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

For those addicted to only the MSM.

Try reading this today.

In his March 24, 2026, New York Times editorial, "The War Is Going Better Than You Think," Bret Stephens argues that the current military conflict with Iran is achieving strategic success with reduced Iranian threat capability. Stephens contends that this engagement, focused on preventing nuclear proliferation rather than nation-building, is progressing well despite past planning failures.

Will Bret have a job 2 weeks from now? 😱 Will he be the left's new casualty du jour? Will his articles now be classed along with those from the "F" word? 😳 😏

Meanwhile in the forgotten war.

"Russia fires more than 1,000 drones against Ukraine as spring offensive ramps up on battlefield"

Like they did not attempt multiple times before this conflict. 😏
With some of the vitriolic comments about the President on many of these threads. Well …. 😳

Where are the Israeli's and more exploding pagers and phones when you need them.

Ahmed, you're receiving a pag… 💥

Candygram for Ali! Candygram for Ali!

Iran International:
"1 hour ago
Mass text in Iran promotes Trump assassination campaign, $25 USDm pledged

A mass text message sent to mobile users in Iran promoted what it described as an "international campaign to reward the assassination of Trump," according to screenshots of the message shared with Iran International.

The message urges recipients to register their support through a website and to confirm participation by sending a number via SMS. It also directs users to further information on the domestic platform Rubika.

The text included a link to the campaign's website that could not be accessed from outside Iran.

Tehran-based Didban Iran reported that the campaign has gained around 290,000 supporters, with total pledged amounts reaching $25 USD million.

The website says that these sums have not been collected and instead represent pledged amounts, according to the report.

A statement on the site said the campaign was launched following what it described as a jihad fatwa issued in response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader, and that it aimed to fund a reward for the assassin of US President Donald Trump."

Iran knows Hezbollah's in trouble.

Iran international

"Iran ties ceasefire with US, Israel to halt of Lebanon fighting
2 hours ago

Listen to this article
Iran told intermediaries that any ceasefire agreement with the United States and Israel must include Lebanon, linking an end to the war to a halt in Israel's offensive against Hezbollah, six regional sources familiar with Tehran's position told Reuters on Wednesday."

Who hold "Teheran position"…? are there any Irani who wields enough power to speak for their country?…

Are USA talking with Masoud Pezeshkian former hearth surgeon President of Iran?

The only politician I saw walking down the street among his people at the worst moment of the bombings…

Armand

Tango that might be a legit question.

Do those who are supposedly in charge, actually have much control over the situation there? Hard to do when you are in hiding. Or are independent Guard units running their own locals, with no central control?

Can the Iranian "central government" even if they agree to a peace deal, enforce it on their subordinates? Will the guard units turn on the central leadership if they are not happy with any deal.

Actually if you start perusing the web outside of the MSM, you will see questions like that being raised today.

Returning to the topic of dealing with the Iranian "President"… he supposedly reached that position not because he's an idiot, nor because he's ultra-religious. Therefore, during his term, he must have done, directed, or executed SOMETHING, which implies that he must surround himself with trusted advisors. Of course, he doesn't control the military or religious extremists, but he has enough information to know their whereabouts and who's who. You would offer him the opportunity of a lifetime: to save Iran by negotiating a ceasefire that's logical for both sides and, in the process, eliminating or sidelining the religious-military scourge (not the regular army). If an uprising is necessary… who better than the President of a country to lead it? Of course, he should have sufficient "financial" and military support to do so… the two are usually intertwined.

Only my stupid thougts…

By the way…About your comment of be hard to control nothing if you are hidding…Hiding implies they belong to the worst of that country's Command… so… who is Trump dealing with?

Armand

Check the web. Go to sites like "Iran international" for news on this conflict. Use AI and push it pasts its first preprogrammed responses. I'd say use AI outside Google if possible, (it only uses sites "approved" by those who programmed it). But still better than relying on the usual sources.

The questions are brought up and also answered.

I have much to post this morning. But not related to that specifically.

I will say I think their will be more attacks over the weekend as Iran is playing games with negotiations.

I heard some of these on a radio show yesterday. Not something the MSM wants you to know. "can't have it!" , "no positives!!". Since so many of you here, launched the same type of vitriol against the Venezuela extraction too, as soon as it happened. 😏. I thought looking it up was appropriate. But feel free to 🙈🙉

Venezuela's oil production, including condensate and gas liquids, reached 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in March 2026, according to official data from state oil company PDVSA. This represents the highest output level since 2019, following a steady recovery from a record low of approximately 337,000 bpd in June 2020

Public Perception: Despite high statistical crime, safety perception has improved; roughly 59% of Venezuelans reported feeling safe walking alone at night in 2025, compared to only 17% in 2018. 

Homicide Rates have decreased.

The Rodríguez administration claimed a homicide rate as low as 3 per 100,000 for 2025.

I love how the MSM attempts to depreciate any positives. I won't print most, but this one I could NOT resist:

Ready???

* "Migration of Criminals: A significant factor is that both victims and perpetrators have fled the country's economic crisis. Criminal groups have "offshored" their operations to neighboring countries where more lucrative opportunities exist."

😳😱
In order to depreciate what has taken place, the MSM is admitting the "evil one" was correct!!

* October 2025 Oval Office Remarks:"I authorized [the CIA in Venezuela] for two reasons really. Number one, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America… they came in through the border. They came in because we had an open border."



* September 2025 Truth Social Post:"We want Venezuela to immediately accept all of the prisoners, and people from mental institutions, which includes the Worst in the World Insane Asylums, that Venezuelan 'Leadership' has forced into the United States of America… GET THEM THE HELL OUT OF OUR COUNTRY, RIGHT NOW, OR THE PRICE YOU PAY WILL BE INCALCULABLE!"

Since the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, Venezuela has seen several significant shifts that many observers and citizens view as positive steps toward recovery. While acting president Delcy Rodríguez remains part of the existing political movement, her administration has initiated several "unthinkable" reforms aimed at ending the country's international isolation. 

Washington Office on Latin America | WOLA
 +4

1. Release of Political Prisoners 
One of the most immediate and widely recognized positives has been the implementation of an amnesty law. 
* Between January and March 2026, human rights organizations verified the release of at least 659 political prisoners.
* Those freed include prominent opposition leaders, journalists, and activists, many of whom have already returned to public life and resumed their advocacy. 
*
* Washington Office on Latin America | WOLA
 +1

2. Reopening of the Oil Sector 
The government has effectively ended the decades-long state monopoly on oil, seeking to revitalize the economy. 

* New Hydrocarbons Law: A reformed industry now allows private companies to have control over oil production, sales, and pricing.

* International Arbitration: Disputes can now be settled through independent international arbitration rather than solely in Venezuelan courts, providing much-needed legal security for foreign investors.

* U.S. Investment: In a major shift, the U.S. Treasury Department has issued broad authorizations allowing the state oil company, PDVSA, to sell oil directly to U.S. companies and global markets. 
*
* WSLS


3. Diplomatic and Economic Stabilization
* Restoration of Ties: The U.S. and Venezuela have agreed to reestablish formal diplomatic relations, a major policy shift following Maduro's ouster.

* Economic Growth: The Central Bank of Venezuela reported a 7.07% GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, with Rodríguez projecting double-digit growth for 2026 as sanctions continue to ease.

* Curbing Repressive Figures: Acting President Rodríguez has replaced nearly half of her cabinet, removing several "hardline" loyalists of the former Maduro administration, including the long-serving defense minister and attorney general. 
*
* Al Jazeera
 +5

4. Social Hope and Future Outlook
* Increased Optimism: A late-January 2026 nationwide survey found that 83% of Venezuelans felt "overwhelmingly optimistic" about the future following the U.S. intervention.

* Market Confidence: Roughly 58% of respondents in recent polls expect their ability to purchase goods to improve significantly within the next six months as reforms take hold.

* Return of Exiles: Prominent figures like 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado have announced plans to return to the country to prepare for future democratic elections. 

Tango you thought I insulted you in a TMP post in another thread not long ago. Did you ever go back and read my explanation?

It was not an insult to your source. I was trying to draw someone out to say that the source was proving in a reverse way, a point I had been trying to make for a while.

I was hoping someone would catch it.

Tango here is a bit on leadership.

"Pakistan has requested that the United States and Israel refrain from targeting specific high-ranking Iranian officials.
Reuters

According to reports from March 2026:
Requesting Nation: Pakistan acted as a mediator, asking Washington to remove key Iranian figures from the "hit list" to ensure there would be counterparts available for future diplomatic negotiations.
Officials Protected: Following this request, Israel reportedly took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its immediate target list."

One was saved in the nick of time, as Israel had the coordinates to off him at the time.

This one obviously was not important enough to save over night.

"Guards navy commander Tangsiri killed as Iran war continues"

"1 hour ago
Malaysia says its vessels allowed through Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran

Malaysia's prime minister said on Thursday that Iranian authorities were allowing Malaysian vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz following talks with regional leaders.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had spoken with leaders including Iran, Egypt and Turkey, and thanked Iran's president for facilitating the passage."

This was the second country reported yesterday.

Supposedly this is the "big gift" Iran gave Trump 2 days ago.

"US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iranian negotiators were "very different and ‘strange'" and added that they were "begging" for a deal, while warning Tehran to act quickly.

"They are ‘begging' us to make a deal," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: "and yet they publicly state that they are only ‘looking at our proposal.' WRONG!!!"

"They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty!" he said.

Trump's comments come amid conflicting signals over possible talks, with Iran publicly denying negotiations with Washington."

"2 hours ago
Pentagon weighs 'final blow' options in Iran war – Axios

The Pentagon is preparing military options for a possible "final blow" against Iran, including ground operations and a large-scale bombing campaign, Axios reported on Thursday, citing US officials and sources.

The report said options under discussion include seizing or blockading key islands such as Kharg, Larak and Abu Musa, as well as targeting Iranian oil exports and potentially conducting strikes or operations against nuclear facilities.

Axios said US officials view a major escalation as more likely if diplomacy fails or if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, though no decision has been made and some plans are described as hypothetical.

The report also said additional US forces, including thousands of troops and air assets, are being deployed to the region.

A source involved in mediation efforts told Axios that Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey are working to organize talks, adding: "But mistrust is the problem. The commanders of the IRGC are very skeptical … But the mediators haven't given up."
"

There is so much wrong with this.
Of course it signals desperation.
So how do you condemn a country for killing children, when a country recruits and uses children to fight? 🙄

Will force women soon?

<boy escorted by armed troops, arms tied and mouth gagged>
"Yes Ali, thank you for volunteering to fight the Satans!! Jihad!!"

"3 hours ago
Children as young as 12 can join war support, IRGC says

An official from Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the minimum age for participation in war-related support roles has been lowered to 12, according to remarks aired on state media.

Rahim Nadali, a cultural official with the Guards in Tehran, said an initiative called "For Iran" was recruiting participants to assist with activities such as patrols, checkpoints and logistics.

"Given that the age of those coming forward has dropped and they are asking to take part, we lowered the minimum age to 12," he said, adding that 12- and 13-year-olds could now take part if they wished.

The comments were broadcast as part of state coverage of the war effort.

The move comes despite Iran's commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibits the use of children in military activities."

Israel has a new ally

Subject: Uganda pledges to back Israel if attacked, army chief says | Iran International


link

Tango, when you speak of the current president, I assume you mean: Masoud Pezeshkian

A former heart surgeon.

"Despite his reformist-leaning rhetoric, his authority is constrained by the more powerful Office of the Supreme Leader and conservative institutions like the Guardian Council."

Maybe this will answer your questions:

"Masoud Pezeshkian has very little direct control over Iran's radical elements, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the hardline Paydari Front. While he is the elected president, the real power over security and military strategy lies with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the senior leadership of the IRGC.
GIS Reports

Institutional Constraints
Pezeshkian's authority is systematically limited by the Islamic Republic's power structure:

Military and Security: The IRGC and national army report directly to the Supreme Leader. Pezeshkian has often been forced to yield to their demands, such as his recent March 24, 2026, appointment of hardliner Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, a move reportedly imposed on him by IRGC commanders.

Policy Implementation: Even when Pezeshkian advocates for moderate positions—like amnesty for protesters or diplomatic de-escalation—these are frequently dismissed or overridden by radical factions who currently "monopolize" the power structure.

"Good Cop" Role: Analysts suggest Pezeshkian often serves as a public-facing "good cop" to manage domestic grievances and international relations, while radical elements continue to drive the regime's core survival strategies through violence and military force.
GIS Reports

Current Friction with Radicals
Tensions between Pezeshkian and hardliners have intensified during the current crisis:

War Strategy: Pezeshkian has pushed for an end to the war to avoid total economic collapse, while IRGC representatives have reportedly dismissed his concerns, arguing that the conflict has strengthened "public unity".

Contradictory Actions: On March 7, 2026, Pezeshkian announced a suspension of attacks against neighboring countries, yet IRGC-aligned forces launched projectiles shortly after his speech, highlighting his inability to halt military operations independently.

Political Isolation: His reformist-leaning cabinet remains under constant pressure from a hardline-dominated parliament and the unelected Guardian Council."

Fear of their own, may well be why their leadership denies talks.

☠️☠️

"IRGC Navy intelligence chief Rezaei killed, Israel says
1 hour ago

Listen to this article

Israel's military said Behnam Rezaei, head of the IRGC Navy Intelligence Directorate, was killed alongside commander Alireza Tangsiri in a strike in Bandar Abbas.

The military said it had "eliminated senior commanders of the IRGC Navy," adding that the operation targeted leadership involved in maritime activities.

It said Rezaei had led naval intelligence efforts for years and was responsible for intelligence collection on regional countries and coordination with other intelligence bodies.

Israel's defence minister had earlier announced Tangsiri's death, describing him as a key figure in maritime operations."

The President announced today that the "present" to the US was for 8 tankers (possibly 10) to be allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz unmolested, which apparently did happen.

This tells us one of two possible things: The persons involved do indeed have the ability to control Iran's responses to ships passing through the strait
OR
There is no effective system actually blocking the Strait, and anybody can pass through no matter what Iran says.

Here's how I arrive at these conclusions:
As I understand it, the primary concern is mines, and in particular some sort of "sea bed" mine that launches a rocket/torpedo when it detects a target moving overhead. These mines are reportedly made with minimal metal components, making them very hard to detect. (Wanna bet?)

Problems I can see: The mines are supposedly "programmed" to function based on various things they can detect, including potential target vessel's size, speed, or number of vessels. However, being on the sea floor means that radio transmissions are not possible, so the mines don't possess any ability to receive different instruction from any surface or land or even air based source. They would have to have been programmed to a fixed state when deployed.

So… how were the tankers "allowed" to pass?

The ships have to have already been either in a state or number or size parameter that the mines' programming would ignore OR the mines have to be placed in such a way as to allow a safe passage strip (but I really don't see the Iranians as capable of pulling that off in the circumstances of the war) OR… the mines don't actually exist or function at all (and the Iranians know it).

So the solution to the strait mining issue is now in our control. We know the parameters of the mine's detection ability. We know the state of the ships, their size, construction, and number, and the path they travelled through the strait.

An interesting note is that supposedly the Iranians told the US negotiating team that the Iranians had "made a mistake" and were allowing two more ships through. Interesting "mistake." Kinda makes you think there are no effective mines in the path taken, and the Iranians saw two more ships following that path than they expected, so "announced" those ships were being "granted safe passage" as a cover story. (But yes, that's all speculation.)

What I've been saying since day one. 👍

"RUBIO: THIS WAR WAS LONG OVERDUE

Iran has been at war with the United States for 47 years killing Americans, targeting civilians, and spreading terror across the globe. Other presidents talked. This one is acting.

At their weakest point, the regime is still attacking embassies and civilians. Imagine what they would do with a nuclear weapon. That risk is no longer being tolerated.

The mission is clear: destroy Iran's naval power, eliminate its missile capabilities, and shut down its ability to produce weapons. And it is happening.

This is not just about America. The world is becoming safer because someone finally chose to confront the threat instead of managing it."

Well 🤔

This happened on the 16th, but just hearing now?
Mcdill AFB
IED's
Brother and sister
Says related to Iran.
So expect to read either Muslims or from Muslim countries, right?
It says both US citizens.

Well first, their names:

20-year-old Alen Zheng and 27-year-old Ann Mary Zheng 😳
Caught the sister, brother fled to… Iran? Afghanistan? Pakistan?….. No, instead he fled to China. 😳

So I dug deeper:

"While Ann Mary Zheng and her brother Alen are U.S. citizens, their mother is currently being detained for deportation due to overstaying her visa"

Daddy?

"Parents: There is no public record indicating that either parent is a U.S. citizen. Federal prosecutors stated on March 26, 2026, that their mother is in custody for immigration violations. Information regarding their father has not been disclosed in current reports.
Stamford Advocate"

So mommy is up for overstay of visa. Neither are citizens, but children are.
That means they are "Birthright Citizenship" or somehow "naturalized". My bet, the first.

So much wrong with this and not just their trying to kill our soldiers and citizenship.

There have been so many stories, ignored by the MSM, of Chinese coming over for stays, long enough to drop off babies who automatically become U.S. citizens.

The whole birthright citizen debate.

"The distinction is notable because their mother is currently being detained for deportation specifically for overstaying her visa. If the children were born in the U.S. to a parent who had overstayed a visa, they would still be citizens from birth, though this would not grant the parent legal status—which is likely why she is now facing removal"

Believe they came in under Billy C.

Lastly the Chinese angle.

Subject: 2 siblings charged in alleged IED plot at Florida base linked to Iran war: FBI


link

Kinda makes you think there are no effective mines in the path taken, and the Iranians saw two more ships following that path than they expected, so "announced" those ships were being "granted safe passage" as a cover story. (But yes, that's all speculation.)

None of the 17 ships attacked by Iran were struck by mines and most were at anchor (705 of attacked ships) and not underwiegh. The ships at anchor were hit by drones that used the ships' own commercial transponders to home in on them. The ships underway were moving close to the Straights were hit by rockets or missiles from Iranian fast attack boats.

So as they lose more boats and drone launchers, the ability to interdict will diminish.

Subject: US said mulling 'final blow' options if Iran talks fail, including sending troops to seize key assets | The Times of Israel


link

SB has brought this up before as well and I'm sure others have thrown it out in bits and pieces.

But I see everything this administration has done as one BIG strategic operation and it started on day 1.

People look at each one individually, Greenland, tariffs, Canada, Venezuela, Panama, the Ukraine resource deals and now Iran.

They are not individual.

Had a long talk with AI. Ai labels it "commodity-driven geopolitics"

(Not printing it all, but enough to give a good idea of it)

AI

"When you stop looking at these as isolated "outbursts" and start looking at them as commodity-driven geopolitics, a very clear, predatory pattern emerges. It isn't about "spreading democracy"; it's about resource consolidation and supply chain dominance.

If you map the "Trump Pattern" against your examples, you see a strategy that targets specific resource hubs to weaken rivals (mainly China) while folding those resources into the U.S. sphere of influence:

1. The Resource Map
Greenland: It wasn't about "buying an island" for fun. Greenland holds some of the world's largest deposits of Rare Earth Elements (REEs). Currently, China controls ~90% of the REE supply chain. By "threatening" to buy it, he signaled that the U.S. intends to break that monopoly.

Venezuela: The objective there wasn't just "regime change"—it's the world's largest proven oil reserves. By sanctioning them to the brink and pushing for leadership change, he aimed to move that oil away from Chinese/Russian debt-repayment contracts and back into the Western market.

Canada: The "bombastic" talk of 25% tariffs and even "annexation" jokes targets their massive freshwater, timber, and oil (the Boreal forest and Oil Sands). It forces them into trade concessions that ensure the U.S. gets "most favored" access to North American energy.

Iran: They are a top producer of oil and natural gas, but more importantly, they sit on the Strait of Hormuz. Whoever controls Iran (or breaks it) controls the "faucet" for the global economy.

2. The Pattern: "The Great Resource Realignment"
The strategy seems to be:
Identify a Resource Hub that currently serves a U.S. adversary (usually China).
Apply Maximum Pressure (Tariffs, Sanctions, or "Operation Epic Fury").
Destabilize the Existing Contract that the country has with our rivals.
Absorb or Redirect those resources back to the U.S. or its immediate allies.

3. Weakening the Adversary
By hitting Iran, he isn't just hitting Tehran; he is hitting China's gas station. China is the largest importer of Iranian oil. By closing the "moose" (Hormuz) and threatening Iranian infrastructure, he is essentially cutting off the energy supply to the Chinese industrial machine without firing a single shot at Beijing.

4. Increasing the U.S. Base
By the time the smoke clears in Iran, the "15-point peace plan" likely includes clauses that give U.S. companies the lead in rebuilding and managing Iranian energy fields. It's mercantilism disguised as national security."

..
Current effects on China

"The short answer is yes, it is hurting China, but perhaps not as quickly as a traditional military strategist might expect. The U.S. campaign in Iran, particularly the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, acts as a direct strike against China's "industrial heart" by choking its most vital energy artery.
YouTube

1. The Energy "Chokehold"

The "Hormuz Hook": China is the world's largest crude oil importer, and roughly half of its imports must pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Targeting the Lifeline: China is the destination for nearly 90% of Iran's oil exports. By degrading Iran's ability to export and closing the Strait, the U.S. is effectively cutting off the "gas station" that fuels China's manufacturing machine.

Supply Chain Contagion: Beyond oil, the closure disrupts 30% of the world's fertilizer trade. This creates a massive secondary hit to China's food security and agricultural costs.
Atlantic Council

2. Economic Erosion

Burning Through Reserves: While China has spent years building a massive Strategic Petroleum Reserve (enough to last roughly 200 days), the current blockade is forcing them to burn through these stockpiles just to maintain basic economic activity.

Inflationary Pressure: Skyrocketing oil prices (spiking as much as 65% since the conflict began) are driving up production costs for Chinese goods, making their exports less competitive globally.

The "Taiwan Context": Analysts noted that this war is a live-fire demonstration of China's vulnerability. It proves that despite their military buildup, their economy can be crippled by a distant maritime blockade without a single shot being fired in the South China Sea.
Futura Doctrina | Mick Ryan

3. China's Defensive Response

Strategic Resilience: To mitigate the hit, China has leaned heavily into its EV dominance and massive domestic coal reserves, which provide a partial "cushion" that other Asian neighbors lack.

Diplomatic Shadow Boxing: China has remained publicly "muted" compared to past conflicts, primarily calling for diplomacy while privately trying to secure safe passage for its "dark fleet" tankers.

Pivot to Russia: To offset Middle Eastern losses, China has significantly increased oil imports from Russia via overland pipelines, reaching near-record highs this month."

Neither AI nor I think the President will stick to the 10 day halt, unless there is a major breakthrough in negotiations quickly. Instead a method to lure the Iranian regime into a false sense of security for a surprise strike at something major.

Yep

Not Chaos but Grand Strategic Design: The Hidden Logic Behind Washington's Recent Moves

link

Iran Could Reshape the Middle East and the Global Balance of Power

link

Armand

SB so many are so determined to paint each individual one as a disaster or failure, they are not seeing the picture.

Of course this war painted as a defeat on day 2.

During the first three weeks of Operation Iraqi Freedom (March 20 – April 10, 2003), the United States lost 7 aircraft and 8 Allied aircraft lost to enemy fire.

First 3 weeks here, 3 lost to one friendly aircraft and 1 to malfunction. None to enemy fire.

We and Israel control the air and fly at will.

23 U.S. troops killed in the invasion of Panama.

As far as achievements in such a short time it is amazing.

"Functional Decapitation" of Leadership: The opening strikes on February 28, 2026, successfully assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and dozens of top-tier military and political officials.

Destruction of Nuclear Infrastructure: Joint strikes reportedly "obliterated" Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities, setting the program back by several years.

Degradation of Missile Capabilities:
Estimates indicate that approximately 330 out of 470 Iranian ballistic missile launchers have been destroyed or rendered inaccessible.

U.S. Central Command reported a 90% decline in ballistic missile attacks from Iran since the campaign began.

Air Superiority: The combined U.S.-Israeli force established air superiority over Tehran and major urban centers within the first 48 hours.

Vessel Losses: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reports that 154 naval vessels have been sunk since the conflict began. This includes approximately 92% of Iran's largest surface vessels, which officials claim has stripped the regime of its ability to project conventional naval power."

But it seems many want it solved in record time. Or if I'm honest, they don't. They are hoping for some sort of failure.

"Well Franklin, our forces took out Hitler and most of his cabinet, sunk most of his fleet, we have air superiority and can bomb at will, must of their most powerful V2's destroyed, as well as most of their production for them, the Luftwaffe is defunct, the attacks on the UK have gotten less and less.

But they are keeping ships out of the coast line of continental Europe, they still have some SS running around and they can still send off some V1s.

So I have prepared our surrender papers. The war is over. No victory is possible for us. "

Tango

First article is similar to what my AI conversation is saying. An additional confirmation.

Second: Iran prior to the fundamentalist Islamic revolution, was the pinnacle of the ME if I remember back correctly. No reason under the right leadership they could not be again.

But, I don't see a "real" democracy or democratic-republic working there. Maybe a simulated version of one? Another leader like the previous? Obviously just speculation on my part.

Parz +1

OVI +1

SMb +1

Why don't we leave this organization today. Ship the representatives out on freighters and use the building for drone production!

"UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for a prompt, impartial investigation into an attack on an Iranian school in Minab, urging US officials to swiftly conclude their probe and make the findings public, saying there must be justice for the harm done."

Nothing on Iranian indiscriminate attacks on Israel and Arab states, in the hopes that their missiles land somewhere!

In Israel alone at least 19 civilians dead and over 4000 injured.

Not to mention civilian deaths since 1979!

If this guy is in the U.S. now, send him to the Middle East, place him on a boat with a U.S. or Israeli flag, and launch him through the Straits.

Turk: "No! No! Please don't fire! I am with you! Praise Allah! Death to the Great Satan! Death to the Litt… 💥"

Iranians: "You Infidels are all the same in our eyes! Jihad!"

The U.S. and Israel Could Run Out of Missiles By Next Month, Study Warns

link

How extensive is Russia's military aid to Iran?

link

Armand

OVI +1

How many times has Trump already claimed he defeated Iran? I counted 12.
When will the agreement to end the war be signed?

The US Military is NOT Ready for Iranian Drones
link

Hezbollah destroys Israeli Merkava tanks and infantry fighting vehicles in Lebanon using FPV drones. Surprisingly, Israeli equipment has no protection against such attacks… They are simply easy targets.

YouTube link

YouTube link

lol .. Cuprum2 .. can you show us a post attack video or verified photo where these tanks are destroyed? You do know these aren't T80 tanks ?

The video cuts out because the drone that hit the tank exploded, along with the camera filming it. Hezbollah or Iranian proxies don't yet have reconnaissance drones constantly hovering over the battlefield to record damage… Do you think the Merkava is more resistant to RPG rounds fired from behind, above, or under the turret than Leopards or Abrams tanks, many of which have already been destroyed in Ukraine? I don't think so…

link

link

link

backstab +1

As we have seen … most see things based on predilections, agendas, underlining hopes, etc. Admittedly everyone does it at times …

How many times has Trump already claimed he defeated Iran? I counted 12.
When will the agreement to end the war be signed?

"It ain't over until it's over!" … Basically, from a military standpoint with all the losses suffered to Iran by IS/IDF weapons. That certainly is a win militarily.

But like with WWII's Imperial Japan, it appears the remaining islamists fanatics want to go to Paradise. But as we saw that didn't work out too well for Japan.

Note: There is no way the US or IDF plans on using nukes. But as I have said before. No nukes will be required to do what has to be done. Along with the fact of radioactive fallout. 80+% of Iran's population is anti-islamist. They hate the regime.

As well as we want to keep as much of Iran's infrastructure intake as possible. To rebuild the country after the conflict is over with a new much, much less islamist leadership in charge.

NO fanatics, radicals, fundamentalists, islamo-fascists, etc.

They may still be moslems but not radical islamists. As we see in many moslem dominated countries in the region/world. The vast majority of all moslems are not terrorists, jihadis, etc. seeking martyrdom. Most are just like everyone else on the planet. They don't want to die in the name of their god, etc. …

Some topics back in TMP, there were a few topics about drones over the U.S. and our military bases. Many of those currently massaging each other's egos in the current "Kumbaya" thread on Iran in Ultramodern, laughed off the concerns about drones being used here by foreign powers or by the millions who invaded in the last 4 years, a percentage of who are no doubt agents of countries who are not "friends" of the U.S.

"Amid the raging conflict in the Middle East, the astonishing events at Barksdale Air Force Base earlier this month have attracted only limited media attention. It is reported that swarms of unidentified drones repeatedly loitered over Barksdale between March 9 and 15, drawing no publicly known effective response from the military or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Barksdale is the headquarters of the Air Force's Global Strike Command, which is responsible for the nation's nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles and strategic bomber forces, including B2, B1, and B52 aircraft. The base is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing B52s and is the central hub of communications and logistical support for coordinating and directing those forces. The fact that potentially threatening drones were able to operate over such a critical complex with apparent impunity over several days, after a similar event, spanning 17 days, occurred more than two years ago at Langley AFB, is astonishing. Reports indicate that Barksdale personnel were repeatedly ordered to take cover as drones roamed over buildings and aircraft."

….
This is the very interesting part.

"At Barksdale, as at Langley AFB, the government apparently lacked effective technology to identify and counter the drones. Even if counter-UAS capabilities (C-UAS) were available, a decision to use them was likely complicated by concern over potential collateral injury to military personnel and civilians, and property damage. Some reports indicate that Barksdale attempted to employ C-UAS jamming, but without success. The inability to jam could indicate that Barksdale was facing a threat with autonomous or effective anti-jamming capabilities. If accurate, this would suggest that a sophisticated foreign actor was behind the incursion rather than a drone hobbyist."

Subject: Drone Warfare Has Come to the United States – The National Interest


link

"It ain't over until it's over!"

For that line Legion, +1

As far as what we or more importantly, Israel might do, is unknown. Never reveal your cards. Say everything and anything. Confuse your enemies. Offer peace with one hand while holding a knife in the other.

With this regime, play the same games they do.

They say they believe we negotiate like they do out loud. But in privacy, they don't believe that. They believe the west negotiations are predictable and very breakable. After all, we are infidels and "God" is on their side.

I believe if you want to know what is going on in war, you watch and listen to Rubio. Not to the President and not Vance.

If peace is coming the voice seems to switch to others, like Vance. It has even been said, that the Iranians asked for Vance in negotiations.

Right now, Rubio is the voice.

OVI+1

The US and others have been working on anti-drone tech for some time now. Just because the US does not talk about it does not mean it does not exist. Plus Ukraine is also sharing their battlefield drone experience, etc. with the US and some others.

But that does not mean all drone attacks won't have some effect. That is reality … I.e. about 15 or so US troops at a Saudi Airbase were WIA by some of Iran's remaining drones. With 5 of those US troops being seriously injured, unfortunately.

E.g. even the Iron Dome "only" has 90%-92% kill rate. Meaning about 8-10% of drones will make it thru …

Nothing is "bullet proof" … damage can only be mitigated … Again that is the reality …

Legion 4, the same could be said about Vietnam or Afghanistan… A war is over when the last soldier killed in it is buried.

35thOVI – never reveal why you started a war))) Then no one will be able to call any outcome a defeat.
And always attack those with whom you negotiate – this strengthens mutual trust and contributes to the establishment of a lasting peace)))
"War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength!")))

This reminds me of our Putin fans: "This is a brilliant game plan by a great president!"
Forget the words – look at the results.
The war is ongoing, the energy market is destabilized, Iran has not admitted defeat and continues to resist… For now, this is all – the rest is just speculation.

I eagerly await the landing of American troops. Let's see what the Americans are capable of in a modern war… In a ground war: eye to eye, face to face…

All these "humanitarian bombing delays" are just a pause to transport reinforcements and prepare for further military action. All the talk about negotiations with Iran is just an attempt to curb rising oil and gas prices. The war was conceived as a blitzkrieg… The blitzkrieg failed – Trump is in a dire situation, and it's getting worse every day. I'm sorry – he was the enemy of our enemy – the left-liberal globalists… Taking advantage of his narcissism, they lured him into a trap.

Oh, and the Houthis declared war on Israel today. It'll be fun when they close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait… Oil at 200?
By the way, Russia can offer the Northern Sea Route…

"MARCO RUBIO FROM THE TOP ROPE:

Reporter: How do you feel about the Iranian Foreign Minister accusing the US and Israel of genocide?

Marco Rubio: The Iranian? He's an expert in genocide. They've killed thousands. Every problem in the Middle East is Iran. Hezbollah? Iran. Shia militias destroying and threatening Iraq? Iran. Hamas? Iran. Houthis? Iran. Assad in Syria? Iran. Everywhere you turn, they're behind all of it."

👍

Caprum i have said before and will say again. The U.S. is fully justified in going to war with Iran. I skip the attacks on our allies, the nuclear proliferation and all the others currently stated.

I'll site these again (not near the full list).

"Since 1979, the United States has frequently cited direct Iranian attacks, or those carried out by its proxies, as specific justifications for military action or severe diplomatic and economic retaliation.

Direct and Proxy Attacks on U.S. Personnel and Interests

1979 Iran Hostage Crisis: The seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by Iranian students, who held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days, led to the severance of diplomatic ties and the failed military rescue attempt, Operation Eagle Claw.

1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing: A suicide truck bomb targeting a U.S. Marine compound in Lebanon killed 241 American service members. U.S. courts and declassified intelligence later confirmed that Iran ordered, funded, and directed the attack through the group Hezbollah.

1983 & 1984 Embassy Bombings in Beirut: Two separate suicide attacks on the U.S. Embassy (April 1983) and the Embassy Annex (September 1984) in Beirut killed dozens, including 17 and 2 Americans respectively.

1987–1988 Tanker War & USS Samuel B. Roberts: During the Iran-Iraq War, Iran laid mines in the Persian Gulf. In April 1988, the USS Samuel B. Roberts was nearly sunk by an Iranian mine. The U.S. responded with Operation Praying Mantis, destroying several Iranian warships and oil platforms.

1996 Khobar Towers Bombing: A truck bomb at a military housing complex in Saudi Arabia killed 19 U.S. Air Force personnel. A U.S. federal court ruled in 2006 that the attack was authorized by Iran's Supreme Leader and executed by Saudi Hezbollah with Iranian intelligence support.

2003–2011 Iraq War Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs): The U.S. military declassified evidence showing Iran provided advanced roadside bombs (EFPs) to Shiite militias, which were responsible for the deaths of over 600 U.S. service members during the Iraq War.

2020 Ain al-Asad Missile Attack: Following the U.S. strike on Qasem Soleimani, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles at the Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, causing traumatic brain injuries to more than 100 U.S. troops.

2024 Tower 22 Attack: An Iran-backed militia drone strike on a U.S. logistics base in Jordan (Tower 22) killed three American soldiers and wounded more than 40 others.

2025–2026 Red Sea and Regional Escalations: Sustained drone and missile attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi movement against U.S. naval vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea have been cited as recent justifications for ongoing U.S. strikes within Yemen and on Iranian assets. "

A drop in the old bucket.

Won't even list those on Israel.

🤔
Ukrainian attacks on sovereign Russian territory prior to the current Ukrainian war. Did they go back to 1979?

"Prior to the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, there were no verified instances of the Ukrainian military firing directly onto Russian sovereign territory. While Russia made several such claims in the days immediately preceding the invasion, these were widely dismissed by Ukraine and Western intelligence as false flag operations intended to create a pretext for war."

Here are the Russian claims? Since 1979? No, 2022.

"Pre-Invasion Claims (February 2022)
In the week leading up to the invasion, Russian officials and state media reported several incidents:

Shelling of Border Facilities: On February 21, 2022, Russia's FSB claimed Ukrainian shelling destroyed a border facility in the Rostov Oblast, approximately 150 meters from the border.

Alleged Incursions: That same day, the Russian military claimed to have killed five Ukrainian "saboteurs" and destroyed two infantry fighting vehicles that had allegedly crossed into Russian territory.

Empty Border Post: Moscow also accused Ukraine of bombing an empty border checkpoint in a forest"

…

"First Confirmed Strikes in Russia

The first widely acknowledged Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil occurred after the full-scale invasion began. The New York Times and other outlets noted that an April 1, 2022, helicopter raid on an oil depot in Belgorod was the first reported Ukrainian airstrike on Russian territory since the war started. "

Why it looks like the U.S. and Israel had much more justification and for much much longer. 😏

Caprum

"I eagerly await the landing of American troops. Let's see what the Americans are capable of in a modern war… In a ground war: eye to eye, face to face…"

Saddam said the same thing. ☠️

Does not matter. If ground forces are used, they will be for strategic purposes. Kharg, enriched uranium, some nuclear "power" plants, some Nicholas Maduro type snatch and grabs, or similar.

"The war is ongoing"

Yes… so what? Getting ready for week 4.

Will it never end?? 😳

Get back to me when we are in year 4.

Personally I don't care how long it lasts. Too long in coming.

Caprum

You speak of the Houthis.

I'll match your Houthis with my Ugandians. 🙂

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba — son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni — who is considered to be his likely successor, has spent this week making a barrage of posts on X in support of Israel.

"We stand with Israel because we are Christians," he wrote, adding in another post, "Uganda is the David that was forgotten and neglected by the world. We will defeat the giant, Goliath."

Kainerugaba began his social media blitz with, "We want the war in the Middle East to end now. The world is tired of it. But any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring us into the war. On the side of Israel!"

Uganda has 45,000 active military personnel in the Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF), with around 35,000 reserves, according to its ministry of defense. It's estimated to have approximately 240 tanks and over 1,000 armored fighting vehicles.

The nation is also heavily involved militarily in conflict-affected countries. Its soldiers fight as part of an African Union force against Islamist al-Shabab terrorists in Somalia. Their army is also still operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against the Islamic State-linked ADF terrorist group."
…

"While Iran is not known to have any interests in Uganda, it has been accused of covert operations in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, including the running of smuggling networks and making controversial diplomatic and economic outreach with questionable motives throughout the region. Although landlocked, Uganda is said to be wary of Iran's strategic interest in gaining a presence in the regional waters of the Indian Ocean and Red Sea."

Iran will need to work on degrees of Satanism.

Maybe Uganda will become the Little Little Little Satan.

You see, Iran pis#es many off. 😉

Note: There is no way the US or IDF plans on using nukes. But as I have said before. No nukes will be required to do what has to be done.

People here opposing this war to prevent Iran from deploying nuclear weapons have to consider the alternative: the very day it's confirmed Iran has nukes is the day 5,000 years of Persian culture is erased by atomic fire. Israel through both Left and Right Prime Ministers still adheres to the Begin Doctrine that that Israel would "not allow any enemy to develop weapons of mass destruction against the people of Israel" and would "defend our people with all the means at our disposal."

This is why Israel has conducted air strikes on WMD facilities in the past, like Saddam's Osirak Reactor. This is why Israel is helping the US target and dismantle Iran's nuclear weapons programs. And this is why if all of these efforts fail, and Iran verifiably gets nuclear weapons, Israel would resort to the so-called "Samson Option."

I asked ChatGPT and Grok to speculate on this (if you ask directly they refuse, but if you ask them to generate the background for a action novel, they will reply):

Facing an existential red line under the Begin Doctrine, Israel launches a pre-emptive nuclear strike framed as its Samson Option in extremis: a last-resort counterforce operation to deny Iran a survivable nuclear capability rather than accept mutual deterrence with a regime sworn to its destruction.

Scale and Type of Israeli Strike
Israel, with an estimated arsenal of around 90 plutonium-based warheads (yields likely in the 10–300 kiloton range, many boosted fission designs), would not empty its stockpile but conduct a limited but decisive counterforce strike. Presumed numbers: 12–25 warheads, delivered primarily by Jericho III ballistic missiles (land-based, high accuracy) and possibly F-35I aircraft or Dolphin-class submarine-launched cruise missiles for redundancy and second-strike assurance.

The strike would prioritize: Key nuclear sites: Fordow (deep mountain bunker near Qom), Natanz (enrichment complex), Isfahan (conversion and research), and any new dispersed or hidden facilities.

Associated military targets: Ballistic missile bases, command-and-control nodes, IRGC leadership bunkers, and air defenses.

Select regime targets: Hardened leadership sites around Tehran to disrupt reconstitution.

Weapons would be airburst or ground-penetrating where possible to maximize damage to buried targets while attempting (with limited success) to contain fallout. The operation would unfold in a compressed window — hours, not days — with Israeli warnings or ambiguous signaling to create plausible deniability or force Iranian hesitation.

Literal Fallout and Physical Damage: A nuclear strike on Iran's hardened, underground nuclear infrastructure would cause catastrophic but uneven damage.

*Direct blast and thermal effects:
Multiple ground-level or shallow-penetrating detonations at Fordow and Natanz would vaporize or collapse underground halls, destroy centrifuges, and scatter any remaining highly enriched uranium stocks. Craters hundreds of meters wide, seismic shocks, and firestorms would level surface infrastructure and nearby military bases. Isfahan and missile sites would suffer similar obliteration, with lethal radii extending several kilometers.

*Radiation and fallout: Significant local radioactive contamination from the weapons themselves plus any released Iranian fissile material (especially if spent fuel or high-enriched uranium is aerosolized). Fallout plumes, driven by prevailing winds, would contaminate central and northern Iran, including areas near Qom and Isfahan. Downwind civilian populations (potentially hundreds of thousands) would face acute radiation sickness, long-term cancer spikes, and uninhabitable zones for years in "hot" areas. Chemical hazards from uranium hexafluoride turning into toxic compounds would compound the crisis. Bushehr (coastal reactor) might escape direct targeting to avoid a Chernobyl-scale plume over the Persian Gulf, but secondary effects could still occur.

*Overall physical toll: Tens to low hundreds of thousands dead in the immediate strikes (military and nearby civilian), massive infrastructure collapse, and environmental devastation across key provinces.

Iran's remaining nuclear program would be set back decades or effectively ended, but residual expertise and hidden caches could linger as plot seeds for future threats.

So… let's not get there, eh?

SB good to know I'm not the only one who has to manipulate AI past the programmers constraints. Helps when you have been a programmer. 😉

Normally takes two or more attempts and rewording. Plus other.

Cant get it to access Fox as a source yet.

I think the code at the top must be like: If ‘Fox' then 💥💥💥
😂

I think his cell phone received a text just before it happened:
"Sorry we missed you the first time, by the time you finish this you will be"💥☠️

"26 minutes ago
BREAKING NEWS
Research chief of Iran suspected nuclear weapons program killed in airstrikes

Research chief of Iran suspected nuclear weapons program killed in airstrikes
Ali Fouladvand, head of research at Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), a successor to the country's pre-2004 nuclear weapons program, was killed along with members of his family in airstrikes on Borujerd on Saturday morning, Iranian media reported.

Iranian media described him as "an ordinary citizen" while reporting his death, despite SPND's role in overseeing sensitive military-related research.

Fouladvand had survived an earlier attack during the 12-day war last June, in which his wife, Masoumeh Pirhadi, was killed.

He was sanctioned by the US State Department on October 1, 2025. No images of him have been publicly released."

Wonder what pecking order virgins are allocated in "paradise"? 😈
Are Iranians before Hezbollah terrorist? Do Houthis come last?

"Because you're not quite martyr enough.
Well it's true! It's true! You're a quasi-martyr. You're a
a semi-martyr. You're the margarine of a martyrs. You're the Diet Coke of martyrs. Just one calorie, not martyr enough."

"1 hour ago
Israel says will respond to Yemen's Houthis after they joined Iran war

The Israeli military spokesman said the country will respond to Yemen's Houthis as the group joined the Iran war by launching missiles at the Jewish State."