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General Category => World News => Topic started by: TomSea on May 10, 2019, 09:09:10 am

Title: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 10, 2019, 09:09:10 am
Quote
US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says
Shirley Tay

U.S. President Donald Trump's new sanctions on Iran and deployment of a carrier strike group to the Middle East are "deliberately provocative," Jarrett Blanc from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said Thursday.

Not only do these sanctions target Iran's export revenue, it also affects a "very large employment sector of the Iranian economy," said Blanc, a senior fellow at the Washington-based think tank. This will be "understood as an effort to destabilize the middle class," he added.

Trump on Wednesday slapped fresh sanctions on Iranian industrial metals — the country's second-largest source of export revenue after petroleum — and threatened further action unless Tehran "fundamentally" changes its behavior.

Read more at: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/10/us-sanctions-on-iran-are-deliberately-provocative-carnegie-expert.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/10/us-sanctions-on-iran-are-deliberately-provocative-carnegie-expert.html)

 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnegie_Endowment_for_International_Peace)

Maybe they are okay, I was surprised to find one think tank that was pretty left leaning but I forget which one it is.

I think it was as on the wiki page, the "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - Middle East Center".
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: sneakypete on May 10, 2019, 10:41:13 am
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnegie_Endowment_for_International_Peace)

Maybe they are okay, I was surprised to find one think tank that was pretty left leaning but I forget which one it is.

I think it was as on the wiki page, the "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - Middle East Center".

Tough Titty. They are Muslims. We should be trying to kill them off.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: edpc on May 10, 2019, 05:07:27 pm
Sanctions are ‘deliberately provocative,’ but seizure of an embassy is understandable, given our decades of support for the Shah.    :shrug:
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: Wingnut on May 10, 2019, 05:48:57 pm
'deliberately provocative,' expert says.

He say's that like it is a bad thing.  Some expert.  BTW, who is this jack wagon anyway and wth is CNN digging up a comment from an obscure liberal peace group.  I guess Green Peace was unavalable.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: XenaLee on May 10, 2019, 05:55:53 pm
Considering how emboldened and enabled Iran is now, thanks to the previous administration.... and considering how Iran is actively working with and for terrorists and other enemies of America....

one would hope that we are now being "deliberately provocative" with those sanctions.  About friggin time.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: edpc on May 10, 2019, 06:39:22 pm
Considering how emboldened and enabled Iran is now, thanks to the previous administration.... and considering how Iran is actively working with and for terrorists and other enemies of America....

one would hope that we are now being "deliberately provocative" with those sanctions.  About friggin time.


Uhhhh.....this administration was happy to elicit the help of Iran and their Shiite militias to push ISIS out of Iraq. Thanks to that bit of brilliance, we now have Iranian influence stretching from Zabol to Beruit.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: XenaLee on May 10, 2019, 06:47:17 pm

Uhhhh.....this administration was happy to elicit the help of Iran and their Shiite militias to push ISIS out of Iraq. Thanks to that bit of brilliance, we now have Iranian influence stretching from Zabol to Beruit.

I think you're confusing Trump with Obama there.

But even if that were true.... that makes what I stated inaccurate ...how, exactly?

Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: TomSea on May 10, 2019, 06:53:59 pm
I try to read up on things:

https://iranian.com/

https://theiranproject.com/

I'm under the impression that no matter what are behind these websites, they are basically based in the US and not even in Iran.

The Mullahs say troubling things, I don't have problems with the people and think most of them are decent people and a whole lot of them would like to join the West. So, Iran is a mixed bag.  I can't figure it out myself.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: edpc on May 10, 2019, 07:11:46 pm
I think you're confusing Trump with Obama there.


No, I’m not. The militias were fighting ISIS, with our tacit support, well into 2018. Those groups were instrumental in getting al-Sadr elected. He formerly led the Madhi army, who fought against us in 2003. He took refuge in Iran, while we negotiated over bringing them into the political process.


But even if that were true....that makes what I stated inaccurate...how, exactly?[/quote]


Because it doesn’t mean, what you think it means. If we end up going to war with Iran, it’s going to span across the M.E., all the way to the Mediterranean. Between the Basijj, Shiite militias, and Hezbollah, the Iraq insurgency, under Bush 43, will look puny, by comparison.

On top of it all, the sanctions don't mean a lot to us. We haven't had formal relations with them, since I was in grade school. Turkey and China have already ignored oil sanctions. Europe likely won't be of much help. Russia would be more than happy to see us bogged down in yet another M.E. conflict. It stretches our resources and puts their energy in higher demand.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: XenaLee on May 10, 2019, 07:23:04 pm

No, I’m not. The militias were fighting ISIS, with our tacit support, well into 2018. Those groups were instrumental in getting al-Sadr elected. He formerly led the Madhi army, who fought against us in 2003. He took refuge in Iran, while we negotiated over bringing them into the political process.

Well, first of all.... I haven't read or seen anything to back up what you claimed originally.... ie that "Trump was happy to elicit the help of Iran and their Shiite militias to push ISIS out of Iraq."  So... could you post a link to that?  I've seen other articles claiming pretty much the opposite, in fact.  This one is more recent...

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/03/us/politics/trump-iraq-troops-syria-iran.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/03/us/politics/trump-iraq-troops-syria-iran.html)

Secondly, just because Iran was also fighting against ISIS, doesn't mean Trump was "happy".  Iran was just protecting its own interests... per usual.


Quote
But even if that were true....that makes what I stated inaccurate...how, exactly?

Because it doesn’t mean, what you think it means. If we end up going to war with Iran, it’s going to span across the M.E., all the way to the Mediterranean. Between the Basijj, Shiite militias, and Hezbollah, the Iraq insurgency, under Bush 43, will look puny, by comparison.

I don't believe there is any "if" about going to war with Iran.  I think it's pretty much a given.... only a "when" at issue.   I think it might be called something like... oh, I don't know.... WWIII/Armageddon?   :laugh:
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: edpc on May 10, 2019, 07:31:42 pm
Well, first of all.... I haven't read or seen anything to back up what you claimed originally.... ie that "Trump was happy to elicit the help of Iran and their Shiite militias to push ISIS out of Iraq."  So... could you post a link to that?  I've seen other articles claiming pretty much the opposite, in fact.  This one is more recent...

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/03/us/politics/trump-iraq-troops-syria-iran.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/03/us/politics/trump-iraq-troops-syria-iran.html)

Secondly, just because Iran was also fighting against ISIS, doesn't mean Trump was "happy".  Iran was just protecting its own interests... per usual.


There are plenty of them, if you care to find them. In fact, the headline of the article you cited refers to increased US presence potentially upending the fight against ISIS. They're referring to the Iranian backed (and sometimes commanded) Shiite militias. With the exception of Kurds in the north, Iraq has largely been pretty ungrateful for our continued deployment, however small.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: XenaLee on May 10, 2019, 07:39:14 pm

There are plenty of them, if you care to find them. In fact, the headline of the article you cited refers to increased US presence potentially upending the fight against ISIS. They're referring to the Iranian backed (and sometimes commanded) Shiite militias. With the exception of Kurds in the north, Iraq has largely been pretty ungrateful for our continued deployment, however small.

I did a search and didn't find anything.  Perhaps you could illustrate your expertise and find one, just one, article that backs up what you claimed....?

Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: edpc on May 10, 2019, 07:52:36 pm
I did a search and didn't find anything.  Perhaps you could illustrate your expertise and find one, just one, article that backs up what you claimed....?


From this past January......


https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/as-iraqs-shiite-militias-expand-their-reach-concerns-about-an-isis-revival-grow/2019/01/09/52da575e-eda9-11e8-8b47-bd0975fd6199_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6fc79329d7ee (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/as-iraqs-shiite-militias-expand-their-reach-concerns-about-an-isis-revival-grow/2019/01/09/52da575e-eda9-11e8-8b47-bd0975fd6199_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6fc79329d7ee)
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: TomSea on May 10, 2019, 08:15:18 pm
Jerusalem Post has had 2 provocative tweets over the last several hours. A little later, may sticky this and title it Iran Crisis with updates. We will see. Anyone else, is welcomed to start such a thread too and if you can't sticky it, I will.
 
Quote
Eyeing Iran, U.S. sending more Patriot missiles to Middle East
By REUTERS
May 10, 2019 23:02
https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Eyeing-Iran-US-sending-more-Patriot-missiles-to-Middle-East-589381 (https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Eyeing-Iran-US-sending-more-Patriot-missiles-to-Middle-East-589381)

Quote
Iran Guards reject U.S. talks, cleric threatens carrier
"Our nation... sees America as unreliable," said the official, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
By REUTERS
May 10, 2019 17:58
(https://www.jpost.com/HttpHandlers/ShowImage.ashx?id=392175&w=898&h=628)
https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-Guards-reject-US-talks-cleric-threatens-carrier-589360 (https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-Guards-reject-US-talks-cleric-threatens-carrier-589360)

 Jerusalem Post twitter (lots of updates)  (https://twitter.com/Jerusalem_Post)

Sabre rattling, brinksmanship, not comfortable reading at all.


https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-Guards-reject-US-talks-cleric-threatens-carrier-589360 (https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-Guards-reject-US-talks-cleric-threatens-carrier-589360)
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: XenaLee on May 10, 2019, 08:17:34 pm

From this past January......


https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/as-iraqs-shiite-militias-expand-their-reach-concerns-about-an-isis-revival-grow/2019/01/09/52da575e-eda9-11e8-8b47-bd0975fd6199_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6fc79329d7ee (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/as-iraqs-shiite-militias-expand-their-reach-concerns-about-an-isis-revival-grow/2019/01/09/52da575e-eda9-11e8-8b47-bd0975fd6199_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6fc79329d7ee)

Thanks.... but.... the only time Trump is even mentioned in that article is where it's saying Trump plans to withdraw troops from Syria.  How, exactly, does that equate to him being "happy" with Iranian help combating ISIS?  I don't get it.   :shrug:   Could you explain?

Quote
With the Trump administration now planning to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, the influence of Iran and its aligned militias could grow even more in that country.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: kidd on May 10, 2019, 08:35:43 pm
A think tank without facts.

Perhaps Mr. Blanc didn't hear of a very recent defection of an Iranian general.
All of these actions began shortly after his defection
https://libertyunyielding.com/2019/04/27/senior-iranian-revolutionary-guard-commander-reportedly-defects-to-the-u-s/ (https://libertyunyielding.com/2019/04/27/senior-iranian-revolutionary-guard-commander-reportedly-defects-to-the-u-s/)

Iranians are planning for a major offensive and Jarrett Blanc thinks the Administration is trying to destabilize the Iranian middle class.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: sneakypete on May 10, 2019, 09:20:56 pm
Quote
US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says

AND????????

Does this airhead think we are supposed to suck up to them? Bastards are lucky they don't glow in the dark.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: Wingnut on May 10, 2019, 10:13:39 pm
A think tank without facts.

Perhaps Mr. Blanc didn't hear of a very recent defection of an Iranian general.
All of these actions began shortly after his defection
https://libertyunyielding.com/2019/04/27/senior-iranian-revolutionary-guard-commander-reportedly-defects-to-the-u-s/ (https://libertyunyielding.com/2019/04/27/senior-iranian-revolutionary-guard-commander-reportedly-defects-to-the-u-s/)

Iranians are planning for a major offensive and Jarrett Blanc thinks the Administration is trying to destabilize the Iranian middle class.

If anyone was ever shooting blanc(s) it was that hockey puck. 
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: edpc on May 11, 2019, 12:13:16 am
Thanks.... but.... the only time Trump is even mentioned in that article is where it's saying Trump plans to withdraw troops from Syria.  How, exactly, does that equate to him being "happy" with Iranian help combating ISIS?  I don't get it.   :shrug:   Could you explain?


As the CiC, he had every opportunity and right to change the tactics of what we were doing in the region. Through 2017 and 2018 those militia groups were still combating ISIS elements in Iraq. We didn’t change the operating parameters. So, he must be fine with it. Despite all of his talk about withdrawal from Syria, we’ll be keeping a contingency force there, after all.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: Sanguine on May 11, 2019, 12:27:17 am
AND????????

Does this airhead think we are supposed to suck up to them? Bastards are lucky they don't glow in the dark.

Pretty much what we've been doing for the last 30+ years.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: sneakypete on May 11, 2019, 12:56:49 am
Pretty much what we've been doing for the last 30+ years.

@Sanguine

Yes,but that doesn't mean we have to keep sucking up to them. Especially since we now have all the domestic oil we need if we want it.

Besides,the Bush and Clinton Crime Families are no longer in power,so that right there eliminates a HUGE source of the corruption we used to be saddled with.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: Sanguine on May 11, 2019, 01:00:35 am
@Sanguine

Yes,but that doesn't mean we have to keep sucking up to them. Especially since we now have all the domestic oil we need if we want it.

Besides,the Bush and Clinton Crime Families are no longer in power,so that right there eliminates a HUGE source of the corruption we used to be saddled with.

@sneakypete, I'm violently agreeing with you on the "doesn't mean we have to keep sucking up to them" part.  We should never have sucked up to them, and I'm glad we are not now.
Title: Iran's Guards commander says U.S. military presence in Gulf is 'an opportunity': ISNA
Post by: Wingnut on May 12, 2019, 02:37:40 pm
The U.S. military has sent forces, including an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers, to the Middle East to counter what U.S. officials have said are “clear indications” of threats from Iran to its forces there.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is replacing another carrier rotated out of the Gulf last month.

“An aircraft carrier that has at least 40 to 50 planes on it and 6,000 forces gathered within it was a serious threat for us in the past but now...the threats have switched to opportunities,” Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards’ aerospace division said.

He added, “If (the Americans) make a move we will hit them in the head.”
-------
Baghdad Bob has apparently found a new gig in Iran. 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran/irans-guards-commander-says-us-military-presence-in-gulf-is-an-opportunity-isna-idUSKCN1SI056 (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran/irans-guards-commander-says-us-military-presence-in-gulf-is-an-opportunity-isna-idUSKCN1SI056)
Title: Re: Iran's Guards commander says U.S. military presence in Gulf is 'an opportunity': ISNA
Post by: sneakypete on May 12, 2019, 07:06:40 pm
I guess if you are a REAL optimist,that is one way to look at it.
Title: Re: Iran's Guards commander says U.S. military presence in Gulf is 'an opportunity': ISNA
Post by: jafo2010 on May 12, 2019, 08:29:25 pm
All this hoopla for nothing.  The USA has had one if not two carrier task groups in the Arabian Sea since before the attack on Iraq in 2003.

This kind of fake news reporting is ridiculous!
Title: Re: Iran's Guards commander says U.S. military presence in Gulf is 'an opportunity': ISNA
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on May 12, 2019, 10:16:50 pm
Iran may attack Israel if U.S. standoff escalates: Israeli minister
Reuters, May 12, 2019

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - An Israeli cabinet minister warned on Sunday of possible direct or proxy Iranian attacks on Israel should the stand-off between Tehran and Washington escalate.

The United States has increased economic and military pressure on Iran, with President Donald Trump on Thursday urging its leaders to talk to him about giving up their nuclear program and saying he could not rule out an armed confrontation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which supports Trump’s hard tack against its arch-foe, has largely been reticent about the spiraling tensions.

Parting with the silence, Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said that, in the Gulf, “things are heating up”.

“If there’s some sort of conflagration between Iran and the United States, between Iran and its neighbors, I’m not ruling out that they will activate Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad from Gaza, or even that they will try to fire missiles from Iran at the State of Israel,” Steinitz, a member of Netanyahu’s security cabinet, told Israel’s Ynet TV.

Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad are Iranian-sponsored guerrilla groups on Israel’s borders, the former active in Syria as well as Lebanon and the latter in the Palestinian territories.

The Israeli military declined to comment when asked if it was making any preparations for possible threats linked to the Iran-U.S. standoff.

Israel has traded blows with Iranian forces in Syria, as well as with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Palestinian militants. But it has not fought an open war with Iran, a country on the other side of the Middle East.


https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-israel/iran-may-attack-israel-if-us-standoff-escalates-israeli-minister-idUSKCN1SI05S (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-israel/iran-may-attack-israel-if-us-standoff-escalates-israeli-minister-idUSKCN1SI05S)
Title: Re: Iran's Guards commander says U.S. military presence in Gulf is 'an opportunity': ISNA
Post by: thackney on May 13, 2019, 05:03:14 pm
All this hoopla for nothing.  The USA has had one if not two carrier task groups in the Arabian Sea since before the attack on Iraq in 2003.

This kind of fake news reporting is ridiculous!

US aircraft carrier enters Persian Gulf after long absence
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/12/21/us-aircraft-carrier-enters-persian-gulf-after-long-absence/ (https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/12/21/us-aircraft-carrier-enters-persian-gulf-after-long-absence/)

.S. aircraft carrier sailed into the Persian Gulf on Friday, becoming the first since America’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in May and breaking the longest carrier absence in the volatile region since at least the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

The arrival of the John C. Stennis comes as Iranian officials have returned to repeatedly threatening to close off the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a third of all oil traded by sea passes. Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels shadowed the Stennis and its strike group, at one point launching rockets away from it and flying a drone nearby.

The long absence of a carrier, however, could become a standard practice here as now-outgoing Defense Secretary Jim Mattis sought to shake up naval operations and American air bases spanning the region can scramble fighter jets and drones....
Title: First assessment blames Iran for Middle East ship explosions, official says
Post by: libertybele on May 14, 2019, 12:10:25 am
First assessment blames Iran for Middle East ship explosions, official says

An American military team assessing blasts that damaged four commercial ships off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sunday has blamed Iran or Iranian-backed proxies using explosive charges, a source told Fox News on Monday evening.

Each ship had a 5-to-10-foot hole in it, near or just below the water line, a U.S. official told The Associated Press. A Norwegian-flagged vessel, two Saudi oil tankers and a bunkering tanker flagged in Sharjah, one of the UAE's seven emirates, all suffered similar damage Sunday.

The UAE asked the U.S. to help investigate the damage, which Gulf officials have characterized as sabotage. UAE's state media said Sunday there had been "no injuries or fatalities on board the vessels" and "no spillage of harmful chemicals or fuel."

The U.S. has warned ships that "Iran or its proxies" could be targeting maritime traffic in the region, and America has moved additional ships and aircraft into the region..........

https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-middle-east-ship-explosions-assessment (https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-middle-east-ship-explosions-assessment)
Title: US 'blames Iran' for damage to tankers in Gulf of Oman
Post by: TomSea on May 14, 2019, 02:29:41 pm
Quote
US 'blames Iran' for damage to tankers in Gulf of Oman

US investigators believe Iran or groups it supports used explosives to damage four ships off the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, media reports say.


Military experts were reportedly sent to investigate the incident and found a large hole in each of the tankers.

No evidence has emerged to show that Iran was involved. The affected countries are yet to assign blame.

Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48264499 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48264499)

It would be a good way to pull us into a war for whomever did this.   We better be certain!
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: TomSea on May 14, 2019, 03:12:23 pm
We seem to be in a new phase of these hostilities, non-sticky the thread for now.
Title: Re: US 'blames Iran' for damage to tankers in Gulf of Oman
Post by: TomSea on May 14, 2019, 03:20:26 pm
Quote
Yemeni Armed Drones Attack Saudi Oil Pipeline
The strike was believed to be backed by Iran, which warned Tuesday of U.S.-created ‘false flag attacks’ as the likelihood of conflict escalates.
By Paul D. Shinkman, Senior National Security Writer May 14, 2019, at 10:16 a.m.

(https://www.usnews.com/dims4/USNEWS/09fbaba/2147483647/thumbnail/970x647/quality/85/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcom-usnews-beam-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2F87%2F2602ee4e4836bb656fe08f03a3ea%2F190514-newssaudidrone-editorial.jpg)

A major oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia was struck by armed drones and temporarily shut down, the kingdom's energy minister said Tuesday, calling the move an "act of terrorism and sabotage" that marks the second attack on the Saudi oil infrastructure in as many days.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih did not directly identify the perpetrator of the attack but said the incidents prove the importance of the kingdom's continued conflict against terrorist groups, including the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen, according to the country's state news service. Oil prices spiked as a result of the attacks, Reuters reports.

Saudi Arabia continues to wage war in Yemen against those militias in what is considered a proxy conflict between the oil-rich gulf state and its arch-rival Iran, which backs the Houthis. U.S. and allied intelligence assessments indicate Iran was also behind sabotaging two Saudi oil tankers on Monday.

Read more at: https://www.usnews.com/news/world-report/articles/2019-05-14/yemeni-armed-drones-attack-saudi-oil-pipeline (https://www.usnews.com/news/world-report/articles/2019-05-14/yemeni-armed-drones-attack-saudi-oil-pipeline)
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: sneakypete on May 14, 2019, 03:25:38 pm
We seem to be in a new phase of these hostilities, non-sticky the thread for now.

@TomSea

Maybe it's just the chemo brain,but what does "non-sticky a thread" mean?
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: TomSea on May 14, 2019, 03:37:42 pm
@TomSea

Maybe it's just the chemo brain,but what does "non-sticky a thread" mean?

@sneakypete

Like when someone has that "Royal Happenings" at the top of the world news page, someone stickied it so it can be a running story...

Maybe I should re-sticky it, the way Corbe's "Share the music you are listening to" is at the top of the Music thread.

The problem with stickying threads is I think sometimes people miss it.

@sneakypete   Certainly will be keeping you in my thoughts at this time.

Update: I guess, the thread will be re-stickied and put at the top.

The Sticky is basically saying it's like a post-it note, putting it, stickying it at the top.

(https://5.imimg.com/data5/PX/IX/MY-38990110/post-it-sticky-notes-500x500.jpg)
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on May 14, 2019, 03:57:18 pm

Uhhhh.....this administration was happy to elicit the help of Iran and their Shiite militias to push ISIS out of Iraq. Thanks to that bit of brilliance, we now have Iranian influence stretching from Zabol to Beruit.


So what if we did?  That doesn't mean we have to put up with Iran killing Americans via their proxies like Hezbollah. 
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: skeeter on May 14, 2019, 04:04:47 pm
Says the same people bitching about a big 4th of July celebration.

Who's surprised. They are our enemy.
Title: Re: US sanctions on Iran are 'deliberately provocative,' expert says (CNBC)
Post by: sneakypete on May 14, 2019, 04:09:31 pm
@sneakypete

Like when someone has that "Royal Happenings" at the top of the world news page, someone stickied it so it can be a running story...

Maybe I should re-sticky it, the way Corbe's "Share the music you are listening to" is at the top of the Music thread.

The problem with stickying threads is I think sometimes people miss it.

@sneakypete   Certainly will be keeping you in my thoughts at this time.

Update: I guess, the thread will be re-stickied and put at the top.

The Sticky is basically saying it's like a post-it note, putting it, stickying it at the top.

(https://5.imimg.com/data5/PX/IX/MY-38990110/post-it-sticky-notes-500x500.jpg)

@Tom Sea

Thank you for the explanation!
Title: Re: US 'blames Iran' for damage to tankers in Gulf of Oman
Post by: thackney on May 14, 2019, 05:35:36 pm
Limpet mines were used to blow holes in tankers in UAE, say divers examining four sabotaged ships as US and Iran try to calm fears of war after Saudi Arabia claimed explosive-laden drones targeted its oil pipeline in 'act of terrorism'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7027141/President-Rouhani-blasts-Pentagon-claims-Iran-used-EXPLOSIVES-sabotage-ships-UAE.html (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7027141/President-Rouhani-blasts-Pentagon-claims-Iran-used-EXPLOSIVES-sabotage-ships-UAE.html)

Magnetic limpet mines were used to blow holes in Saudi oil tankers in the Gulf of Yemen yesterday, experts believe.

The mysterious 'sabotage' has sent tensions spiralling in the Middle East as the U.S. blamed Iran and its allies for the attack - but both sides today tried to calm the situation....
Title: US non-essential personnel ordered to leave Iraq Embassy, consulate
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 10:11:17 am
Quote
US non-essential personnel ordered to leave Iraq Embassy, consulate
Brie Stimson

The State Department has ordered all non-emergency personnel at the U.S. Embassy and consulate in Iraq to leave the country amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, the agency said in a security alert on its website early Wednesday morning. The alert also said that normal visa services would be temporarily suspended.

Last week, U.S. officials said urgent "credible threats" from Iran against Americans were detected and the embassy advised against all travel to the region, citing “heightened tensions.”

Iran has threatened to pull out of the nuclear deal and resume higher uranium enrichment if no new deal is put in place. The U.S. left the Iran nuclear deal last year.

Read more at: https://www.foxnews.com/us/state-department-orders-all-non-essential-personnel-to-leave-iraq (https://www.foxnews.com/us/state-department-orders-all-non-essential-personnel-to-leave-iraq)
Title: Gen. Jack Keane says report Trump has updated plans to send 100,000 troops to Iran is 'distortion of
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 10:13:01 am
Quote
Gen. Jack Keane says report Trump has updated plans to send 100,000 troops to Iran is 'distortion of what really happens'
Frank Miles

Retired four-star Gen. Jack Keane blasted the report that the Trump administration has updated plans to send more than 100,000 troops to counter Iran if necessary.

“It’s a distortion of what really happens,” he said on “The Story with Martha MacCallum.” “The president doesn’t even know what they are talking about.”

At the White House, Trump, who has repeatedly argued for avoiding long-term conflicts in the Mideast, discounted the report claiming the U.S. has updated plans that could send up to 120,000 troops to counter Iran if it attacked American forces.

Read more at: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gen-jack-keane-trump-not-sending-100k-troops-to-iran (https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gen-jack-keane-trump-not-sending-100k-troops-to-iran)
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 04:25:36 pm
Newsweek published this, this may have already been debunked in large part. Parts may still be valid for all I know. We certainly probably always have a plan:

Quote
Trump administration prepares multiple military options for Iran, including airstrikes and setting up ground invasion
By James LaPorta and Tom O'Connor On 5/14/19 at 2:31 PM EDT

When President Trump’s top national security advisers met for a classified meeting at the Pentagon last Thursday, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan laid out several U.S. military options for Iran, separated into two distinct categories: retaliatory and offensive.

The revised Iran options ordered by John Bolton, President Trump’s national security adviser, have different degrees and redlines for escalation, ranging from airstrikes to targeted incursions, Pentagon officials told Newsweek.

Defense Department officials who have been briefed on the details of the updated military plans for Iran agreed to speak with Newsweek on condition of anonymity. Pentagon officials confirmed a report published in The New York Times on Monday outlining an option to deploy as many as 120,000 U.S. troops to the Middle East if Iran initiates an attack on U.S. forces or continues to work on what the U.S. has alleged were secret nuclear proliferation objectives.

Read more at: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-administration-iran-military-airstrikes-invasion-1425365 (https://www.newsweek.com/trump-administration-iran-military-airstrikes-invasion-1425365)

After 24-48 hours, probably a merge of Iran threads into this one will be done. Sounds like a plan.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 05:22:03 pm
See video:

Quote
https://twitter.com/RJBrodsky/status/1127308195855241220
Matthew RJ Brodsky
‏ @RJBrodsky

In 30 seconds - here's the direct threat made on behalf of the #Iran regime. Pay attention - Europe especially - since they have a certain track record of appeasement

This is a bit over-the-top analysis but we should pay attention definitely.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 05:28:11 pm
Quote
Iranian-Backed Houthis Claim “Armed” Drone Attack on Vital Oil Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia
by TheTower.org Staff | 05.15.19 7:56 am

Iranian-sponsored Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed an “armed drones” attack on vital oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, underscoring rising tensions in the Middle East.

The kingdom said drones attacked one of its oil pipelines as another armed vehicle targeted energy infrastructure elsewhere in the country on Tuesday. The targets belong to the country’s state-run oil company Aramco.

In a statement carried on the state-run Saudi Press Agency, Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said Aramco had “temporarily shut down” the pipeline to “evaluate its condition” but added that oil production and exports had not been interrupted.

Read more at: http://www.thetower.org/7327-iranian-backed-houthis-claim-armed-drone-attack-on-vital-oil-infrastructure-in-saudi-arabia/ (http://www.thetower.org/7327-iranian-backed-houthis-claim-armed-drone-attack-on-vital-oil-infrastructure-in-saudi-arabia/)

So, some say this sabotage amounts to being "red flag" operations; but perhaps, the Houthis, Iranian proxy are saying they did do this.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: rustynail on May 15, 2019, 05:33:33 pm
A Look At The Specific Intelligence Causing State Dept. Warning -Leave Iraq ASAP

https://lidblog.com/intelligence-u-s-leave-iraq/
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 06:31:28 pm
Quote
Senator Ted Cruz
‏Verified account @SenTedCruz

The @StateDept is allowing #Iran to continue doing research in their nuclear bunker at Fordow, which Iran dug into the side of a mountain to build nuclear weapons. They are unwilling to explain to the American people why they’re doing it.

https://twitter.com/SenTedCruz/status/1128702255513907201 (https://twitter.com/SenTedCruz/status/1128702255513907201)

Some might find this interesting, this just probably happened in the last day or two.  Senator Cruz questioning (video):
Quote
Andrea L. Thompson - state.gov
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/281315.htm (https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/281315.htm)

Andrea L. Thompson was confirmed as Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security on April 26, 2018. Before her arrival at the Department of State, Under Secretary Thompson served as the Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President.

More at Cruz's twitter:  https://twitter.com/SenTedCruz (https://twitter.com/SenTedCruz)
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on May 15, 2019, 07:00:40 pm
Some might find this interesting, this just probably happened in the last day or two.  Senator Cruz questioning (video):
More at Cruz's twitter:  https://twitter.com/SenTedCruz (https://twitter.com/SenTedCruz)

What conclusion(s) do you draw from that @TomSea?
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 07:29:42 pm
What conclusion(s) do you draw from that @TomSea?

My first reaction was that lady wasn't doing too well who he was questioning.

Otherwise, just what he says, the nuclear lab is in the side of a mountain, Fordow mountain.  Otherwise, I don't draw anything overwhelmingly sinister from the situation. Being against the Iran nuke deal has been a big part of his campaigning.

Fordow mountain? From a year ago:

Quote
Unusual Activity Spotted at Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Site
By  Hana Levi Julian -
19 Iyyar 5778 – May 3, 2018

(https://www.jewishpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Fordow.jpg)

Unusual activity has been spotted in photos snapped on April 29 (Sunday) by ImageSat International (ISI) of Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear research site in Qom, Iran.

The photos were snapped by the Israeli EROS-B satellite, according to ISI, and were compared to prior images.

https://www.jewishpress.com/news/middle-east/iran-news/unusual-activity-spotted-at-irans-fordow-nuclear-site/2018/05/03/ (https://www.jewishpress.com/news/middle-east/iran-news/unusual-activity-spotted-at-irans-fordow-nuclear-site/2018/05/03/)

Mainly just adding that bit in, in case anyone is interested.   If we are having a buildup of tensions or not.

@Sanguine   Thanks for asking.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 07:30:46 pm
A Look At The Specific Intelligence Causing State Dept. Warning -Leave Iraq ASAP

https://lidblog.com/intelligence-u-s-leave-iraq/

Yes, it really sounds like they uncovered intelligence that the Iranians/proxies were planning an attack on us, somewhere.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 07:35:55 pm
Quote
The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, said a full briefing for the entire Senate was "in the works."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., an outspoken advocate for tough action toward Iran and a frequent defender of President Donald Trump, also said the State Department and the Defense Department needed to brief lawmakers about why it had chosen to evacuate the U.S. missions in Iraq.

"I would urge the State Department and DoD to come down here and explain to us what's going on," Graham told reporters. "Because I have no idea what the threat stream is beyond what I read in the paper."

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/senators-demand-answers-trump-administration-iran-threat-n1005951 (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/senators-demand-answers-trump-administration-iran-threat-n1005951)
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on May 15, 2019, 07:43:51 pm
My first reaction was that lady wasn't doing too well who he was questioning.

Otherwise, just what he says, the nuclear lab is in the side of a mountain, Fordow mountain.  Otherwise, I don't draw anything overwhelmingly sinister from the situation. Being against the Iran nuke deal has been a big part of his campaigning.

Fordow mountain? From a year ago:

Mainly just adding that bit in, in case anyone is interested.   If we are having a buildup of tensions or not.

@Sanguine   Thanks for asking.

Thanks, Tom.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 07:55:13 pm
Quote
Mike Pompeo said Iran-backed militias moved rockets near American bases in Iraq
By Lukas Mikelionis | Fox News

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Iraqi officials that U.S. intelligence showed Iran-backed militias moved missiles near bases housing American forces.

Pompeo made the disclosure to Iraq’s top brass during his surprise visit earlier this month, Reuters reported. The revelation comes just hours after all non-emergency personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq was ordered to leave the country.


He asked the military officials to keep the Shi’ite militias in control as they are expanding their presence in the country and now are part of the country’s security apparatus. The top diplomat warned that otherwise, the U.S. would have to use force to tackle the security threats.

Read more at: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pompeo-iran-militias-rockets-american-bases-iraq (https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pompeo-iran-militias-rockets-american-bases-iraq)

Significant.
 

Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on May 15, 2019, 08:03:14 pm
Significant.

Indeed.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 15, 2019, 08:12:57 pm
Quote
Ted Cruz slams 'Orwellian' Trump administration official for stonewalling about allowing Iranian nuclear research
by Philip Klein  | May 15, 2019 02:22 PM
3 minutes

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Wednesday took a Trump State Department official to the woodshed, slamming her "Orwellian" response as she stonewalled rather than explain why the administration was allowing Iran to continue its nuclear research activities.

As I've previously noted, while President Trump has taken many important steps to unwind the Iran deal after publicly pulling out of it, much work remains. One of the most glaring problems that has persisted has been the odd insistence of the administration to continue to allow nuclear research in the bunkered Fordow facility.

"How is it possibly in our best interest to allow Iran to continue doing nuclear research in the Fordow bunker that was built in the side of the mountain to be able to develop nuclear weapons to use to murder Americans?" Cruz asked in a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "How is that in our best interest?"

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/ted-cruz-slams-orwellian-trump-administration-official-for-stonewalling-about-allowing-iranian-nuclear-research (https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/ted-cruz-slams-orwellian-trump-administration-official-for-stonewalling-about-allowing-iranian-nuclear-research)

Not sure how important this that transpired was but something to keep in mind. Hawkish? I thought the lady worked for the Trump admin. but I was a bit unsure.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: Elderberry on May 15, 2019, 10:13:19 pm
US pulls nonessential staff from Iraq amid Mideast tensions
Houston Chronicle By JON GAMBRELL and PHILIP ISSA,  May 15, 2019
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/crime/article/Satellite-image-shows-Saudi-pump-station-after-13846303.php (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/crime/article/Satellite-image-shows-Saudi-pump-station-after-13846303.php)

Quote
The U.S. on Wednesday ordered all nonessential government staff to leave Iraq, and Germany and the Netherlands both suspended their military assistance programs in the country in the latest sign of tensions sweeping the Persian Gulf region over still-unspecified threats that the Trump administration says are linked to Iran.

Recent days have seen allegations of sabotage targeting oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, a drone attack by Yemen's Iranian-allied Houthi rebels, and the dispatch of U.S. warships and bombers to the region.

At the root of this appears to be President Donald Trump's decision a year ago to pull the U.S. from Iran's nuclear deal with world powers, embarking on a maximalist sanctions campaign against Tehran. In response, Iran's supreme leader issued a veiled threat Tuesday, saying it wouldn't be difficult for the Islamic Republic to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels.

The movement of diplomatic personnel is often done in times of conflict, but what is driving the decisions from the White House remains unclear. A high-ranking British general said there was no new threat from Iran or its regional proxies, something immediately rebutted by the U.S. military's Central Command, which said its troops were on high alert, without elaborating.

Last week, U.S. officials said they had detected signs of Iranian preparations for potential attacks on U.S. forces and interests in the Middle East, but Washington has not spelled out that threat.

An alert on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said all nonessential, nonemergency U.S. government staff were ordered to leave Iraq right away under State Department orders. That includes those working at the U.S. Consulate in Irbil. The U.S. Consulate in Basra has been closed since September following a rocket attack blamed on Iranian-backed militias.

The U.S. in recent days has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf region, plus four B-52 bombers.

More at link
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 16, 2019, 10:32:06 am
Washington Times, if these are the kinds of missiles that are being moved around, ouch!:

(https://twt-thumbs.washtimes.com/media/image/2017/11/11/saudi_iran_qa_06564_c0-163-3888-2429_s885x516.jpg?bba63eb1d655228113bb15c8d3db6232306f89ee)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/may/15/us-intel-showed-iran-backed-militias-moving-rocket/?utm_source=Boomtrain&utm_medium=manual&utm_campaign=evening&utm_term=evening&utm_content=evening&bt_ee=NOugz0t3FOT5BpiyNwhanT2c1tV0GtCciBXyTGFrfw6Ag%2BIyhR48Gbn0GxhCcvoE&bt_ts=1557956228097 (https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/may/15/us-intel-showed-iran-backed-militias-moving-rocket/?utm_source=Boomtrain&utm_medium=manual&utm_campaign=evening&utm_term=evening&utm_content=evening&bt_ee=NOugz0t3FOT5BpiyNwhanT2c1tV0GtCciBXyTGFrfw6Ag%2BIyhR48Gbn0GxhCcvoE&bt_ts=1557956228097)

The sanctions are biting, that's why we've had this incident. Sanctions are biting, sanctions were ramped up. Some experts would say, we are trying to goad them into a confrontation. Then, you have the others who would say, see, this is indeed what they want and they want to build these dangerous nukes.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 16, 2019, 03:09:16 pm
Flashback.

Check date, May 12, 2008, anyway, we raised sanctions on Iran, that apparently is causing some distress for them.  They could have saved those nuke deal billions for a rainy day. BTW, I think Buchanan was doing a ruse here on this topic:

Hot Air:

Quote
Pat Buchanan to Lieberman: Why aren’t we bombing Iran now?
Ed Morrissey Posted at 5:20 pm on May 12, 2008

https://hotair.com/archives/2008/05/12/pat-buchanan-to-lieberman-why-arent-we-bombing-iran-now/

Then the article seems to be a bit out on a tangent talking about the campaign of that year.

Anyway, we can see if anything significant develops.

Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 16, 2019, 03:28:07 pm
Quote
Saudi paper urges US 'surgical strikes' on Iran
AP|Published:  05.16.19 , 16:23

A state-aligned Saudi newspaper is calling for "surgical" U.S. strikes in retaliation against alleged threats from Iran.
 
The Arab News published an editorial in English on Thursday, arguing that after incidents this week against Saudi energy targets, the next logical step "should be surgical strikes."
 
The editorial says U.S. airstrikes in Syria, when the government there was suspected of using chemical weapons against civilians, "set a precedent."

https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5510325,00.html (https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5510325,00.html)
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on May 16, 2019, 03:35:40 pm


So it begins.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 16, 2019, 04:43:05 pm
Quote
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6sEX7rWkAECqme.jpg)
SPOTTED: SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D-Calif.), who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, walking around the Capitol with her iPhone screen facing outward in full view, and Javad Zarif’s contact page on the screen. Zarif is the name of Iran’s foreign minister.
(https://static.politico.com/d0/e1/fb73fc0b4b44bf2d776343d4684c/190516-feinstein-ap-700.jpg)
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2019/05/16/what-dianne-feinsteins-phone-told-us-437020?cid=su_tw_pb (https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2019/05/16/what-dianne-feinsteins-phone-told-us-437020?cid=su_tw_pb)
https://twitter.com/politico/status/1129000942622388225 (https://twitter.com/politico/status/1129000942622388225)
I guess, they can see this if they claim it, I'm unsure of which picture. Must be the 2nd one(?).

-----------------

See, I think the Iranians are peeved primarily about the sanctions. So, Yay or Nay? That's just my commentary.

Quote
Trump Readies a New War on Iran’s Economy
The warships and the leaked battle plans are getting the attention. But the real attack on Iran may be sanctions designed to destabilize the country and undermine its leadership.
Erin Banco,   Asawin Suebsaeng    05.15.19 10:03 PM ET

The Trump administration’s increasingly aggressive military posture toward Iran is overshadowing its more concrete plans for crippling the regime in Tehran: a set of robust new sanctions to add to its economic warfare campaign.

Senior professionals inside the administration, who have been crafting Iran policy since before President Trump’s inauguration, are considering another sanctions package designed to destabilize Iran, undermine that country’s leadership, and, potentially, serve as an alternative to military action. Among the proposals being looked at are sanctions that would effectively blacklist certain sectors of the Iranian economy, including the petrochemical sector, according to two individuals with direct knowledge of the conversations.

An aggressive sanctions strategy isn’t a new tactic for the president. Since Trump took office, the administration has slapped sanctions on nearly 1,000 individuals and entities to tighten the screws on Tehran. But the latest round of proposed sanctions would make it even more difficult, if not legally impossible, for many other countries or companies to do business in some of Iran’s most significant business sectors.

Read more at: https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-readies-a-new-war-on-irans-economy (https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-readies-a-new-war-on-irans-economy)

Pretty good analysis, imo.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: thackney on May 16, 2019, 07:42:52 pm
I guess, they can see this if they claim it, I'm unsure of which picture. Must be the 2nd one(?).

Both pictures are old file photos from at least 2018.  They are not related to the phone contact exposed.
Title: US: Iran military could misidentify airliners amid tension
Post by: TomSea on May 18, 2019, 04:06:13 pm
Quote
US: Iran military could misidentify airliners amid tension
By JON GAMBRELL

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Commercial airliners flying over the Persian Gulf risk being targeted by “miscalculation or misidentification” from the Iranian military amid heightened tensions between the Islamic Republic and the U.S., American diplomats warned Saturday, even as both Washington and Tehran say they don’t seek war.

The warning relayed by U.S. diplomatic posts from the Federal Aviation Administration underscored the risks the current tensions pose to a region critical to both global air travel and trade. Oil tankers allegedly have faced sabotage and Yemen rebel drones attacked a crucial Saudi oil pipeline over the last week.

Meanwhile on Saturday, Iraqi officials said ExxonMobil Corp. began evacuating staff from Basra, and the island nation of Bahrain ordered its citizens out of Iraq and Iran over “the recent escalations and threats.”

Read more at: https://www.apnews.com/b4f5c00455fb4ffb878ed29df58abc03 (https://www.apnews.com/b4f5c00455fb4ffb878ed29df58abc03)
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: corbe on May 19, 2019, 12:38:06 am
Fmr CIA chief of station: 'Encouraging' that Iran is unloading missiles from its boats

By Sam Dorman | Fox News


(http://articles.comparisons.org/assets/images/5ca24253d0ad7a0709641422/5ca2454ad0ad7a077c452937.jpg)

Daniel Hoffman says he believes Iran is attempting to deescalate the rising tensions with the U.S.

Iran's decision to remove missiles from two of its boats indicated the rogue nation was de-escalating tensions surrounding its nuclear program, former CIA Chief of Station Daniel Hoffman said on Saturday.

Hoffman told "America's News HQ" that the removal was "an encouraging sign." "I think Iran is trying to de-escalate.

Foreign minister [Mohammad Javad] Zarif has also stated that Iran has stated publicly that Iran has no interest whatsoever in war with the United States," he added while speaking with Fox News host Leland Vittert.

<..snip..>

https://www.foxnews.com/world/cia-chief-iran-missiles-boats (https://www.foxnews.com/world/cia-chief-iran-missiles-boats)
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: EdJames on May 19, 2019, 12:50:10 am
U.S. warns airliners flying over Persian Gulf amid tensions with Iran

Updated on: May 18, 2019 / 9:39 AM / CBS/AP


(https://www.canalability.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/canal-boat-holiday-hire.jpg)

U.S. diplomats warned Saturday that commercial airliners flying over the wider Persian Gulf faced a risk of being "misidentified" amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The warning relayed by U.S. diplomatic posts from the Federal Aviation Administration underlined the risks the tensions pose to a region crucial to global air travel. It also came as Lloyd's of London warned of increasing risks to maritime shipping in the region.

--snip--

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-warns-airliners-flying-over-persian-gulf-amid-tensions-with-iran/ (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-warns-airliners-flying-over-persian-gulf-amid-tensions-with-iran/)
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on May 20, 2019, 03:27:09 pm
Updates for the thread:

Quote
Iran dismisses Trump's 'genocidal taunts'
5-7 minutes
File photo of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (24 April 2019) Image copyright Reuters
Image caption Mohammad Javad Zarif has insisted that Iran does not want a war

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has dismissed US President Donald Trump's "genocidal taunts" and warned him not to threaten the country.

With tensions rising, Mr Trump tweeted on Sunday: "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran."

Mr Zarif said the president should look at history. "Iranians have stood tall for millennia while aggressors all gone... Try respect - it works!"

See more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48338168 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48338168)
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: corbe on May 20, 2019, 03:34:00 pm
Graham says Bolton briefed him on Iran, tells Trump to 'stand firm'

By Jordain Carney - 05/20/19 11:28 AM EDT
 

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Monday that national security advisor John Bolton had briefed him on escalating tensions with Iran, and urged President Trump to "stand firm."
 
"Just received a briefing from National Security Advisor Bolton about escalating tensions with Iran. It is clear that over the last several weeks Iran has attacked pipelines and ships of other nations and created threat streams against American interests in Iraq," Graham said in a pair of tweets.

He added that "if the Iranian threats against American personnel and interests are activated we must deliver an overwhelming military response. Stand firm Mr. President."

<..snip..>

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/444561-graham-says-bolton-briefed-him-on-iran-tells-trump-to-stand-firm (https://thehill.com/policy/defense/444561-graham-says-bolton-briefed-him-on-iran-tells-trump-to-stand-firm)
Title: Pentagon to present plans to send 10,000 more troops to Middle East, officials say
Post by: TomSea on May 23, 2019, 12:57:17 am
Quote
Pentagon to present plans to send 10,000 more troops to Middle East, officials say
Plans aim to beef up defenses against potential Iranian threats as tensions between the countries continue to simmer

The Pentagon on Thursday will present plans to the White House to send up to 10,000 more troops to the Middle East, in a move to beef up defenses against potential Iranian threats, US officials said Wednesday.

The officials said no final decision had been made yet, and it was not clear if the White House would approve sending all or just some of the requested forces. Officials said the move was not in response to any new threat from Iran but was aimed at reinforcing security in the region. They said the troops would be defensive forces, and the discussions include additional Patriot missile batteries, more ships and increased efforts to monitor Iran.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the plans have not been formally announced.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/22/us-troop-increase-pentagon-middle-east-iran (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/22/us-troop-increase-pentagon-middle-east-iran)

Just on the radio, congress was discussing this as well today, "policy on Iran" and wanted us to be solid in our designated policy.  That kind of surprised me.
Title: Re: Pentagon to present plans to send 10,000 more troops to Middle East, officials say
Post by: sneakypete on May 23, 2019, 01:32:57 am
Just on the radio, congress was discussing this as well today, "policy on Iran" and wanted us to be solid in our designated policy.  That kind of surprised me.

@TomSea

MY kneejerk reaction to this is "HELL NO! If we aren't going to get serious about wiping Islam off the face of the Earth,leave our soldiers here and let them kill each other off to their hearts content,and fire them up with missiles if they attack us again."

BUT......,I honestly don't know what their plans are or what is going to be involved. A defensive force with the authority and to attack if necessary and the goods to do the deed is one thing. Regular Army infantry divisions is another.
Title: Re: Pentagon to present plans to send 10,000 more troops to Middle East, officials say
Post by: Cyber Liberty on May 23, 2019, 01:45:32 am
@TomSea

MY kneejerk reaction to this is "HELL NO! If we aren't going to get serious about wiping Islam off the face of the Earth,leave our soldiers here and let them kill each other off to their hearts content,and fire them up with missiles if they attack us again."

BUT......,I honestly don't know what their plans are or what is going to be involved. A defensive force with the authority and to attack if necessary and the goods to do the deed is one thing. Regular Army infantry divisions is another.

@sneakypete

I don't think we have enough information about the mission to say yet.  10K doesn't seem like enough to get the job done.
Title: Re: Pentagon to present plans to send 10,000 more troops to Middle East, officials say
Post by: sneakypete on May 23, 2019, 03:12:47 am
@sneakypete

I don't think we have enough information about the mission to say yet.  10K doesn't seem like enough to get the job done.

@Cyber Liberty

It's not even a down payment. What scares me is the politicians always start low to not alarm anyone,and then the numbers start to build and build,and suddenly there are a LOT of people downrange. We all know what happens when politicians looking for headlines have masses of troops lined up along someone's border. They end up using them.

Don't get me wrong. I ain't happy about it,but if they would use the troops to go in and kill off half or more of the population of those Muslim countries and then leave after warning them they MIGHT come back and finish the job if they aren't good,would be one thing. Purposely dragging out a war while refusing to end it because various politicians and those connected to politicians pull in a lot of contributions and military contracts and the money related to all that is a whole different thing.

NEVER fight a war you don't intend on winning quickly.
Title: Re: Pentagon to present plans to send 10,000 more troops to Middle East, officials say
Post by: EdJames on May 23, 2019, 03:17:51 am
@Cyber Liberty

It's not even a down payment. What scares me is the politicians always start low to not alarm anyone,and then the numbers start to build and build,and suddenly there are a LOT of people downrange. We all know what happens when politicians looking for headlines have masses of troops lined up along someone's border. They end up using them.

Don't get me wrong. I ain't happy about it,but if they would use the troops to go in and kill off half or more of the population of those Muslim countries and then leave after warning them they MIGHT come back and finish the job if they aren't good,would be one thing. Purposely dragging out a war while refusing to end it because various politicians and those connected to politicians pull in a lot of contributions and military contracts and the money related to all that is a whole different thing.

NEVER fight a war you don't intend on winning quickly.

@sneakypete

"Perpetual, low-grade war" is a strategy designed to accomplish a number of objectives, primarily to put $$$ in select pockets; but victory over the enemy is certainly not one of them.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on May 23, 2019, 03:23:09 am
@TomSea, thanks for keeping us informed on this.
Title: Re: Pentagon to present plans to send 10,000 more troops to Middle East, officials say
Post by: Cyber Liberty on May 23, 2019, 03:24:04 am
@Cyber Liberty

It's not even a down payment. What scares me is the politicians always start low to not alarm anyone,and then the numbers start to build and build,and suddenly there are a LOT of people downrange. We all know what happens when politicians looking for headlines have masses of troops lined up along someone's border. They end up using them.

Don't get me wrong. I ain't happy about it,but if they would use the troops to go in and kill off half or more of the population of those Muslim countries and then leave after warning them they MIGHT come back and finish the job if they aren't good,would be one thing. Purposely dragging out a war while refusing to end it because various politicians and those connected to politicians pull in a lot of contributions and military contracts and the money related to all that is a whole different thing.

NEVER fight a war you don't intend on winning quickly.

@sneakypete

Then there were the lowballs thrown by Obastard.  He asked how many troops would be needed to pacify the Afghans and he deliberately sent only 75% of what was requested.  Result:  A bunch of dead American soldiers.
Title: Re: Iran Tensions Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 06, 2019, 03:55:01 am
Quote
What a War With Iran Would Look Like
By Ilan Goldenberg

Tensions between Iran and the United States are at their highest point in years. The 2015 Iran nuclear agreement is teetering. The Trump administration is using sanctions to strangle the Iranian economy and in May deployed an aircraft carrier, a missile defense battery, and four bombers to the Middle East. Washington has evacuated nonessential personnel from its embassy in Baghdad, citing intelligence suggesting that Iran is increasingly willing to hit U.S. targets through its military proxies abroad.

The United States also stated that Iran almost certainly perpetrated the recent damage to oil tankers flagged by Saudi Arabia, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and claimed that Iran had temporarily loaded missiles onto small boats in the Persian Gulf. In early May, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton publicly threatened a response to any Iranian attacks, “whether by proxy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards [sic] Corps or regular Iranian forces.”

The good news is that the situation is not as bad as it appears. None of the players—with the possible exception of Bolton—seem to really want a war. Iran’s military strategy is to keep tensions at a low boil and avoid a direct confrontation with the United States. Washington struck a tough public posture with its recent troop deployment, but the move was neither consequential nor terribly unusual. If the United States were truly preparing for a war, the flow of military assets into the region would be much more dramatic.

Read more at: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/iran/2019-06-04/what-war-iran-would-look (https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/iran/2019-06-04/what-war-iran-would-look)
Title: Iran is 'six months away from an atomic bomb'
Post by: TomSea on June 06, 2019, 04:03:14 am
Quote
Iran is 'six months away from an atomic bomb'
Yoni Kempinski, 05/06/19 10:31 Share

Olli Heinonen, who headed the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) security team and served as the organizations' deputy director general, on Wednesday morning told Army Radio that Israelis on the whole are not aware of the severity of the Iranian threat.

"Israelis need to be worried, and the Gulf states also have reason for concern," Heinonen said. "How will you be able to ensure your security if Iran achieves nuclear abilities?"

In the full interview, which will be aired Thursday morning, Heinonen said that despite IAEA's claims, Iran can develop nuclear weapons in up to six to eight months.

Slamming IAEA's handling of the threat, Heinonen said the agency ignores Tehran's race to achieve nuclear weapons. In his opinion, even the Trump administration's decision to leave the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or "Iran deal" serves Iran's purposes.

Read more at: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/264205 (http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/264205)

Who knows? Drudge put this up, I'd think if there is a real threat, Israel or someone (us?) will conduct strikes on them.
Title: Iran Is Too Smart to Go to War
Post by: TomSea on June 07, 2019, 04:17:52 am
Quote
Iran Is Too Smart to Go to War
By Prof. Hillel Frisch

(https://besacenter.org/wp-content/themes/besatheme/img/besa-logo-horizontal.png)

Tehran from the air, photo by Jeanne Menjoulet via Flickr CC

BESA Center Perspectives Paper No. 1,192, June 5, 2019

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: If the Iranians have their way and are able to control the level of the flames, they will make sure that tensions with the US fall short of war due to the massive disparity in military capability and lack of mutual vulnerability. A Hezbollah attack on Israel in such a scenario would lead to Hezbollah’s destruction, a result Tehran would prefer to avoid.

There has been much belligerent rhetoric and saber-rattling between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the US of late – for example, the announced arrival of a USAF aircraft carrier to the Gulf area. Many analysts are speculating what will happen if war breaks out between the two.

Not so fast. If the Iranians have their way, they will make sure that tensions fall far short of war.

Read more at: https://besacenter.org/perspectives-papers/iran-escalation-war/
Title: Iran to release US permanent resident Nizar Zakka
Post by: TomSea on June 07, 2019, 04:19:53 am
Quote
Iran to release US permanent resident Nizar Zakka

(https://www.thenational.ae/image/policy:1.798599:1559650525/wo05-nizar.jpg?f=16x9&w=1200&$p$f$w=975aa0a)
The Lebanese national was kidnapped and taken hostage in Tehran in 2015
Nizar Zakka, who Iran agreed to release on Tuesday. AP

Iran said it will release US permanent resident Nizar Zakka, the Lebanese foreign ministry said on Monday.

President Hassan Rouhani is ready to receive a Lebanese delegation for Mr Zakka’s extradition, the foreign ministry statement said.

Mr Zakka’s brother confirmed his release, thanking all of those who helped to ­secure it.

Read more at: https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/iran-to-release-us-permanent-resident-nizar-zakka-1.870374 (https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/iran-to-release-us-permanent-resident-nizar-zakka-1.870374)
Title: Man on a mediation mission: Japan's Abe heads to Iran
Post by: TomSea on June 10, 2019, 06:56:48 am
Quote
Man on a mediation mission: Japan's Abe heads to Iran
afp.com

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe heads to Iran this week on a rare diplomatic mission, hoping to ease tensions between the Islamic Republic and Tokyo's key ally Washington.

Tehran is locked in a bitter standoff with the US after president Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal last year.

Washington has now reimposed sanctions and shifted troops to the region, putting military and economic pressure on Iran, including by forcing US allies like Japan to stop purchasing Iranian oil.

Read more at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/man-on-a-mediation-mission-japans-abe-heads-to-iran/ar-AACDyz5 (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/man-on-a-mediation-mission-japans-abe-heads-to-iran/ar-AACDyz5)
Title: U.S. Commander Weighs an Expanded Mideast Force to Counter Iran
Post by: TomSea on June 10, 2019, 06:59:31 am
Quote
U.S. Commander Weighs an Expanded Mideast Force to Counter Iran
Gordon Lubold

ABOARD THE USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN THE NORTH ARABIAN SEA—The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East said he may recommend a return to a larger U.S. military presence in the area after concluding that the deployment of this aircraft carrier and other capabilities helped curtail Iranian threats.

Gen. Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, asked in early May that the carrier, bombers, troops and an antimissile system be sent to the region after learning of “specific” threats against U.S. and allied forces and interests in Iraq and elsewhere.

The rapid U.S. buildup for now has stabilized the threat from Iran, Gen. McKenzie said during a swing through the region this week, but he said the dangers posed by Tehran remain real and an attack could be imminent.

Read more at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-commander-weighs-an-expanded-mideast-force-to-counter-iran-11560110885 (https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-commander-weighs-an-expanded-mideast-force-to-counter-iran-11560110885)
Title: UK exposed Hezbollah explosives in London in 2015
Post by: TomSea on June 10, 2019, 07:26:02 am
Quote
UK exposed Hezbollah explosives in London in 2015
 Hezbollah is an Islamist and militant group based in Lebanon.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
June 10, 2019

 Radicals linked to Iranian-backed Hezbollah were caught stashing tonnes of explosive materials in north-west London in a secret British bomb factory, M15 and Metropolitan Police officers discovered in 2015, a matter of months after the UK signed up to the Iran nuclear deal.

According to a breaking report by the Daily Telegraph, thousands of disposable ice packs were found in the factory that contained ammonium nitrate, an ingredient for homemade bombs.

The report said that the raid was hidden from the public for years, including from MPs who were debating the Hezbollah ban earlier this year. It also quesioned whether senior figures in the British government did so as to not impact the Iran nuclear deal.

More at: https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/British-Police-expose-Hezbollah-explosives-outside-of-London-in-2015-592003 (https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/British-Police-expose-Hezbollah-explosives-outside-of-London-in-2015-592003)
Title: Iran frees Lebanese man, U.S. resident imprisoned for spying
Post by: TomSea on June 11, 2019, 05:09:38 pm
Quote
Iran frees Lebanese man, U.S. resident imprisoned for spying
By Nicholas Sakelaris

June 11 (UPI) -- A Lebanese man who spent nearly four years in an Iranian prison on spying charges will be released, the government in Tehran announced Tuesday.

Nizar Zakka, 52, is a permanent U.S. resident who was accused of spying on Iran for the United States when he attended a conference in 2015. The United States subsequently called for his release.

Zakka operated the Arab ICT Organization, which promotes information technology and Internet freedom in the Middle East. Zakka was arrested by Iran's Revolutionary Guard and eventually sentenced to 10 years in prison on spying charges. He was also fined $4.2 million.

Read more at: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/06/11/Iran-frees-Lebanese-man-US-resident-imprisoned-for-spying/8731560248240/ (https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/06/11/Iran-frees-Lebanese-man-US-resident-imprisoned-for-spying/8731560248240/)
Title: (Freed Prisoner) Nizar Zakka: I was subjected to all kinds of torture from the Iranians
Post by: TomSea on June 12, 2019, 03:41:12 am
Quote
Nizar Zakka: I was subjected to all kinds of torture from the Iranians

Lebanese IT expert Nizar Zakka, who arrived in Beirut on Tuesday after being detained in Iran since 2015, told Al Arabiya that he was "subjected to all kinds of torture from the Iranians" when he was first arrested.

Zakka also said that it was the Revolutionary Guards that interrogated him, not the Iranian intelligence.

“My next mission is explaining the conditions of the detainees in Iran,” he told Al Arabiya.

Read more at: https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2019/06/11/Nizar-Zakka-I-was-subjected-to-all-kinds-of-torture-from-the-Iranians-.html
Title: Gulf of Oman Crisis with Updates
Post by: TomSea on June 13, 2019, 09:22:33 am
Quote
Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman

Two tankers were hit in suspected attacks in the Gulf of Oman and the crew have been evacuated, shipping sources said on Thursday, a month after a similar incident in which four tankers in the region were struck.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which is run by the British navy, put out the alert but did not elaborate on the incident. It said it was investigating.

Cmdr. Joshua Frey, a spokesman for the US Navy’s Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, said his command was “aware” of a reported incident in the area. He declined to elaborate. “We are working on getting details,” Frey told The Associated Press.

Read more at: https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2019/06/13/UK-maritime-safety-group-warns-of-unspecified-incident-in-Gulf-of-Oman.html
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: thackney on June 13, 2019, 11:17:48 am
Elements of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet were called to assist two oil tankers early Thursday morning, in distress after a “reported attack on tankers in the Gulf of Oman.”
https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2019/06/13/u-s-navys-5th-fleet-aids-tankers-under-attack-in-oman-sea/ (https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2019/06/13/u-s-navys-5th-fleet-aids-tankers-under-attack-in-oman-sea/)

The Bahrain-based force released scant details of the attack on the vessels. No blame was laid or state actor/terrorist organization named by ship operators or authorities in Oman or neighboring United Arab Emirates.

One of the ships, the Norwegian-owned MT Front Altair, was “suspected of being hit by a torpedo”, according to Taiwan’s state-owned petrol company. The ship was on fire, its owners said.

The second tanker, Kokuka Courageous, was damaged in a “suspected attack” that breached the hull above the water line while on passage from Saudi Arabia to Singapore, according to Bernhard Schulte Ship management.

The 5th Fleet said it had sent naval forces to the area to assist the two vessels....
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: txradioguy on June 13, 2019, 12:46:18 pm
Iran has three Russian Kilo Class diesel/electric boats...their primary role is anti-shipping and anti-submarine activity in shallow waters.   They also have a fleet of mini subs.

If the torpedo attack claim turns out to be true... like it's time to deploy some more ASW assets into the gulf and track down these subs.

Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: edpc on June 13, 2019, 06:34:36 pm
It seems very likely we have sonobuoys out there, picking up acoustic data to analyze, then match with possible known signatures of vessels/weapons.
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: txradioguy on June 13, 2019, 06:38:28 pm
It seems very likely we have sonobuoys out there, picking up acoustic data to analyze, then match with possible known signatures of vessels/weapons.

I bet they Pentagon is wishing they'd sent the Lincoln carrier group into the Hormuz Strait instead of keeping them just outside.

Iran just gave us the middle finger for doing that.
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: edpc on June 13, 2019, 06:45:15 pm
I bet they Pentagon is wishing they'd sent the Lincoln carrier group into the Hormuz Strait instead of keeping them just outside.

Iran just gave us the middle finger for doing that.


I’m sure that’s true. Someone in the vicinity would be pretty hesitant to put ‘fish’ in the water, when there are vessels who may react unfavorably and shoot back.
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: txradioguy on June 13, 2019, 08:45:43 pm

I’m sure that’s true. Someone in the vicinity would be pretty hesitant to put ‘fish’ in the water, when there are vessels who may react unfavorably and shoot back.

Yeah it's real easy to pick on a slow lumbering tanker with no ASW capabilities.

Lets see how well you do against one of the attack subs in our carrier group...or an Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigate.

You know...ships that can shoot back.
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: TomSea on June 13, 2019, 08:48:58 pm
Quote
Iran responsible for 'blatant assault' on oil tankers in Gulf of Oman, Mike Pompeo says

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed Iran for the "blatant assault" on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman earlier Thursday.

In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Pompeo said: “This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping, and the fact that no proxy group operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with such a high degree of sophistication.”


He charged that Iran is working to disrupt the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz and this is a deliberate part of a campaign to escalate tension, adding that the U.S. will defend its forces and interests in the region, although he did not elaborate.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/highly-likely-iran-responsible-oil-tanker-attack-gulf-oman-defense (https://www.foxnews.com/world/highly-likely-iran-responsible-oil-tanker-attack-gulf-oman-defense)
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: edpc on June 13, 2019, 09:00:07 pm
Yeah it's real easy to pick on a slow lumbering tanker with no ASW capabilities.

Lets see how well you do against one of the attack subs in our carrier group...or an Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigate.

You know...ships that can shoot back.


Let’s get a few of our frigates over there and beat the hell out of him with active sonar, for a couple of hours. That’ll be fantastic, for the sub crew.
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: txradioguy on June 13, 2019, 09:09:38 pm

Let’s get a few of our frigates over there and beat the hell out of him with active sonar, for a couple of hours. That’ll be fantastic, for the sub crew.

Actually I have to correct myself...we have no Frigates at this time in the Navy...first time since 1943...they were replaced with those stupid Littoral Combat Ships...the next Frigate Design won't start through the building process until next year.  **nononono*
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: edpc on June 13, 2019, 09:21:03 pm
Actually I have to correct myself...we have no Frigates at this time in the Navy...first time since 1943...they were replaced with those stupid Littoral Combat Ships...the next Frigate Design won't start through the building process until next year.  **nononono*


Yes, it looks like the LCS has assumed the multi-role purpose, much like the F-23 does in the air. It seems when you make something that flexible, it doesn’t really excel at anything.
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: Wingnut on June 13, 2019, 09:30:18 pm
 :amen:


I bet the Navy would like some payback for the embarrassment  of Obama for not knocking the Iranians dick in the dirt over that incident in the gulf.

What a bleep we had as a CIC.
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: IsailedawayfromFR on June 14, 2019, 02:18:24 am
Iran has three Russian Kilo Class diesel/electric boats...their primary role is anti-shipping and anti-submarine activity in shallow waters.   They also have a fleet of mini subs.

If the torpedo attack claim turns out to be true... like it's time to deploy some more ASW assets into the gulf and track down these subs.
and also if true there will never be another tanker that picks up Iranian crude allowed to get out of Iranian waters.
Title: Re: Two large explosions target tankers in the Gulf of Oman
Post by: TomSea on June 14, 2019, 10:24:06 am
Frame from the video:
(https://starspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gulf-of-Oman-attack-%E2%80%93-US-releases-video-%E2%80%98showing-Iranian-696x464.jpg)

The "smoking gun" video at link, in black and white:

Quote
Gulf of Oman tanker attacks: US says video shows Iran removing mine

The US military has released a video which it says shows Iranian special forces removing an unexploded mine from the side of an oil tanker damaged in an attack in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday.

The US also released images of the Japanese tanker apparently showing the unexploded mine before it was removed.

A Norwegian tanker in the gulf also reported being hit by three blasts.

Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48633016 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48633016)
Title: Re: Gulf of Oman Crisis with Updates
Post by: edpc on June 14, 2019, 12:12:57 pm
Busted!
Title: Re: Gulf of Oman Crisis with Updates
Post by: GtHawk on June 14, 2019, 04:32:48 pm
Busted!
Wouldn't it be a shame if bad things suddenly happened to those boats and crews of the Iranians?

Error 404 (Not Found)!!1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4FfNYjw6qU#)
Title: Re: Gulf of Oman Crisis with Updates
Post by: TomSea on June 14, 2019, 04:38:47 pm
That whole area including as far away as Egypt, Israel and Libya to the center points, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the whole area is inflamed.
Title: Oil tanker attacks echo Persian Gulf's 1980s 'Tanker War'
Post by: TomSea on June 14, 2019, 06:57:49 pm
Drudge red letters this story, "War Drums":

Quote
Oil tanker attacks echo Persian Gulf's 1980s 'Tanker War'
By The Associated Press By JON GAMBRELL (Associated Press)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - (AP) -- Mysterious attacks on oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz this week show how one of the world's crucial chokepoints for global energy supplies can be easily targeted, 30 years after the U.S. Navy and Iran were entangled in a similarly shadowy conflict called the "Tanker War."

While the current tensions are nowhere near the damage done then, it underscores how dangerous the situation is and how explosive it can become.

The so-called "Tanker War" involved American naval ships escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers through the Persian Gulf and the strait after Iranian mines damaged vessels in the region. It culminated in a one-day naval battle between Washington and Tehran, and also saw America accidentally shoot down an Iranian passenger jet, killing 290 people.

Read more at: https://www.newsday.com/news/world/oil-tanker-attacks-echo-persian-gulf-s-1980s-tanker-war-1.32361954 (https://www.newsday.com/news/world/oil-tanker-attacks-echo-persian-gulf-s-1980s-tanker-war-1.32361954)
Title: Re: Oil tanker attacks echo Persian Gulf's 1980s 'Tanker War'
Post by: TomSea on June 14, 2019, 07:04:23 pm
Quote
Fazel Hawramy
@FazelHawramy
Putin thanked Rouhani in Bishkek during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)  for helping to rescue 11 Russian crew members in the tanker incident in Gulf of Oman , Tasnim says
(link: https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1398/03/24/2032062/ (https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1398/03/24/2032062/)) tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1398/0…روحانی-در-دیدار-با-پوتین-اقدامات-ایران-در-چارچوب-حقوق-خود-در-برجام-است
11:19 AM · Jun 14, 2019 · Twitter for iPhone

https://mobile.twitter.com/FazelHawramy/status/1139568097399058432 (https://mobile.twitter.com/FazelHawramy/status/1139568097399058432)

Significant if so. One has to add in all factors, have not seen a western media report confirming this yet. It doesn't sound like something that would be made up.

Title: Re: Oil tanker attacks echo Persian Gulf's 1980s 'Tanker War'
Post by: Elderberry on June 14, 2019, 08:35:05 pm
Limpet Mine Attack in the Gulf of Oman: JUNE 13, 2019

U.S. Navy
Published on Jun 13, 2019
Video recorded by a U.S aircraft of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Gashti Class patrol boat and crew removing an unexploded limpet mine from the M/T Kokuka Courageous. M/T Kokuka Courageous suffered an explosion while operating in the Gulf of Oman causing 21 crew members to abandon ship and later get rescued by the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96).

Error 404 (Not Found)!!1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5rZeMqvZ9g#)
Title: Re: Oil tanker attacks echo Persian Gulf's 1980s 'Tanker War'
Post by: Elderberry on June 14, 2019, 08:40:32 pm
US releases video it claims shows Iran removing unexploded mine from Gulf tanker

By Barbara Starr, Devan Cole, Eliza Mackintosh and Michelle Kosinski, CNN

Updated 4:01 PM ET, Fri June 14, 2019
US: Video shows Iran removing unexploded mine from tanker

https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/13/politics/us-images-iranian-boat-removing-mine/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/13/politics/us-images-iranian-boat-removing-mine/index.html)

Quote
On Friday, the president of the Japanese shipping company that owns the Kokuka Courageous held a press conference in Tokyo, in which he denied that a mine had been used in the tanker attack.

The President of Kokuka Sangyo Marine, Yutaka Katada, said he believed there was "no possibility of mine attack" owing to the attack being "well above the naval line."

Katada said he had not seen the images released by the US military, but referenced the account of a crew member who witnessed the second blast and saw a "flying object."

The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (Intertanko) said the vessels were hit "at or below the waterline, in close proximity to the engine room," and added that the attacks "appeared to be well-planned and coordinated."

(https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/190614113701-02-gulf-of-oman-centcom-handout-kokuka-courageous-exlarge-169.jpg)

Title: Re: Oil tanker attacks echo Persian Gulf's 1980s 'Tanker War'
Post by: austingirl on June 14, 2019, 10:07:39 pm
The Euroweenies aren't supportive on coming down hard on Iran. They should be.
Title: Re: Oil tanker attacks echo Persian Gulf's 1980s 'Tanker War'
Post by: edpc on June 15, 2019, 03:03:24 am
I don’t visit the places like 4Chan and their cousins. However, I am fairly certain they already have stories about how this is a false flag Israeli operation.
Title: A Tanker War in the Middle East—Again?
Post by: TomSea on June 15, 2019, 04:49:34 pm
Quote
A Tanker War in the Middle East—Again?
By Robin Wright   June 13, 2019

U.S. Navy ships in the Middle East heard the first distress signal at 6:12 A.M. Thursday. The Kokuka Courageous, a tanker owned by Japan and bound from Saudi Arabia to Singapore, had been damaged by an explosive device. A fire raged in its engine room. The crew was abandoning ship. A second distress signal came in at 7 A.M. The Front Altair, a Norwegian-owned tanker bound from the United Arab Emirates to Taiwan, had also been hit. It, too, was ablaze. The fallout was fast—and furious. Within hours, oil prices rose four per cent. The U.S. Navy went to provide aid and investigate the attacks. The U.N. Security Council called for immediate consultations to prevent yet another Middle East conflict. Two tanker companies suspended new bookings to the oil-producing states in the Persian Gulf. And, amid already escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, the blame game began.

In Washington, the Trump Administration charged that Iran was responsible for the two attacks on Thursday, and also attacks on four other tankers, on May 12th. All six ships were struck in the Gulf of Oman, the body of water between Oman and Iran, just beyond the Strait of Hormuz. “This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping, and the fact that no proxy group operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with such a high degree of sophistication,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the State Department.

The Administration provided no specific intelligence about why it believed that Iran was responsible for Thursday’s incidents or the attacks in May. On Thursday, the U.S. reportedly spotted an unexploded limpet mine near one of the stricken ships. Both tankers were hit “at or below the waterline, in close proximity to the engine room while underway,” the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners reported. “These appeared to be well-planned and coordinated.”

Read more at: https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/a-tanker-war-in-the-middle-eastagain (https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/a-tanker-war-in-the-middle-eastagain)

We can likely, eventually merge all Iran stories into this thread. News stories of real import, "breaking news" types of stories can go here or on the main page. I will post more analytical stories here. Everyone can post where they want to. This is all important as obviously, we could see a conflict arise.
Title: 'If there's a war, it will destroy Iraq': Iraqis speak out on heightening US-Iran tensions
Post by: TomSea on June 15, 2019, 05:12:44 pm
Excerpt:

Quote
'If there's a war, it will destroy Iraq': Iraqis speak out on heightening US-Iran tensions

...

Delvo Alibek, from Ankawa, does not want this to happen.

"Of course, if there's a war, it will destroy Iraq," he told The New Arab. At the same time, he thinks that Iran is a cause of problems in Iraq.

"There's been no stability in Iraq since Iran came," he said. "It became sectarian."

Many Iraqis believe an American war against Iran would hurt Iraq, but remain deeply against Iran's policies in the country at the same time and want them to stop.

Read more at: https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/indepth/2019/6/13/iraqis-speak-out-on-heightening-us-iran-tensions (https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/indepth/2019/6/13/iraqis-speak-out-on-heightening-us-iran-tensions)

Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 15, 2019, 06:27:36 pm
Here is about that billboard that has caused a stir (still up at Drudge):

Quote
We drowned them all': Billboard displayed in Tehran broadcast a video of US and Israeli ships being destroyed just days before attack on Gulf vessels as experts warn of chilling similarities with 1980s 'Tanker War'

    Billboard was displayed outside Vali-s Asr Square in Tehran's commerical area
    Showed sea of what appeared to be Palestinian scarfs with ships on top of them
    Oil tankers were attacked on Thursday near the stategic Strait of Hormuz
    President Donald Trump has publicly accused Iran of being behind the attacks
    Iran denied involvement and said Washington was waging an 'Iranaphobic campaign'


By Terri-ann Williams For Mailonline

Published: 14:30 EDT, 14 June 2019 | Updated: 15:22 EDT, 14 June 2019

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/06/14/19/14800172-7143013-image-a-6_1560536663903.jpg)

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7143013/We-drowned-Billboard-displayed-Tehran-broadcast-video-ships-destroyed.html (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7143013/We-drowned-Billboard-displayed-Tehran-broadcast-video-ships-destroyed.html)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D762-dvW4AI6VHd.jpg)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 15, 2019, 07:34:53 pm
Sad to say, Israel frequently makes airstrikes in Syria and the Syrian reporting, sometimes reliable has talked of quite a few persons, over the past 2 years getting killed in these strikes including Iranians. These tanker explosions are not to be taken lightly and it may be a case of some strength is needed but at this point, I don't think we need to overplay our hand. Just my opinion.  Nobody got killed, I just think we will watch the area very closely. Lots of oil goes through there.
Title: Rep. Dan Crenshaw dings ex-Obama aide Ben Rhodes for doubting US link of Iran to tanker attack
Post by: TomSea on June 15, 2019, 07:44:58 pm
Quote
Rep. Dan Crenshaw dings ex-Obama aide Ben Rhodes for doubting US link of Iran to tanker attack
Lukas Mikelionis

Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas slammed former top Obama adviser Ben Rhodes for questioning U.S. claims that Iran attacked oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and downplayed the threat from the regime.

Rhodes, a leading figure within the Obama administration who pushed for the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, suggested the U.S. official assessment of the tanker attacks shouldn’t be taken for granted, saying only an international investigation can get to the bottom of the incident.

“This definitely feels like the kind of incident where you'd want an international investigation to establish what happened. Huge risk of escalation,” Rhodes said in a tweet.

Read more at: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/crenshaw-obama-adviser-threat-from-iran-doubting-intel-community (https://www.foxnews.com/politics/crenshaw-obama-adviser-threat-from-iran-doubting-intel-community)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 16, 2019, 01:59:27 pm
I think this writer is just suggesting more pressure be applied and not military action:

Quote
OPINION
Published June 15, 2019
David Adesnik: Trump should get tougher with Iran after it attacks oil tankers

President Trump had tough words for the leaders of Iran on Friday, saying on “Fox & Friends” that they are responsible for explosions that heavily damaged two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday. Now the president needs to back up his words with action to send the revolutionary Islamist leaders in Tehran a message they won’t forget.

Iran’s radical regime will exploit American weakness, but it has a history of retreating when confronted by strength. If President Trump fails to make Iran pay a price for its terrorist attack on the tankers, Iran will be emboldened to launch even more attacks – not just on tankers, but elsewhere in the Middle East.

The U.S. does not need to strike Iran militarily at this time. But America needs to stand firm, using sanctions and other tools at our disposal and not taking the possibility of military action off the table.

More at: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-adesnik-trump-should-get-tougher-with-iran-after-it-attacks-oil-tankers.amp?__twitter_impression=true (https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-adesnik-trump-should-get-tougher-with-iran-after-it-attacks-oil-tankers.amp?__twitter_impression=true)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 16, 2019, 03:54:14 pm
Quote
The U.S. does not need to strike Iran militarily at this time. But America needs to stand firm, using sanctions and other tools at our disposal and not taking the possibility of military action off the table.


I think this writer is just suggesting more pressure be applied and not military action:


This is a milquetoast opinion. We’re already applying sanctions and these are military actions, sanctioned by their leadership. If they’re not really responsible for the actions, they’ll have no problem with these boats being destroyed by the next drone that spots them.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: libertybele on June 16, 2019, 05:46:45 pm
Why such focus on the Iran crisis when we have a crisis on our southern border that is being blatantly ignored; allowing the possibility of terrorists to gain a foothold within our country?
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on June 16, 2019, 06:06:51 pm
Why such focus on the Iran crisis when we have a crisis on our southern border that is being blatantly ignored; allowing the possibility of terrorists to gain a foothold within our country?

@libertybele

You misspelled the word "probability".
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 16, 2019, 06:15:24 pm
Why such focus on the Iran crisis when we have a crisis on our southern border that is being blatantly ignored; allowing the possibility of terrorists to gain a foothold within our country?


Because as important as the border is, so is the free flow of oil, through Hormuz. If you want to see economic damage, let the price of oil get above $100 a barrel again.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: libertybele on June 16, 2019, 06:17:47 pm
@libertybele

You misspelled the word "probability".

Thanks.   888high58888
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: libertybele on June 16, 2019, 06:19:51 pm

Because as important as the border is, so is the free flow of oil, through Hormuz. If you want to see economic damage, let the price of oil get above $100 a barrel again.

There's much to be said for energy independence as well.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 16, 2019, 06:22:13 pm

Because as important as the border is, so is the free flow of oil, through Hormuz. If you want to see economic damage, let the price of oil get above $100 a barrel again.

What you say is true, and we're not even the primary buyers of that oil.  That said, would we consider it OK if China decided to act because they are a customer?
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bill Cipher on June 16, 2019, 06:37:51 pm
There's much to be said for energy independence as well.

When will that happen?
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 16, 2019, 06:41:26 pm
There's much to be said for energy independence as well.


Yes, but that does not change the fact it is a necessary world commodity, traded in American dollars. Even if we used our own supplies, the price would go up quite a bit. That’s got an effect on everything.


Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 16, 2019, 06:51:26 pm

Yes, but that does not change the fact it is a necessary world commodity, traded in American dollars. Even if we used our own supplies, the price would go up quite a bit. That’s got an effect on everything.

Exactly.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 16, 2019, 06:53:34 pm
When will that happen?

The 12th of Never.

We may get to a point where we import nothing, but, as @edpc says, it's a global market pool and what others have to pay affects Americans.  Everybody benefits from the free flow of oil at market prices.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 16, 2019, 06:56:13 pm
What you say is true, and we're not even the primary buyers of that oil.  That said, would we consider it OK if China decided to act because they are a customer?


I wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t some level of tacit approval. After all, we are involved in our own economic contest with China. They wouldn’t mind seeing us battered around a bit. Many of the Iranian oil fields and facilities are under exclusive contract with China.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 16, 2019, 07:05:24 pm

I wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t some level of tacit approval. After all, we are involved in our own economic contest with China. They wouldn’t mind seeing us battered around a bit. Many of the Iranian oil fields and facilities are under exclusive contract with China.

I think we might object if China floated a flattop into the Persian Gulf.  But I get your point, and it's a good one.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 16, 2019, 07:51:47 pm
I think we might object if China floated a flattop into the Persian Gulf.  But I get your point, and it's a good one.


Their lone carrier Liaoning isn’t nuclear and would probably have the same problems the Russian carrier had on its journey to Syria. They do have nuclear submarines that participated in anti-piracy operations off Somalia a decade ago. I’m sure they shadow our deployed fleets.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on June 16, 2019, 09:46:43 pm
When will that happen?

@Bill Cipher

When World Wide Government,Inc takes over,and makes all peons give up their private transportation and ride public busses to work and school,making sure there is a ready supply of oil and gas for the wealthy board members and their relatives.

We won't need as much oil once the goobermint takes away our cars,trucks,and motorcycles.
Title: Tom Cotton calls for "retaliatory military strike" on Iran over oil tanker attacks
Post by: TomSea on June 17, 2019, 01:58:50 am
Quote
Tom Cotton calls for "retaliatory military strike" on Iran over oil tanker attacks
Camilo Montoya-Galvez

Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, one of the most hawkish members of Congress, urged the Trump administration to order a military strike against Iran over recent attacks against oil tankers in the Middle East — a move he said will send the government in Tehran a message that the U.S. will not stand idle as commercial shipping is threatened.

"These unprovoked attacks on commercial shipping warrant a retaliatory military strike," Cotton said on "Face the Nation" Sunday.

Cotton said President Trump has broad authority to sign-off on military operations that "defend American interests." He said last week's attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman — which the U.S. has accused Iran of staging — represent a scenario in which the president can use his powers as commander in chief to respond. 

Continued at:  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tom-cotton-on-face-the-nation-calls-for-retaliatory-military-strike-on-iran-over-oil-tanker-attacks/ (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tom-cotton-on-face-the-nation-calls-for-retaliatory-military-strike-on-iran-over-oil-tanker-attacks/)

Too harsh of an assessment for me. He's been over there, so, maybe he's right but I disagree.
Title: The Taliban claimed an attack on U.S. forces. Pompeo blamed Iran.
Post by: TomSea on June 17, 2019, 02:04:32 am
I'm a bit skeptical of this report per Washington Post:

Quote
The Taliban claimed an attack on U.S. forces. Pompeo blamed Iran.
By Siobhán O'Grady
June 16 at 4:15 PM

On May 31, a suicide bomber targeted a U.S. convoy in eastern Kabul, killing four Afghan passersby and slightly wounding four U.S. servicemen and at least three civilians.

At the time, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid telling the Associated Press in a phone interview that 10 U.S. troops were killed — a common exaggeration for the militant group.

But two weeks later, amid growing animosity between Washington and Tehran, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pointed to the Kabul bombing as an example of one “in a series of attacks instigated by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its surrogates against American and allied interests.”

Read more at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/06/15/taliban-claimed-an-attack-us-forces-pompeo-blamed-iran/?utm_term=.07bb4b83d737 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/06/15/taliban-claimed-an-attack-us-forces-pompeo-blamed-iran/?utm_term=.07bb4b83d737)
Title: Re: Tom Cotton calls for "retaliatory military strike" on Iran over oil tanker attacks
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 17, 2019, 02:15:16 am
Tom Cotton calls for "retaliatory military strike" on Iran over oil tanker attacks

Too harsh of an assessment for me. He's been over there, so, maybe he's right but I disagree.

I disagree with the Senator from AR.
Title: Trump’s Iran Crackdown Isn't Enough to Stop Hezbollah
Post by: TomSea on June 17, 2019, 02:19:48 am
Quote
Trump’s Iran Crackdown Isn't Enough to Stop Hezbollah
Emanuele Ottolenghi

Hezbollah is reportedly feeling the pain of U.S. President Donald Trump administration’s maximum-pressure campaign against Iran. Tehran, after all, contributes about $700 million to the U.S.-designated terrorist group’s estimated yearly budget of approximately $1 billion. As sanctions squeeze Tehran, less money is supposedly flowing to Hezbollah as a result.

However, sanctions on Iran are unlikely to cause Hezbollah to go broke, because the Lebanese group brings in an estimated $300 million per year from independent sources including the proceeds of transnational crime, although the true figure is likely much higher. In Latin America’s booming cocaine trade, Hezbollah members and associates provide cartels with reliable money-laundering services.

Unless the Trump administration begins disrupting these cash flows, Hezbollah will live to fight another day.

Read more at: https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/06/11/trumps-iran-crackdown-isnt-enough-to-stop-hezbollah/
Title: Re: Tom Cotton calls for "retaliatory military strike" on Iran over oil tanker attacks
Post by: Sanguine on June 17, 2019, 02:29:39 am
I disagree with the Senator from AR.

I do too.
Title: Japan demands more proof from U.S. that Iran attacked tankers
Post by: TomSea on June 17, 2019, 05:32:40 am
Quote
Japan demands more proof from U.S. that Iran attacked tankers
June 16 04:01 pm JST June 16 | 04:04 pm JST
TOKYO

The Japanese government has been requesting the United States for concrete evidence to back its assertion that Iran is to blame for the attacks on two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, government sources said Sunday.

The request came after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave a statement hours after the attacks blaming Iran but without offering proof. The Department of Defense later released a video allegedly showing an Iranian patrol boat removing an unexploded mine attached to the side of the Japanese-operated tanker Kokuka Courageous.

But Japanese government officials remain unconvinced, the sources said. "The U.S. explanation has not helped us go beyond speculation," said one senior government official.

Read more at: https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan-demands-more-u.s.-proof-that-iran-attacked-tankers
Title: Re: Japan demands more proof from U.S. that Iran attacked tankers
Post by: sneakypete on June 17, 2019, 11:11:52 am


Lots of times you can't offer proof without giving up sources. This usually causes the sources to die,which makes it hard to recruit new sources.

Even if it doesn't give up sources,it reveals methods,and that is unacceptable,too.
Title: US: Video shows Iran removing unexploded mine from tanker
Post by: rangerrebew on June 17, 2019, 11:42:31 am
US: Video shows Iran removing unexploded mine from tanker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFcjzKAcC-c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFcjzKAcC-c)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 17, 2019, 05:05:10 pm
Quote
Iran Says It Will Violate Nuclear Deal in 10 Days
By Reuters

Iran said on June 17 it would breach internationally agreed limits on its stock of low-enriched uranium in 10 days, violating a multinational nuclear deal.

A spokesman for the Islamist regime said Iran would remain in the deal if its European counterparts would help circumvent stringent economic sanctions imposed by the United States.

Tensions between Iran and the United States are worsening following the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump presenting video evidence accusing Tehran of carrying out attacks on two oil tankers on June 13 in the Gulf of Oman, a vital oil shipping route. Iran has denied having any role.

Read more at: https://www.theepochtimes.com/iran-says-it-will-violate-nuclear-deal-in-10-days_2966381.html?utm_source=pushengage&utm_medium=pushnotification&utm_campaign=pushengage (https://www.theepochtimes.com/iran-says-it-will-violate-nuclear-deal-in-10-days_2966381.html?utm_source=pushengage&utm_medium=pushnotification&utm_campaign=pushengage)

(https://vid.alarabiya.net/images/2019/06/17/20bbee5c-bba8-4d58-bcd4-c24b60d3a2b6/20bbee5c-bba8-4d58-bcd4-c24b60d3a2b6_5x2_1100x440.jpg)
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2019/06/17/Iranian-nuclear-official-Iran-will-surpass-low-enriched-uranium-level-in-June.html (https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2019/06/17/Iranian-nuclear-official-Iran-will-surpass-low-enriched-uranium-level-in-June.html)
- al Arabiya
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on June 18, 2019, 01:30:36 am
We need to make a "do NOT screw with America!" statement by taking out the Iranian leadership,using whatever means necessary.

Let the rest of Iran wake up one morning with a city in rubble and no living establishment leadership.

Repeat if necessary,for as long as necessary.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Drago on June 20, 2019, 09:35:46 am
U.S. Navy surveillance drone (MQ-4C) shot down by Iran on Wed. night/Thursday morning U.S. time:

https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-navy-drone-shot-down-by-iranian-missile-over-strait-of-hormuz-source (https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-navy-drone-shot-down-by-iranian-missile-over-strait-of-hormuz-source)

"A U.S. high-altitude drone was shot down Thursday by an Iranian surface-to-air missile over the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions in the region after last week’s attacks on two oil tankers, a source told Fox News.

A commander for Iran's Revolutionary Guard said the shooting sends `a clear message' to the U.S. He said while Iran has no intention of war with anyone, it's "ready for war.""

Also:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-us-drone-shot-down-today-in-gulf-after-houthi-missile-strike-on-saudi-arabia-live-updates-2019-06-20/ (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-us-drone-shot-down-today-in-gulf-after-houthi-missile-strike-on-saudi-arabia-live-updates-2019-06-20/)

https://apnews.com/e4316eb989d5499c9828350de8524963 (https://apnews.com/e4316eb989d5499c9828350de8524963)

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48700965 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48700965)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 20, 2019, 02:32:26 pm
Donald J. Trump
@realDonaldTrump

Iran made a very big mistake!

20.9K
9:15 AM - Jun 20, 2019
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: rustynail on June 20, 2019, 02:37:28 pm
Sink their speed boats?  Destroy their oil shipping facilities?  Send them a plane load of cash?
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on June 20, 2019, 02:39:31 pm


A commander for Iran's Revolutionary Guard said the shooting sends `a clear message' to the U.S. He said while Iran has no intention of war with anyone, it's "ready for war.""

 

@Drago

Shooting down an unarmed drone is NOT the same thing as going to war,and if this fool thinks Iran is ready to get into an actual war with a 1st world nation,calling him a fool is bragging on him.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on June 20, 2019, 02:47:43 pm
@Drago

Shooting down an unarmed drone is NOT the same thing as going to war,and if this fool thinks Iran is ready to get into an actual war with a 1st world nation,calling him a fool is bragging on him.

I thought about that, Pete, but since we've "fought" the last few wars with both hands tied behind our backs, they just might think they can best us.  Or, that we will best ourselves.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 20, 2019, 02:49:33 pm
@Drago

Shooting down an unarmed drone is NOT the same thing as going to war,and if this fool thinks Iran is ready to get into an actual war with a 1st world nation,calling him a fool is bragging on him.


They’re aware of their inability to go toe-to-toe with us or Israel. That’s why they specialize in terror and asymmetrical warfare. They have influence and assets, across the ME, from Afghanistan to Lebanon. It won’t be a cakewalk, if it goes full out.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 20, 2019, 03:25:34 pm
I thought about that, Pete, but since we've "fought" the last few wars with both hands tied behind our backs, they just might think they can best us.  Or, that we will best ourselves.

As long as there are Rats in power in DeeCee I would not bet against them.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 20, 2019, 03:36:41 pm
Speaking on Thursday during a televised call-in show, Putin said the US military action against Iran would be a "catastrophe for the region as a minimum."

He added that it would trigger an escalation of hostilities with unpredictable results.

Putin noted that Iran has abided by the terms of a nuclear deal despite the US withdrawal, adding that he considers US sanctions against Iran unfounded.


https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9338963/trump-iran-big-mistake-drone-putin-catastrophic/ (https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9338963/trump-iran-big-mistake-drone-putin-catastrophic/)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 20, 2019, 03:46:18 pm
Putin noted that Iran has abided by the terms of a nuclear deal despite the US withdrawal, adding that he considers US sanctions against Iran unfounded.[/i]

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9338963/trump-iran-big-mistake-drone-putin-catastrophic/ (https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9338963/trump-iran-big-mistake-drone-putin-catastrophic/)

I guess Vlad missed Iran's announcement they're violating the Uranium stockpile limit.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 20, 2019, 04:11:19 pm
I guess Vlad missed Iran's announcement they're violating the Uranium stockpile limit.


Peaceful LEU.    *****rollingeyes*****
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Victoria33 on June 20, 2019, 04:17:01 pm
Pentagon about to give information about drone being shot down.  11:16 central time
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Elderberry on June 20, 2019, 04:22:33 pm
Pentagon holds briefing after Iran shoots down U.S. drone

FF to 13:30

Error 404 (Not Found)!!1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea7Kr_5f57E#)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 20, 2019, 04:23:34 pm
Pentagon about to give information about drone being shot down.  11:16 central time

Nothing new, just an assurance the drone was over international water. :shrug:
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Victoria33 on June 20, 2019, 04:38:42 pm
Nothing new, just an assurance the drone was over international water. :shrug:
@Cyber Liberty

True.  Right now, Trump says "You'll soon find out if US plans Iran Strike"
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 20, 2019, 04:47:57 pm
@Cyber Liberty

True.  Right now, Trump says "You'll soon find out if US plans Iran Strike"

@Victoria33

I just saw President Trump say in the Oval Office he thinks it was  "mistake," in the sense the shoot-down was not approved by the Mullahs.  He's trying to give them a chance to back it down, but I doubt they'll avail themselves of it. 

I expect an Iranian denial and instead a ratchet up of tensions.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 20, 2019, 04:52:01 pm
Quote
Charles Lister
‏Verified account @Charles_Lister

Charles Lister Retweeted Laura Rozen

#Trump seeks to take #Iran tensions down a notch.

That's a good thing, in that it discourages more escalation.

BUT it also grants the #IRGC the little victory it's looking for - to show #Trump as weak & constrained by electoral politics.

https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/1141748426121601025
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 20, 2019, 04:53:20 pm
(https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/1141736804191756293/oG-L8FLD?format=jpg&name=600x314)
https://twitter.com/Joyce_Karam

Good sized.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Victoria33 on June 20, 2019, 05:23:07 pm
@Victoria33
I just saw President Trump say in the Oval Office he thinks it was  "mistake," in the sense the shoot-down was not approved by the Mullahs.  He's trying to give them a chance to back it down, but I doubt they'll avail themselves of it.  I expect an Iranian denial and instead a ratchet up of tensions.
@Cyber Liberty

I also saw him say that.  It's not a "small thingy" for a general or so, to mistakenly shoot down a drone.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 20, 2019, 05:25:27 pm
@Cyber Liberty

I also saw him say that.  It's not a "small thingy" for a general or so, to mistakenly shoot down a drone.

The Mullahs will make Trump look like a fool when they come out and say, "No, we shot it down on purpose."
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 20, 2019, 05:29:32 pm
@Victoria33

I just saw President Trump say in the Oval Office he thinks it was  "mistake," in the sense the shoot-down was not approved by the Mullahs.  He's trying to give them a chance to back it down, but I doubt they'll avail themselves of it. 

I expect an Iranian denial and instead a ratchet up of tensions.


I thought you were kidding....


"I find it hard to believe it was intentional. I think it could've been somebody that was loose and stupid," Trump said. "It was a very foolish move, that I can tell you."

Trump assured that the situation is "all going to work out."

The President also said that it made a "big, big difference" that the drone — which by definition is unmanned — had "nobody in" it.


https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/iran-us-drone-shot-down-latest-intl/h_4c600f46e207758e98cebee28ff3dcd2 (https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/iran-us-drone-shot-down-latest-intl/h_4c600f46e207758e98cebee28ff3dcd2)


The general in charge of the IRGC was appointed by the mullahs, so it’s doubtful the missile launch and subsequent released statement was done without their approval. Also, this is the second time, within a week, they have fired up on one of our drones, over the gulf.


Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Hossein Salami said Iran is ready for war.

"Shooting down the American spy drone had a clear, decisive, firm and accurate message," he said.

"The message is that the guardians of the borders of Islamic Iran will decisively respond to the violation of any stranger to this land. The only solution for the enemies is to respect the territorial integrity and national interests of Iran."


https://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2019/06/20/iran-shoots-down-us-drone-n2548634 (https://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2019/06/20/iran-shoots-down-us-drone-n2548634)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Wingnut on June 20, 2019, 06:23:55 pm
I thought about that, Pete, but since we've "fought" the last few wars with both hands tied behind our backs, they just might think they can best us.  Or, that we will best ourselves.

Our proxy army could pull off a surprise surgical attack on a specific targets and be home in time for an evening bagel.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 20, 2019, 06:24:29 pm
But it seems we may be in for a short-to-long-term haul of these pin-pr*ck strikes.

I just read something and it is probably right, a serious war may well see the end of the reign of the Mullahs, so the ruling regime likely does not like this.

Even if we had had a response lined up, I thought any reaction would largely be futile like bombing some facility or something, a relatively ho-hum reaction.

Nothing serious and the Mullahs would be able to say "See, the Americans attacked us but did no good".  We might help the Mullahs in acting in some provocative way.

This is all on a psychological level as well now.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Victoria33 on June 21, 2019, 04:02:48 am
@Cyber Liberty

Trump approved a strike - several hours ago, planes were in the air and ships in position.  Then, they got a "stand down" order.  Think that was about 7 pm, central time this evening, 6-20-2019.  CNN reported it in breaking news about 10 pm.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 21, 2019, 08:32:48 am
Trump approved a strike - several hours ago, planes were in the air and ships in position.  Then, they got a "stand down" order.


The bone spurs came out of remission. Yesterday, when asked if he would retaliate, the response was, “You'll soon find out.”

So, we have.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 21, 2019, 10:00:58 am
FAA prohibits 'all US carriers' from flying over Iran as tensions rise

All flight operations in the overwater area of the Tehran Flight Information Region (FIR) (OIIX) above the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman only are prohibited until further notice due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the region, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations and potential for miscalculation or mis-identification

https://www.yahoo.com/gma/faa-prohibits-us-carriers-flying-over-iran-tensions-042500153--abc-news-topstories.html (https://www.yahoo.com/gma/faa-prohibits-us-carriers-flying-over-iran-tensions-042500153--abc-news-topstories.html)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Elderberry on June 21, 2019, 10:48:52 am
Trump Approves Strikes on Iran, but Then Abruptly Pulls Back

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/20/world/middleeast/iran-us-drone.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/20/world/middleeast/iran-us-drone.html)

Quote
President Trump approved military strikes against Iran in retaliation for downing an American surveillance drone, but pulled back from launching them on Thursday night after a day of escalating tensions.

As late as 7 p.m., military and diplomatic officials were expecting a strike, after intense discussions and debate at the White House among the president’s top national security officials and congressional leaders, according to multiple senior administration officials involved in or briefed on the deliberations.

Officials said the president had initially approved attacks on a handful of Iranian targets, like radar and missile batteries.

The operation was underway in its early stages when it was called off, a senior administration official said. Planes were in the air and ships were in position, but no missiles had been fired when word came to stand down, the official said.

The abrupt reversal put a halt to what would have been the president’s third military action against targets in the Middle East. Mr. Trump had struck twice at targets in Syria, in 2017 and 2018.

It was not clear whether Mr. Trump simply changed his mind on the strikes or whether the administration altered course because of logistics or strategy. It was also not clear whether the attacks might still go forward.

Asked about the plans for a strike and the decision to hold back, the White House declined to comment, as did Pentagon officials. No government officials asked The New York Times to withhold the article.

More at link.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 21, 2019, 12:38:49 pm
Exclusive: Trump warned Iran via Oman that U.S. attack was imminent, called for talks - Iranian officials

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian officials told Reuters on Friday that Tehran had received a message from U.S. President Donald Trump through Oman overnight warning that a U.S. attack on Iran was imminent.

“In his message, Trump said he was against any war with Iran and wanted to talk to Tehran about various issues ... he gave a short period of time to get our response but Iran’s immediate response was that it is up to Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei to decide about this issue,” one of the officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The second official said: “We made it clear that the leader is against any talks, but the message will be conveyed to him to make a decision ... However, we told the Omani official that any attack against Iran will have regional and international consequences.”


https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-iran-usa-oman-exclusive/exclusive-trump-warned-iran-via-oman-that-u-s-attack-was-imminent-called-for-talks-iranian-officials-idUSKCN1TM0UZ (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-iran-usa-oman-exclusive/exclusive-trump-warned-iran-via-oman-that-u-s-attack-was-imminent-called-for-talks-iranian-officials-idUSKCN1TM0UZ)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: massadvj on June 21, 2019, 12:57:29 pm
It is time for Trump to be patient.  Put all military assets in place.  Enough to take out everything Iran has.  Do not provoke anything.  Let Iran continue its escalating provocations until the rest of the world and even the Democrats start demanding action.  There is no reason to rush anything.  Iran's actions are very clearly designed to arouse suspicions that the USA is conducting false flag operations in order to provoke a war.  Trump needs to stop listening to the deep state and start playing some serious chess.

When Iran's actions provoke to the point of global outrage, then take the regime out completely.  No ground troops.  No nation building.  Just complete and utter devastation of every military and strategic asset in the country.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bill Cipher on June 21, 2019, 01:21:36 pm
It is time for Trump to be patient.  Put all military assets in place.  Enough to take out everything Iran has.  Do not provoke anything.  Let Iran continue its escalating provocations until the rest of the world and even the Democrats start demanding action.  There is no reason to rush anything.  Iran's actions are very clearly designed to arouse suspicions that the USA is conducting false flag operations in order to provoke a war.  Trump needs to stop listening to the deep state and start playing some serious chess.

When Iran's actions provoke to the point of global outrage, then take the regime out completely.  No ground troops.  No nation building.  Just complete and utter devastation of every military and strategic asset in the country.

Exactly
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Wingnut on June 21, 2019, 01:49:07 pm
It is time for Trump to be patient.  ,/snip>

When Iran's actions provoke to the point of global outrage, then take the regime out completely.  No ground troops.  No nation building.  Just complete and utter devastation of every military and strategic asset in the country.

Spot on!
Title: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: mystery-ak on June 21, 2019, 01:53:25 pm
Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
By Brett Samuels - 06/21/19 09:11 AM EDT

President Trump on Friday confirmed that the U.S. military was "cocked and loaded" to retaliate against Iran after the country shot down a U.S. surveillance drone, but backed off at the last minute.

In a series of tweets, Trump said he opted not to follow through because he felt the response would not be "proportionate" to the Iranian action.


"We were cocked & loaded to retaliate last night on 3 different sights when I asked, how many will die. 150 people, sir, was the answer from a General. 10 minutes before the strike I stopped it, not proportionate to shooting down an unmanned drone," Trump tweeted.

more
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/449680-trump-confirms-us-military-was-cocked-and-loaded-for-retaliatory
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: mystery-ak on June 21, 2019, 01:55:18 pm
Brian Kilmeade: Trump's lack of action in Iran 'looks like weakness'
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/brian-kilmeade-trumps-lack-of-action-in-iran-looks-like-weakness (https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/brian-kilmeade-trumps-lack-of-action-in-iran-looks-like-weakness)
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: txradioguy on June 21, 2019, 02:25:22 pm
President Donald Trump reportedly ordered a missile strike against Iran to begin early Friday morning, but then halted operations.

The strike was on until 7 p.m. Thursday night, according to the New York Times, which is citing senior administration officials as sources. The president was allegedly aiming to hit military targets in Iran and had positioned aircraft and ships to begin firing, but ordered a stand-down at the last minute.

The military action would have been in response to the downing of a U.S. Navy drone by an Iranian surface-to-air missile on Thursday. While the U.S. military insists the drone was in international airspace, the Iranians continue to say the unmanned aircraft had wandered into Iranian airspace.

Hossein Salami, the commander in chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, described the alleged violation as crossing “our red line,” according to the Mehr news agency.

“We are not going to get engaged in a war with any country, but we are fully prepared for war,” Salami is quoted by the agency as saying, while he was officiating at a martial ceremony in Sanandaj, Iran. “Today’s incident was a clear sign of this precise message, so we are continuing our resistance.”

Although it’s unclear exactly why Trump reportedly decided to abort the strike, the president’s national security advisers appear divided as to whether a military option in response to apparent Iranian aggression is the appropriate one.

https://dailycaller.com/2019/06/21/report-trump-air-strike-calls-off-iran/
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: txradioguy on June 21, 2019, 02:34:36 pm
Read similar stories about this earlier this morning.  No reason for the change of heart.  Maybe there is a good one, but at this point, Trump now looks weak and indecisive.  Not good. 

Personally, if this story is true -- I'm glad the mission was called off.  Not looking forward to another Middle East war.

This administration needs to dust off the plans from Operation Praying Mantis and take care of the Iranian threat that way...again.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: austingirl on June 21, 2019, 02:37:54 pm
Just heard on Fox Business that new information came to Trump that made him call off strike as not proportional. Supposedly, the ayatollahs were infuriated by the launch against the drone- didn't want to confrontation. Maybe Trump's diplomatic suggestion that it was a mistake worked.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 21, 2019, 02:39:08 pm
“We were cocked & loaded to retaliate last night on 3 different sights [sic] when I asked, how many will die,” Trump tweeted. “150 people, sir, was the answer from a General. 10 minutes before the strike I stopped it, not proportionate to shooting down an unmanned drone.”

“I am in no hurry, our Military is rebuilt, new, and ready to go, by far the best in the world,” the president continued. “Sanctions are biting & more added last night. Iran can NEVER have Nuclear Weapons, not against the USA, and not against the WORLD!”


https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-cocked-loaded-for-iran-strike-called-it-off-with-10-minutes-to-spare-140408156.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-cocked-loaded-for-iran-strike-called-it-off-with-10-minutes-to-spare-140408156.html)


When the Iranians and Norks tried to build a reactor in Syria, the Israelis bombed it. When they find Iranian physicists working on the nuclear program, they kill them. If convoys are moving weapons from Syria to Lebanon, they’re hit with air strikes. Iranian military personnel and facilities around the Damascus airport are greeted with missiles. They don’t care if Tehran gets mad or if it’s disproportional. Iran can’t have nuclear weapons? Neither could North Korea, but they successfully tested a high yield device on his watch. They’ve shared tech and research with Iran for years. This president pees sitting down.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: austingirl on June 21, 2019, 02:41:36 pm
The reason why the strike was called off is emerging. Supposedly, the ayatollahs were infuriated at the launch-didn't want the confrontation. Perhaps Trumps diplomatic suggestion that it was a mistake worked.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: mystery-ak on June 21, 2019, 02:42:15 pm
merged two similar stories
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on June 21, 2019, 02:43:24 pm
The reason why the strike was called off is emerging. Supposedly, the ayatollahs were infuriated at the launch-didn't want the confrontation. Perhaps Trumps diplomatic suggestion that it was a mistake worked.

And, he made the point that we are willing and able to act.  His unpredictability is oddly enough one of his strengths.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 21, 2019, 02:44:35 pm
Quote
Iran claims 'indisputable' proof US violated airspace; Trump reportedly walks back strike plans
i24NEWS
Latest Revision June 21, 2019, 3:04 AM

The US president's mixed messaging since the attack has left the world unsure what the next move will be

US President Donald Trump approved but then walked back a plan to launch strikes against Iranian targets on Thursday, The New York Times reported, after Iran shot down a US drone in what the president termed a "big mistake."

The US was planning to hit "a handful of Iranian targets, like radar and missile batteries" Thursday evening, the newspaper said, citing senior administration officials, but the plan was suddenly aborted in its early stages.

Read more at: https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/1561089133-trump-approves-then-calls-off-operation-on-iran-strikes-after-drone-shot-down-report?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=intl_middle_east&utm_content=en1&hootPostID=5a9dafb21b6cdef9c05007428d5684d2 (https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/1561089133-trump-approves-then-calls-off-operation-on-iran-strikes-after-drone-shot-down-report?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=intl_middle_east&utm_content=en1&hootPostID=5a9dafb21b6cdef9c05007428d5684d2)

Take it or leave it but this was reported as well, Israeli news.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 21, 2019, 02:50:13 pm
Quote
Iran says it refrained from shooting down U.S. plane with 35 on board - Tasnim news
By REUTERS
June 21, 2019 16:09

LONDON - Iran refrained from shooting down a US plane with 35 people on board that was accompanying the downed drone in the Gulf, a Revolutionary Guards commander said on Friday.

Read more at: https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Iran-says-it-refrained-from-shooting-down-US-plane-with-35-on-board-Tasnim-news-593262 (https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Iran-says-it-refrained-from-shooting-down-US-plane-with-35-on-board-Tasnim-news-593262)

Again, take it or reject the news. Just posting.

Israel is not engaged in multiple wars, Afghanistan and so on. I think the country, USA, is a bit war weary at this point.

Also, if Iran had got hit, it might have galvanized some support of Iran worldwide really, at least in some countries.  It might not have been an effective strike. Israel hits those convoys but it seems they are doing that now, about every other week if not more frequent.

Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 21, 2019, 02:58:39 pm
LONDON - Iran refrained from shooting down a US plane with 35 people on board that was accompanying the downed drone in the Gulf, a Revolutionary Guards commander said on Friday.


Probably an RC-135.

https://www.military.com/equipment/rc-135v-w-rivet-joint (https://www.military.com/equipment/rc-135v-w-rivet-joint)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 21, 2019, 03:05:51 pm
The reason why the strike was called off is emerging. Supposedly, the ayatollahs were infuriated at the launch-didn't want the confrontation. Perhaps Trumps diplomatic suggestion that it was a mistake worked.


Wrong. They were crowing about it all day yesterday and had their U.N. ambassador submit a letter of protest, over the ‘airspace incursion,’ and claimed self defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. Generals don’t order that.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-news-country-claims-shot-down-drone-was-over-iranian-territory-2019-06-20/ (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-news-country-claims-shot-down-drone-was-over-iranian-territory-2019-06-20/)


We know why it was called off. Trump said so, as noted above. In 1988, the Iranians mined the gulf, which resulted in damage to one of our warships, with no loss of life. The response from the US left the Iranians with half their fleet and dozens dead.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 21, 2019, 03:09:18 pm
Boston Globe is reporting Trump called off retaliatory strikes because he was told people would be killed.

Israel also doesn't have their soldiers at risk in their precautionary actions, pulling off these pinpoint strikes.

Of course, IDF soldiers are highly vulnerable in defending Israel but they are not sending their army to faraway places.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: TomSea on June 21, 2019, 03:27:37 pm
Just heard on Fox Business that new information came to Trump that made him call off strike as not proportional. Supposedly, the ayatollahs were infuriated by the launch against the drone- didn't want to confrontation. Maybe Trump's diplomatic suggestion that it was a mistake worked.

Yep; and there's that quote too in the OP:

Quote
"We were cocked & loaded to retaliate last night on 3 different sights when I asked, how many will die. 150 people, sir, was the answer from a General. 10 minutes before the strike I stopped it, not proportionate to shooting down an unmanned drone," Trump tweeted.

Better than just blundering into things though, I understand those calling for action.

Trump conflated two euphemisms, 'half-cocked" and "locked and loaded", oh well, imho, better to err on the side of caution or however that saying goes.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: aligncare on June 21, 2019, 03:40:10 pm
Just heard on Fox Business that new information came to Trump that made him call off strike as not proportional. Supposedly, the ayatollahs were infuriated by the launch against the drone- didn't want to confrontation. Maybe Trump's diplomatic suggestion that it was a mistake worked.

That’s my understanding, too.

Yes, contrary to the phony political mythology about his lack of presidential temperament, the president showed great restraint and clarity here. Exploding heads in the Washington foreign policy and defense community, notwithstanding.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: jpsb on June 21, 2019, 03:45:12 pm
Avoiding a war is a good thing. Now if Iran attacks us again the war is on them not us.

Trump did good.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: GrouchoTex on June 21, 2019, 04:17:26 pm
"We were cocked & loaded to retaliate last night on 3 different sights when I asked, how many will die. 150 people, sir, was the answer from a General. 10 minutes before the strike I stopped it, not proportionate to shooting down an unmanned drone," Trump tweeted

I can respect that.
My own feeling is fix that we our border issues, which is quite literally an invasion of trained people.
These people are trained all right, on how to respond when caught, then disappear without going to their asylum hearings.

I can understand the US responding in kind, which would be more of a monetary response than one that would cause casualties, in this case.
I'd like the attention focused here before we send anymore of our youth into harm's way, especially over a drone.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on June 21, 2019, 06:03:20 pm
Quote
Donald J. Trump‏
    Verified accountï‚™ @realDonaldTrump 

President Obama made a desperate and terrible deal with Iran - Gave them 150 Billion Dollars plus I.8 Billion Dollars in CASH! Iran was in big trouble and he bailed them out. Gave them a free path to Nuclear Weapons, and SOON. Instead of saying thank you, Iran yelled.....

....Death to America. I terminated deal, which was not even ratified by Congress, and imposed strong sanctions. They are a much weakened nation today than at the beginning of my Presidency, when they were causing major problems throughout the Middle East. Now they are Bust!....


....On Monday they shot down an unmanned drone flying in International Waters. We were cocked & loaded to retaliate last night on 3 different sights when I asked, how many will die. 150 people, sir, was the answer from a General. 10 minutes before the strike I stopped it, not....

....proportionate to shooting down an unmanned drone. I am in no hurry, our Military is rebuilt, new,  and ready to go, by far the best in the world. Sanctions are biting & more added last night. Iran can NEVER have Nuclear Weapons, not against the USA, and not against the WORLD!


6:03 AM - 21 Jun 2019

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1142055392488374272
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on June 21, 2019, 06:04:08 pm
Quote
Donald J. Trump‏
    Verified accountï‚™ @realDonaldTrump 

President Obama made a desperate and terrible deal with Iran - Gave them 150 Billion Dollars plus I.8 Billion Dollars in CASH! Iran was in big trouble and he bailed them out. Gave them a free path to Nuclear Weapons, and SOON. Instead of saying thank you, Iran yelled.....

....Death to America. I terminated deal, which was not even ratified by Congress, and imposed strong sanctions. They are a much weakened nation today than at the beginning of my Presidency, when they were causing major problems throughout the Middle East. Now they are Bust!....


....On Monday they shot down an unmanned drone flying in International Waters. We were cocked & loaded to retaliate last night on 3 different sights when I asked, how many will die. 150 people, sir, was the answer from a General. 10 minutes before the strike I stopped it, not....

....proportionate to shooting down an unmanned drone. I am in no hurry, our Military is rebuilt, new,  and ready to go, by far the best in the world. Sanctions are biting & more added last night. Iran can NEVER have Nuclear Weapons, not against the USA, and not against the WORLD!



6:03 AM - 21 Jun 2019


https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1142055392488374272 

POTUS sees the situation clearly, asks the right questions and understands our military might can be unleashed when we see fit---no need to panic,

This pleases me. :patriot: 


Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: Absalom on June 21, 2019, 06:56:29 pm
When you have neither any idea who you are, nor the essence of your enemy,
you behave as Trump did; making a monumental jackass of yourself in publicizing
private foreign policy/military details w/another brainless tweet.
For Trump, as long as he gets attention, nothing else matters.
His fan club will applaud yet plain people clearly see this narcissist for the shallow
opportunist he has always been.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: Restored on June 21, 2019, 07:32:28 pm
I'm not believing any of this.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: WhatWouldReaganDo on June 21, 2019, 08:12:49 pm
I'm not believing any of this.
Barack Obama, on the other hand, has likely been "cocked and loaded" on many occasions.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: Free Vulcan on June 21, 2019, 08:16:40 pm
Just heard on Fox Business that new information came to Trump that made him call off strike as not proportional. Supposedly, the ayatollahs were infuriated by the launch against the drone- didn't want to confrontation. Maybe Trump's diplomatic suggestion that it was a mistake worked.

If that is true, then it sounds like the mullahs don't have complete control over their nation and military, which is even a scarier thought.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: Victoria33 on June 21, 2019, 08:42:18 pm
[/quote
@Applewood
@Absalom

Just saw Foreign Affairs Chairman of the House say he was in the White House with others being told about the coming strike and Trump knew then there could be causalities.  This chairman also said the military would have told him that from the beginning.  It appears Trump let the preps keep going and waited intentionally to stop it  when the countdown was 10 minutes.  That way he can say he is the guy with the power who can prevent the killing of Iranians.  There is always a "me" reason why Trump does what he does.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: Victoria33 on June 21, 2019, 08:46:56 pm
When you have neither any idea who you are, nor the essence of your enemy,
you behave as Trump did; making a monumental jackass of yourself in publicizing
private foreign policy/military details w/another brainless tweet.
For Trump, as long as he gets attention, nothing else matters.
His fan club will applaud yet plain people clearly see this narcissist for the shallow
opportunist he has always been.
@Absalom

You accurately describe the man.
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on June 21, 2019, 09:13:30 pm
@Absalom

You accurately describe the man.

No he doesn't.   *****rollingeyes*****
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: austingirl on June 21, 2019, 10:15:46 pm
Gen. Keane said that the president reversed that decision after United States intelligence sources had come into new information that the Iranian commander who ordered the strike had acted on his own and was being disciplined for his actions.

t is unlikely President Trump will allow himself to be rolled by a hostile foreign nation, but it is even more unlikely that he’ll add his name to the list of presidents who have allowed themselves to be drawn into unnecessary wars in the Mid-East.

thebeltwayreport.com/2019/06/breaking-trump-was-moments-away-from-wiping-iran-off-the-map-then-something-changed-he-called-it-off-heres-why/
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: txradioguy on June 21, 2019, 10:36:43 pm

I thought you were kidding....


"I find it hard to believe it was intentional. I think it could've been somebody that was loose and stupid," Trump said. "It was a very foolish move, that I can tell you."

Trump assured that the situation is "all going to work out."

The President also said that it made a "big, big difference" that the drone — which by definition is unmanned — had "nobody in" it.


https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/iran-us-drone-shot-down-latest-intl/h_4c600f46e207758e98cebee28ff3dcd2 (https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/iran-us-drone-shot-down-latest-intl/h_4c600f46e207758e98cebee28ff3dcd2)


The general in charge of the IRGC was appointed by the mullahs, so it’s doubtful the missile launch and subsequent released statement was done without their approval. Also, this is the second time, within a week, they have fired up on one of our drones, over the gulf.


Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Hossein Salami said Iran is ready for war.

"Shooting down the American spy drone had a clear, decisive, firm and accurate message," he said.

"The message is that the guardians of the borders of Islamic Iran will decisively respond to the violation of any stranger to this land. The only solution for the enemies is to respect the territorial integrity and national interests of Iran."


https://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2019/06/20/iran-shoots-down-us-drone-n2548634 (https://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2019/06/20/iran-shoots-down-us-drone-n2548634)

IIRC that same General said earlier this morning that they could have chosen to shoot down one of the P-8 Poseidon manned recon jets in the airea but picked the unmanned one instead.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bill Cipher on June 22, 2019, 12:17:04 am
Trump made exactly the right decision on this one, and in my view it was a decision from strength, not a decision from vacillation or weakness. 

If he can just capitalize on this, it moves the US agenda forward. 
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on June 22, 2019, 12:23:29 am
Trump made exactly the right decision on this one, and in my view it was a decision from strength, not a decision from vacillation or weakness. 

If he can just capitalize on this, it moves the US agenda forward.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: libertybele on June 22, 2019, 01:04:33 am
And, he made the point that we are willing and able to act.  His unpredictability is oddly enough one of his strengths.

In this case, absolutely.   :patriot:
Title: Re: Trump confirms US was 'cocked and loaded' for Iran strike
Post by: TomSea on June 22, 2019, 01:54:47 am
@Absalom

You accurately describe the man.

Trish Regan, Rush Limbaugh, Donald Trump, Max Boot, as long as one is attacking in a personable way, some known name, I guess, they are filling their role in the forum because they've all been negatively talked of. They must belong to a club.
Title: Saudi intelligence chief lobbies London for strikes against Iran: UK source
Post by: TomSea on June 22, 2019, 03:32:28 am
Quote
Saudi intelligence chief lobbies London for strikes against Iran: UK source
Top Saudi intelligence official pleads for limited UK attacks against Iranian targets, source tells MEE
(https://www.middleeasteye.net/sites/default/files/styles/article_page/public/images-story/saudi_missile_reuters.jpg?itok=qQ76kRSy)
Missile launched by Yemen's Houthis is displayed at Saudi military base in Al-Kharj on Friday (Reuters)
 By MEE staff
Published date: 21 June 2019 20:28 UTC | Last update: 3 hours 13 min ago

A Saudi intelligence chief pleaded with British authorities to carry out limited strikes against Iranian military targets, just hours after Donald Trump aborted planned US attacks against the Islamic Republic, a senior UK official told Middle East Eye.

The intelligence chief was accompanied by Saudi diplomat Adel al-Jubeir on his trip to London, the source said.

Still, the Saudi lobbying efforts fell on deaf ears, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.

"Our people were sceptical," the source said, adding that the Saudi official was told a plain "no" in response to the request.

Read more at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-intelligence-chief-lobbied-london-strikes-against-iran-uk-source (https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-intelligence-chief-lobbied-london-strikes-against-iran-uk-source)

Can't resist posting this though, Middle East Eye (MEE) is often wrong in stories, they run with stuff they are told and I guess, that's not too bad. This sounds somewhat plausible. Grain of salt.

Title: Brian Hook: If Iran is not countered in Yemen, conflict risk will increase
Post by: TomSea on June 22, 2019, 03:35:50 am
Quote
Brian Hook: If Iran is not countered in Yemen, conflict risk will increase
(https://vid.alarabiya.net/images/2019/01/12/21271a69-f5e3-43f2-94e5-8dfc985b9211/21271a69-f5e3-43f2-94e5-8dfc985b9211_16x9_788x442.jpg)
The United States envoy on Iran, Brian Hook. (File photo: AFP)
Staff writer, Al Arabiya English Friday, 21 June 2019

The United States envoy on Iran, Brian Hook, said on Friday that if Iran was not countered in Yemen, the risk of a regional conflict in the Middle East will increase.

“Iran’s efforts to use surrogates to attack Saudi Arabia and destabilize the region needs to be countered,” he said.

It is important that Iran “does not gain a foothold in Yemen” to threaten the strait of Bab al-Mandeb, he added.

Read more at: https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2019/06/21/Brian-Hook-If-Iran-is-not-countered-in-Yemen-regional-conflict-risk-will-increase.html
Title: Photos: Ten years ago, Iranian student's death sparked outrage
Post by: TomSea on June 22, 2019, 03:52:33 am
Quote
Photos: Ten years ago, Iranian student's death sparked outrage
    Jun 20, 2019

On June 20, 2009, Iranian music student Neda Agha Soltan, 27, was gunned down during election protests in Iran.

Her dying moments were caught on video and circulated widely on the Internet, making her name a rallying cry for the opposition and sparking international outrage.

2009: Iranian student Neda - Israel

(https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/madison.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/d1/5d14f00b-6b6c-5d06-8140-696e918ffe99/5d0a82fbf3c91.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800)
Israelis of Iranian origin hold signs, a flag and images purporting to show Neda Agha Soltan, killed during a protest in Tehran, as they gather to express their solidarity with the Iranian people in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, June 23, 2009. The death of the woman identified as Neda Agha Soltan was captured on amateur videos and spread around the world in less than 48 hours on YouTube, Facebook, blogs and Twitter. (AP Photo / Ariel Schalit)

2009: Iranian student Neda - Washington

(https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/madison.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/f7/7f746996-4da5-59a9-b1cc-3e703cc9685f/5d0a82fc3f215.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800)
A candlelight vigil commemorating the end of the traditional 40-day mourning period for Neda Agha Soltan is seen near the White House in Washington Thursday, July 30, 2009. Soltan was a 27-year-old music student who was shot to death June 20, 2009 in Tehran, Iran. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Read more with additional photos at: https://madison.com/news/archives/photos-ten-years-ago-iranian-student-s-death-sparked-outrage/collection_fd272e05-434c-5434-8cfe-d5a67b8889e4.html#13 (https://madison.com/news/archives/photos-ten-years-ago-iranian-student-s-death-sparked-outrage/collection_fd272e05-434c-5434-8cfe-d5a67b8889e4.html#13)

Good job by this Wisconsin website to post this. I kind of remember it, this was before the Arab spring. Sad. Maybe she rest in peace.

(http://everything-pr.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Neda-Iranian-Student.jpg)

And I think a lot of Americans questioned why we were not giving, at least, emotional support to the Iranian protesters.

Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 22, 2019, 12:44:52 pm
Pentagon secretly struck back against Iranian cyberspies targeting U.S. ships

WASHINGTON — On Thursday evening, U.S. Cyber Command launched a retaliatory digital strike against an Iranian spy group that supported last week’s limpet mine attacks on commercial ships, according to two former intelligence officials.

The group, which has ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, has over the past several years digitally tracked and targeted military and civilian ships passing through the economically important Strait of Hormuz, through which pass 17.4 million barrels of oil per day. Those capabilities, which have advanced over time, enabled attacks on vessels in the region for several years.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/pentagon-secretly-struck-back-against-iranian-cyber-spies-targeting-us-ships-234520824.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/pentagon-secretly-struck-back-against-iranian-cyber-spies-targeting-us-ships-234520824.html)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on June 22, 2019, 04:11:51 pm
Trump made exactly the right decision on this one, and in my view it was a decision from strength, not a decision from vacillation or weakness. 

If he can just capitalize on this, it moves the US agenda forward.

@Bill Cipher

I agree.
Title: Re: Brian Hook: If Iran is not countered in Yemen, conflict risk will increase
Post by: sneakypete on June 22, 2019, 04:15:24 pm

“Iran’s efforts to use surrogates to attack Saudi Arabia and destabilize the region needs to be countered,” he said.

@TomSea

I am reasonably sure that is a mis-quote,and he meant to write "encouraged" instead of "countered".

The Sauds are Nazi's with oil money and allies,and that's the best thing that can be said about them. They are a plague upon the earth.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bigun on June 22, 2019, 04:37:53 pm
The Mullahs in control of the Iranian government is THE problem in the Middle East and has been since 1979.  For so long as they retain that control there will never be any peace in that region and, for that matter, the world.

You can thank JiMuh CAATA!
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 22, 2019, 05:09:25 pm
The Mullahs in control of the Iranian government is THE problem in the Middle East and has been since 1979.  For so long as they retain that control there will never be any peace in that region and, for that matter, the world.

You can thank JiMuh CAATA!

I've been convinced of that since, oh, about 1978 or so.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bigun on June 22, 2019, 05:16:47 pm
I've been convinced of that since, oh, about 1978 or so.

Good! Because it is what's known as a FACT!
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 22, 2019, 05:36:05 pm
Good! Because it is what's known as a FACT!


If you really want to blame someone for the current state of Iran, go back to Allen Dulles.
Title: Iran executes man on charges of spying for US
Post by: TomSea on June 22, 2019, 06:09:13 pm
Quote
Iran executes man on charges of spying for US
    22 June 2019

Iran has executed a former defence ministry employee on charges of spying for the US, state media report.

Jalal Hajizavar was convicted by a military court after spying equipment and documents were found at his home, according to the IRIB news agency.

He reportedly worked as a contractor for the defence ministry's aerospace organisation but left the role nine years ago.

It comes at a time of escalating tensions between the US and Iran.

Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48732143?ocid=socialflow_twitter (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48732143?ocid=socialflow_twitter)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Wingnut on June 22, 2019, 07:49:32 pm

If you really want to blame someone for the current state of Iran, go back to Allen Dulles.

Isn't that an air field somewhere?
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 22, 2019, 08:08:05 pm
Isn't that an air field somewhere?


It is, but it’s named after a different guy.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 23, 2019, 10:37:48 pm
Pence says US 'not convinced' downing of US drone by Iran 'was authorized at the highest levels'

Washington (CNN) — Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday reiterated President Donald Trump's claim that there are doubts the order to shoot down a US drone by Iran was made at the highest levels.

"The President also had doubts as to whether or not the downing of our unmanned aircraft was actually authorized at the highest levels," Pence told CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union."

Pence said, "We're not convinced that it was authorized at the highest levels," and told Tapper he would not speak about the intelligence the US has related to the incident.


https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/06/23/politics/mike-pence-iran-us-drone-not-convinced-highest-levels/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F (https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/06/23/politics/mike-pence-iran-us-drone-not-convinced-highest-levels/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F)


Rouhani has been giving statements on this and insisted the drone was in Iranian airspace. They’re not walking anything back.
Title: Iran is boxing itself into a corner by provoking the US (Carafano)
Post by: TomSea on June 24, 2019, 03:49:22 am
James Jay Carafano is with the Heritage Foundation, so this is likely better than usual analysis, we have discussed Mr. Carafano before.
Quote
Iran is boxing itself into a corner by provoking the US
By James Jay Carafano
June 20, 2019 | 10:00pm

Here is Tehran’s conundrum: They just want to wait President Trump out, but they live in a tough neighborhood. If you are not threatening your neighbors, you are on the menu. They want to make trouble in the Gulf, but not provoke World War III.

Trump beat them to the punch, putting a military force with real muscle in the region. Tehran continues to struggle with how to push back.

So on Thursday, they shot down an unmanned Global Hawk reconnaissance drone from the United States. They said it was in their airspace. Well, Global Hawk doesn’t have to fly in their airspace to do its mission. And Global Hawks don’t get lost. So … they’re lying.

Read more at: https://nypost.com/2019/06/20/iran-is-boxing-itself-into-a-corner-by-provoking-the-us/

I think Carafano's last posted article here was that one, "Trump gets an F on Libya", so he's not an echo chamber pro-Trump type.
Title: Pompeo seeks "global coalition" against Iran
Post by: TomSea on June 24, 2019, 03:57:14 am
Quote
Pompeo seeks a "global coalition" against Iran as he heads to the Middle East

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday he wants to "build out a global coalition" against Iran, after a week that saw Washington on the brink of launching military action against Tehran.

Details: Pompeo made the comments as he prepared to fly to Saudi Arabia and then the United Arab Emirates to discuss with leaders there "the challenge that Iran presents," he said. Pompeo outlined his goals for a coalition "not only throughout the Gulf states but in Asia and in Europe that understands this challenge and that is prepared to push back against the world’s largest state sponsor of terror."

Continued at: https://www.axios.com/pompeo-seeks-global-coalition-against-iran-c0cb06ff-38f4-4d93-b2eb-5e01c70348a6.html (https://www.axios.com/pompeo-seeks-global-coalition-against-iran-c0cb06ff-38f4-4d93-b2eb-5e01c70348a6.html)

Title: US 'launched cyber-attack on Iran weapons systems'
Post by: TomSea on June 24, 2019, 11:03:32 am
Quote
US 'launched cyber-attack on Iran weapons systems'

The US launched a cyber-attack on Iranian weapons systems on Thursday as President Trump pulled out of air strikes on the country, US reports say.

The cyber-attack disabled computer systems controlling rocket and missile launchers, the Washington Post said.

It was in retaliation for the shooting down of a US drone as well as attacks on oil tankers that the US has blamed Iran for, the New York Times said.

Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48735097 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48735097)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 24, 2019, 05:02:59 pm
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order that would impose fresh sanctions on Iran, amid increased tensions between the long-time foes.

Trump initially told reporters the sanctions, which will target Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his office, were in response to Tehran's downing of a U.S. drone last week. Tehran has said the drone was flying in its airspace, which Washington has denied.

Later, Trump said the sanctions would have been imposed regardless of the incident over the drone.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-says-fresh-u-sanctions-155420794.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-says-fresh-u-sanctions-155420794.html)


While Trump called the sanctions a "strong and proportionate response," neither he nor Mnuchin would offer exact details about what the retaliation was for. Trump said, "this was something that was going to happen anyway."

Mnuchin said "some of this was in the works, some of this was a result of recent activities. I'm not going to identify which is which."


https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/06/24/politics/trump-iran-sanctions/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F (https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/06/24/politics/trump-iran-sanctions/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: txradioguy on June 24, 2019, 06:15:40 pm
Global coalitions...attack...then not attack....sanctions...cyber attacks...worries about 150 Iranian military people getting killed...this kind of confusion and lack of a coherent plan to stop the interference by the Iranians will only encourage them to be more bold on their next round of attacks.

They're laughing at us right now.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on June 24, 2019, 11:11:35 pm
Global coalitions...attack...then not attack....sanctions...cyber attacks...worries about 150 Iranian military people getting killed...this kind of confusion and lack of a coherent plan to stop the interference by the Iranians will only encourage them to be more bold on their next round of attacks.

They're laughing at us right now.

@txradioguy

Who cares? The purpose of this was to disarm the Dims so they can't stick a knife in his back later on when he does retaliate.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: txradioguy on June 24, 2019, 11:28:29 pm
@txradioguy

Who cares? The purpose of this was to disarm the Dims so they can't stick a knife in his back later on when he does retaliate.

And yet the Dims aren't disarmed...are they? 

They will try and stick a knife in the back of any Republican president...this isn't exclusive to Trump.

He had a chance to send a clear signal to knock it off...and like with the deportations...he blinked.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Elderberry on June 24, 2019, 11:38:29 pm
CLAP BACK: Trump Slams Iran With New ‘Hard-Hitting’ Sanctions
by Joseph Curl June 24, 2019

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/06/clap-back-trump-slams-iran-with-new-hard-hitting-sanctions/ (https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/06/clap-back-trump-slams-iran-with-new-hard-hitting-sanctions/)

Quote
(https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/wp-content/uploads/trump3-1-600x370.jpg)
President Trump on Monday slapped Iran by issuing new “hard-hitting” financial sanctions
 against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his associates in Iran.

Trump said he’s showing “restraint” with the new sanctions.

“We will continue to increase pressure on Tehran until the regime abandons its dangerous activities and its aspirations including the pursuit of nuclear weapons, increased enrichment of uranium, development of ballistic missiles, engagement in and support for terrorism, fueling of foreign conflicts, and belligerent acts directed against the United States and its allies,” Trump said. ““Never can Iran have a nuclear weapon. We do not seek conflict with Iran or any other country. I think a lot of restraint has been shown by us, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to show it in the future.”

Trump also said the sanctions came about because of the drone attack.

More at link.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bigun on June 24, 2019, 11:41:28 pm
Excellent!!!
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on June 25, 2019, 03:06:20 am
Quote
And yet the Dims aren't disarmed...are they? 

@txradioguy

Not yet,and the support they receive from people like you helps them.


 
Title: Beyond maximum pressure: An interview with Iran expert Michael Pregent
Post by: TomSea on June 25, 2019, 03:22:09 am
Quote
Beyond maximum pressure: An interview with Iran expert Michael Pregent | JNS.org
(June 24, 2019 / Wikistrat)

Following the recent attacks in the Persian Gulf, U.S.-Iran tensions seem to be escalating on a weekly basis. Last week, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) warned Iran of a potential “overwhelming” U.S. military response should it continue with its provocations, while Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said military strikes were already warranted.

To get a deeper insight into U.S. policy options, Wikistrat sat down with Hudson Institute senior fellow and former U.S. intelligence officer Michael Pregent. The following is an excerpt from that interview:

Q: Welcome, Mike, to Wikistrat’s Insights interview series. Thank you for taking time to join us. I want to ask you about the impact of the Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran and how it relates to the latest escalation we have seen in the Gulf of Oman in the past week or so.

A: The maximum pressure campaign is working. The Iranian economy is suffering, but it was suffering before we left the JCPOA [the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or 2015 nuclear deal]. It was suffering before we left the Iran deal. It was already being mismanaged by the regime.

Read more at: https://www.jns.org/beyond-maximum-pressure/ (https://www.jns.org/beyond-maximum-pressure/)

Per Wendy's account, helpful lady:   https://twitter.com/Acho_Wendy (https://twitter.com/Acho_Wendy)
Title: Breaking: Moscow says downed US drone was in Iranian airspace
Post by: TomSea on June 25, 2019, 10:40:45 am
Quote
Moscow says downed US drone was in Iranian airspace

The US drone shot down by Tehran last week was in Iranian airspace, the head of Russia’s Security Council said Tuesday, despite US claims to the contrary.

More: https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2019/06/25/Moscow-says-downed-US-drone-was-in-Iranian-airspace.html

Predictable that they will say the opposite of us.
Title: Re: Breaking: Moscow says downed US drone was in Iranian airspace
Post by: edpc on June 25, 2019, 12:49:31 pm
Depending on the position, it’s possible. At its narrowest, the strait is 21 miles wide. With claims of 12 miles for territorial waters and airspace, there would be some disputed overlap, between Iran and Oman.
Title: Re: Breaking: Moscow says downed US drone was in Iranian airspace
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 25, 2019, 04:00:06 pm
Depending on the position, it’s possible. At its narrowest, the strait is 21 miles wide. With claims of 12 miles for territorial waters and airspace, there would be some disputed overlap, between Iran and Oman.

Complicated by the likelihood Iran has a different definition about what's their airspace.  I remember back in the 80's Libya tried to declare almost the entire Mediterranean their airspace, then tried the "line of death" crap.
Title: Re: Breaking: Moscow says downed US drone was in Iranian airspace
Post by: Bigun on June 25, 2019, 04:01:57 pm
Quote
Moscow says downed US drone was in Iranian airspace

Who cares what Moscow says?
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 26, 2019, 03:54:41 pm
President Donald Trump says he doesn't want war with Iran but that if there is one, "it won't last very long" because the U.S. has military superiority.

Trump told Fox Business Network on Wednesday that he was "nice" to Iran for not ordering strikes after Tehran shot down a more than $100 million U.S. surveillance drone.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/latest-khamenei-says-iran-wont-100615500.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/latest-khamenei-says-iran-wont-100615500.html)


They don’t fear Trump, because they know he doesn’t want to get involved in a Middle Eastern conflict, that raises gas prices and hurts the economy.


Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 26, 2019, 03:59:11 pm
They don’t fear Trump, because they know he doesn’t want to get involved in a Middle Eastern conflict, that raises gas prices and hurts the economy.

Unlike every President who came before.  Unlike Obastard and his pallets of cash for terrorists.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 26, 2019, 05:04:33 pm
Obviously, sanctions are creating big problems there, whether they fear Trump or not.

This has always been the downside on pulling out of the nuke deal,  we might have to use some very robust action, meaning military. In the meantime, sanctions are a gambit, people are unhappy and military force would seem to get the suffering people on the side of the Government, not a good thing.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 26, 2019, 05:15:42 pm
Obviously, sanctions are creating big problems there, whether they fear Trump or not.

This has always been the downside on pulling out of the nuke deal,  we might have to use some very robust action, meaning military. In the meantime, sanctions are a gambit, people are unhappy and military force would seem to get the suffering people on the side of the Government, not a good thing.

It beats the Obastard solution:  Let the Iranians cheat their way to a nuclear weapon...just be sure to do it after he's out of office so he can blame the next guy.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 27, 2019, 03:29:20 pm
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran warned the United States against violating its borders, with parliament speaker Ali Larijani threatening a stronger reaction, the Tasnim news agency said on Thursday, a week after Tehran shot down a U.S. drone, spiking tension between them.

"The downing of their drone was a good experience for them to avoid any aggression against our borders," the semi-official agency quoted Larijani as saying late on Wednesday.

"Iran's reaction will be stronger if they repeat their mistake of violating our borders."


https://www.yahoo.com/news/iran-warns-u-stronger-reaction-052340635.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/iran-warns-u-stronger-reaction-052340635.html)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 27, 2019, 03:53:28 pm
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran warned the United States against violating its borders, with parliament speaker Ali Larijani threatening a stronger reaction, the Tasnim news agency said on Thursday, a week after Tehran shot down a U.S. drone, spiking tension between them.

"The downing of their drone was a good experience for them to avoid any aggression against our borders," the semi-official agency quoted Larijani as saying late on Wednesday.

"Iran's reaction will be stronger if they repeat their mistake of violating our borders."


https://www.yahoo.com/news/iran-warns-u-stronger-reaction-052340635.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/iran-warns-u-stronger-reaction-052340635.html)

More Truth Bombs from the Persians, I see.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Wingnut on June 27, 2019, 06:43:32 pm
More Truth Bombs from the Persians, I see.

Man I miss Baghdad Bob at moments like this.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: DCPatriot on June 27, 2019, 07:09:24 pm
Man I miss Baghdad Bob at moments like this.

I'm sitting here LOL'in.....thinking about President Trump's response to a question about the possibility of an armed conflict with Iran.

Paraphrasing.....

"....whatever type of military conflict we find ourselves with Iran...we don't know, but It'll Be Quick.  It will be over quickly.  No thousands of American troops, etc.,  Really, Really, QUICK!"     :patriot:
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 27, 2019, 07:26:37 pm
Man I miss Baghdad Bob at moments like this.

How can I miss him when the Iranians do the same stuff?  They'd been at it even longer than old Tariq.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Wingnut on June 27, 2019, 07:48:00 pm
How can I miss him when the Iranians do the same stuff?  They'd been at it even longer than old Tariq.

Yeah but, Bob was so much better at the comedy aspect.   The Iranians are so serious.  Why so serious? Oh wait, I know...the carter and the obama years!   
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on June 27, 2019, 07:54:08 pm
Yeah but, Bob was so much better at the comedy aspect.   The Iranians are so serious.  Why so serious? Oh wait, I know...the carter and the obama years!

Yeah, they never got over the butthurt of the Carter years as we did.  But then, we recovered from those black days, Iran did not.  It'll be a while before we can wipe away the stain of Obastard, if we ever can.  It'll take a long time to fix the 150 years worth of damage he did to race relations.  I hear people say he set us back 50 years but I disagree.  He set us all the way back to Reconstruction.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on June 27, 2019, 08:01:59 pm
I'm sitting here LOL'in.....thinking about President Trump's response to a question about the possibility of an armed conflict with Iran.

Paraphrasing.....

"....whatever type of military conflict we find ourselves with Iran...we don't know, but It'll Be Quick.  It will be over quickly.  No thousands of American troops, etc.,  Really, Really, QUICK!"     :patriot:


Westmoreland or Rumsfeld couldn’t have said it any better.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Wingnut on June 27, 2019, 08:05:47 pm

Westmoreland or Rumsfeld couldn’t have said it any better.

You say that like it is a bad thing.   :whistle:
Title: EU's Mogherini Says Special Trade Mechanism For Iran 'Operational'
Post by: TomSea on June 28, 2019, 03:02:35 am
Circumventing sanctions on Iran with a barter-exchange-based system!

Quote
EU's Mogherini Says Special Trade Mechanism For Iran 'Operational'
Radio Farda

The European Union Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini says a special mechanism to allow trade with Iran is expected to be launched soon.

In a joint press conference after talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on June 25, in Brussels, Mogherini said the Instrument for Trade and Exchanges, INSTEX may soon be ready and operational.

INSTEX is a new European payment system for barter-based trade with Iran designed to circumvent U.S. sanctions imposed on Tehran.

...

(https://gdb.rferl.org/05AA4EC5-2244-47E7-877F-AE02CFB512CF_w650_r0_s.jpg)

Read more at: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/eu-mogherini-says-special-trade-mechanism-for-iran-operational-/30022302.html

Pistachioes for Medicines, well, if they can work it that way, in that instance, that's fine with me.
Title: JCPOA Sunset Alert (Iran)
Post by: TomSea on June 29, 2019, 01:55:39 am
Quote
JCPOA Sunset Alert

As a part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the international arms embargo imposed on Iran under U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 will expire on October 18, 2020.

This means that the supply, sale, or transfer of any guns, howitzers, mortars, battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, and missiles or missile systems to or from Iran will no longer require U.N. Security Council approval. U.N. member-states will also no longer be obligated to prevent such arms-transfers from Iran.

The expiration of this arms embargo will have immediate destabilizing consequences for Yemen, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Israel. Terror organizations like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Quds Force, the Al-Ashtar Brigades, Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis are the likely beneficiaries of this sunset provision. The availability of such arms to these groups may result in increases in the amount of funds regional countries allocate for their defense budgets. This dynamic may also cause domestic instability should the United States’ regional partners decide they cannot allow such deliveries and undertake kinetic action to defend the integrity of their governments. Additionally, Resolution 2231’s expiration may provide Iran with plausible deniability given Tehran’s ability, effective in 2020, to just purchase foreign weapons and deliver them to Iranian-organized proxies. Iran can claim the weapons were not Iranian in origin and disclaim responsibility.

More: https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/jcpoa-sunset-alert (https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/jcpoa-sunset-alert)

Joseph Lieberman and the like have some connections with this website, "United Against Nuclear Iran", I will probably merge this into the big thread later on. Lieberman and others wrote a letter dating back to 2015:

One may read here: https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/sites/default/files/UANI-Open-Letter_11052015.pdf (https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/sites/default/files/UANI-Open-Letter_11052015.pdf)

Pretty technical and the last part of course, is now over 3 years old.
Title: US launched 'cyber attack' against Iranian military computers after drone downing
Post by: TomSea on June 29, 2019, 11:01:26 am
Quote
US launched 'cyber attack' against Iranian military computers after drone downing
The New Arab & agencies

The United States launched a retaliatory cyber attack against Iran last week that crippled computers used to control rocket and missile launches.

The United States launched cyber attacks against Iranian missile control systems and a spy network after Tehran downed an American surveillance drone, according to US media reports.

US President Donald Trump secretly authorised US Cyber Command to carry out a retaliatory attack on Iran, The Washington Post reported Saturday, shortly after the US president pledged to hit the Islamic republic with major new sanctions.

Read more at: https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/News/2019/6/23/US-launched-cyber-attack-against-Iranian-military-computers (https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/News/2019/6/23/US-launched-cyber-attack-against-Iranian-military-computers)

A lot happening in the world!
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 29, 2019, 03:15:53 pm
Quote
Tangled in Obama's Iran nuclear trap
Certification of Tehran's compliance is neither wise, necessary nor accurate

 By John R. Bolton and Paula A. DeSutter - - Wednesday, April 26, 2017

ANALYSIS/OPINION:

On April 18, the State Department certified Iran to be in compliance with its commitments under the Iran nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA). As France’s iconic foreign minister, the Marquis de Talleyrand, once reportedly said: “This was worse than a crime; it was a mistake.”

The applicable statute not only did not require such a certification, it openly invited President Trump not to make one if circumstances warranted, as they clearly did here. More seriously, the certification raises fundamental questions whether the State Department’s bureaucracy knows or cares that U.S. Iran policy has changed with the Trump administration’s advent.

The applicable reporting statute requires that, at least every 90 days, the president must determine whether he “is able to certify” that among other things, “Iran is transparently, verifiably, and fully implementing the agreement, including all related technical or additional agreements,” and that “Iran has not taken any action, including covert activities, that could significantly advance its nuclear weapons program.”

Read more at: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/26/obama-iran-nuclear-deal-showing-little-effectivene/ (https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/26/obama-iran-nuclear-deal-showing-little-effectivene/)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on June 29, 2019, 03:45:18 pm
Actually sanctioning Khamenei, their leader, is suppose to be a big deal per the experts:

Quote
Trump's Move To Sanction Khamenei Is Significant For Human Rights

President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions last Monday on the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as everyone in his office or appointed by him.

"The Supreme Leader of Iran is the one who ultimately is responsible for the hostile conduct of the regime," the President told reporters, adding, "These measures represent a strong and proportionate response to Iran's increasingly provocative actions."

Many commentators and analysts immediately dismissed the move as a "political show-off", and argued, since Khamenei has no personal assets, does not travel to the U.S.A., and the commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) appointed by him are already under Washington’s sanctions, the new move does not go further than a "symbolic gesture."

https://en.radiofarda.com/a/trump-s-move-to-sanction-khamenei-is-significant-for-human-rights/30025880.html


Quote
Jailed British-Iranian Aid Worker Ends Hunger Strike, Husband Says

LONDON, June 29 (Reuters) - Jailed British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has ended a hunger strike in Tehran designed to push for her release, her husband told the BBC on Saturday.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, began the hunger strike roughly two weeks ago.

She was arrested in April 2016 at a Tehran airport as she headed back to Britain with her daughter after a family visit and was sentenced to five years in jail after being convicted of plotting to overthrow Iran's clerical establishment.

Read more at: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/jailed-british-iranian-aid-worker-ends-hunger-strike-husband-says/30027418.html
Title: Re: JCPOA Sunset Alert (Iran)
Post by: sneakypete on June 29, 2019, 04:09:50 pm

Joseph Lieberman and the like have some connections with this website, "United Against Nuclear Iran", I will probably merge this into the big thread later on. Lieberman and others wrote a letter dating back to 2015:



@TomSea

Please do so,and thank you in advance.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on June 29, 2019, 04:13:21 pm
Actually sanctioning Khamenei, their leader, is suppose to be a big deal per the experts:

@TomSea

Anyone else click on the link and see the photo of her and her daughter? Talk about a Mini-Me! If you had never seen either before in your life,one casual glance would tell you they are mother and daughter.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on July 01, 2019, 10:37:28 pm
Quote
Ted Cruz: Iran began exploiting the nuclear deal before it was even implemented
(https://vid.alarabiya.net/images/2019/05/16/0a50e56d-e256-45fe-9812-1dbc854678f8/0a50e56d-e256-45fe-9812-1dbc854678f8_16x9_788x442.JPG)
“I will continue to work ... to ensure that maximum pressure means maximum pressure,” Cruz said. (File photo: Reuters)
Staff writer, Al Arabiya English Monday, 1 July 2019


US Senator Ted Cruz issued a statement on Monday blaming the Iran nuclear deal for allowing Tehran to cheat and saying that Tehran began exploiting the deal before it was even implemented.

“The catastrophic Obama Iran nuclear deal was built to allow Iran to cheat, both by making it difficult to detect violations and by giving other countries an incentive to dismiss those violations when they became undeniable,” the statement said.

Cruz also said that Iran began “exploiting the deal before was even implemented, secretly preserving nuclear weapons infrastructure, and openly violating limits on nuclear-related materials.”

Read more at: https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2019/07/01/Ted-Cruz-Iran-began-exploiting-the-nuclear-deal-before-it-was-even-implemented.html
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on July 03, 2019, 12:03:08 pm
Iran to exceed uranium enrichment limit from Sunday: Rouhani

"On July 7, our enrichment level will no longer be 3.67 percent. We will put aside this commitment. We will increase (the enrichment level) beyond 3.67 percent to as much as we want, as much as is necessary, as much as we need," Rouhani said during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/iran-exceed-uranium-enrichment-limit-sunday-rouhani-091932240.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/iran-exceed-uranium-enrichment-limit-sunday-rouhani-091932240.html)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on July 07, 2019, 06:56:47 pm
Quote
Trish Regan
‏Verified account @trish_regan
22m22 minutes ago

BREAKING: Iranian soure tells me “we WILL negotiate with the US.” if Iran will indeed now sit down with the United States this is a MAJOR development for @realDonaldTrump and his administration
16 replies 78 retweets 176 likes

https://twitter.com/trish_regan/status/1147936510316072961

This isn't worth much to say but maybe it will turn out to be true.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on July 08, 2019, 10:50:16 am
Trump: Iran 'better be careful' after backing away further from nuclear deal

President Trump lobbed a strong warning to Iran on Sunday after the rogue nation announced it had ratcheted up its uranium enrichment beyond the limit allowed by the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

“Iran better be careful. … Iran is doing a lot of bad things,” Trump said. “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”

Iran has said it was inching its program closer toward weapons-grade levels, while calling for a diplomatic solution to a crisis that has raised tensions with the U.S.

“Iran’s latest expansion o


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trump-iran-better-be-careful-after-backing-away-further-from-nuclear-deal/ar-AADZtcJ?li=BBnb7Kz (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trump-iran-better-be-careful-after-backing-away-further-from-nuclear-deal/ar-AADZtcJ?li=BBnb7Kz)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on July 08, 2019, 12:31:59 pm
U.S. sent message to Iran after drone downing, warning of limited strike - Iranian official

DUBAI (Reuters) - The United States conveyed a message to Iran warning of a limited strike against the country after its unmanned drone was shot down in the Gulf, Iran’s civil defense agency chief was quoted as saying by the Fars news agency on Sunday.

“After the downing of its intruding drone, the United States told us through diplomatic intermediaries that it wanted to carry out a limited operation,” said Gholamreza Jalali, who is also a senior commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards.

“But Iran’s response was that we regard every operation as the beginning of a war.”


https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-iran-usa-drone-idUSKCN1U2056 (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-iran-usa-drone-idUSKCN1U2056)


Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on July 19, 2019, 04:40:57 am
Quote
TAKING ON TEHRAN US ‘to deploy 500 troops to expanding Saudi Arabian air base’ to front-up to Iran threat
Neal Baker, US Digital News Editor
18 Jul 2019, 3:30Updated: 18 Jul 2019, 10:24

THE US is preparing to send 500 troops to Saudi Arabia to front up to the growing Iran threat, it was reported last night.

They will be deployed to a remote base east of the Saudi capital Riyadh, according to two US defence officials.

The move will fortify the growing Prince Sultan Air Base - which is being heavily built-up with a Patriot missile defence battery and an improved runway, CNN reported.

Read more at: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9530486/us-deploy-troops-saudi-arabia-iran-tensions/ (https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9530486/us-deploy-troops-saudi-arabia-iran-tensions/)

It's the Sun, so a bit of caution with their reporting.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on July 19, 2019, 06:40:03 pm
Iran says it has captured a British oil tanker

Stena Bulk and Northern Marine Management can confirm that at approximately 1600 BST on 19th July UK registered vessel Stena Impero (built 2018, 49,683 DWT) was approached by unidentified small crafts and a helicopter during transit of the Strait of Hormuz while the vessel was in international waters. We are presently unable to contact the vessel which is now heading north towards Iran.

There are 23 seafarers aboard. There have been no reported injuries and their safety is of primary concern to both owners and managers. The priority of both vessel owner Stena Bulk and ship manager Northern Marine Management is the safety and welfare of the crew.
Northern Marine Management has not been able to establish contact directly with the vessel since it was notified of the incident at approximately 1600 Today, 19th July 2019.

https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/iran-british-tanker-july-2019/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/iran-british-tanker-july-2019/index.html)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on July 19, 2019, 07:26:49 pm
Iran says it has captured a British oil tanker

 

@edpc

Nobody has ever accused the Mullahs of being clever.

Gee,I wonder how this is going to work out for them?

UPDATE! Right after I posted this I realized I was thinking about it from the POV of a reasonable person,not the Mullahs that need to keep the backwards retards they rule riled up and feeling like victims. Chances are some of the population in Iran is starting to give the Mullahs some worries,so they came up with this in order to invite air-attacks and get the retards behind them again.

Just guessing,though. I know nothing about what is going on in Iran. It's either that,or the Mullahs really are crazier than rabid rats.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Hoodat on July 19, 2019, 07:32:11 pm
I would be telling them that they have four hours to evacuate their refinery before it is bombed. But not telling which one.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: txradioguy on July 19, 2019, 07:43:46 pm
Looks like the Mullahs now have two Brit tankers.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: thackney on July 19, 2019, 07:47:16 pm
Second UK oil tanker seized by Iran
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/second-uk-oil-tanker-reportedly-seized-by-iran (https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/second-uk-oil-tanker-reportedly-seized-by-iran)

A second tanker owned by a United Kingdom-based company was seized by Iran on Friday, further ratcheting up tensions in the region.

After Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they seized a British oil tanker, the Stena Impero, a U.S. official confirmed that a second ship, the Liberian-flagged MV Mesdar, was also seized in the Strait of Hormuz within two hours.

Despite being flagged out of Liberia, the oil tanker is owned by Norbulk Shipping, which is based out of the U.K....
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on July 19, 2019, 07:57:44 pm
There obviously poking anyone they can with a stick, so they can externalize the problem. Once someone retaliates, they can try to galvanize the nation around the ‘foreign problem.’
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Elderberry on July 19, 2019, 08:00:18 pm
American warship destroys Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz

Navy Times by  Darlene Superville and Robert Burns 7/18/2019

https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/07/18/trump-says-american-warship-destroyed-iranian-drone/ (https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/07/18/trump-says-american-warship-destroyed-iranian-drone/)

Quote
A U.S. warship on Thursday destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after it threatened the ship, President Donald Trump said. The incident marked a new escalation of tensions between the countries less than one month after Iran downed an American drone in the same waterway and Trump came close to retaliating with a military strike.

In remarks at the White House, Trump blamed Iran for a “provocative and hostile” action and said the U.S. responded in self-defense. Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, told reporters as he arrived for a meeting at the United Nations that “we have no information about losing a drone today.”

The clash in one of the busiest waterways for international oil traffic highlighted the risk of war between two countries at odds over a wide range of issues. After Trump pulled the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal last year and imposed additional economic sanctions, the Iranians have pushed back on the military front, allegedly sabotaging Saudi and other oil tankers in the Gulf, shooting down a U.S. drone on June 20 and stepping up support for Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Adding to the economic pressure on Tehran, the Treasury Department said Thursday it was imposing sanctions on what it called a network of front companies and agents involved in helping Iran buy sensitive materials for its nuclear program. It said the targeted individuals and entities are based in Iran, China and Belgium.

Trump said the Navy’s amphibious assault ship Boxer took defensive action after the Iranian aircraft closed to within 1,000 yards of the ship and ignored multiple calls to stand down.

“The United States reserves the right to defend our personnel, facilities and interests and calls upon all nations to condemn Iran’s attempts to disrupt freedom of navigation and global commerce,” Trump said.

The Pentagon said the incident happened at 10 a.m. local time Thursday in international waters while the Boxer was transiting the waterway to enter the Persian Gulf. The Boxer is among several U.S. Navy ships in the area, including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln that has been operating in the nearby North Arabian Sea for weeks.

More at link.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on July 19, 2019, 08:00:24 pm
There obviously poking anyone they can with a stick, so they can externalize the problem. Once someone retaliates, they can try to galvanize the nation around the ‘foreign problem.’

@edpc

Yup! It's all about holding power. If people have to die to keep the Mullahs in charge,so be it,
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on July 19, 2019, 08:50:29 pm
Not good.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bigun on July 19, 2019, 08:58:12 pm
@edpc

Yup! It's all about holding power. If people have to die to keep the Mullahs in charge,so be it,

 :yowsa:  The Mullahs don't give one hoot in hell how many people have to die, their own people included, to keep them ruling things in Iran.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: jafo2010 on July 20, 2019, 12:21:36 am
If I were Trump, they would be given an ultimatum, return the tankers or lose your navy.

Theri navy should have been sunk long ago.  What they are doing is not a whole lot different than Somali pirates!
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on July 20, 2019, 01:36:20 am

Here's the heavy US and UK naval firepower ready near Iran if the tanker tensions boil over


Quote

Alex Lockie
4h

    Iran on Friday said it seized a British-owned oil tanker and its crew amid reports it diverted a second British tanker toward Iran in a clear message to the UK and the US that it's willing to get aggressive in a feud over oil sanctions.
    The UK and US both have warships in the region that have proven their mettle in backing down Iranian threats.
    It's unclear if the US or UK will attempt a rescue mission, but with two aircraft carriers, US destroyers, and a UK frigate in the region, any escalation could lead to a massive naval conflict.
    Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Iran on Friday said it seized a British oil tanker and its crew amid reports it diverted a second tanker toward Iran within hours of the seizure in a clear message to the UK and the US that it's willing to get aggressive in a feud over oil sanctions. But it may soon have to contend with heavy US and UK naval firepower already in the region.

The US sent its USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and attached strike group to the region in May. This represents the world's most potent unit of naval power, with the aircraft carrier's formidable air wing, a cruiser, four destroyers, and support ships.

https://www.businessinsider.com/us-uk-navy-ships-active-near-iran-after-tanker-seizures-2019-7 (https://www.businessinsider.com/us-uk-navy-ships-active-near-iran-after-tanker-seizures-2019-7)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on July 20, 2019, 01:43:34 am
If I were Trump, they would be given an ultimatum, return the tankers or lose your navy.

Theri navy should have been sunk long ago.  What they are doing is not a whole lot different than Somali pirates!


There’s no question they are overmatched. The problem is, they are spoiling for a fight, so they can blame outsiders on the internal conditions, caused by decades of mullah rule.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: DCPatriot on July 20, 2019, 01:50:25 am
Looks like the Mullahs now have two Brit tankers.

@txradioguy
Are you at all confident that Pres. Trump can make short work of Iran, figuring we'll have Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Britain as a coalition?

(Not a trick question, sir)   :laugh:
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on July 20, 2019, 01:52:41 am
What is our interest in this fight?
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bigun on July 20, 2019, 02:04:16 am
What is our interest in this fight?

We have an interest in the stability of the region and there will be none for so long as the Mullahs rule Iran.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on July 20, 2019, 02:09:46 am
What is our interest in this fight?

I don't see it.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on July 20, 2019, 02:10:29 am
We have an interest in the stability of the region and there will be none for so long as the Mullahs rule Iran.

Give me more than that.  Why do we have an interest in the stability of the region and if we do, how deep does that interest go?
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on July 20, 2019, 02:12:27 am
Our main interest is that they don't get nuclear weapons and become something like NK...Israel surely would bomb them first.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bigun on July 20, 2019, 02:13:11 am
Give me more than that.  Why do we have an interest in the stability of the region and if we do, how deep does that interest go?

Sorry.  No book writing tonight.  If you  can't see it,  nothing I might say is going to convince you.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on July 20, 2019, 02:17:31 am
Sorry.  No book writing tonight.  If you  can't see it,  nothing I might say is going to convince you.

Nope.  I really wanted an answer.  I'm trying to come to an understanding. 
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bigun on July 20, 2019, 02:21:47 am
Nope.  I really wanted an answer.  I'm trying to come to an understanding.

Would you care to see the entire Middle East  in the Russian sphere of influence?
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Sanguine on July 20, 2019, 02:34:48 am
Would you care to see the entire Middle East  in the Russian sphere of influence?

Keeping Russia in check is usually a good thing, but as with everything that has to be weighed against how much blood and treasure do we have to invest to do so, and how much of a threat is Russia at this point and in that location?

At least at this point, I'm not accepting without question that we have to keep the peace in the middle east.  Could be the correct course of action, but not without answering the big questions first.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on July 20, 2019, 02:55:06 am
Cruz and Trump campaigned agaist the Iran nuke deal.

Cruz even mentioned something about uranium enrichment. Rather clear what the central theme here is.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bigun on July 20, 2019, 03:34:03 am
Keeping Russia in check is usually a good thing, but as with everything that has to be weighed against how much blood and treasure do we have to invest to do so, and how much of a threat is Russia at this point and in that location?

At least at this point, I'm not accepting without question that we have to keep the peace in the middle east.  Could be the correct course of action, but not without answering the big questions first.

How about the Iranian puppet organization Hezbollah currently being active in Africa, South and Central America as well as in the Middle East.  Is that alright with you as well?
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: sneakypete on July 20, 2019, 04:08:44 am
What is our interest in this fight?

@Sanguine

On the face of it,our interest lies in keeping the strait open for international shipping in order to keep the oil flowing to the industrial world,and thus keep industries operating and people working. And "Yes,it IS in our best interest to keep other nations productive and profitable,in order for them to have the money to buy our goods and keep our people working.

Beyond that,we have an interest in breaking the control of the Mullahs and stopping all these damn holy wars.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Gefn on July 20, 2019, 09:32:26 am
Bookmark

Need to read this Monday night
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: thackney on July 20, 2019, 01:54:14 pm
Nope.  I really wanted an answer.  I'm trying to come to an understanding.

It is in the world's interest to prevent blockage of transit in the Strait of Hormuz.  The disruption of the export of oil would quickly lead to a larger war.  Several countries greatly depend on that export.  Economies would quickly have a large disruption including ours without the flow.  War would be inevitable.  World war would be inevitable if any other countries would join Iran's side.  Some might join just for access to oil.

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil transit chokepoint
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=39932 (https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=39932)

(https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/images/2019.06.20/main.svg)

(https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/images/2019.06.20/chart4.svg)
Title: Iran Suggests New ‘Alternative’ Plan To De-escalate Tensions With U.S.
Post by: TomSea on July 25, 2019, 04:42:25 pm
Quote
Iran Suggests New ‘Alternative’ Plan To De-escalate Tensions With U.S.
Radio Farda

Iran may be ready to start de-escalating tensions with the West without insisting on the United States returning to the 2015 nuclear deal, according to a new report.

President Hassan Rouhani has sent a message to French President Emmanuelle Macron suggesting an alternative to Macron’s “freeze for freeze” plan to tackle tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is visiting Paris to convey Rouhani’s message to Macron, the conservative Iranian website Alef quoted "an informed source" as saying.

Read more at: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-suggests-new-alternative-plan-to-de-escalate-tensions-with-u-s-/30073048.html
Title: Re: Iran Suggests New ‘Alternative’ Plan To De-escalate Tensions With U.S.
Post by: Fishrrman on July 25, 2019, 10:58:15 pm
No deal.
Title: Brazil court orders Petrobras to refuel Iran grain vessels
Post by: TomSea on July 26, 2019, 07:58:43 am
Quote
Brazil court orders Petrobras to refuel Iran grain vessels
Lisandra Paraguassu and Rodrigo Viga Gaier

BRASILIA/RIO DE JANEIRO, July 25 (Reuters) - Brazil’s top court on Thursday ordered state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA to refuel two Iranian grain vessels stranded on the Brazilian coast due to U.S. sanctions holding up sales of fuel needed for their return trips.

Chief Justice Dias Toffoli overturned a lower court ruling that allowed Petrobras, as the oil major is known, to refrain from fueling the vessels.

Petrobras had denied service, citing the risk of consequences from U.S. sanctions. However, the risk is reduced if it is simply obeying a Supreme Court ruling, said a company source who was not authorized to publicly comment on the matter.

Read more at: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/25/reuters-america-update-1-brazil-court-orders-petrobras-to-refuel-iran-grain-vessels.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/25/reuters-america-update-1-brazil-court-orders-petrobras-to-refuel-iran-grain-vessels.html)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on July 26, 2019, 03:24:06 pm
Shadow force: The secret history of the U.S. intelligence community's battle with Iran's Revolutionary Guard

https://www.yahoo.com/news/shadow-force-the-secret-history-of-the-us-intelligence-communitys-battle-with-irans-revolutionary-guard-090000959.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/shadow-force-the-secret-history-of-the-us-intelligence-communitys-battle-with-irans-revolutionary-guard-090000959.html)
Title: Iran test-fires medium-range ballistic missile, US official says
Post by: TomSea on July 26, 2019, 08:31:54 pm
Quote
Iran test-fires medium-range ballistic missile, US official says

Iran successfully test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile Wednesday which flew more than 600 miles from the southern part of the country to an area outside the capital, Tehran, in the north, a U.S. official told Fox News

“We are aware of reports of a projectile launched from Iran, and have no further comment at this time,” a senior administration official told Fox News Thursday evening.

The test of the Shahab-3 comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and the west.

Read more at: https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-test-fires-medium-range-ballistic-missile-us-official (https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-test-fires-medium-range-ballistic-missile-us-official)
Title: Iran Releases 9 Indian Sailors From Seized Tanker
Post by: TomSea on July 26, 2019, 08:37:11 pm
The seized tanker was the UAE tanker, I remember that some.... and these Indians were working on it.

Quote
Iran Releases 9 Indian Sailors From Seized Tanker
By Suhasini Raj

    Jul 26, 2019

NEW DELHI — Iran has released nine Indian mariners it had held after seizing a foreign tanker that it claimed was smuggling Iranian oil, the Indian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

The tanker, the Riah, which is based in the United Arab Emirates but registered in Panama, was seized nearly two weeks ago in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which 20 percent of the world’s oil supply is shipped.

With a simmering conflict pitting Iran against the United States and its gulf allies, the Emirates and Saudi Arabia, the seizure was one of several recent incidents demonstrating how vulnerable that oil flow is to disruption. Iran has also impounded a British tanker, apparently in retaliation for Britain detaining an Iranian tanker at Gibraltar, leading to talk of a potential swap.

Read more at: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/26/world/middleeast/iran-india-oil-tanker.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/26/world/middleeast/iran-india-oil-tanker.html)
Title: Iranian cargo ship sinks in Caspian Sea
Post by: TomSea on July 27, 2019, 07:01:57 pm
Quote
Iranian cargo ship sinks in Caspian Sea
By Sara Mazloumsaki, CNN

Updated 1821 GMT (0221 HKT) July 26, 2019
The nine crew members on the Shabahang were rescued, according to Iranian state media.

(CNN)An Iranian cargo ship sank in the Caspian Sea near Azerbaijan's Lankaran port on Friday, according to Iran's state-run news agency IRNA.
The Azerbaijan State Maritime Administration said it received a distress signal from an Iranian cargo ship near the port after it had been involved in an accident.
The crew of the Shabahang ship was pleading for help, saying, "we are sinking, we are sinking," according to IRNA reporting.

The Shabahang, which was carrying a shipment of tiles, was en route from Anzali port, in Iran, to Makhachkala, in Russia, when it crashed in an area about 23 miles from Astara port, in Azerbaijan.

Read more at: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/26/middleeast/iran-cargo-ship-sinks-intl/
Title: Re: Iranian cargo ship sinks in Caspian Sea
Post by: truth_seeker on July 27, 2019, 07:08:28 pm
Could that be a warning?

Kind of a "see what can happen?"
Title: Iran Says Europe 'Obliged' to Let It Sell and Ship Oil
Post by: TomSea on July 31, 2019, 11:21:09 am
Quote
Iran Says Europe 'Obliged' to Let It Sell and Ship Oil
by Naharnet Newsdesk

Iran said Wednesday that European nations still party to the 2015 nuclear deal are "obliged" to allow it to sell and ship oil, amid a standoff with Britain over the seizure of tankers.

The deal over Iran's nuclear programme has begun to unravel since President Donald Trump announced the United States was withdrawing from the agreement last year and reimposing sanctions.

Iran has been pushing the European parties to the deal -- Britain, France and Germany -- to adhere to their commitments under the agreement despite US pressure.

Read more at: http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/263273-iran-says-europe-obliged-to-let-it-sell-and-ship-oil (http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/263273-iran-says-europe-obliged-to-let-it-sell-and-ship-oil)
Title: Re: Iran Says Europe 'Obliged' to Let It Sell and Ship Oil
Post by: thackney on July 31, 2019, 11:58:51 am
What deal?

Iran breaks nuclear deal enrichment targets for second time
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/06/iran-to-enrich-uranium-in-further-breach-of-nuclear-deal (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/06/iran-to-enrich-uranium-in-further-breach-of-nuclear-deal)
7 Jul 2019

TONS OF URANIUM SINCE SIGNING NUCLEAR DEAL
https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-enriched-24-tons-of-enriched-uranium-since-signing-nuclear-deal-597039 (https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-enriched-24-tons-of-enriched-uranium-since-signing-nuclear-deal-597039)
JULY 30, 2019

Iran's Uranium Enrichment Breaks Nuclear Deal Limit. Here's What That Means
https://www.npr.org/2019/07/07/738902822/irans-uranium-enrichment-breaks-nuclear-deal-limit-here-s-what-that-means (https://www.npr.org/2019/07/07/738902822/irans-uranium-enrichment-breaks-nuclear-deal-limit-here-s-what-that-means)
July 7, 2019
Title: With Missiles More Accurate Than Hezbollah's, Iran Entrenchment in Iraq Threatens Israel
Post by: TomSea on August 01, 2019, 09:52:30 am
Quote
With Missiles More Accurate Than Hezbollah's, Iran Entrenchment in Iraq Threatens Israel
Reports Tuesday credited Israel with earlier attacks on Iranian targets in Iraq â–  Israeli intelligence says Iran is providing Iraqi militias with missiles more accurate than Hezbollah's, capable of hitting anywhere in Israel
Yaniv Kubovich   Aug 01, 2019 10:38 AM

Iran’s military entrenchment in Iraq poses a threat to Israel, defense officials say.

Iran began bolstering its presence in Iraq after Israel stepped up attacks on Iranian targets in Syria and Syrian President Bashar Assad regained control over most of his country. Israel’s efforts to thwart Iran’s attempts to bring sophisticated weaponry and air and naval forces into Syria led Tehran to revert to its old method of relying on local militias, which is harder for Israel to counter.

Israel’s intelligence assessment for 2019 states that despite Iran’s difficulties in entrenching itself militarily in Syria, it hasn’t given up on its ambition “to create regional hegemony for itself via alliances spreading from Iran through Iraq and Syria to Lebanon.” Nevertheless, the assessment continued: “Iran has been forced to recalculate the way it tries to realize its regional vision. This recalculation led Iran to realize that the domestic and international situation in Iraq created better opportunities for it to prepare its regional plans.”

Read more at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-iran-missiles-hezbollah-in-iraq-threaten-israel-1.7606916 (https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-iran-missiles-hezbollah-in-iraq-threaten-israel-1.7606916)
Title: U.S. levies sanctions against Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif
Post by: TomSea on August 01, 2019, 10:25:25 am
Quote
U.S. levies sanctions against Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif
By  Danielle Haynes
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said he's not concerned about the sanctions because he has no interests outside Iran. File Photo by Miguel Gutierrez/EPA-EFE

July 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. Treasury on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif for working on behalf of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control said it targeted Zarif because of his work for Khamenei, whom himself was a target of U.S. sanctions in June.

"Javad Zarif implements the reckless agenda of Iran's Supreme Leader, and is the regime's primary spokesperson around the world. The United States is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime that its recent behavior is completely unacceptable," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. "At the same time the Iranian regime denies Iranian citizens' access to social media, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif spreads the regime's propaganda and disinformation around the world through these mediums."

Read more at: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/07/31/US-levies-sanctions-against-Iranian-Foreign-Minister-Javad-Zarif/8201564611208/ (https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/07/31/US-levies-sanctions-against-Iranian-Foreign-Minister-Javad-Zarif/8201564611208/)

He seems to be the 2nd most important figure in Iran and I take it, the one Kerry and all negotiated with primarily over the nuke deal.

His twitter: https://twitter.com/JZarif (https://twitter.com/JZarif)

Outside of my expertise but if people are interested in negating that Iran deal, he's one to watch.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on August 01, 2019, 01:29:30 pm
Team Trump Turns to Lindsey Graham to Cut an Iran Deal

“I told the president: Put the 123 on the table with the Iranians. Make them say ‘no,’” Graham told The Daily Beast. “I think the Iranians will say no. And I think that will force the Europeans’ hands.”

The U.S. should also require Iran to sign on to the “gold standard,” a pledge not to enrich and reprocess nuclear fuel, Graham said. Enrichment and reprocessing are key steps on the way to a nuclear weapon.

“If countries want to have their own nuclear industry, that’s fine. I’m not against that. But countries can do that without enrichment and reprocessing, without making their own fuel,” Graham said. “The problem the Trump administration has is how do you make a flawed deal better? We need to extend a new deal that cannot be manipulated in the future. If the [State Department] has a better plan, then fine, but I think this is a good option.”

Graham said all countries in the Middle East should agree to both 123 Agreements and the “gold standard.” “It’s reasonable for the entire region,” he said. “Except for Israel. I’m not talking about Israel. They’re in their own sort of… category.”


https://news.yahoo.com/team-trump-turns-lindsey-graham-120055056.html?messageId=65a029a6-7baa-4d69-b6b4-fa2a8058c5ca&replyId=2739ee04-2e0e-416a-8128-d5c28e3ade44&bcmt=1&.tsrc=bell-canvass


That last part makes it an impossible sell.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on August 01, 2019, 02:06:55 pm
Team Trump Turns to Lindsey Graham to Cut an Iran Deal

“I told the president: Put the 123 on the table with the Iranians. Make them say ‘no,’” Graham told The Daily Beast. “I think the Iranians will say no. And I think that will force the Europeans’ hands.”

The U.S. should also require Iran to sign on to the “gold standard,” a pledge not to enrich and reprocess nuclear fuel, Graham said. Enrichment and reprocessing are key steps on the way to a nuclear weapon.

“If countries want to have their own nuclear industry, that’s fine. I’m not against that. But countries can do that without enrichment and reprocessing, without making their own fuel,” Graham said. “The problem the Trump administration has is how do you make a flawed deal better? We need to extend a new deal that cannot be manipulated in the future. If the [State Department] has a better plan, then fine, but I think this is a good option.”

Graham said all countries in the Middle East should agree to both 123 Agreements and the “gold standard.” “It’s reasonable for the entire region,” he said. “Except for Israel. I’m not talking about Israel. They’re in their own sort of… category.”


https://news.yahoo.com/team-trump-turns-lindsey-graham-120055056.html?messageId=65a029a6-7baa-4d69-b6b4-fa2a8058c5ca&replyId=2739ee04-2e0e-416a-8128-d5c28e3ade44&bcmt=1&.tsrc=bell-canvass


That last part makes it an impossible sell.

No piece of paper is going to work if there is no inspection regime in place (the real kind, not the Hans Blix kind).  No "trust" without "verify."  That's always been the problem, and that's not changing any time soon.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bigun on August 01, 2019, 02:08:55 pm
No piece of paper is going to work if there is no inspection regime in place (the real kind, not the Hans Blix kind).  No "trust" without "verify."  That's always been the problem, and that's not changing any time soon.
 

 :amen:  :amen: and  :amen:
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: edpc on August 01, 2019, 02:48:07 pm
No piece of paper is going to work if there is no inspection regime in place (the real kind, not the Hans Blix kind).  No "trust" without "verify."  That's always been the problem, and that's not changing any time soon.


Well, unfortunately, a lot of this is probably irrelevant, thanks to this crew....


(https://s.yimg.com/lo/api/res/1.2/gr.FLr8WBL07EOZk8QqbYQ--~B/YXBwaWQ9eWlzZWFyY2g7Zmk9Zml0O2dlPTAwNjYwMDtncz0wMEEzMDA7aD0zNzU7dz01Njk-/http://ivarfjeld.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/clinton.jpg.cf.jpg)


When you combine The Agreed Framework and Operation Merlin, plus the decades long cooperation between North Korea and Iran, you’ve got two new nuclear powers. We’re working backwards, at this point.

I’ve got no problem with Israel being a nuclear power. They’re in a region where they’re outnumbered and among hostile neighbors. Also, they never signed the NPT. However, you can’t begin your opening round saying they’re exempt. Nobody in their right mind would give up their weapons and allow their adversary to keep theirs.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Cyber Liberty on August 01, 2019, 02:54:10 pm

Well, unfortunately, a lot of this is probably irrelevant, thanks to this crew....


(https://s.yimg.com/lo/api/res/1.2/gr.FLr8WBL07EOZk8QqbYQ--~B/YXBwaWQ9eWlzZWFyY2g7Zmk9Zml0O2dlPTAwNjYwMDtncz0wMEEzMDA7aD0zNzU7dz01Njk-/http://ivarfjeld.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/clinton.jpg.cf.jpg)


When you combine The Agreed Framework and Operation Merlin, plus the decades long cooperation between North Korea and Iran, you’ve got two new nuclear powers. We’re working backwards, at this point.

I’ve got no problem with Israel being a nuclear power. They’re in a region where they’re outnumbered and among hostile neighbors. Also, they never signed the NPT. However, you can’t begin your opening round saying they’re exempt. Nobody in their right mind would give up their weapons and allow their adversary to keep theirs.

Quite right.  Either major changes come to those two God-forsaken countries leadership or they are going to be on the losing end of a brutal exchange.  There will be lots of collateral damage and a significant reordering of the world, to be sure, but they will lose.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Bigun on August 01, 2019, 02:59:09 pm

Well, unfortunately, a lot of this is probably irrelevant, thanks to this crew....


(https://s.yimg.com/lo/api/res/1.2/gr.FLr8WBL07EOZk8QqbYQ--~B/YXBwaWQ9eWlzZWFyY2g7Zmk9Zml0O2dlPTAwNjYwMDtncz0wMEEzMDA7aD0zNzU7dz01Njk-/http://ivarfjeld.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/clinton.jpg.cf.jpg)


When you combine The Agreed Framework and Operation Merlin, plus the decades long cooperation between North Korea and Iran, you’ve got two new nuclear powers. We’re working backwards, at this point.

I’ve got no problem with Israel being a nuclear power. They’re in a region where they’re outnumbered and among hostile neighbors. Also, they never signed the NPT. However, you can’t begin your opening round saying they’re exempt. Nobody in their right mind would give up their weapons and allow their adversary to keep theirs.

The word "Treason"  was invented for people like those in that picture.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on August 01, 2019, 04:35:23 pm
For now, I'll sweep all of my "Iran" stories into this one general thread, others' threads can stay until the weekend.
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: Gefn on August 04, 2019, 09:48:20 am
@TomSea

Breaking now,


State TV quoted by Reuters said the Revolutionary Guard Corps' naval forces had "seized a foreign tanker in the Persian Gulf that was smuggling fuel for some Arab countries".
It said the tanker was carrying 700,000l of fuel, adding that seven sailors had been detained.
The reported incident comes amid high tension after the US tightened sanctions on Iran's oil sector.
The sanctions were reimposed after Washington's unilateral withdrawal from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal.
Last month Iran seized British-flagged tanker the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it had collided with a fishing vessel.
Also, the US has blamed Iran for two separate attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman in May and June - an allegation Tehran has denied.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49225916 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49225916)
Title: Re: Iran Crisis Thread (updates)
Post by: TomSea on August 19, 2019, 02:20:04 am
Topic Non-Sticky, we can always make another thread.  I know they are fussing with that tanker that was in Gibraltar. Looks like coverage can return to normal.