"So does the Iranian regime finally fall THIS TIME?" Topic

Obviously they failed to stop the continued ability of Iran to begin the processes of development and enrichment that would have led to them having one or giving their surrogates to develop dirty nukes.

Since the U.S. economy was brought up.

Today:

"The US trade deficit dropped by over 25% in January, falling to $54.5 USD billion to start 2026 but following increases in the previous two months.

US exports rose in January by 5.5% on a month-over-month basis to $302.1 USD billion, according to the data, while imports dropped by 0.7% to $356.6 USD billion.

The change was largely driven by an increase in exports of goods, which jumped by $14.6 USD billion in January and reduced the overall goods deficit to $81.8 USD billion.
…

"Gold, pharmaceuticals and IT equipment were once again the main drivers behind the narrowing in the trade deficit in January," Capital Economics wrote, "while limited revisions to preceding months' figures suggest little change to fourth-quarter GDP growth."
"

China is just waiting for
-the USA to lose its tight grip on world economics, especially by reducing the importance of the $
-USA to lose its political influence on the western allies
-USA to lose its dominance in IT

All of which will happen if Europe falls, and some commentators here would really like to see that occur. The same UI would like to see NATO dismantled.

Be careful what you wish for. Hegemony will only get you so far.

SB this is for your opinion. 😉

If it happened, would it not be the height of irony? 🤨

"Oscars security will be enhanced this Sunday as the FBI, LAPD, and other agencies, work together to shield the star-studded event from a possible Iranian drone attack.

We recently acquired information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran….We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack."

@sbminisguy:
I do believe that the increase in military spending that was asked for by the US was partially intented just to increase weapon trade with Europe. I seriously doubt the russian capabilities to wage for with NATO in the last decade. I still cannot see Putin actually attacking Western Europe with other means than he is using right now. I do believe that it is an ongoing effort of Russia to seperate the US from other members of NATO. US troops in Europe are largely here as an hub to the middle east and to keep an eye the war in Ukraine.
What Trump did was a severe alienation of Canada and the European allies, and now we build up our own weapon industry so we do not depend on technologies provided by the US. The US lost a huge market.
The EU is getting closer trade relationships to South America, India and also China, just out of necessity because the US market is not reliable due to Trump. And those changes in trade routes will not dissappear when Trump will start his third term.

"BREAKING: Akbar Ghaffari, Iran's Deputy Intelligence Minister and one of the main conspirators behind the 7 October Jewish massacre, has been eliminated. Ghaffari was widely viewed as a central figure in the Islamic regime's internal security and intelligence apparatus."

As to the title of the thread, it's increasingly looking like one regime will fall. It just may not be the Iranians.

Australia?

All of which will happen if Europe falls, and some commentators here would really like to see that occur. The same UI would like to see NATO dismantled.

Who wants that? The Trump Admin doesn't, nobody does -- we just fear you're comitting civilizational suicide and degenerating into Orwellian authoritarianism. Hell, more people get arrested for social media posts in Britain than in Russia now. And that makes you a liability, not a security and trade partner.

Just a reminder to those complaining about the price of a barrel raising because of the Iranian conflict.

The conflict many of you complaining now about Iran, were vehemently for support of the Ukraine and called anyone who questioned it, "pro-Putin stooges" and "Putin apologists".

"Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Brent crude oil prices immediately surged to over $100 USD per barrel, peaking around $139 USD per barrel in early March 2022. Prices remained high, generally fluctuating between $100 USD and over $120 USD per barrel during the first month of the conflict."

😳 oil was already at $100 USD before it started?
It jumped to $139 USD? 😱

But you didn't complain back then. Not just you, same was true of the MSM and those who supported the Ukraine war, like so many of those who oppose Iran now in our country. 🤔

For those in my country opposing this conflict.

Russia never attacked the U.S. directly. Didn't even attack a NATO member. Yes, They probably gave money to some of the Islamic radicals who have.

Iran on the other hand has attacked us directly and indirectly. Killing thousands of our citizens and supplying proxies who do the same.

They have done the same to our direct allies.

Other than a hate so deep for the "orange guy", what reason could you logically have to oppose this conflict and hope for its failure, but so thoroughly support the Ukraine?

Iran has possed a daily threat to our lives since 1979.

And the latest— the two "counter-protestors" at Gracie Mansion were not at all responding to a right-wing protest on the spur of the moment. At least one had been building and testing bombs in his backyard in Pennsylvania for at least 10 MONTHS!

For those of you incapable of doing math: That goes back to May of last year. Not only were they not responding to the protest, they weren't even responding to the current conflict in Iran OR even the Midnight Hammer bombing, which did not occur until June of last year.
So they clearly weren't made "more hate-filled" by any actions currently being hand-wrung about. They already hated, and they already wanted to kill Americans in as big a way as possible.

And now we have a (failed) terrorist attack on a synagogue, and another terrorist mass shooting attempt at Old Dominion by a guy who had already been convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison for supplying information to a terrorist organization, and GOT LET OUT FIVE YEARS EARLY in DECEMBER 2024 as yet another last-act-of-stupidity by the AUTOPEN ADMINISTRATION. Do we really believe this loser was not planning to return to his terrorist activities already?

Parz, I was holding back on those two, until we got the final intel on the "naturalized" Lebanonize terrorist from Dearborn who committed the Michigan synagogue attack.

He rammed his car into the building. The car may have been deliberately set on fire and he got out with a rifle. What did the synagogue have in it you might ask? Children attending school.

Now I just read that many first responders are being treated in hospitals for something. Some sort of gas or other agent from the car?

Thank god the synagogue had a security guard who killed the terrorist.

The Old Dominion terrorist perp was subdued and killed(?) by the ROTC students in the clsssroom he attacked. Brave individuals.

As I have been saying, you cannot take the scorpion to your breast and expect it not to sting. 🦂

Neither this guy, the two in NYC and the one in Austin are Iranians. The only thing in common between all 4, they are radicalized Muslims.

All, and one more commonality. They all committed these crimes in areas that brag about being sanctuary cities and or states.

Quick background on Dearborn MI, home of the synagogue perp.

"Muslim Majority: Recent estimates suggest that Muslims now make up approximately 55% of Dearborn's population.

Arab-American Majority: In 2023, Dearborn became the first Arab-majority city in the U.S.. Approximately 55% of its roughly 110,000 residents (about 60,000 people) claim Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) ancestry.

Cultural Infrastructure: The city is home to the Islamic Center of America, which is the largest mosque in North America, and at least 11 other mosques.

Civic Leadership: The city's current leadership reflects these demographics, including Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, the first Arab-American and Muslim to hold the office."

I believe where that crime took place has the largest Jewish population in the U.S., but I did not double check.

Wonder if their trainers got Iranian money, or if they did at some point.

This is promising. Divisions between regulars and republican guard. Even within the guard.

From Iran International:

"EXCLUSIVE
Desertions, shortages and army-IRGC rift strain Iran's military
14 hours ago

Listen to this article
Iranian soldiers from the country's regular army (Artesh) take part in a military drill near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian soldiers from the country's regular army (Artesh) take part in a military drill near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's armed forces are facing acute supply shortages, rising desertions and deepening friction between the regular army (Artesh) and the Revolutionary Guards, according to informed sources who described a military system under growing strain as the war intensifies.

Among the most serious allegations are reports that wounded army personnel have been denied assistance by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), that some frontline units are operating with minimal ammunition, food and drinking water, and that attempts to mobilize reserve forces have faltered.

Tensions between army and Revolutionary Guards

One of the sharpest points of friction appears to involve medical support for wounded soldiers.

Sources said that regular army units are suffering significant casualties but that IRGC personnel have refused to transport injured army soldiers to hospitals despite having access to medical facilities.

According to the sources, Revolutionary Guards officials rejected repeated army requests for assistance, citing shortages of ambulances and blood supplies.

The refusals have deepened anger and resentment between personnel from the two forces, adding to long-standing institutional tensions between the regular army (Artesh) and the IRGC.

Frontline shortages

The reported tensions come alongside severe shortages affecting some frontline and field units of the Iranian army.

Sources described worsening logistical conditions that have left troops struggling with limited ammunition and inadequate basic supplies.

In one example cited by the sources, some units were issued only 20 bullets for every two Artesh soldiers, leaving troops with little capacity to respond to potential attacks.

Field units in several areas are also said to be operating without reliable access to drinking water or sufficient food supplies.

The harsh conditions and what some soldiers perceive as neglect by commanders have contributed to what sources described as group desertions, with soldiers leaving bases and seeking refuge in nearby towns.

Strain extends to IRGC units

The strain is not limited to the regular army, according to the sources.

Even within IRGC missile units – traditionally among the best resourced parts of Iran's military – there have been reports of communications equipment failures and shortages of food and other basic supplies.

Despite these problems, the sources said the command structure appears to be prioritizing the delivery of technical components needed to keep missile systems operational, rather than sending additional food rations or individual equipment to personnel.

The accounts suggest commanders are focusing on maintaining strategic weapons capabilities while troops face deteriorating living conditions.

Reserve mobilization falters

Efforts to widen the manpower pool appear to have run into resistance as well.

Sources said attempts by the Revolutionary Guards to mobilize reserve forces earlier this week produced limited results.

Many of those summoned for service reportedly did not report to military centers. Instead, some individuals used the situation to leave their areas and assist family members in moving toward border regions in hopes of leaving the country."

35thOVI, I initially thought the attack on the school was simply a missile shot down or deflected. Sadly, such tragedies are inevitable during an air war. But two strikes on the same target, 40 minutes apart, can't be called a mistake.
Only the US, UK, and Australia possess Tomahawk missiles (and there are remnants of these missiles at the crash site, and a video showing this missile hitting the school). Israel didn't carry out this strike. The British or the Australians? I doubt it…
Did Trump give this order? I don't know, I doubt it. But given the split in the US elite, perhaps someone made this decision to set Trump up for attack?

What evidence is there for the killing of thousands of protesters in Iran? Statements from the press and the opposition? Nonsense, not worth paying attention to… I see the Persians enduring the hardships of war alongside their far from ideal government. This says much more than the corrupt press. It's the same in Russia. Our government is far from ideal, but we had to support it to confront a far more dire threat.

The West has never acted with "white gloves" against its non-European adversaries. These wars have been fought dirty for centuries – so why expect any different? It's sad, but true, and there's no reason to expect anything different. Just wait for one of your schools to be attacked someday… The spiral of violence is growing.

The Lebanese attack on a synagogue? But what does Iran have to do with it? Has anyone proven a connection? The Lebanese have enough reasons to hate even without Iran… I was saying that all jihadist groups are becoming more active now, even those who hate Iran.

I understand that you want to believe the good news, but a London-based media outlet broadcasting in Persian and citing "secret" sources is hardly worth taking seriously without further evidence.

An attack on Iranian oil infrastructure and tankers would mean Iran would attack any oil and gas infrastructure in the region, regardless of nationality… I don't think that's a wise decision.

Cupram2 – clearly the US isn't winning & Iran isn't losing but it looks as if your team are winners!
link

t.me/boris_rozhin/202526

A CBS journalist reported that a second air tanker was hit in Iraq but managed to land in Israel.

The report was later deleted because it directly contradicted CENTCOM's report that the loss of the air tanker and damage to another were non-combat related.

Iranian proxies claim that one KC-135 air tanker was shot down by a surface-to-air missile over Iraqi territory, and another was damaged. This is theoretically possible if the air tanker was hit by an Iranian "Missile 358," which is in service with Iranian proxies in Iraq. This missile is particularly dangerous for drones and large aircraft. It has a range of up to 100 kilometers and can hit targets at altitudes of up to 10 kilometers. It can even be launched from a pickup truck. The missile's specific name stems from an incident in Afghanistan, when an unknown missile shot down a CIA airborne command post. The aircraft had tail number 358, which is where the missile got its name.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also stated that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln was seriously damaged by Iranian missiles and drone strikes. The US continues to deny damage to the aircraft carrier, claiming it was simply a fire in the laundry room.

If this continues, the US and its allies could inflict significant damage on themselves without any Iranian involvement )))

Ochoin, all of this was entirely predictable… More importantly, Russia is currently engaged in tough negotiations with China about raising prices for Russian oil. And the fact that the US has lifted sanctions on Russian oil trade.
But Europe, judging by everything, is in for some very difficult times.
The sanctions are still in place)))

Ochoin your comments are

The US is not winning … ?

Iran is not losing … ?

And the Russians winning ?

Those comments deny the reality cleanly seen by the facts.

Unbelievable …

That KC-135 was not shot down it collided with another aircraft.

And no US CVN was damaged …

I initially thought the attack on the school was simply a missile shot down or deflected. Sadly, such tragedies are inevitable during an air war. But two strikes on the same target, 40 minutes apart, can't be called a mistake.

Another ridiculous assessment … Why would the US knowingly/ purposely target a school?

But given the split in the US elite, perhaps someone made this decision to set Trump up for attack?

What split ? Where the Hell did that assessment come from.

The comments here just keep getting more ridiculous …

My condolences)))

I saw $3.59 USD/gallon today where I paid $3.49 USD two days ago.

Legion 4, aircraft carrier fire:

link

Video of a Tomahawk strike on a school:

link

Yes, that was not from anything Iran did … Fires happen on ships just like on land. Even if that link is true.

The things you and some others here are saying are just propaganda. The US and IDF are taking Iran apart. So many retired Officers on the media are saying what is happening.

No KC-135s were shot down … one crashed but not from enemy fire.

And no matter what some say, the US did not purposely target a school. It makes no sense … for what purpose? The target might have been mis-ID'd. And it was thought it was not a school. Regardless, that is much more likely what would have happened. Thinking the school was not full of kids. But it may have thought to be something else. Like an HQ, commo center, etc.

You can show me all the videos you can find. They may be CGI or as I said. The target was mis-ID'd. There was no reason to kill those children. Or any others. And we all know in an urban environment CD can be major as times. Trying to discredit the US based on what these medieval thugs in Iran does … is again ridiculous …

And I have no idea when this war will end. Or how soon it will. But I am sure the US and IDF will come out ahead.

"I only sell what I can touch with my hands, you sell air"…

The facts are in front of you, and everyone can interpret them as they like.

"I saw $3.59 USD USD/gallon today where I paid $3.49 USD USD two days ago."

You know that extra 10c is going straight to Russia, John.

The Humanity!

"If this continues, the US and its allies could inflict significant damage on themselves without any Iranian involvement )))

Ochoin, all of this was entirely predictable"

No it wasn't….at least not by the Americans who didn't bother, it seems, to think through anything about the operation. Amateurs.
I seriously think the only winners from this debacle will be the Russians & Chinese.

Ochoin, the Russians won long ago. They destroyed the world order that didn't have a worthy place for them. Whether you like it or not, Russia has returned to the ranks of world powers. We will endure the temporary inconveniences and accompanying losses, just as we have throughout our history.
China… They don't give the impression of being warriors. These are traders. If they continue to behave this way, they will lose their war.

US intelligence says Iran government is not at risk of collapse, say sources

link

What to Watch for Next in the Iran War

link

Armand

How ridiculous: "The US has proven its military superiority over Iran"))) Was there anyone who doubted it?
Iran stood firm – that's bravery… They need to put the lion back on the flag.

@Ochoin. They don't like home truths!

And no matter what some say, the US did not purposely target a school. It makes no sense … for what purpose? The target might have been mis-ID'd. And it was thought it was not a school. Regardless, that is much more likely what would have happened. Thinking the school was not full of kids. But it may have thought to be something else. Like an HQ, commo center, etc.

So you're saying that the great and mighty USA had incomplete or faulty intel on a building that was not an imminent threat, and went ahead anyway? Yeah, that follows.

"Ochoin your comments are

The US is not winning … ?

Iran is not losing … ?

And the Russians winning ?

Those comments deny the reality cleanly seen by the facts."

So far there is no capitulation of Iran. Victory or defeat is defined by condition at the end of the war.
And Russia gets more money selling oil.
I don´t see your point, Legion.

"Ochoin, the Russians won long ago. They destroyed the world order that didn't have a worthy place for them."

Cuprum, my friend, we'll have to disagree. The rather shaky (not destroyed yet) World Order was attacked not by the Russians but by the Senior Nato partner.

" "The US has proven its military superiority over Iran"))) Was there anyone who doubted it?" I'm not sure who on the thread said this (a grey box?) but this explains the Vietnam, Iraq & Afghanistan fiascos much better than I could.

There's something I just don't get in these discussions. People keep complaining that Iran is 'bad' because of this or that, mentioning things like the 50 marines killed nearly 50 years ago, while in the meantime, they've invaded multiple countries themselves. They invaded Iraq for no reason, leading to the deaths of anywhere from 600,000 to a million people. Can we please stop with the moral hypocrisy?

"@Ochoin. They don't like home truths!"

goibinu, mo charaid.

Most people don't. Feumaidh tu gabhail ris.

ochoin, you simply refuse to understand that the world has changed. That the USSR no longer exists, meaning Russia is no longer an ideological enemy for the US. I'd even say that Russia is more of a potential ally. But the US is weighed down by the long-obsolete NATO bloc, which no longer solves any problems for the US, and the European Union, which is just as much a competitor and partner for the US as Russia is.
Europe, meanwhile, is plagued by the phantom pain of the long-since-ended Soviet occupation, the desire to transform its amorphous political entity into yet another superpower, the desire to live up to its utopian ideals (multiculturalism, green energy, and the like), the desire to keep the US as a guarantor of its own military security and economic sponsor… For all of this, Europe needs a "big, scary bad guy" to help it achieve all of these goals… And China is a poor fit for this role simply because it's so far removed from Europe. That's why Europe diligently molded Russia into a monster… The US wasn't averse to bringing a more loyal government to power in Russia, but when the costs of such a project became too high, it lost interest.
Trump is outrageous, but believe me, even if he leaves, the situation won't change much. The US is waging a cold war (for now?) with China. That's their immediate interest. Everything else is secondary for the US. Then there's Israel, which the US isn't indifferent to… But Israel is behaving very strangely to me, creating chaos in its own region. So far, it looks like they've significantly overestimated their strength… Especially when threatening Turkey.
It's a different world…

Russia was not "molded into a monster" by Europe.I believe the moulding was a scratch building project by the Kremlin.

After the Dissolution of the Soviet Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization reduced forces and many Western governments tried to build cooperative relations with Russia.

Perceptions changed largely after events like the Annexation of Crimea and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.When the Russian invasion of Ukraine happened, the sales pitch for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization largely wrote itself.

When a country sends troops across its neighbour's border, other countries tend to notice. No molding required..

As we Clyde-siders say, the more things change, the less they do. And BTW anyone who says or writes "believe me" is implicitly to be distrusted.

There has been some comments ridiculing some perspectives. I am not sure that all of the comments are that outlandish, even though they may be overstated.

On the delibrate targeting of the Iranian school. I do believe that the school was deliberately target by US forces. However, I believe that the targeting was the result of faulty/out of date intelligence rather than anything more nefarious. None of this takes away from the tragedy of the event. A post in The NY Times covers some of the known information and seems to concentrate just on known information:
link

The initial claims that the Iranians used a Tomahawk missile to target the school were not helpful, and rightfully lead to some skepticism when looking at claims related to other events.

This brings us to the two aircraft involved in an incident resulting in a KC135 crashing. The claim is that they were not shot down either by friendly or enemy fire. The fact that the incident occurred in a war zone does not make the possibility that they were shot down entirely implausible. In light of the claims about the Tomahawks on the school, I will wait to see how information on this event unfolds. Even if they were not shot down, there is certainly the possibility that increased stress through operating in a war zone could have contributed to the incident.

On the possibility of a US aircraft carrier being hit. I am inclined not to believe this one. A fire in the laundry room or kitchen could have occurred. Again, could stress related to being in a combat zone have contributed – certainly it could have. Now is there the possibility of an aircraft carrier being hit going forward? Yes, the carrier is in a war zone. Last year an Arleigh Burke was seconds away from being hit. The probability of a hit on a major US naval vessel is very low, but is not zero.

On is the US winning and is Iran loosing is not a crazy question. It really depends upon the objectives. Iran's objectives could be survival until economic damage causes the US to cease combat operations. Now is the US winning, certainly militarily they are causing far more damage to Iran than Iran is causing to them. However, on strategic objectives I think that the jury is still out. Indeed I am not clear on what the strategic objectives are and communication from the US Government on what they are has been neither clear or consistent.

Trump eases sanctions on Russian oil
link

While Putin gives Iran targeting intelligence and drone tactical advice.
Oh, goodie. I found plenty of sources from the dastardly CNN and NBC that I knew would be automatically rejected here. So I found one from the saintly Fox News.

link

Both sides have different Victory Conditions, to put it in wargaming context.
Israel and the USA wish to blow things up and kill. They are succeeding.
Iran's is to survive. They are succeeding.

The Allies may succeed in destroying Iran's nuclear weapons program, and missile production. 👍
Iran will succeed in becoming a blueprint for Martyrdom in the face of "Christian Zionist oppression". The regime will never collapse, so long as Iran can continue to murder its own people to stay in power.

I don't THINK I live close to any possible terrorist target, but you never know. 🤷🙄

So much drivel, lies, half truths, etc. to address here. Albeit there is some wheat among the chaff. And I appreciate that. As I have a predilection for logic, reason etc. That is not full of anti-US, etc. flotsam, etc.

So you're saying that the great and mighty USA had incomplete or faulty intel on a building that was not an imminent threat, and went ahead anyway? Yeah, that follows.

Well first of all your bias is worse than mine. So, no matter what the USA does it is wrong. And if one studied anything about intel ops. Many time intel is perishable. Situations change. Before events can recorrect.

But again you are very biased. And you again seem to not understand the way some aspect of military ops work. Even I had Intel training and was an S2 for a year in the USAR. After I ETS'd from Active Duty … Any line Plt Ldr and more Co. Cdr knows how gather and evaluate information.

And yes … the US Military is the most powerful piece on the board. Whether those some here like it or not … You may now cry in your warm beer. Cheers !

There has been some comments ridiculing some perspectives. I am not sure that all of the comments are that outlandish, even though they may be overstated.

That is debatable … Some because of bias and hatred can't/won't see the forest for the trees. Or more simply the truth. It is clear with any common sense one should have the ability to see thru the poor and polarized reporting. As well as just outright lies and propaganda.

The Pentagon/CENTCOM has clear put out the facts of the strike on the school.

And there was not attack on the CVN Lincoln or any other CVN. Some here may not know the difference of a CVN to a CVS …

Again the KC-135 crashed and lost all 6 crewmembers as of today. Investigation is ongoing. I appears one KC-135 hit another while flying in formation, etc. However is clear no enemy actions were involved. Unless you are pushing a corrupted agenda and narrative. Like some here …

Classic propaganda as we see from many islamist groups, e.g. Hamas and Iran … Plus the Russians are also very good at doing this type of disinformation. And it has become very, very, clear. The Russians and Chicoms[ different side of the same old soiled, rusted coin] are no friends of the USA/the West. So anything they say along with islmalist, e.g. Iran, Hamas, etc., etc. should be viewed with a huge amount of skepticism.

Plus beside the outside media sources, much of the US media is very, very, biased, skewed, etc., etc. when it comes to anything the POTUS or members of this admin does. They don't investigate, they run with and print, etc. whatever they hear, with maybe more rumor than anything else. They are no longer in the News biz, nor journalism but activists. Trying to report only things that again fit their agenda and narrative. Regardless if it true or not.

On the delibrate targeting of the Iranian school. I do believe that the school was deliberately target by US forces. However, I believe that the targeting was the result of faulty/out of date intelligence rather than anything more nefarious.

Yes that is what I've saying. But the anti-US bias "is strong" in some here …

None of this takes away from the tragedy of the event. A post in The NY Times covers some of the known information and seems to concentrate just on known information:

No it doesn't unless you suffer "USDS or TDS" … I've have said this so many times … recently. And I heard the SecWar and JCS Chief apologize for this accident. Again CD in a MOUT environment can occur more easily than in any other location on any battlefield. And again if bias and distain didn't enter into it one would see that.

On the possibility of a US aircraft carrier being hit. I am inclined not to believe this one. A fire in the laundry room or kitchen could have occurred. Again, could stress related to being in a combat zone have contributed – certainly it could have. Now is there the possibility of an aircraft carrier being hit going forward? Yes, the carrier is in a war zone. Last year an Arleigh Burke was seconds away from being hit. The probability of a hit on a major US naval vessel is very low, but is not zero.

Agreed …

On is the US winning and is Iran loosing is not a crazy question. It really depends upon the objectives. Iran's objectives could be survival until economic damage causes the US to cease combat operations. Now is the US winning, certainly militarily they are causing far more damage to Iran than Iran is causing to them. However, on strategic objectives I think that the jury is still out. Indeed I am not clear on what the strategic objectives are and communication from the US Government on what they are has been neither clear or consistent. Yes that is good assessment no real spin, propaganda, etc.

However, I think the strategic objectives have been outline fairly clearly. As on one GEN ret. said in an interview. Just because it does not appear there is plan doesn't mean there isn't. That is so very true. You don't tell the enemy your plans, operations, etc. They may figure it out but by that time it may be too late.

They don't like home truths!"

Not if they are not truths. E.g. lies, spin, propaganda, etc. Much of the US media does this all the time. As well as media from outside the USA. They are as bad as the US media … Adn that is a lot.

The facts are in front of you, and everyone can interpret them as they like

Iran, islamist, militant moslems, etc. have seen how with a little CGI can make up photos that are nothing but lies. But there are those yes even some here who take it as truth … Those are not facts if manufactured. Of course Russia knows that but plays that card all too often. And if the lie [BTW, FYI – a lie is not a fact] is put out there enough the many will believe it. Didn't Goebbels say something like that or was it Stalin ? Again, basically different side of the same rusty coin.

While Putin gives Iran targeting intelligence and drone tactical advice.
Oh, goodie. I found plenty of sources from the dastardly CNN and NBC that I knew would be automatically rejected here. So I found one from the saintly Fox News.

Pay attention the POTUS etc. recently addressed that at during an interview with FOX. The US gives intel to Ukraine and Putin along with the Chicom give it to Iran, etc., etc. He said that … And we all know that. And yes even you John …

People keep complaining that Iran is 'bad' because of this or that, mentioning things like the 50 marines killed nearly 50 years ago,

If you are going to throw stones get your some of your facts close to being correct. It 240 or 250 USMCs in Lebanon in the early '80s. At least have enough respect for dead. The French Paras there also suffered losses with a similar attack. RIP troops …

they've invaded multiple countries themselves. They invaded Iraq for no reason,

No reason is also not accurate. And at the time what is known now was not then. Reality is a muth'a At least Saddam was killed off. And at Iraq is generally better off now.

But because of incompetents in the WH. ISIS, etc. had to cleansed … Oh and BTW, the US never took any Iraqi oil. And we still have some troops there.

the leading to the deaths of anywhere from 600,000 to a million people.

Moslems/islamists killed more moslem than the US/Coalition did. That is not conjecture …

Can we please stop with the moral hypocrisy?

Yes can we ?

Legion my friend, I agree with you. But a waste of time with most of those posting here in the last couple days. These are the same ones who attack everything the "Evil Orange" does. Go back through other UM threads.

As OFM often says: "The Usual Suspects". A FEW of them, from other countries, just hate the U.S. (they of course deny, but obvious non the less).

When proven wrong… they disappear until the next Trump move, to again become enraged and shout: "Evil Orange will fail!!!" And in a few cases, disparage the United States.

Radical fundamentalist Islam, is the greatest threat to the world. The only one who has indiscriminately attacked nearly everywhere in the world, in the last 5 years. In that timeframe, Iran has perpetuated it, or funded and supplied those doing it and the radical center of it.

Like the Barbary pirates, we are the first to actually openly battle them in a major way.

Up until then:

"The United States was the first country to launch a sustained military campaign to end the Barbary pirates' extortion of its ships, starting in 1801 with the First Barbary War. While European powers like Britain, France, and Spain had launched various punitive raids and bombardments against the Barbary States over the previous centuries, they often preferred to pay tribute for safety rather than engage in long-term conflict, unlike the U.S. approach."

@Legion 4 – let's just cut to the chase. There are a lot of people on these threads who hate Trump, and either hate or dislike America and wish for failure and defeat to feel better about themselves. Seriously, it's that simple.

Did I see this reaction when Obama and NATO started the unprovoked Libya War, causing a butal civil war with 200,000+ dead and millions of refugees? Nope. And Khadaffi had even apoligized and paid reparations for terrorism, renounced it and gave up his WMDs and stopped supporting revolutionary movements.

Iran has been killing non-stop since 1979, unrepentantly.

So they defacto are siding with Iran vs the US. That they are wishing for the success of a regime with a direct and indirect body count of 2 MILLION+ doesn't matter. That the Iranian regime is a totalitarian theocracy that routinely executes gays and rape victims, slaughtered 30,000 protesters including thousands of teens and tweens intentionally, doesn't matter. That Iran not only is one of the greatest human rights abusers on the planet, and is the single greatest source of terrrorism and instability in the middle east -- the Houthis and the Yemen Civil War, Hamas and Oct 7 attack, Hezbollah, the Iraqi Shiite militias who with IRGC support killed and injured thousands of US and British troops. Doesn't matter.

They hand wave away the oppression and brutality of the theocracy with the school incident (which we still don't know the details on yet) -- see, the US accidently hit a school with a missile, who are you to judge a regime that slaughters street protesters??

Seeing Trump fail is more important than seeing Iran fall, and seeing the US losing troops is worth more to them than 30,000 dead Iranian youngsters in the streets.

And they will keep it up until it's over -- and then if it didn't end in failure, they will move on to the next issue. Like Venezuela…crickets now, eh?

John,

"I saw $3.59 USD USD/gallon today where I paid $3.49 USD USD two days ago.". 🤣

Did you ignore my post above,

…
"Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Brent crude oil prices immediately surged to over $100 USD USD per barrel, peaking around $139 USD USD per barrel in early March 2022. Prices remained high, generally fluctuating between $100 USD USD and over $120 USD USD per barrel during the first month of the conflict."

😳 oil was already at $100 USD USD before it started?
It jumped to $139 USD USD? 😱

But you didn't complain back then. Not just you, same was true of the MSM and those who supported the Ukraine war, like so many of those who oppose Iran now in our country. 🤔"

So were you happy then? Did you complain about the "higher" price then? 🤨

If so, I don't remember seeing it. 🙂

So why now?

Have the Russians attacked our troops? Iran has.
Have the Russians purposely killed our citizens? Iran has.
I don't even think Russia calls us the Great Satan. Iran does.
Does Russia consider our citizens "Kafir" and Infidels? Iran does.

As to gas per gallon. Ours as a whole had dropped to around 3.35 on average from 3.49.

Leave the "people's Republic of Pennsylvania"!!
Migrate to a nice Red State, but as they say in Tennessee: "Leave your current politics behind". 😉

SB 👍

Sadly they obviously exist here too.

I never saw you, Legion, Parz, myself and others wishing for defeat in Afghanistan, just to spite Biden.

To the 6 Airmen killed.
🫡

Caprum

Even the government of Iran acknowledged killing their own in the protests. They just say the numbers are smaller.

"In the most recent major wave of nationwide protests preceding the current conflict, the Iranian government officially acknowledged 3,117 deaths. This figure was released by the Interior Ministry and the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs on January 21, 2026, following a violent crackdown on demonstrations that began in late December 2025."

They have recently announced they will do it again.

Other sources:

"Comparison with Independent Estimates
Independent human rights organizations and activists have consistently reported significantly higher numbers, accusing the government of severely undercounting the casualties.
PBS

Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA): Verified 7,007 deaths as of late February 2026.

Iran International: Reported at least 36,500 people killed, citing leaked documents from the IRGC Intelligence Organization.

Other Sources: Some reports from groups like the Center for Human Rights in Iran and Iran Human Rights have suggested the toll could be even higher, with some estimates reaching 12,000 to 20,000.
ایران اینترنشنال"

So choose your number. Killing their own people, men, women and children. No concern. And this was not the first.

I hope you've noticed, those praising you because you are now backing their views in this thread, are the same ones who have degraded you unmercifully in the Ukraine threads. "Putin Puppet" and "Putin Apologist" were just the nicest things they called you.

SB,

Yes, I saw a great reaction to Obama's involvement in Libya. The right came out strongly against it. FOX News was vocal in it's opposition. Just like now liberals oppose how the US attacked Iran. It is the same coin only different sides. If Biden had done exactly what Trump is doing now it would the right throwing a hissy fit. Can't we just be honest here. If the right does something the left will condemn it. If the left does something the right will condemn it. Can we stop with the "Holier than Thou" views. Yes, many people do not like Trump but then, he is a very divisive figure and has made controversial statements and decisions. Doesn't mean TDS. Also, I have seen many on TMP absolutely hate Biden. One even wants him to go to Hell. Is that BDS?

Gratten,

Again did you see any of us "want" the Afghanistan debacle?

We never want our soldiers killed for no reason (that debacle of a withdrawal was a useless waste of life).

I'm the first to admit I opposed all Biden's domestic and DEI policies.

The border? 🤬

But no, if Biden had attacked Iran as is happening today and in the same way, I would be backing it 100%. As I keep saying, it is long long long overdue.

That is all that should be looked at if you live here.

Like the Barbary pirates, we are the first to actually openly battle them in a major way.

"The United States was the first country to launch a sustained military campaign to end the Barbary pirates' extortion of its ships, starting in 1801 with the First Barbary War. While European powers like Britain, France, and Spain had launched various punitive raids and bombardments against the Barbary States over the previous centuries, they often preferred to pay tribute for safety rather than engage in long-term conflict, unlike the U.S. approach."

hum, hum, hum…quite 'US-centric' I think, this would be better in another part of the forum, allow me to have serious reserves about that, first because the US Navy was so small that it seems curious to compare it with european navies, and hardly to see it involved in a long term conflict at the same scale than neighbouring mediterranean powers
the conflit with the arab islamic naval terrorism of the North African Turkish Ottoman slave states and Morocco was so long and multisecular for the countries and navies concerned it can considered as a long term conflict, not only Spain France Britain but also all the Italian States, Malta with the Knights independent until 1798 and even Scandinavian, e.g. Danish Navy against Ottoman Algiers in 1770, France also already launched a "long" war against Algiers in 1681-1684 and Tripoli 1683-1685, 20 years before was tried a landing in the algerian coast in 1664, and etc…

be sure that the Ottoman arabs who enslaved blacks and white christians had to pay also the European countries as reciprocity

Thanks to Legion 4 to recall the iranian or proxy-iranian terrorism who caused the death of 241 US Marines and sailors with 58 French Chasseurs Parachutists more 6 Lebanese civilians in october 1983, this has not been forgotten…not to mention the terrorists waves against Paris the following years
we can add a 59th French soldier today

@Grattan54 – it's all contextual, yes? Re: the Libyan War we don't have a comparable situation to Iran.

1. Libya: Had renouned terrorism and paid reparations, had opened itself up to inspections and verifiably dismantled its WMDs, had stopped supporting "revolutionary" movements. In effect, Khadaffi has ceased to be a threat and was no longer a source of terrorism and instability. There was neither a threat nor a causus belli to start an unprovoked war with Libya.

2. Iran: Continued to declare itself at war with the US, continued to be the world's single greatest State terror sponsor conducting attacks across the EMEA (Europe-Middle East-Africa) and assassination attempts of regime critics. continued with its WMD programs refusing to abide by inspections regimes, continued as a Russian ally against Ukraine sending 8,000 – 10,000 drones to Russia to be used against Ukraine, continued threats against its neighbors inluding provoking civil wars, massacres and attacks on international shipping and aviation. We had ongoing threats and cause for war with Iran (not to mention it's strategic ally of China, and in case you haven't noticed the Trump admin is methodically pushing back on China and removing its allies).

Can we stop with the "Holier than Thou" views.

I mean, can't you walk and chew gum at the same time? I can dislike someone and like their policies and actions, and I can even like someone and dislike their policies and actions. So I didn't like Obama, but liked him taking down Bin Laden -- the rest of his foreign policies pretty much sucked and caused the world much pain (like the Libya War).

So let's look at Iran -- it is a living incarnation of a Nazi-like regime. It is brutal, oppressive, violent, genocidal and expansionist and it's actions are responsible for some 2 MILLION dead. Honestly, why would anyone support the Iranian regime?

Maybe you disapprove of the method -- but then, did anything else work? Maybe you disapprove of the man but why can't you approve of removing or weakening such a brutal regime?

So yes, let's be honest -- there are many people who seemingly CANNOT walk or chew gum at the same time. They are all or nothing people without nuance. So they either 100% approve of someone or 100% disapprove.

we can add a 59th French soldier today

I'm sorry to hear that

"Pentagon sending USS Tripoli and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to Middle East: official
Pentagon sending USS Tripoli and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to Middle East: official
Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is seen docked at Changi Naval Base in Singapore on Sept. 1, 2022. (Edgar Su/Reuters)
A U.S. defense official told Fox News on Friday that the Pentagon is sending the USS Tripoli, a Marine Amphibious Ready Group, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East.

Around 2,500 Marines and 2,500 sailors are being sent to the region as part of the deployment.

The USS Tripoli is stationed out of Japan and would take about one to two weeks to join other U.S. military assets in the region.

The move comes as Iran is threatening maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and launching attacks on its Gulf neighbors."