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Russian money will do that to a person.  Either that or they have good leverage too


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 3:07 pm
kimbers reacted
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Posted by: ratherbeintobago

Posted by: gofasterstripes

Isn't it Boomer?

Not in the Royal Navy it isn't, no.

 

 

Fair enough.

 

 


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 4:07 pm
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https://bsky.app/profile/peark.es/post/3mhg54n3sck2g

Best case scenario, if the bombing stopped today it will take months for prices to stabilise, this tral world consequences are huge

 

The worryingt part is that Trump is completely clueless about consequences of it all, so will judt keep escalating


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 4:12 pm
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The worryingt part is that Trump is completely clueless about consequences of it all, so will judt keep escalating

Yup... he seems set on new attacks on Iran 'till they decide not to retaliate in kind. That day isn't coming any time soon.


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 4:17 pm
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"ExxonMobil holds stakes in damaged LNG facilities"

Maybe somebody at the golf club will have a word, although even the boss of Exxon probably can't stand being in the same room as him. 


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 4:20 pm
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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


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 4:34 pm
 DrJ
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"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. 


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 5:37 pm
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" 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 ?


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 8:22 pm
 poly
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Posted by: oldfart

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!

 


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 8:29 pm
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I guess it's not too late to start hoarding blankets and woolly jumpers for next winter where the heating won't be on.


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 8:42 pm
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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


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 8:44 pm
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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


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 9:41 pm
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Posted by: Poopscoop

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


 
Posted : 19/03/2026 10:11 pm
Cletus reacted
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^^ 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

 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 2:17 am
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Posted by: nickc

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.


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 3:03 am
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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.


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 7:24 am
CountZero reacted
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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.


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 7:50 am
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Posted by: Poopscoop

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

 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 8:58 am
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Posted by: mattyfez

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/

 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 9:49 am
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Posted by: timba

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


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 10:04 am
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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!


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 11:31 am
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Posted by: onehundredthidiot

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. 

 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 11:43 am
 Sui
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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.


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 11:44 am
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Posted by: jimster01

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.  


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 11:47 am
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Posted by: binners

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. 

 

 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 11:52 am
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Posted by: binners

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. 

 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 11:52 am
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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.


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:02 pm
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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.


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:10 pm
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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


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:15 pm
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Posted by: relapsed_mandalorian

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.


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:15 pm
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Posted by: dissonance

Posted by: relapsed_mandalorian

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. 

 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:19 pm
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"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


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:27 pm
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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?


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:39 pm
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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.


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:44 pm
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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:

funny-demolition.gif


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:47 pm
pondo reacted
 MSP
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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. 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:47 pm
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Posted by: MSP

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. 

200w.gif

 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 12:57 pm
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Posted by: binners

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


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 1:16 pm
kelvin reacted
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Posted by: binners

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 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 1:27 pm
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Posted by: tthew

SACO. (Starmer chicked out). 

AFAIK they have been operating from Fairford since the 7th. I think there's at least 4 there now. 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 1:42 pm
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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


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 1:47 pm
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Posted by: pondo

"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.


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 2:12 pm
dudeofdoom and pondo reacted
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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


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 2:13 pm
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Posted by: tjagain

Posted by: timba

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.)

 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 2:53 pm
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Posted by: relapsed_mandalorian

Posted by: onehundredthidiot

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.

 

 


 
Posted : 20/03/2026 3:11 pm
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