Live Thread: War With Iran Continues #4

[mystery-ak]

Mark R. Levin
@marklevinshow
·
1h
History teaches us that peace deals are best made after the enemy is defeated or surrendered.

Exactly....Trump should know this......

[Bigun]

Exactly....Trump should know this......

"That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history."

Aldous Huxley

[libertybele]

Don't be silly...  @libertybele

I've already pissed off the Briefing Room "seventh floor".

If anybody needs to leave this bleeping thread...it's me!   

@DCPatriot -- we are in this together.  We've conversed in this forum for many years.  It's Briefers like you who help to give me a different perspective, which I need.  You have done nothing wrong.  I consider you a friend. 

I've sent you a private message...

[Hoodat]

The deal:


Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران
@ariel_oseran

An Iranian official tells Al Jazeera that they have reached a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistani mediator and are awaiting the American response.

The MoU includes ending the war, lifting the blockade, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the war zone, the official said.

The agreement does not include nuclear issues “because they are complex and require sufficient time for negotiation.” 30 days after the agreement is signed, the door can be opened for nuclear negotiations.

 “Iran cannot offer more concessions than those stipulated in the memorandum of understanding,” the Iranian official said.

The Iranian official stated that Pakistan’s army chief was scheduled to announce the MoU in Tehran, but he left to coordinate with Washington.

Qatar played a key role in drafting the memorandum of understanding, and there was communication between the mediators and Washington, according to the Iranian official.

8:40 AM  ·  May 23, 2026  ·  65.9K Views

https://x.com/ariel_oseran/status/2058181256093868336



And the 'opening of the Strait of Hormuz' includes tolls.

[BobfromWB]

Ukraine is the world leader.  Their technology is economically superior to anything the US has.

True, but they dress funny and are an embarrassment to the people who dress in suits. 47's Pit Bull hates them so much he embarrassed himself on live TV to make the point. Now 47 hates them too, and when it comes to high tech drones, picked son Eric's brand new drone company to be the US supplier over the hatred Ukrainian Stings.

Made in America, baby; only the best of the best for the US military ... especially where money and long term, in-family, single-bidder contracts are concerned.

[Hoodat]

Behnam Ben Taleblu بهنام بن طالب لو
@therealBehnamBT

And to clarify, the only Iranian “concessions” are:

- “ending” a war (whose ceasefire the regime has violated anyway)

- “opening” the Strait of Hormuz (which the regime can now credibly threaten w/ $5K mines & $40K drones)

- “agreeing” to nuclear talks down the line

10:36 AM  ·  May 23, 2026  ·  7,112 Views

https://x.com/therealBehnamBT/status/2058210439859769404

[240B]

Iran has never surrendered. Iran has never even pretended to surrender. The opposite. All they have done is to continue attacks on the gulf and their neighbors while spitting fire at Trump and at the entire world in general. Iran has agreed to no 'concessions'. The opposite. Each outreach for peace with Iran was met with prideful defiance and insults.

IF Iran has been defeated, Iran did not get the memo. They do not consider themselves defeated at all, by any measure. The opposite. Iran acts and declares that they are ready to "teach their enemies a lesson" any time the enemies are ready to attack. This is as far from surrender as any country can get. Iran's statements are belligerent and goading in a 'bring it on' way.

For Trump to slink away surrendering to Iran by pointing to some piece of paper claiming he 'made a deal' is the ultimate insult to his supporters, to America and Western Civilization, to Israel, and to all the Iranian people who are currently fighting for their freedom from Islamic occupation.

[Hoodat]

Mark Dubowitz
@mdubowitz

If reports are accurate, the current deal between the U.S. and Iran would be worse than the 15-point plan President Trump proposed in March.

Much worse.

Let’s hope Trump won’t lose at the negotiation table what was achieved on the battlefield.

10:31 AM  ·  May 23, 2026  ·  11.9K Views

https://x.com/mdubowitz/status/2058209260253614411

[Hoodat]

Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران
@ariel_oseran

In a letter to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi vowed that the Islamic Republic will not abandon its support for Hezbollah.

Araghchi added that the latest Iranian proposal sent through the Pakistani mediators emphasized a demand to include Lebanon in the ceasefire.

9:15 AM  ·  May 23, 2026  ·  23.4K Views

https://x.com/ariel_oseran/status/2058189980078366952

[Hoodat]

תמיר מורג Tamir Morag
@Tamir114

At this very moment, no one (quite possibly including President Trump himself) has any solid knowledge of whether we are heading toward an agreement between the U.S and Iran, or returning to a resumption of hostilities. I, of course, do not know either, but I tend to cautiously assess that despite the flurry of reports and headlines regarding a deal, a resumption of fighting remains the more likely option even now. The reasons for this are:

1. ​President Trump has positioned the issue of removing the uranium as his central banner, marking it as the indicator of victory or defeat in the war. At the moment, the Iranians are refusing to hand over the uranium.

2. ​Trump is looking beyond just gas prices, the midterm elections, and tomorrow’s headlines: At (nearly) 80 years old, he is also looking at what will be written about him in the history books. He knows that the right, non-populist decision is not to enter into an agreement with Iran under the terms currently on the table.

3. ​Trump knows that China is watching him. If he agrees to a deal that signals weakness, that message will be well-received in Beijing (as well as in Moscow), carrying a heavy price tag along with it.

4. ​Over the weekend, the New York Post - a newspaper Trump is quite fond of - reported that a terrorist acting on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was arrested in Turkey while planning to assassinate his daughter, Ivanka. Trump also remembers that the Iranian regime attempted to plot an assassination against his own life, and for him, in the end, everything is (also) personal.

5. ​At this very hour, a clash of titans is taking place for Trump's ear. Contrary to some reports, he is speaking not only with the leaders of Pakistan, Turkey, and Arab nations, but also with Netanyahu. The value of this detail should not be underestimated. Furthermore, within the administration itself - alongside the "deal at any cost" faction led by Steve Witkoff - several very significant voices, most senior among them Marco Rubio, have Trump's ear and are presenting the dark flip side of the proposed agreement.

6. ​The simplest and perhaps most important point: Trump understands the danger inherent in the lethal combination of a radical Islamist regime, ICBM development, and a nuclear program. He will not want to be remembered as the person who allowed Iran to threaten New York, Washington, Boston, and the East Coast, effectively turning America into a hostage.

2:28 PM · May 23, 2026  ·  1,597 Views

https://x.com/Tamir114/status/2058268913436147966

[BobfromWB]

Trump says it’s a ‘solid 50/50’ if he can make Iran deal or ‘blow them to kingdom come’: report

President Donald Trump said he will be meeting with negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner later Saturday to discuss Iran’s latest offer to end the war, and that he’s a “solid 50/50” as to whether he’ll be able to make a “good” deal or else “blow them to kingdom come,” according to Axios.

The outlet reported that Vice President JD Vance is also expected to join the meeting with Witkoff and Kushner and that Trump would likely decide by Sunday whether or not to resume combat operations against Iran.

"I think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good," Trump told Axios, adding that, "some people would much rather have a deal and others would rather resume the war.”

Trump said he would only accept a deal that covers issues like uranium enrichment and the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Axios also reported.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond


Trump says US is ‘getting a lot closer’ to reaching a deal with Iran: report

President Donald Trump said negotiators from the U.S. and Iran are “getting a lot closer” to finalizing a deal, CBS News reported Saturday.

Sources familiar with the talks told CBS News that the latest proposal on the table includes a process to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the unfreezing of some Iranian assets being held in foreign banks.

Trump also told the network that he believes the final deal will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, otherwise he “wouldn’t even be talking about it.”

"I will only sign a deal where we get everything we want," Trump reportedly added.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond


Trump to have call with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan, Fox confirms

A regional official told Fox News on Saturday that "President Trump is expected to hold a call with regional countries on the situation with Iran.”

“Leaders from nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan will join the call,” the official said to Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst.

Axios reported earlier that the call is expected to happen at 1 p.m. ET.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond

So much for the "help is one the way" for the Iranian people. Only a deal can make the Mad Mullahs and their IRGC cower and cringe in the face of the mighty 47 deal, he seem to believe.

He's now a fool being blindly played by some and led by others, all with more to gain with a deal than the "unconditional surrender" of just a few months ago.

If that's too gloomy for some here, tough. Its what you get when you have a "business person" leading the country that believes business deals in a war carry the same weight and import as a deal to build something in the civilian world.

[Bigun]

The deal:


Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران
@ariel_oseran

An Iranian official tells Al Jazeera that they have reached a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistani mediator and are awaiting the American response.

The MoU includes ending the war, lifting the blockade, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the war zone, the official said.

The agreement does not include nuclear issues “because they are complex and require sufficient time for negotiation.” 30 days after the agreement is signed, the door can be opened for nuclear negotiations.

 “Iran cannot offer more concessions than those stipulated in the memorandum of understanding,” the Iranian official said.

The Iranian official stated that Pakistan’s army chief was scheduled to announce the MoU in Tehran, but he left to coordinate with Washington.

Qatar played a key role in drafting the memorandum of understanding, and there was communication between the mediators and Washington, according to the Iranian official.

8:40 AM  ·  May 23, 2026  ·  65.9K Views

https://x.com/ariel_oseran/status/2058181256093868336



And the 'opening of the Strait of Hormuz' includes tolls.

Negotiating with Muslims is like trying to nail jello to the wall!

[Smokin Joe]

@DCPatriot -- we are in this together.  We've conversed in this forum for many years.  It's Briefers like you who help to give me a different perspective, which I need.  You have done nothing wrong.  I consider you a friend. 

I've sent you a private message...

I'd really rather no one left the thread. Just keep in mind that there are news sources which are questionable in accuracy, many which are biased, and some with TDS. Which is why I'm not jumping on the "Trump Failed" bandwagon. In a nutshell, it isn't over yet.

I'd rather see Trump quit messing with the IRGC and just send them to meet their virgins, but am holding out hope that he know things we don't and is couching time being used to be ready for round two as 'negotiations'.
If there is some gee whiz stuff or upgraded strategy that will take a little while to bring on line, I get it.
I really think that there is more to be gained by sending that crew to their maker, and I pray he recognizes that they cannot be dealt with in good faith.

[mystery-ak]

 

“agreeing” to nuclear talks down the line

You've got to be kidding me....

...and when that fails do we bring back the carrier groups who have headed home?

[BobfromWB]

Mark Dubowitz
@mdubowitz
·
3h
If President Trump agrees to a 60-day ceasefire extension based on vague Iranian promises to “discuss” nuclear issues, it’s game over. That pushes the crisis into late July or early August, when major military operations become far less likely ahead of the midterms.

Once the military leverage disappears, meaningful nuclear concessions disappear with it. Ballistic missile restrictions will be nonexistent. Iran will get billions in sanctions relief—while repeatedly using Hormuz as a tool of blackmail.

Tehran will have won at the negotiating table what it lost on the battlefield.

Tehran will have won more than that. They will now assume a major role in world economics, becoming a power to recon with. Their stature will rise as American stature falls, having defeated the Great Satan. One they explode their first nuke, they will become more powerful on the world stage then the US ever hoped to be.

Sorry if you don't like this post, but get a grip and toughen up.

[mystery-ak]

Tehran will have won more than that. They will now assume a major role in world economics, becoming a power to recon with. Their stature will rise as American stature falls, having defeated the Great Satan. One they explode their first nuke, they will become more powerful on the world stage then the US ever hoped to be.

Sorry if you don't like this post, but get a grip and toughen up.

I don't like it but I believe it's true..

[Bigun]

ANYTHING that leaves the Mullahs in power is FAILURE!

[Hoodat]

Tehran will have won more than that. They will now assume a major role in world economics, becoming a power to recon with. Their stature will rise as American stature falls, having defeated the Great Satan. One they explode their first nuke, they will become more powerful on the world stage then the US ever hoped to be.

Which is why I don't believe any of this.  The US is moving towards attack rather than acceptance of this invention of the media.

[BobfromWB]

Don't be silly...  @libertybele

I've already pissed off the Briefing Room "seventh floor".

If anybody needs to leave this bleeping thread...it's me!   

No more of those wild penthouse parties for you!!!

[Cyber Liberty]

All this talk about a "deal" is insanity!  There isn't anybody who is aware who thinks a deal is possible with a regime that has cheated on literally every agreement over the last half century!  If Trump isn't aware of this, then every thing we thought we knew about him is wrong.

I don't think he's that foolish, TBH.  It's more likely he's given up on some impossible deal, and is just pretending to go along with it as he sets his plans to unleash Hell.

This is JMHO, take it for what it's worth.  Back to the panic, already in progress....

[Fishrrman]

Forget the bridges and power plants.

Do whatever is necessary to force open the Straits.
That will include a ground invasion, blood is going to be shed (including ours).

Reduce every military installation to rubble on either side of the Strait for 150 miles and 100 miles inland.
If that isn't working, bomb the cities into dust (including the civilians within them, sorry).
Specifically target mosques.

Doesn't matter if Mr. Trump thinks he's the best dealmaker of them all...
iran is NEVER going to live up to ANY "deal".

iran must be made to bleed.
If the initial bleeding isn't enough, than make 'em bleed more.

I would prefer that we use small nukes, but no one else in the forum will say that.

Sorry if you don't care for this reply.

[Cyber Liberty]

Forget the bridges and power plants.

Do whatever is necessary to force open the Straits.
That will include a ground invasion, blood is going to be shed (including ours).

Reduce every military installation to rubble on either side of the Strait for 150 miles and 100 miles inland.
If that isn't working, bomb the cities into dust (including the civilians within them, sorry).
Specifically target mosques.

Doesn't matter if Mr. Trump thinks he's the best dealmaker of them all...
iran is NEVER going to live up to ANY "deal".

iran must be made to bleed.
If the initial bleeding isn't enough, than make 'em bleed more.

I would prefer that we use small nukes, but no one else in the forum will say that.

Sorry if you don't care for this reply.

Why would we want to start a war with Oman and the United Arab Emirates?

Sorry if you believe I think you are out of your mind....

[Hoodat]

Mossad Commentary
@MOSSADil

Netanyahu and Trump are speaking right now on the phone while Trump’s top political and military advisers are present in the room.

3:31 PM  ·  May 23, 2026  ·  1,177 Views

https://x.com/MOSSADil/status/2058284623184982032

[BobfromWB]

From all reports I am reading IRAN HAS ESSENTIALLY 'WON THE WAR' FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES. (the IRGC and the mullahs are celebrating)
Iran has forced the Great Satan to back down with absolutely NO concessions on the strait of Hormuz or the nuclear bomb issue.

Trump/America spent billions and achieved absolutely nothing. Iran was 'set back' a few months but can rebuild to where they were before the war and even stronger. Now with the experience of what an American strike looks like and with knowledge of Western limitations, Iran will be better hardened, better armed, and better ready for the next time.

Iran has learned that Trump is mostly 'bluster' over actual action. Iran has learned that they can immediately stop and shutdown any American military operation by playing the "I want to make a deal" trump card.

If Trump gives Iran a pass now, it will be ten times harder to contain them when they go nuclear and once again attempt to fulfill their foundational goal of global destruction and world domination.

As will China. The military takeover of Taiwan is almost guaranteed now. Russia already know 47 can be played, but now the true extent of his dependence on novices in his inner circle are revealed. If the US had any real Allies they are now rapidly departing under the idiot in chief's neivity and inexperience with anything other that making ordinary business deals.

The stage will now be set for a real nuclear war ... thanks to 47's idiocy.

Iran's foundational goal is not global destruction and world domination, its the extinction of the entire human race which is why the are called the Mad Mullahs - they are blooming nuts.

[BobfromWB]

Mark R. Levin
@marklevinshow
·
1h
History teaches us that peace deals are best made after the enemy is defeated or surrendered.

Right. Iran defeated the Great Satan which is now in the process of surrendering.

Get out you koran and recite the Shahada, let your inner muslim out.

[Fishrrman]

Cyber wrote:
"Why would we want to start a war with Oman and the United Arab Emirates?"

I didn't mean on the UAE side of the water.
I mean "both sides, northeast and southwest of the Strait" on the IRANIAN side.

Look, I may be the dumbest guy on the forum, but I'm not THAT dumb...

[240B]

I don't think he's that foolish, TBH.  It's more likely he's given up on some impossible deal, and is just pretending to go along with it as he sets his plans to unleash Hell.

I have heard this thought for three months. Trump is just giving the military time to rest and reload. That may apply for the first two weeks.
Three months is one hell of a furlough. In three months everything that can be reloaded is reloaded. Everything that can be rested is rested.

And this applies to Iran too. Iran has certainly been using Trump's free vacation time to rearm, to prepare for the next attack, and to dig out.
As a military person I can tell you, after two weeks of stand-down, everything becomes boring and stupid. Drills and training - Drills and train.

[Cyber Liberty]

Cyber wrote:
"Why would we want to start a war with Oman and the United Arab Emirates?"

I didn't mean on the UAE side of the water.
I mean "both sides, northeast and southwest of the Strait" on the IRANIAN side.

Look, I may be the dumbest guy on the forum, but I'm not THAT dumb...

Somehow, I thought that's what you meant.  In that case I agree....

[mystery-ak]

𝐍𝐢𝐨𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠 🇮🇷 ✡︎
@NiohBerg
·
1h
Seal what deal? One that looks identical to what was suggested before the war? One that allows the islamic regime to rebuild and resume its nuclear program as soon as Trump is gone?

What deal??

[Cyber Liberty]

I have heard this thought for three months. Trump is just giving the military time to rest and reload. That may apply for the first two weeks.
Three months is one hell of a furlough. In three months everything that can be reloaded is reloaded. Everything that can be rested is rested.

And this applies to Iran too. Iran has certainly been using Trump's free vacation time to rearm, to prepare for the next attack, and to dig out.
As a military person I can tell you, after two weeks of stand-down, everything becomes boring and stupid. Drills and training - Drills and train.

What we're hearing as a possible agreement is the most insane deal ever discussed in the past two months!

[Cyber Liberty]

𝐍𝐢𝐨𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠 🇮🇷 ✡︎
@NiohBerg
·
1h
Seal what deal? One that looks identical to what was suggested before the war? One that allows the islamic regime to rebuild and resume its nuclear program as soon as Trump is gone?

What deal??

It's not a "deal," it would be an unconditional surrender by a victorious army.  It defies all logic.

[mystery-ak]

https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2058286660190720478

[mystery-ak]

Barak Ravid
@BarakRavid
·
38m
Translated from Hebrew
🚨A senior regional source told me that all the Arab and Muslim leaders who participated in the conversation with Trump on Saturday urged him to move forward with the deal to end the war and curb the escalation in the region
🚨"The message from everyone was - please stop the war for the sake of the entire region," the source said
🚨According to the regional source, the negotiations are progressing well and the mediators hope to close a one-page framework agreement tomorrow and announce it immediately
🚨Afterward, the mediators want to begin negotiations on a detailed agreement within a number of days, the regional source said

[mystery-ak]

Looks like Trump has basically agreed to this...

https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/2058287329001840800

[mystery-ak]

HowdyBYU
@HowdyBYU
·
3m
The Straight of Hormuz will "open" and within 5 hours we will hear of tankers being attacked with drones.   Iran gives zero shits about anything, they are religious zealots that has only 1 motivation.  And until that motivation is conquered nothing will change.

[Cyber Liberty]

Everybody but us wants us to surrender unconditionally to Iran.

Somebody had better be saying, "No!"

[Hoodat]

[mystery-ak]

Mike Pompeo
@mikepompeo
·
14m
The deal being floated with Iran seems straight out of the Wendy Sherman-Robert Malley-Ben Rhodes playbook: Pay the IRGC to build a WMD program and terrorize the world.

Not remotely America First. It’s straightforward: Open the damned strait. Deny Iran access to money. Take out enough Iranian capability so it cannot threaten our allies in the region.

Overdue. Let’s go.

[Bigun]

HowdyBYU
@HowdyBYU
·
3m
The Straight of Hormuz will "open" and within 5 hours we will hear of tankers being attacked with drones.   Iran gives zero shits about anything, they are religious zealots that has only 1 motivation.  And until that motivation is conquered nothing will change.

 

[Hoodat]

It's not a "deal," it would be an unconditional surrender by a victorious army.  It defies all logic.

Iran must have gotten their hands on the pee tape.  Likely, Putin gave it to them.

[dfwgator]

Mike Pompeo
@mikepompeo
·
14m
The deal being floated with Iran seems straight out of the Wendy Sherman-Robert Malley-Ben Rhodes playbook: Pay the IRGC to build a WMD program and terrorize the world.

Not remotely America First. It’s straightforward: Open the damned strait. Deny Iran access to money. Take out enough Iranian capability so it cannot threaten our allies in the region.

Overdue. Let’s go.

Trump is taking the "L".

[mystery-ak]

Open Source Intel
@Osint613
·
27m
Al Jazeera: Sources say the Iran draft proposal includes ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, unfreezing billions in Iranian funds, lifting the U.S. naval blockade, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and pulling U.S. forces away from Iran’s vicinity.

The sides would then have 30 days, extendable by agreement, to finalize a nuclear deal. Iran says future management of the Strait would be handled jointly with Oman.

[mystery-ak]

Dr. Eli David
@DrEliDavid
·
48m
The published deal is a WORSE version of Obama's JCPOA.

If agreed, it will be a huge humiliation for Trump, and a huge victory for the regime in Iran

I don't believe Trump went through all this trouble to surrender.

[DCPatriot]

@DCPatriot -- we are in this together.  We've conversed in this forum for many years.  It's Briefers like you who help to give me a different perspective, which I need.  You have done nothing wrong.  I consider you a friend. 

I've sent you a private message...

@libertybele

We're always good, my FRiend.  Thank you for the kind words.      

[mystery-ak]

Mossad Commentary
@MOSSADil
FYI. We are pro Trump. But anti-bad policies.
4:19 PM · May 23, 2026

Mossad Commentary
@MOSSADil
·
15m
The only optimism I have is that Iran will reject thr deal. Which, in turn, will give full legitimacy,  domestically,  for Trump to attack.

[Cyber Liberty]

Trump is taking the "L".

...while taking it for the 13 lives lost...not to mention for all of us, too!

[mystery-ak]

Mossad Commentary
@MOSSADil
·
48m
Replying to
@MOSSADil
2/4
The guest list tells the whole story:
• Qatar (Hamas’ biggest backer)
• Erdoğan’s Turkey
• Pakistan
• The full Gulf lineup  Israel? A separate “very good call” with Bibi Netanyahu after the fact.  The regional players are now shaping Iran’s future while Jerusalem watches.

[mystery-ak]

https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2058287270373855556

[mystery-ak]

...while taking it for the 13 lives lost...not to mention for all of us, too!

...also for all the people who believed *help is on the way*...how many died from that statement..35K?

[libertybele]

@libertybele

We're always good, my FRiend.  Thank you for the kind words.