Doesn't look like the US sailors are enjoying themselves
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/uss-gerald-r-ford-fire-triggers-sabotage-probe/gm-GM7AEACD2E
"ExxonMobil holds stakes in damaged LNG facilities"
And I think the Chinese are a partner in South Pars. Can’t see them being very happy about the Israeli lunatics blowing them up.
" Why didn't you tell Japan etc you were going to attack Iran "
To paraphrase " We wanted it to be a surprise why didn't you tell us about Pearl Harbor" 🤬🤬🤬
Can't any of his ass licking cronies stop him saying shit like this ?
Can't any of his ass licking cronies stop him saying shit like this ?
Well given his son apparently retweeted it with "one of the greatest replies to a reporter in history" I think the problem is that he's surrounded by idiots!
I guess it's not too late to start hoarding blankets and woolly jumpers for next winter where the heating won't be on.
Isaac herzog on C4,...."we only believe in israeli law"
Ha...ha....ha....ha....how these rats lie and lie and lie......all the time with that inherent arrogance in every word spoken
Probably a sign from the universe that you might be working for a less than ideal news agency, Russia Today.
(He survives btw, I wouldn't post a snuff video.)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/ce9mz0gl8z7o
Probably a sign from the universe that you might be working for a less than ideal news agency, Russia Today.
Doesn't matter who you work for, journalists should be totally off limits. No idea if he was the intended target or just in the wrong place, but Israel have killed quite a few
^^ Just to be clear, I don't disagree with you.
Just seen this on the Beeb, to even float an idea like this must show how dire the situation is for Trump. Perhaps it's touted on Fox to guage how it will go down with The Faithful?
Trump will obviously sell it to MAGA as merely some sort of sweetener towards the way of making a 'deal' with Iran. I'm sure the rest of the world will see it for what it is though, this is geopolitical politics being conducted on the hoof via social media and inevitably, Fox News. It's terrifying and gives a glimmer into how badly this could all go wrong. Hegseth is pretty much assured to be the fall guy for trump after this. The fact he must know that makes for one tiny imperceptible silver lining in this whole mess.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9d415g55nno
distablement (a word I've just invented)
Don’t you mean destabilising/destablement/destabilisation? 🤔
On a different note, after Diaper Don started bitching about European nations not wanting to risk their military personnel in sending boats, particularly minesweepers, (after American removed four from service in the region and sent them back home, and two others are currently out in the Far East), it appears that they’ve rediscovered what A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft were designed for, and they’re currently stooging around the Straits of Hormuz attacking anything that’s small and moving and is likely to be up to no good.
Exactly what they were designed for, not just supporting land based military, but navy as well - that 30mm rotary cannon is very effective against boats, a quick burst and it’s a load of floating splinters, at much lower cost than missiles from an F-35, and with longer loitering capability too.
It's almost as though high tech doesn't guarantee a win. (See Afghanistan, Vietnam, Terminator) You motivate a group well enough and guerilla warfare, be it rifles in the hills or cheap drone wave warfare, will hold your might in pace longer than expected and grind away morale and support.
I see Netanyahu is repeating what SKS said about being "unable to change a regime from the air "
Not sure where that leaves Diaper Don.
Just seen this on the Beeb, to even float an idea like this must show how dire the situation is for Trump. Perhaps it's touted on Fox to guage how it will go down with The Faithful?
I think this may be his off ramp. The faithful will accept it (despite recent MAGA posts accusing Obama and Biden of "giving" Iran billions of dollars by relaxing sanctions) and it puts the Dems in a difficult position - they can point out the huge costs of the failed war, but can't play politics with the US dead
I'm starting to think Trump isn't technically a Russian asset.. I think he's just genuinley this pig-headed and dumb, but he's not used to hearing the word "no". Especially when it comes to under age girls.
I've gotta hand it to him, this is one a hell of a distraction from the Epstein files.
He's definitely a Russian asset. Every move that benefits Russia makes him an asset to them; the case that hasn't been proven is that he's a Russian agent.
The Iran war continues to "give" to Russia; everything from the need to free up fertiliser exports (and therefore banking) in Belarus, a Russian vassal state, to nipping a bit of fuel to Cuba against the US blockade (which is now deployed a bit further east!)
"Tankers carrying Russian oil are reportedly sailing to Cuba in violation of the US embargo. Co-founder of maritime intelligence company TankerTrackers.com Samir Madani told the Financial Times (FT) that the Hong Kong-flagged Sea Horse tanker is carrying 27,000 tons of gas and will arrive in Cuba on Monday, March 23. Maritime intelligence company Kpler identified the gas as Russian in origin. Madani added that the Russian-flagged Anatoly Kolodkin, which carries roughly 100,000 metric tons of crude, will likely arrive in Cuba on April 4. The FT reported that the vessels would be the first to arrive in Cuba in three months."
"Coale told reporters that the United States will lift sanctions from two Belarusian state banks, the Belarusian Finance Ministry, the top Belarusian potash (a key ingredient for fertilizer and major Belarusian export) producers." https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-19-2026/
He's definitely a Russian asset. Every move that benefits Russia makes him an asset to them; the case that hasn't been proven is that he's a Russian agent.
The question is "Is he knowingly a russian asset" ie do they control him directly thru bribery or kompromat or is it indirect via flattery and his love of a strong ( dictatorial) leader etc? Does he realise he is a russian asset?
its hard to be sure which but he is certainly working in Russian interests and has for a long time
In the now familiar cycle of Netanyahu suggesting something and then Trump doing it, it looks like they're seriously considering doubling down, escalating things further and putting boots on the ground.
From the Guardian just now...
According to a report in Axios, the Trump administration is considering occupying or blockading Iran’s Kharg Island to pressure Iran into reopening the strait of Hormuz. The report, which we have not yet been able to independently verify, cited four sources who all spoke under the condition of anonymity.
“He wants Hormuz open. If he has to take Kharg Island to make it happen, that’s going to happen. If he decides to have a coastal invasion, that’s going to happen. But that decision hasn’t been made,” a senior administration official told Axios.
“We’ve always had boots on the ground in conflicts under every president, including Trump. I know this is a fixation in the media, and I get the politics, but the president is going to do what’s right,” a second senior official said. No decision has been made yet, the official said.
He's a madman, surrounded by lunatics!
It's almost as though high tech doesn't guarantee a win. (See Afghanistan, Vietnam, Terminator) You motivate a group well enough and guerilla warfare, be it rifles in the hills or cheap drone wave warfare, will hold your might in pace longer than expected and grind away morale and support.
They're an output which is used to serve a clearly defined strategic intent, supported with a coherent mission with achievable and suitable objectives, if any component is missing, success is significantly harder to obtain.
No different to diplomacy, if you don't have an accurate intelligence-led plan, with an achievable outcome to strive for, you're ****ed.
History doesn't repeat, but it does rhyme, and DJT is absolutely living that reality.
Scott Bessent let it slip ion an interview yesterday that the US intends to take Karg Island as an asset for the US long term - they're all mad.
I see Netanyahu is repeating what SKS said about being "unable to change a regime from the air "
Thing is, in the entire history of usable air power going back over a 100 years now; it's never worked, that politicians still think "This time, it'll be different" is astonishing.
We’ve always had boots on the ground in conflicts under every president, including Trump
That means bodies in caskets draped in the Stars & Stripes. Not a popular visual for the public.
Taking/securing a physical objective is one thing, holding it is something else entirely. JFC.
In the now familiar cycle of Netanyahu suggesting something and then Trump doing it, it looks like they're seriously considering doubling down, escalating things further and putting boots on the ground.
From the Guardian just now...
According to a report in Axios, the Trump administration is considering occupying or blockading Iran’s Kharg Island to pressure Iran into reopening the strait of Hormuz. The report, which we have not yet been able to independently verify, cited four sources who all spoke under the condition of anonymity.
“He wants Hormuz open. If he has to take Kharg Island to make it happen, that’s going to happen. If he decides to have a coastal invasion, that’s going to happen. But that decision hasn’t been made,” a senior administration official told Axios.
“We’ve always had boots on the ground in conflicts under every president, including Trump. I know this is a fixation in the media, and I get the politics, but the president is going to do what’s right,” a second senior official said. No decision has been made yet, the official said.
He's a madman, surrounded by lunatics!
The missing bit seems to be why this would force Iran to open the straight rather than retaliate.
The missing bit seems to be why this would force Iran to open the straight rather than retaliate.
I honestly don't think they've planned that far ahead. Everything happens in real time with these morons
This is the latest from the Guardian...
The Pentagon has deployed the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid-response force of about 2,200 Marines, to the Middle East, according to the Wall Street Journal, with Trump mulling sending troops to secure the island, in a possible bid to starve Iran of its oil revenue and force it to surrender.
Military officials have not said what missions the marines being sent to the Middle East would be assigned to carry out.
Isn't that marines unit on a boat, on the other side of some obscure narrow choke point of no significance that I can't quite remember the name of.
Seems like US bombers are carrying out offensive operations from UK airbases if the report below is to be believed. Denied EU airspace access, but operating out of Fairford. SACO. (Starmer chicked out).
US Air Force B-1B Bombers Denied Access to European Union Airspace https://share.google/UaYTREPwUA9hhYcdU
That means bodies in caskets draped in the Stars & Stripes. Not a popular visual for the public.
Thats why he wants "allies" (or maybe not today its hard to keep up) to join in. Since the Iranian military have been 100% destroyed the "allies" can do the tidying up whilst he heads off to invade Cuba or maybe Greenland.
Plus where most people see grieving families round bodies in caskets Trumps PAC sees a fund raising opportunity.
That means bodies in caskets draped in the Stars & Stripes. Not a popular visual for the public.
Thats why he wants "allies" (or maybe not today its hard to keep up) to join in. Since the Iranian military have been 100% destroyed the "allies" can do the tidying up whilst he heads off to invade Cuba or maybe Greenland.
Nah, he'll use US troops then blame any deaths on Europe. This creating another off ramp, one where he'll claim that he tried to prevent a global recession but the Euro-poors bottled it so he stood down to save the world. Again.
Then he'll attack Cuba.
"You will kill ten of us, we will kill one of you, but in the end, you will tire of it first" - Ho Chi Minh, 1946
Also worth referencing the famous Taliban quote "You have the watches, but we have the time"
Iran has never been successfully invaded by anyone, ever. There's a very good reason for that. They don't have to worry about three sides of the country as its massive mountain ranges and desert, so the only thing they have to worry about defending is their coastline. I reckon they've probably got that covered.
Do you think anyone in the White House has ever had a look at a map of the country?
Do you think anyone in the White House has ever had a look at a map of the country?
Yes. They've seen it's nowhere near the USA, and that all retaliation will be carried out against other countries instead. They also have a president who has time and time again made it clear that he doesn't give a damn about anyone serving in the USA military right now. Some of them may die, but that is a sacrifice he is willing to make.
The issue is western politicians like to start wars, driven by their dominating ideology: money.
Problem is after a while, when the bodies pile up they always have a wobble then the flip flopping starts and thus begins then end.
Other regimes have very different ideologies, ones I'd argue that transcend wealth which allows them to stay the course.
A tool (military force/diplomacy) is only as effective as the craftsman (politician) wielding it.
Trump:
Seems like US bombers are carrying out offensive operations from UK airbases if the report below is to be believed. Denied EU airspace access, but operating out of Fairford
Yep the Starmer bullshit line of only allowing "defensive bombing" never stood up to even a moments logical analysis.
Seems like US bombers are carrying out offensive operations from UK airbases if the report below is to be believed. Denied EU airspace access, but operating out of Fairford
Yep the Starmer bullshit line of only allowing "defensive bombing" never stood up to even a moments logical analysis.
Immediately made me think of the South Park hunting scene.
The Pentagon has deployed the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid-response force of about 2,200 Marines, to the Middle East, according to the Wall Street Journal, with Trump mulling sending troops to secure the island, in a possible bid to starve Iran of its oil revenue and force it to surrender
Starving Iran of oil revenue actually seems like quite a sensible tactic. Regardless of ideology or the will to fight modern warfare requires money, and lots of it. If they can cut off the major source of income to their adversary it will give them a massive advantage, militarily and economically. Looks the foundation of a sound plan.
Oh, hang on
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9d415g55nno
Do you think anyone in the White House has ever had a look at a map of the country?
War is God's way of explaining geography to Americans
SACO. (Starmer chicked out).
AFAIK they have been operating from Fairford since the 7th. I think there's at least 4 there now.
Oh, hang on
They mentioned the possibility of this happening on Newsnight last night. Just when you think things can't possibly get any more batshit crazy, the Muricans somehow raise the bar
"You will kill ten of us, we will kill one of you, but in the end, you will tire of it first" - Ho Chi Minh, 1946
The other thing the don't seem to understand is this is existential for the Iranian regime. You don't get to retire from a theocratic dictatorship. If they are overthrown the absolute best case scenario is exile to a Dacha in Russia. The far more likely scenario is shot in a ditch or slowly hanged.
So there pretty much aren't any red lines for the Iranian regime. Take Kharg island and the Iranians will go after oil and desalination facilities all over the Gulf.
Someone linked it above. I read that and then read Binners's post.
I have no idea what's going on. A bit like Trump a d Hegseth. Only Netenyau seems to have any kind of idea what he's doing
He's definitely a Russian asset. Every move that benefits Russia makes him an asset to them; the case that hasn't been proven is that he's a Russian agent.
The question is "Is he knowingly a russian asset" ie do they control him directly thru bribery or kompromat or is it indirect via flattery and his love of a strong ( dictatorial) leader etc? Does he realise he is a russian asset?
its hard to be sure which but he is certainly working in Russian interests and has for a long time
IMHO its going to to be quid pro quo, people always want a smoking gun but the worlds not that simple, you don’t need to have a sit down chat and sign a contract to be someone’s asset you just have to aid their position and take their money indirectly.
A man selling apartments most of his life has a lot of ways to be paid.
Rich people like money and don’t care where it comes from as long as they can have some of it.(and everyone likes a bit of money laundering as it’s easy money.)
It's almost as though high tech doesn't guarantee a win. (See Afghanistan, Vietnam, Terminator) You motivate a group well enough and guerilla warfare, be it rifles in the hills or cheap drone wave warfare, will hold your might in pace longer than expected and grind away morale and support.
They're an output which is used to serve a clearly defined strategic intent, supported with a coherent mission with achievable and suitable objectives, if any component is missing, success is significantly harder to obtain.
No different to diplomacy, if you don't have an accurate intelligence-led plan, with an achievable outcome to strive for, you're ****ed.
History doesn't repeat, but it does rhyme, and DJT is absolutely living that reality.
Let’s not forget the man whose own Vietnam was
It’s amazing, I can’t even believe it. I’ve been so lucky in terms of that whole world, it is a dangerous world out there. It’s like Vietnam, sort of. It is my personal Vietnam. I feel like a great and very brave solider,” Trump said in the interview when Howard Stern asked how he handled making sure he wasn’t contracting STDs from the women he was sleeping with.
Let’s not forget the man whose own Vietnam was
Or as the current joke goes.
Whats the difference between Iran and Vietnam?
Trump had a plan on how to get out of Vietnam.
The latest toy/pram expulsion from Truth Social..
Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER! They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran. Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!
He still doesn't seem to grasp the concept of NATO being a defensive alliance, does he? Bless him, he's not very bright.
Ignoring the elephant in the room of the 5-time draft dodger calling anyone a coward, I'm sure that such a charm offensive will convince lots of countries to get on board with the American strategic masterplan and put their military at Trumps command
I often find in international diplomacy calling your allies cowards & trying to bully them gets results...
Trump calls Nato allies 'cowards', saying it would be 'easy' for them to help open strait
We've just heard from US President Donald Trump, who has called Nato allies "cowards" and said it would be "easy" for them to allow ships to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Here's his post on Truth Social in full:
"Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER! They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran.
"Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices.
"So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!"
All the rant makes me think is... if it's so easy, with so little risk, why hasn't the mighty USA under their greatest ever leader not already done it? There's probably a peace prize in it for him if gets on and gets it done.
So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!
At the risk of sounding picky, if it so easy and so little risk, why does he want help (at the time of writing I am sure in ten minutes his medications will kick in/wear off and he will change his mind)?
I would probably go with claiming all the glory for myself and I am not a narcissistic nutter like he is.
The bloke is ****ing scum, and the UK and Europe should cut off all ties with the US. **** em!
At the risk of sounding picky, if it so easy and so little risk, why does he want help (at the time of writing I am sure in ten minutes his medications will kick in/wear off and he will change his mind)?
The problem is you are arguing with idiots decisions.
well he's dropped a lot of support for Ukraine because its not a threat to his Russian/US interests so Europe should give him the bird.
I believe it's in plain sight. Trump had lots of "loans" from some very dodgy people in the past. A bit like Mr Andrew managed to sell his house for ~£4m over the (already steep) asking price to someone dodgy, who never bothered to live in it.
I do believe that in the UK we're not in a position to bin the Americans without threatening our own security. Which is the point that Tony Blair was trying to make.
The US is currently the biggest threat to UK security, they are not our protectors, they are our abusers.
And Tony Blair is "funded" through the tony blair foundation, by the same tech bros and oligarchs that are behind Trump, to promote their wants to governments. Nothing he says is worth the time of day, it's just paid for propaganda, a lot like Mandelsons "consultancy/think tank", birds of a feather etc.
The US is currently the biggest threat to UK security, they are not our protectors, they are our abusers.
The US is in second place to Russia. The UK and Russia are engaged in active conflict. Those cyber attacks and warehouse fires aren't happening by themselves; neither did the Ukrainian drone factory open in East Anglia by coincidence.
I'm sure that such a charm offensive will convince lots of countries to get on board with the American strategic masterplan and put their military at Trumps command
Well, as we speak, Starmer is probably asking where to sign.
Yup, they have a factory in Suffolk
And a cruise missile factory in France (not sure if operational yet?) building the French version of the Storm Shadow, with French support to build another factory near Lyviv
I do believe that in the UK we're not in a position to bin the Americans without threatening our own security. Which is the point that Tony Blair was trying to make.
Blair is an asswipe.
If only there was some community that we could join for mutual benefits in trade and security!
Unforeseen consequence award: in a single month, Trump has done more to get governments and people around the world to recognise the value of renewables and the energy transition than the last decade of state actions...? Maybe???
(I'm not for a second suggesting that that suddenly makes the war okay or that the Iranian and Lebanese and other lives lost are now acceptable. Obviously not).
And Tony Blair is "funded" through the tony blair foundation,
Dont forget his gig working for the Bored of Peace. Busy job right now.
FFS Starmer! Helping the orange toddler is not what the people of this country want.
And it’s likely to bring the war to Cyprus. For what? Any assistance given to the USA to continue the war only means more bad news for the whole world, not just Iran’s neighbours. Trump must be stood up to.
Don't worry it's for "defensive" bombing only!
I see an Iranian couple were caught trying to gain access to Faslane today, maybe they don't agree on Starmers position.
After being dragged into the war with Iran by the puppet master, American Trump is now stuck in Iran with no dignify ways of exiting the war.
Landing troops in Iran is actually what Iran is preparing for, and unlike other middle east countries Iran will not be an easy walkover because they have prepared for this eventuality for a while now.
Even if Trump can secure the small island along the Strait of Hormuz, they will become the "Hamburger Hill" with no peace of mind. The objective to control S.o. Hormuz will not be easy as all bets are off now and with puppet master hellbent on keeping American Trump engage in the region in order to take this opportunity to expand their territory, I suspect if American troops suffer casualties Trump will go down in history as the biggest tool of puppet master.
there he is!
FFS. Starmer could have stood united with the rest of Europe but no, he has to fold to the orange buffoon’s insults and drag us into it as well. Everything in the UK is now a viable target for Iran.
Also, why don’t thinks like this need parliamentary approval?
The Iranians don't need to attack US forces/bases, they can just cause chaos in the wider region, knowing that increasing oil prices is the hardest way to hit 'the west'. They probably wouldn't take DT out if they got a chance as he's far more destabilising where he is.
Petrol price at my local Esso is now creeping up to £1.49 😬
diesel dropped a little to under 22SEK/l,, but then jumped to 24SEK/l
yay
Well, as we speak, Starmer is probably asking where to sign.
I wasn’t expecting to be proved right quite so soon. 😂
From the BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce84073mr06t?post=asset%3Ac5a3426c-45fb-4d7e-99e0-7b519265d0dc
Diaper Don has basicaly soiled himself all over the middle east and deciding to walk away and let everyone else clean up his mess.
unlike other middle east countries Iran will not be an easy walkover
Which were the easy walkover again? I'm struggling to remember them
unlike other middle east countries Iran will not be an easy walkover
Yeah, it's gone 1am, I'm a bit pissed from gig shenanigans, but **** me.
Some of your act like you've been in a gunfight or deployed on operations in the middle east. Maybe dial it back a bit, having opinions is all well and good but talking like you actually know what the **** the operations in iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Libya were like takes the biscuit.
Have some ****ing humility you stinking civvie. Nothing was easy, failure and success came with nothing but blood and a lifetime of painful memories.
To add, I respect a great many of you,, you're thoughtful, insightful measured and passionate. I value your opinions, even your rage.
But some of you are bellends. You speak with an authority you have absolutely not earned and do not deserve.
Comments like chewks insult the hundreds of thousands (and then some) that have died as a result of wars in the the region at the orders of autocrats and the arrogant.
Nothing in the region is taken or given with ease. It all costs the blood of the innocent and the blood of the willing.
^^I'm not going to speak for others but I would have shat myself at the thought of going to war and doing mind admitting it.
We also have a factory in England that builds drones for Israel , keeping us in the crosshairs for other militant groups
We also have a factory in England that builds drones for Israel , keeping us in the crosshairs for other militant groups
They had an expert on saying how hard the oil shock could be for the world. Not good at all, this is looking to get proper nasty.
Not just oil/gas but also a lot of fertiliser comes through there. So food production is going to be hit hard this year unless its resolved very quickly.
Then various other things eg Helium which is used for producing computer chips and so on.
There is a reason why all the previous US presidents listened to the advisers and didnt start a war.
There is a reason why all the previous US presidents listened to the advisers and didnt start a war.
Trump doesn't have advisors. He has people who are using him to suit their own ends by playing to his ego, telling him what he wants to hear and then creating their own merry hell. Either that, or Trump watched Top Gun 2 and thought it was a documentary.
Somewhere in amongst all this they'll be buying assets for cents on the dollar, shorting currency, trading fracking rights for US oil or God only knows what else.
Putin must be laughing himself silly.
On a related note, Farage has finally realised that most people don't like Trump so he's frantically trying to extract his nose from the President's arse where it's been firmly wedged for the last 10years.
"Honest guv, I'm not really best mates with him, promise."
or Trump watched Top Gun 2 and thought it was a documentary.
Team America, surely?
Looking difficult already for some in SE Asia:
We also have a factory in England that builds drones for Israel ,
There's a factory in Shenstone that builds engines that are used in drones, some of which have been exported (legally) to Israel. The Factory in Leicester that builds drones is/was a failed UK MOD programme that back in about 2010-15 made a drone called Watchmaker for the Army that was (not to put too fine a point on it) shitty. It crashed with dull regularity because it couldn't fly in bad weather. The whole thing was bought by Elbit and Thales - a joint Israeli/French company for a knock down price after the MOD had spent about $1.5B and wanted out of the programme, who managed in turn, while trying to get Watchmaker to work, to get a contract to sell said shitty drones to Romania in 2015. Some Watchmaker parts that were supposed to go to Romania ended up in Israel, and haven't been onward delivered, and in fact appear to have been used in occupied territories which is against International and UK arms laws.