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

"The escalating war in the Middle East has ratcheted up fears of prolonged disruption to global trade via key maritime corridors like the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Container shipping giants have suspended operations through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and rerouted vessels around the southern tip of Africa, following U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran over the weekend."

Oil up to 72 a barrel

Qatar was attacked by two drones launched from Iran, the Ministry of Defense stated.
One drone targeted a water reservoir at the Mesaieed power plant, and the other targeted a power facility in the industrial city of Ras Laffan, owned by Qatar Energy.
According to Al Jazeera, Qatar Energy has suspended LNG production. Natural gas prices in Europe have already risen by 30%.

"Hezbollah's intelligence chief was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut overnight, the IDF announces.

The IDF says it can now confirm that its overnight strike in the Lebanese capital killed Hussein Makled, "who served as the head of Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters."
"

"A concerted attack by Iran on Saudi oil infrastructure could trigger a military response from the kingdom, a source close to the Saudi government tells AFP.

Saudi Arabia would target "Iranian oil facilities if Iran mounts a concerted attack on Aramco," the source tells AFP, referring to the state oil giant.

Earlier today a drone hit a Saudi refinery, causing a fire and forcing some operations to be shut down."

This war will breathe new life into the half-dead military alliance of the CSTO… Both Russia and the Central Asian countries, formerly part of the USSR, will unite to stem the tide of migration from the war-torn region, which will bring with it radical Islam…
And Turkey, I believe, will want to wrest Southern Azerbaijan, populated by Turks, from Iran. If it succeeds, its population will match that of Russia. And everything will return to the 16th century – Eastern Europe will once again be threatened by Turkish expansion…

Hello, brave new world… It seems someone has inadvertently let the genie out of the bottle. Long-forgotten conflicts will return to the world.

Iran is attacking Arab countries because their contingents are likely to be used as proxy armies for the US and Israel. But the fighting qualities of the Arabs are highly questionable – they were unable to defeat even the Houthis in slippers and skirts…

Pentagon briefing coming on almost immediately. You can watch it live on Fox if you're interested.

"There is a lot of pro strike sentiment here that is solidly built on wishful thinking."

Public support for a war often follows a "rally 'round the flag" effect, where initial support can be high but tends to diminish within 30 to 60 days unless there is clear, rapid success, according to studies on the topic.

Public support, though, is highly dependent on the number of casualties. While initial, swift success can maintain support, mounting losses, particularly as body bags return, often lead to a sharp decline in public approval.

A "lucky" drone strike on a US warship or base or a constant stream of downed aircraft will potentially give the Iranians a "win" in this war, depending upon how many dead service people the US public will stomach.

Victory means achieving a peace better than the pre-war one. It's too early to say who is winning or losing and by what score. The situation could change dramatically at any moment…

Qatar announced a temporary suspension of gas production.
American media reports that the UAE and Qatar have largely depleted their anti-aircraft missile stockpiles to repel Iranian attacks. This factor will become increasingly relevant towards the end of the week.

In Kuwait, a drone struck a concentration of US vehicles at a base.

Sardar Jabbari: The Americans have moved most of their fighter jets to Cyprus. We will strike Cyprus so much that the Americans will be forced to leave there too.
Admit it, three days ago you would never have imagined that the Iranians would hunt American aircraft in Cyprus!

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced its support for Iran in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Russian Foreign Ministry called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations( Weaklings..)
Spain condemned the US and Israeli attack on Iran.
India condemned Iran's strikes on the UAE.

Gas prices in Europe have risen by 50% since the opening of trading.

Iran officially stated that it did not attack oil fields in Saudi Arabia:
"We bear no responsibility for the attacks on Saudi Arabian oil fields and have informed our brothers in Saudi Arabia of this."
A third force? Who benefits from the expansion of the conflict? Although… The Houthis could have also struck, out of habit…

Watching the briefing? You should. Goals were stated. More information on scope as well. None of which was US regime change in Iran. They again stated, that is up to the Iranian people to perpetuate regime change. We presented them the opportunity, but they have to take on the burden.

As to sleeper cells in the U.S. I am sure they are here. To many administrations let them in.. many unvetted.

"….for certain hardline Shiite ideologues, including in the U.S., this is not an ending but a prophetic showdown that will usher in the arrival of the "Mahdi," a messiah, according to Islamic eschatology, or the theology of end times.

In this prophecy, Mahdi will emerge to battle Dajjal, the Islamic equivalent of the Antichrist, in a final battle of Armageddon. For many of these ideologues, President Donald Trump is Dajjal.

At a recent Friday sermon at a local Shiite mosque in northern Virginia, an imam closed prayer with an earnest plea, before war broke out in Iran: "May Allah destroy all the nonbelievers – or kafiroon or munafiqoon," he said, using Arabic words that refer to "nonbelievers" and "hypocrites."

He asked for this victory "before the arrival of Imam Mahdi.""

"…observed the sermon and also witnessed a special table of honor in the middle of the mosque's main prayer hall, featuring framed photos of Khamenei embracing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrullah, also killed by Israel for orchestrating terrorist attacks."

…..

You cannot press a poisonous scorpion to your bosom and not expect it to sting.

You can't give the enemy the cards… A strike against a religious leader during a sacred Muslim holiday, and even during the Jewish holiday of Purim… Nothing worse could have been imagined for the religious coloring of this war… It was a direct provocation of Jihad…

The holiday commemorates the salvation of the Jews from extermination during the reign of the Persian king Ahasuerus (c. mid-6th century BCE)."
Symbolic…

I remembered how Putin told you the story of the conflict in Ukraine, but everyone waved it off and laughed… But this is important. Sometimes it's very important…
But Americans are too young a nation to understand this, and Europeans are too arrogant.

I despise Trump. But if this Operation helps the people of Iran to get rid of their brutal oppressors I have to admit that even Netanjahu and Trump can do positive things. Even only as byproducts.

Caprum2, there is always a religious holiday of some religion, somewhere. If one waited for no holiday, you would never attack.

Radical Islamists will always find something to be offended by. It is the nature of the beast.

Obviously the Holiday did not stop the Iranians hitting other Muslim countries.

35thOVI, Iran is not attacking, it is defending.
I'm not a big fan of religious fanatics, but I live in Asia and I don't appreciate the crowds of Muslim refugees rushing to my home. That's why I'm definitely against this war and for an Iranian victory. Let there be a strong government there (I don't care which one), not a conglomerate of perpetually warring warlords poisoning everything around them with radicalism, crime, and the like…

Spain has banned the use of its military bases for attacks on Iran, according to Reuters.

Fifteen American aircraft have left the Rota and Moron military bases in southern Spain after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran over the weekend.

"War Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the nation amid Operation Epic Fury on Monday, saying the U.S. didn't start the conflict with Iran, "but under President Trump, we are finishing it."

Hegseth said Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's regime was building fleets of ballistic missiles and drones in an attempt to "create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions."

"To Iranian security forces: Choose wisely. President Trump has also been clear about your fate in either direction," Hegseth said.

The War Secretary went on to dismiss accusations that the attack on Iran is another "endless war" that could bog down the U.S.

"This operation is a clear, devastating, decisive mission. Destroy the missile threat. Destroy the navy. No nukes," Hegseth said. "We fight to win, and we don't waste time or lives."

….

"BREAKING: SecWar Pete Hegseth tells the left and fake news to SCREW OFF, Iran is NOT another forever war

"Stop. This is not Iraq, this is not endless. I was there for both. Our generation knows better, and so does this president! He called the last 20 years of nation-building wars dumb. And he's right."

"This is the opposite. This operation is a clear devastating decisive mission. Destroy the missile threat, destroy the navy, NO NUKES.""
…

More later

ISW claims that 70 French servicemen were killed in the strike on the French naval base in Abu Dhabi.
The French Ministry of Defense previously confirmed severe damage to the base but denied casualties.

t.me/boris_rozhin/200555

The only solution for neighboring and friendly countries is the withdrawal of the Americans and their bases from the region. (c) Chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in the Iranian Parliament Ebrahim Azizi

Hegseth will say at any moment, "We've destroyed all the missiles we planned to destroy," and then leave?
Okay, well… I heard something like that somewhere… Demilitarization and denazification (deradicalization)))) But the people didn't agree…

"9:05 AM: U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Monday that Operation Epic Fury in Iran is not a "democracy-building exercise".

"No stupid rules of engagement, no nation building quagmire, no democracy-building exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to win and we don't waste time or lives," he said.

Secretary Hegseth added that President Trump has "been very consistent: crazy regimes like Iran, hellbent on prophetic Islamist delusions cannot have nuclear weapons, it's common sense. Many have said it, but it takes guts to actually enforce it—and our president has guts."

"Iran's stubborn and self-evident nuclear pursuits, their targeting of global shipping lanes and their swelling arsenals of ballistic missiles and killer drones were no longer tolerable risks. Iran was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear ambitions," he said.

"Our bases, our allies, our people all in their crosshairs. Iran had a conventional gun to our head as they tried to lie their way to a nuclear bomb. It almost worked under Obama and his terrible deal but not under this president."

"Turns out the regime who chanted ‘death to America' and ‘death to Israel' was gifted death from America and death from Israel."

….

"We didn't start this war, but under President Trump we are finishing it," Secretary Hegseth said."
"

"The U.K. has approved U.S. use of British bases for what Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as a "specific and limited defensive" effort to destroy Iranian missiles at their source.

"
"The mission of Operation Epic Fury is laser-focused:
destroy Iranian offensive missiles, destroy Iranian missile production, destroy their Navy and other security infrastructure, and they will never have nuclear weapons," Hegseth said. "We're hitting them surgically, overwhelmingly, and unapologetically. With every passing day, our capabilities get stronger, and Iran's get weaker."
"We set the terms of this war, from start to finish. Our ambitions are not utopian; they are realistic, scoped to our interests and the defense of our people and our allies," he added.

Hegseth said that this operation was not a "regime change war," though he added that the "regime sure did change." He also said the situation would not unfold like in Iraq or Afghanistan, saying President Donald Trump would handle the conflict differently.
Trump criticized the Iraq war when he first ran for president in 2015, arguing that the decision to invade was a mistake.
"This is not Iraq," Hegseth said. "This is not endless. I was there for both. 
Our generation knows better, and so does this president. He called the last 20 years of nation-building wars dumb. And he's right. This is the opposite. This operation is a clear, devastating, decisive mission. Destroy the missile threat, destroy the Navy, no nukes."
"

"US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declines to give a timeline for American operations in Iran.

"Four weeks, two weeks, six weeks, it could move up, it could move back," Hegseth says in a press conference when pressed on the US exit strategy amid fears that Washington may get dragged into another entrenched Mideast conflict.

Hegseth emphasized that US President Donald Trump will retain full latitude on the duration of Operation Epic Fury.

Trump has given a number of potential timelines, first saying Operation Epic Fury could wrap up in two to three days, then four weeks, then four to five weeks, each time insisting that it could be longer or shorter.

Hegseth says that there are not currently US troops on the ground but declines to rule out the possibility, arguing that doing so would be tipping off the enemy."

In other words: we are not telling you anything, that would be stupid and potentially tip off our enemy. Which is pretty much what he said later during a "got you" question by the media. 👍

OVI +1

SMb +1

I guess some of this could be called The Dark Side …

Yes the SecWar and CENTCOM Cdr, just gave a pretty good briefing. As well as some interviews with other former high ranking service members afterwards. Including Petraeus, Clarke, etc. There was no disagreement with this operation. From those who wore a uniform. However, all the usual suspects from Congress, the media etc. voiced their uninformed biased, ignorant etc. concerns, etc. opinions, etc. Which is their right. No matter how foolish, stupid, etc. their comments are.

E.g. the NYC Mayor sided with the [late]Ayatollah and his regime. Regardless of what he says he and many in his admin are islamists and Communists. As well as the same ignorant protestors that marched in support of Hamas. Are reenacting the same with support for the Ayatollah demonstrating in the streets, so far peacefully. But this is only Day 2 in this operation. Again, they all have the right of freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and peaceful demonstration. Maybe they learned from the past. Maybe … ?

The POTUS and others were very clear, and transparent. That there may be loses to our forces. And yes it could happen again … We all know whether we served or studied history, etc. Losses could occur, all that can be done is to mitigate the threat to our forces. May the other WIAs recover. And may our dead RIP …

Yes very sad the fourth US soldier died of wounds from the islamist attack on US units in Irbil, Iraq yesterday. I have not heard if Iraqi Shia or Iran fired this ordinance. Or whether it was missiles or drones.

As well as very sadly 3 US F-15s were shot down by Friendly Fire over Kuwait. The crews are reported to have suffered no serious wounds. Should recover. As we know Blue on Blue accidents will happen. Most infamously during the US/Allied Invasion of Sicily in 1943. We know tech and training have continuously put in place initiatives to mitigate this. To as make it as close as possible to 0.

But even with high tech, AI, IFF, etc. along with the air full of aircraft, Restricted and Coordinated Fire Lines, etc. Blue on Blue could/will happen.

It has not been reported yet. If it was US or Kuwaiti ADA shot these USAF aircraft down. US Army Patriot ADA systems as well as THAAD units are placed in many of the near-by friendly/allied nations. To intercept incoming missiles drones and aircraft, based on the target.

Also, the US Army has long range mobile artillery in those friendly nations bordering or within range of Iran. Who are adding their firepower to the fight. E.g. HIMARS, ATACMs and a newer version of the ATAMS system – PRISM. Which has a longer range and improved accuracy.

Having been cross trained with the USAF at Eglin. When I was a 1LT assigned as a Bn Air Ops Officer with a 101 Air Assault Bn, '81-'83. Deconflicting all the assets involved is challenging. But just like with FA, Naval Fires, etc. it will be done. Up to higher levels of command, etc..

It also it has been made clear to me and many others. The mission, objective, goal, etc. was to stop Iran's islamists gov't from getting nukes. And deployable system for those nukes or conventional munitions.

As well as remove the #1 regime that supports islamic terrorism worldwide. They have been a destabilizing the entire region for decades. Causing such atrocities of Oct 7 2024 in Israel. The barbarity was medieval. I hope they all burn in Hell.

This murderous regime and their puppets had to go. E.g. Hamas, Hezbollah, etc. Be removed from the board. Ending this virulent curse on humanity.

Again, IMO The SecWar and CENTCOM CDR were spot on in this briefing. The planning and execution like the other operations done by this Pentagon were historical in numbers, tech, assets, etc. That is an historical fact no doubt. Plus the IDF proved to be one of our best allies in region if not the world.

The NATO SecGen was interviewed and fully support coordination etc. with NATO if need be. It is obvious there is no reason for enacting Art. 5. NATO, UN, EU members can only assist in putting down the rabid islamists regime in Iran if they want to. Even if this islamic regime is a threat to their nation. It's their call …

Turkey the who has the second biggest military in NATO. Was reluctant to give any positive support to this mission. As they have become more islamic and less secular. Having actually lending support to Hamas as they are "molsem brothers", etc., etc. Not completely sure how they feel about the remaining islamist regime in Iran.

DAY 3 is here … more will be occurring … I'm sure …

@Cuprum

You're not taking into account that this is a completely different culture… Israel attacked Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan—that's a very important factor.

After over 50 years of oppressive islamist rule, only 1/3rd of GenZ and Millenials who comprise the largest demographic identify as practicing Muslim, and almost half according to sources like Gamaan express very little affinity to any religion or Islam. While older demographics may still say it's important, many younger people see it as a sign of regime affiliation and oppression.

Legion +1

I assume you watched the briefings. I thought it was very good.

The goals addressed.
No definite timeline given, although the press tried to "gotcha" on a firm end. He basically put them in their place.
No indefinite war and regime change in the hands of the Iranians.

I do believe we will eventually use special forces type units in quick hit and runs. Similar to Venezuela. I can't see how we don't.

Caprum

70 French casualties? From AI

"Based on reports from March 1-2, 2026, a drone attack targeted a French naval base in Abu Dhabi (Camp de la Paix), but French and Emirati officials confirmed there were no casualties or deaths among French personnel. The attack caused limited, material damage to a hangar.
Yahoo
Yahoo

Incident Details: Iranian drones struck a container/hangar area at Al Salam Naval Base.
Casualty Report: Both French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin and the UAE defense ministry confirmed no casualties.
Status: The base, which hosts French forces, was on high alert following the incident.
Yahoo
Yahoo

The claim that 70 French servicemen were killed is false, as official sources confirmed no loss of life."

Also from pravda

Subject: French naval base in UAE suffers minor damage in Iranian attack


link

I'm confident we'll win the war, but will we win the peace?

Caprum as to justification.

Iran or proxies have attacked the U.S. and its citizens 44 times since the Islamic revolution. Those are just I know of.

"The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) killed more than 1,000 Americans over the past 47 years."

An AI search:

"Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran and its proxies have conducted hundreds of attacks targeting U.S. soldiers and civilians. While there is no single official "master count" for the entire 45-year period, data from the U.S. Department of Defense and organizations like the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) indicate that Iranian-backed groups have killed well over 1,000 Americans.
Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs
Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs
+4

Summary of Major Attacks & Casualties

The total number of attacks is divided into historical phases of conflict:
Hostage Crisis (1979–1981): Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Beirut Bombings (1983): Iran-backed Hezbollah bombed the U.S. Embassy and Marine Barracks in Beirut, killing 258 Americans in total.

Khobar Towers (1996): An Iran-backed truck bombing at a military housing complex in Saudi Arabia killed 19 U.S. service members.

Iraq War (2003–2011): The Pentagon confirmed that Iranian-backed militias killed at least 603–609 U.S. troops using advanced IEDs and explosively formed penetrators (EFPs).

Recent Escalations (2023–2026):
Between October 2023 and November 2024, Iranian proxies launched over 180 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan.

As of March 2, 2026, U.S. Central Command reports that 4 U.S. service members have died in the most recent wave of direct and indirect conflicts following major regional escalations.
Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Foundation for Defense of Democracies
+9

Direct vs. Indirect Attacks

Most Iranian aggression is carried out via its "Axis of Resistance" proxies to maintain plausible deniability, though direct attacks have occurred:

Direct Iranian Attacks: Notable instances include the January 2020 ballistic missile strikes on Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq (causing over 100 traumatic brain injuries) and recent February 2026 missile barrages targeting U.S. installations in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Indirect (Proxy) Attacks: The vast majority of incidents—including thousands of rocket, drone, and IED attacks in Iraq and Syria—are carried out by groups like Hezbollah, Kata'ib Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels.
U.S. Department of State (.gov)
U.S. Department of State (.gov)
+4

Other Targeted Actions

Assassination Plots: The U.S. Department of Justice has recently charged Iranian agents for plots to assassinate high-ranking U.S. officials and journalists on American soil.

Cyber Attacks: Iran has targeted U.S. infrastructure, including a $10 USD million breach of U.S. Navy networks in 2013 and attacks on private sector companies.
Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Foundation for Defense of Democracies"

My family personally suffered from the IED's. My niece's husband's vehicle hit one in Iraq. He suffered severe head injuries. Was on prescribed pain meds after service and overdosed and died just months before his first child was born, 2 days before Christmas.

I'll add this:

"The U.S. government has uncovered multiple Iranian-backed plots to assassinate Donald Trump, primarily motivated by revenge for the 2020 killing of General Qasem Soleimani. These threats remain active as of March 2026, with federal trials and ongoing intelligence alerts keeping the U.S. on high alert.
Politico
Politico
+3

Key Legal Actions and Thwarted Plots
Asif Merchant Trial: In February 2026, the trial of Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national with ties to Iran, revealed undercover video of him describing a plot to kill Trump using hired hitmen.

Farhad Shakeri Charges: In November 2024, the DOJ charged Shakeri, an IRGC asset, for planning to assassinate Trump; he was allegedly told to finalize a plan within seven days or wait until after the election.

Murder-for-Hire Network: Federal prosecutors indicted Carlisle Rivera and Jonathon Loadholt for their roles in a surveillance and assassination network directed by Iran.
Politico
Politico
+4

Escalating Threats and Rhetoric

Direct Warnings: Iranian officials and state media have continued to issue threats, including a January 2026 broadcast stating "this time it will not miss," alongside images of past assassination attempts.

Religious Decrees (Fatwas): Thousands of Iranian clerics have reportedly signed statements declaring Trump's life "halal" (permissible to take) as retaliation for U.S. strikes.

Retaliatory Policy: Trump has stated he has left instructions for Iran to be "obliterated" if any attempt on his life by the regime is successful.
YouTube
YouTube
+4

Security Response
Secret Service Augmentation: The U.S. Secret Service significantly increased Trump's security detail starting in mid-2024 following specific intelligence about Iranian targeting.

Ongoing Alerts: High-profile figures like John Bolton continue to receive "duty to warn" alerts from the FBI due to confirmed Iranian threats against former Trump administration officials"

If this ends badly for Donald Trump, it'll be driven more by energy prices and economic shock than by early battlefield headlines.

The impact of oil supply disruptions will fall primarily on California, Oregon and Washington, three "Blue States" that are generally non-supportive anyway despite large minority voting blocks that support Trump. They share a common problem in that they are "Energy Islands." Here's the situation in California.

Califoria has essentially shut down its own oil production and is forced to buy most of its oil from other countries. MOST of California's oil comes from the Middle East – specifically from IRAQ and SAUDI, with some supplemental oil from Brazil, Guyana, Peru and Canada. Remember that Canada's oil industry is oriented almost 90% *due south* into the US via pipelines, and only a small percent for export via British Columbia.

So that Cali-bound MidEast oil has to sail on an oil tanker through the warzone at the Straights of Hormuz, then across the Indian Ocean, through the chokepoint of the Straits of Malacca and then ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE PACIFIC to get to Cali.

It travels 14,000 miles to get here when we have our own oil in the ground in Cali that we could produce more cleanly. But nope, we don't drill much of our own oil anymore and CA "leadership" NEVER allocated the resources to tap into national energy distribution networks.

That's why the three West Coats US states are an "energy island" and MOST of our oil comes in on OIL TANKERS and then has to be refined to meet unique mandated "boutique gasoline blend" only sold in each… and State "leaders" have been determinedly SHUTTING DOWN OUR REFINERIES, forcing hundreds of gas stations to close via burdomsome in-ground tank retrofit standards AND the HIGHEST gas taxes in the nation!

@Flashman14

I'm confident we'll win the war, but will we win the peace?

I think for the first time ever, we don't care. I mean, we do, in the sense that it would be great if a less hostile regime took leadership in Iran -- and incredible if a democratizing movement took power. But the US will not decide. The US will not put boots on the ground or invade. POTUS has clearly said the US is smashing the islamist leadership, their "SS" Revolutionary Gaurd units and key missile and offensive capabilities, but that if the Iranian people want freedom THEY need to act.

And remember too, this is aimed also at China. The US is removing their "pieces" fromthe board where it can. Panama. Venezuela. Now Iran (possibly) -- taking away some 25% of China's oil supply…

+1 for dogtail and Flashman 14.

I note that Starmer's appeasement attempt failed – despite declaring the UK would not permit US planes to stage from UK bases, Iran's ally in Lebanon, Hezbolla, fired drones at the UK airbase on Crete…

I did say we all have taken a scorpion to our breasts.

Canada:

"An Iranian-owned boxing gym in Thornhill was targeted by gunfire early Sunday morning in an apparent threat against activists speaking out against the Islamic Republic governing Iran.

York Regional Police officers were called to Saliwan Boxing, near Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue West, at around 3 am following reports of a shooting.

The gym's entrance was riddled with bullet holes and broken glass in videos uploaded to social media by Salar Gholami, the business's owner and a key activist in anti-regime protests across the GTA in recent months.

"This happened exactly one hour after people had gathered here to deliberate the death of the oppressive leader of the Islamic Republic," Gholami said in a post, wearing a sweater with an image of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the former King of Iran. "Imagine if families and children had still been here when those shots were fired. The consequences could have been catastrophic."

"It shows that it's no longer safe here for Canadians themselves, it's not just about Iranians," said a statement shared by Gholami's spokesperson, Pouria Afkhami. "They've created a place where Canadian citizens cannot live comfortably."

York Regional Police told the National Post they believe the shooting was targeted, but have not established a motive. Officers are canvassing local businesses and residences in search of a suspect vehicle and description, said YRP Inspector Jason DinsMore. There were no injuries.

For his part, Gholami believes the shooting is directly related to his activism, and that agents of the Islamic regime were involved.

"​​According to the Supreme Leader's [ruling]… they had said this themselves before, that we will punish those who organize rallies and demonstrations abroad, and this is part of the IRGC's policies."

The protests organized by Gholami's group shattered the record for the largest protest in Toronto twice last month."

Do others notice that when terrorism is committed by Muslims, officials seem to have trouble determining what the motives of those perpetuating the act are?? Never seem to have that problem when it's some non protected group or individuals.

Even with everything yesterday's killer had on and in his car, they still did not want to site motives! 🙄

Like walking into Jeffrey Dahmer‘s home and seeing him chowing down on two eye balls, human hands and snack of ears and saying: "we cannot determine if he's a cannibal" 😱

Than god for the web archives.

Subject: Lance Gooden on X: "Nancy Pelosi when Barack Obama was dropping bombs left and right across the Middle East: He "did not need authorization" to use force. This is for every Democrat criticizing President Trump for eliminating the leader of the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. t.co/uOb5O8k4aQ / X


link

😏

I highly doubt there will be an overthrown of the regime. It appears that they have installed new leaders and Iran has announced they are in for a long war. Believing the people are going to rise up and overthrown the regime is wishful thinking. The army is still there and ready to shoot anyone who dares oppose them. When the smoke finally clears I think there will still be a government, in whatever form, that will still be working to obtain nukes and are now really aggressive in trying to achieve it.

We are only on day 3. 😏

On 2 occasions in Iran now, I believe Israel, has taken out top Iranian leadership with no problem. They have done the same with Terrorist organizations. With the aid of our CIA.

We did pretty well in Venezuela with their leader.

As of this morning, 49 Iranian leaders killed so far.

So why would the new leaders be any safer in the long run? Especially when you have loads of disgruntled Iranians to tell you where they are hiding? 🤨

If you are from the U.S., why would you be hoping for a failure in Iran!? After all the deaths they have fostered on us, the terrorism? Not just us, but our allies as well?

There is really only one reason you would wish for failure, and we all know what that is.

Isrealis unveil the "Iron Beam"

"Israel's Iron Beam laser: What can it do, and was it used against missiles from Lebanon? – analysis
Israel, the US, and other countries have worked on this technology. However, recent advances in technology have enabled lasers to finally become more practical for military uses.

On Monday morning, a number of social media accounts circulated what they believed was an example of lasers intercepting Hezbollah rockets. The video showed rockets being launched from Lebanon, and many of the rockets appeared to explode soon after lift-off."

Interesting

"Subject: U.S. Central Command on X: "Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO. The Iranian regime has harassed and attacked international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades. Those days are over. Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global t.co/nzdkMVMqZC / X


link

This includes the converted drone carrier.

@35thOVI: "Those days are over" is rather optimistic.
btw the link doesn´t work

Try

Subject: U.S. Central Command on X: "Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO. The Iranian regime has harassed and attacked international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades. Those days are over. Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global t.co/nzdkMVMqZC / X

"Those days are over" ??? No idea what that means. ???
link

Up to 6 dead now.

🫡

SB, Legion, Stone and some others, I think this is the liberal spin.
Thought I jump their posts.

"We did not want to do this now. Israel wanted to do this. It wasn't our decision. Israel was going to do this without us. Trump is jumping to Netanyahu of Israel's tune".

Various versions of those words.
🙄

Dogtail now I see it. That's the subject the X poster put on that, just part of the copy.. I'm just posting the 11 ships sunk.

You will see if you open it.

Here is Pete taking on the NBC reporter. I thought this was good.

"NBC's Courtney Kube shouted at Hegseth as he called on another reporter, "President Trump put a four-week timeline on it. Are you saying that's wrong?" He initially ignored the reporter, but later returned to her question.

"I heard that question about four weeks. It's the typical NBC sort of gotcha type question," he said.

Trump has told numerous outlets that the operation could last four or five weeks, but has also said he could end it in a few days. On the first day of the operation, Trump told Axios on Saturday he could "go long and take over the whole thing or end it in two or three days and tell the Iranians: ‘See you again in a few years if you start rebuilding [your nuclear and missile programs]."

"President Trump has all the latitude in the world to talk about how long it may or may not take, four weeks, two weeks, six weeks. It could move up. It could move back. We're going to execute at his command the objectives we've set out to achieve. And what he has shown an ability to do that other presidents can't quite seem to have the aperture to do," Hegseth added before slamming Joe Biden. "Well, I mean, Joe Biden didn't even know what he was doing."

The reporter fired back, "That was a direct quote from the President to the Daily Mail." Hegseth responded, "I've been in meetings with the president for the last two and a half days. We know exactly where his headspace is, and he will communicate as he should, exactly what he would like, and we will follow those orders."
…

Kube: President Trump put a four week timeline on it. Are you saying that's wrong?

Hegseth: I heard that question about four weeks. It's the typical NBC sort of gotcha type question. President Trump has all the latitude in the world to talk about how long it may or may not take, four weeks, two weeks, six weeks. It could move up. It could move back. We're going to execute at his command the objectives we've set out to achieve. And what he has shown an ability to do that other presidents can't quite seem to have the aperture to do— well, I mean, Joe Biden didn't even know what he was doing— is to look for opportunities and off ramps and escalations for the United States that creates new opportunities to execute what we need on our own timeline. So, you can play games about four weeks, five weeks. He has all the latitude, and I'm glad he does, because there's no better communicator than our president. Expressing those things—

Kube: That was a direct quote from the President to the Daily Mail.

Hegseth: I've been in meetings with the president for the last two and a half days. We know exactly where his headspace is, and he will communicate as he should, exactly what he would like, and we will follow those orders. And I think everything he said on that is right down the middle."

@Grattan

I highly doubt there will be an overthrown of the regime. It appears that they have installed new leaders and Iran has announced they are in for a long war.

We don't know how much is real and how much is a bluff, or how thin their ideological leadership "bench" is before we get to the opportunists willing to cut a deal. I'd be inclined to believe they are trying to appear solid and unmoveable to deter further strikes and if we keep ganking enough of the hardcore cadre we'll get to the bench warmers who like life more than they do their belief in spreading Shiism, and promoting the end times to herald the coming of the 12th Imam.

And we don't know if or what % of the general populace will rise up again after the last month of shocking brutality that NOBODY ON THE LEFT CONDEMNED. Not ANY Democrat (except Fetterman), not the UN, not WHO, not the DSA or any Lefty "rigts" protest group, nor did any prominent "human rights" organization do a frackin' thing about the mass slaughter.

But now the regime is on its heels and we're supposed to stop when leader #3 pops up and says he's the new tough guy in charge?

I find the level of faith that this operation is going to end up as successful as they think, is actually charming. In a bizarre way.

John

Should we not want this to end successfully?

The President is taking a huge chance doing this prior to the mid-terms.

I have hated the regime in Iran since the revolution, starting with the humiliation of the embassy takeover and weak wristed response of Jimmy Carter. I've never voted for a Democrat since.

So, the NATO Secretary General stated that NATO would not participate in a US and Israeli attack on Iran.
As we can see, you can attack the territory of a NATO member and Article 5 of the NATO Charter does not apply. Let's remember this. And this is after strikes on bases housing British, French, Italian, and German troops.

35thOVI, now each side will downplay its own losses and exaggerate the enemy's. I'm only saying that there are some claims. But I don't know which of them are true and which are not…

According to the IRGC statement, over the past 24 hours, Iran attacked 60 strategic targets and 500 US and Israeli facilities, launching 700 drones and hundreds of missiles of various types. At the same time, as before, Iran is mainly shelling old junk to deplete its adversaries' air defenses. New missiles are being used sparingly, in anticipation of the weakening of enemy air defenses.

SBminisguy, the statements about the mood within Iranian society are interesting, but how were they obtained? A telephone survey? Or are these statements from the opposition, pulling numbers out of thin air?

Caprum the Israelis are good, ask the terrorists using cell phones and pagers. Our intell isn't bad either.

"Israel spent years hacking Tehran's traffic cameras and penetrating mobile phone networks to monitor the movements of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his security detail ahead of his assassination, the Financial Times reported, citing multiple current and former Israeli intelligence officials and other people familiar with the operation.

Nearly all traffic cameras in Tehran had been hacked for years, with footage encrypted and transmitted to servers in Tel Aviv and southern Israel, according to two people familiar with the matter cited by the newspaper.

One camera angle proved particularly useful in determining where bodyguards parked their personal cars and provided insight into the routines inside the compound near Pasteur Street, one of the people said.

Complex algorithms were used to add details to dossiers on members of Khamenei's security guards, including their addresses, duty hours, routes to work and which officials they were assigned to protect, building what intelligence officers call a "pattern of life," according to the report.

The Financial Times said Israel also disrupted components of roughly a dozen mobile phone towers near Pasteur Street, making phones appear busy when called and preventing members of Khamenei's protection detail from receiving possible warnings.

A current unnamed Israeli intelligence official told the newspaper that long before the strike, "we knew Tehran like we know Jerusalem," describing a dense "intelligence picture" built through data collection involving Israel's signals intelligence Unit 8200, human sources recruited by the Mossad and analysis by military intelligence.

Israel also used a mathematical method known as social network analysis to sift through billions of data points and identify decision-making centers and new targets, a person familiar with its use told the Financial Times.

According to two people familiar with the matter, Israeli intelligence relied on signals intelligence, including hacked traffic cameras and penetrated mobile phone networks, to confirm that Khamenei and senior officials were present at the compound on the morning of the strike.

The Americans had an additional human source providing confirmation, the sources said, according to the report."

John

Should we not want this to end successfully?

Of course I want it to end successfully.
However, I am a pessimist by nature.
It's been less than 2 days.
And I do not trust "you know who" as far as I could throw him. (Don't want to get dinged for "politics".
It appears to be well planned, but not well thought out. 🤷

I also don't think it's wise for Israel and America to brag about what geniuses they are.

35thOVI, Israeli intelligence is excellent. But the Persians are not very sensitive to losses… And they learn well – this time, the monstrous losses among the top leadership had virtually no effect. Moreover, according to some reports, far more radical leaders have come to power in Iran to replace those killed.
As for assessing youth sentiment, intelligence can only rely on stolen data from official agencies. And even then, there's no guarantee they haven't been fed disinformation.

There's another aspect to this war: global peace has now been completely destroyed. International logistics will become prohibitively expensive and complex. The world is disintegrating into macroregions.
The US is relatively prepared for this, but Europe will have problems. Big problems…