WH Press Corps could ask

that reminds me, i've been meaning to get an updated list of who belongs to the press pool these days. iirc they purged almost every real journalist, gave a bunch of credentials to alt-right clickbait farms, and then allow a few mainstream media reporters just so they can yell at them and call them traitors and invigorate the hatred of their base

Kaitlan Collins is still in there, she needs to smile more, she never smiles

Trump saved making war crimes threats again against Iran until he was on Fox

Tehran vows 'decisive response' after 7 personnel killed in US strike on Iranian military base - report

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency has reported that seven personnel were killed in US strikes on an Iranian military base in Bampur in the country’s south-east.

Quoting the Iranian army, the news agency reported that a number ⁠of personnel were also wounded and vowed a “decisive response” ‌to the attack.

Signs that the civil war in Yemen is restarting as well

Tehran vows 'decisive response' after 7 personnel killed in US strike on Iranian military base

Hey at least it wasn't schoolgirls this time

Interesting analysis.

Reports from #Iran    indicate that, over the past couple of days, attacks on different areas in Sistan and Baluchestan Province in southeastern Iran have increased.

That region is important for two reasons. On the one hand, it is where Chabahar is located, which is Iran’s only oceanic port and provides the country with maritime access beyond the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

On the other hand, given the region’s ethnic and religious composition and the history of insurgent groups operating there, there are concerns that the attacks in Sistan and Baluchestan may be aimed at creating conditions for the rise and advance of Balochi insurgents and increasing pressure on the Islamic Republic.

In this context, there was an attack on the night of July 14 against the headquarters of Brigade 388 in Bampur, Sistan and Baluchestan, in which several soldiers were killed and dozens were injured. This is important because Brigade 388 is the third brigade of the 88th Armored Division of Sistan and Baluchestan, which is tasked with countering potential amphibious assaults.

As such, according to Iranian military analysts, the U.S. may also be preparing for a ground operation in southern Iran - especially since the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group is still in CENTCOM area of operation.

At the same time, analysts note that together with the two other brigades of the same division, Brigades 188 and 288, the Brigade 388 has also been involved in counterterrorism operations and in securing Iran’s eastern borders against armed insurgent groups.

If there are plans to go in, I hope they are coupled with plans to rapidly get out again. And once they went, the chances are good that Iranian forces would come back in and secure the area again. At best this is would be a quick "give me a victory to brag about" operation. At worst, they would stay, establish a base and we're in for a long haul ground war in Asia.

dig this image

https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/2c11a85c4f825276fe916e38431033c9a07a0b6c/218_0_3770_3017/master/3770.jpg

x-post-

If there are plans to go in, I hope they are coupled with plans to rapidly get out again.

If Trump sent ground troops to grab the islands near the Strait, wouldn't the troops have to stay there to prevent the Iranians from re-taking control? In a fight for the islands wouldn't the Iranians also be tempted to place more obstacles in the Strait making it hard for the US to re-open it even if the US seizes the nearby islands?

In response to more US bombing, AL Jazeera says "Iran has claimed retaliatory missile and drone attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Amman said it downed eight Iranian missiles."

All this needs is for Israel to re-enter the war.

The #Iran�-U.S. conflict enters a new phase of escalation

🔹Developments on July 17 suggest that both Iran and the United States are broadening the scope of the conflict. While it remains too early to draw firm conclusions, the pattern of reported military activity points toward preparations for a potentially more dangerous phase.

🔹On the U.S. side, reports indicate that several aerial refueling aircraft have been redeployed from Europe to the CENTCOM area of operations. Many of these assets had left the region following the ceasefire, making their return noteworthy amid renewed tensions.

🔹At the same time, the geographical scope of U.S. strikes appears to be further expanding. In addition to previous areas in the south, reported attacks have reached Lar in Fars Province and Yazd in central Iran – areas hosting some of Iran’s missile bases.

🔹Iran, meanwhile, appears to be widening its own target set. The IRGC claimed to have struck American UAV facilities and an AI center in Bahrain allegedly used to support U.S. targeting operations, while warning that it would increasingly target economic, technological, and industrial assets linked to American interests across the region.

🔹This marks a potentially important shift. Rather than focusing primarily on military targets, Tehran is signaling that infrastructure associated with U.S. economic and technological interests may now be considered legitimate targets if attacks on Iran continue.

🔹Maritime developments are also becoming more concerning. Iranian sources reported that a Thailand-flagged vessel was targeted after attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without coordinating with Iran, while later claiming that two oil tankers struck mines in the Strait and caught fire.

🔹Whether or not all of these claims can be independently verified, they underscore the growing risks to commercial shipping. Even previously deployed mines could have a significant impact on maritime traffic.

🔹Perhaps the most significant reported development is the Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia after U.S. refueling aircraft allegedly operated from the base. It represents the first reported Iranian attack on a U.S. facility in Saudi Arabia since the April ceasefire.

🔹It is also noteworthy that, the previous day, Iran announced an attack on the al-Tanf base in Syria. Some Iranian analysts interpreted the strike as a warning to the Syrian government not to intervene in Lebanon against Hezbollah.

🔹This suggests that Tehran may be setting aside some of the restraint that shaped its earlier responses. Over the past several weeks, Iran’s attacks have focused primarily on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, with far more limited strikes against the UAE, Qatar, and Oman. That calculation may now be changing, as Tehran appears to believe that these attacks have neither altered U.S. calculations nor changed the military balance on the ground.

🔹Reports that further bridges and transportation infrastructure in southern Iran continue to be targeted have also attracted attention. As mentioned yesterday, many Iranian analysts interpret these strikes as part of a gradual effort to degrade mobility and logistics in southern Iran, potentially laying the groundwork for future military options involving ground troops.

🔹From the Iranian perspective, this does not necessarily mean that a U.S. ground operation is imminent. However, repeated attacks on transportation infrastructure fit a broader pattern of battlefield preparation that cannot be ignored. As such, the question may increasingly be one of "when" rather than "if."

🔹Meanwhile, Iran continues operations on other fronts. The Iranian Army announced additional operations against Kurdish insurgent groups in Iraqi Kurdistan, claiming multiple commanders were killed and several facilities destroyed.

🔹There are also unverified reports that the Houthis are preparing measures that could affect shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. While these claims remain uncertain, they contribute to perceptions inside Iran that the conflict may increasingly extend beyond the immediate Persian Gulf region.

🔹Overall, Tehran appears to be concluding that its previous level of “restrained engagement” has not generated sufficient deterrence. As a result, it is increasingly willing to expand both the geographical scope of its operations and the categories of targets it is prepared to strike.

🔹Whether this reflects the collapse of expectations surrounding a negotiated framework or simply an effort to restore deterrence remains unclear. What is becoming increasingly evident, however, is that both sides are incrementally raising the stakes, increasing the risk that the conflict could enter a broader and significantly more dangerous phase.

P.S.: I cannot believe I’m doing this again…

Lol

"I don't understand how Iran has the capabilities to fight this way."

Fox News host Maria Bartiromo is confounded by Iran attacks because "the U.S. has obliterated Iran's military, and the president continues to reiterate that." pic.twitter.com/xCAS1wkuEG

— The American Conservative (@amconmag) July 19, 2026

https://i.postimg.cc/PCZQJxVg/Screenshot-20260720-072112-Chrome.jpg