Live Thread: War With Iran Continues #5

[libertybele]

https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2064850732688273764

Even IF Iran signs the agreement/deal Trump wants, for heaven's sake, we all know that they cannot and should not be trusted.

As for Iran begging Trump to stop .... sounds like fake news to me.  Just my opinion.

[Wingnut]

Just bomb the shit out of them. 

Why are we playing with these assholes.

[libertybele]

In memo to CENTCOM leaders, Cooper warns of duty to protect civilians

 As the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran continues to teeter, the man in charge of leading America’s military operations has sent a direct message to the forces under his command: “protecting civilian life” is paramount and a key part of their job.

A memo from US Central Command head Adm. Bradley Cooper, dated May 26 and distributed throughout CENTCOM, specifically calls out that “Protecting civilian life is part of our culture as a professional fighting force … It is embedded in how we plan, how we target, and how we fight.

“Every target nomination. Every strike. Every engagement,” the unclassified memo, which was viewed by Breaking Defense, continues. “At every echelon, from the campaign plan to the individual tactical decision, you will distinguish between those who fight and those who do not, applying force only against lawful military objectives, and exercise judgment before you employ your weapons.

“Our commitment to the law of armed conflict is not a constraint on our lethality,” Cooper wrote. “It is the source of our legitimacy, the reason our partners choose to stand with us, and a direct contributor to our operational effectiveness. A force that fights with discipline and fidelity to the law is more lethal, not less.”

The four-star admiral’s message goes on to emphasize that this standard is what sets the US apart from adversaries that opt to target civilians and create terror by targeting schools, hospitals and places of worship. ............

.................The memo comes against a backdrop of comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that have downplayed or denigrated traditional brakes on armed conflict.

For instance, in a March 2 briefing, Hegseth promised “No stupid rules of engagement” would impact the Iran operation, and in a 2024 book he wrote about “academic rules of engagement which have been tying the hands of our warfighters for too long.” Then on March 13, Hegseth said, “We will keep pushing, keep advancing, no quarter, no mercy for our enemies.” That line of “no quarter” led to questions from lawmakers and legal experts about whether Hegseth was effectively calling for war crimes...........

https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/in-memo-to-centcom-commanders-cooper-warns-of-duty-to-protect-civilians/

[mystery-ak]

The mission is now completed per Fox News

[Wingnut]

The mission is now completed per Fox News

And what was the mission? 

Christ.  We never complete the real mission.

[corbe]

[Right_in_Virginia]

The reason Israel is not involved in the current bombings is because Israel does not play patty-cake. Israel does not do 'proportional response'.   Israel plays to win.

I appreciate that Israel's military might has evolved into one part reality and two parts folklore.  But, is fighting the Gazans for 59 consecutive years actually winning?  Is fighting in Lebanon for 53 consecutive years actually winning?  Maybe Israel should take some time and think through its commitment to and affinity for neverending war.  They've got some time to relax ---  we've got this.

 

And Trump does not want that (winning)   Trump wants to bomb around the edges doing a little damage, but not too much, to try to make Iran sign his retarded "deal" which Iran will just ignore anyway.[/size]

Yes, Trump wants to bomb to the point of a signed agreement.  I suspect he thinks bombing beyond that point is a waste of money and resources needed to both coerce and rebuild.  Smart.

As for the agreement itself, try to remember we still do not know what's in it ---- we don't know who else will be monitoring compliance, including Gulf States, or the penalties for non-compliance.    Before branding it a failure, let it play out.

[Right_in_Virginia]

The mission is now completed per Fox News

The mission for **tonght*" is now completed.  Further bombings will be depend on Iran's choice.

[IsailedawayfromFR]

They don't like anyone to criticize the orange menace.

Exactly who is  "they" you are referring to?

[Wingnut]

The mission for **tonght*" is now completed.  Further bombings will be depend on Iran's choice.

Or the Israeli response.   

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Sorry you did not read the post I was commenting on or you would have known to whom I was referring. In that case, you would not have been forced to make a snide comment. Sorry. Hope your reading skills improve in the future.

Sorry?  No you're not.

Just keep up the TDS stuff.  You are really good at it, and it suits you well.

[Right_in_Virginia]

The mission for **tonght*" is now completed.  Further bombings will be depend on Iran's choice.

https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2064851567270879330

[Wingnut]

https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2064851567270879330

Is RiV good with this?

[Right_in_Virginia]

https://twitter.com/BRICSinfo/status/2064854994306662549

[Wingnut]

https://twitter.com/BRICSinfo/status/2064854994306662549

Is RiV good with this?

[Right_in_Virginia]

[Wingnut]

RiV are you okay with this?

[Right_in_Virginia]

So bringing ourselves down to the moral  levels of the Mullahs is acceptable? 

Our trustworthiness in the world has slipped.....   And stunts like this don't help.

We facilitated the transportation of oil through the Strait @catfish1957   We're the good guys --- 

[verga]

A SUPREME LEADER is like a regular leader except it comes with sour cream and extra tomatoes.

[verga]

 

Very simple Iran:  Turn over the Strait of Hormuz and uranium.

[BobfromWB]

In memo to CENTCOM leaders, Cooper warns of duty to protect civilians

 As the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran continues to teeter, the man in charge of leading America’s military operations has sent a direct message to the forces under his command: “protecting civilian life” is paramount and a key part of their job.

A memo from US Central Command head Adm. Bradley Cooper, dated May 26 and distributed throughout CENTCOM, specifically calls out that “Protecting civilian life is part of our culture as a professional fighting force … It is embedded in how we plan, how we target, and how we fight.

“Every target nomination. Every strike. Every engagement,” the unclassified memo, which was viewed by Breaking Defense, continues. “At every echelon, from the campaign plan to the individual tactical decision, you will distinguish between those who fight and those who do not, applying force only against lawful military objectives, and exercise judgment before you employ your weapons.

“Our commitment to the law of armed conflict is not a constraint on our lethality,” Cooper wrote. “It is the source of our legitimacy, the reason our partners choose to stand with us, and a direct contributor to our operational effectiveness. A force that fights with discipline and fidelity to the law is more lethal, not less.”

The four-star admiral’s message goes on to emphasize that this standard is what sets the US apart from adversaries that opt to target civilians and create terror by targeting schools, hospitals and places of worship. ............

.................The memo comes against a backdrop of comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that have downplayed or denigrated traditional brakes on armed conflict.

For instance, in a March 2 briefing, Hegseth promised “No stupid rules of engagement” would impact the Iran operation, and in a 2024 book he wrote about “academic rules of engagement which have been tying the hands of our warfighters for too long.” Then on March 13, Hegseth said, “We will keep pushing, keep advancing, no quarter, no mercy for our enemies.” That line of “no quarter” led to questions from lawmakers and legal experts about whether Hegseth was effectively calling for war crimes...........

https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/in-memo-to-centcom-commanders-cooper-warns-of-duty-to-protect-civilians/

Isn't that the same strategy that won WWII? Asking for a friend.

[Timber Rattler]

Isn't that the same strategy that won WWII? Asking for a friend.

Admiral Cooper sounds like one of those clueless flag officers who thinks we can win wars by not breaking things.

[libertybele]

Admiral Cooper sounds like one of those clueless flag officers who thinks we can win wars by not breaking things.

That was my impression as well and I don't think Hegseth and Cooper are on the same page.  Not a good thing.

[mystery-ak]

Trump says US tried to deliver arms to Iranian people, but regional ally 'let us down'

President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. attempted to deliver arms to the Iranian people in an effort to overthrow the regime in Tehran, but regional allies "let us down."

Trump made the statement during an on-air interview with "Fox & Friends," saying the the U.S. delivered weapons to the Kurds, regional adversaries of Iran, but he believes they kept the weapons for themselves rather than distributing them.

"The Kurds let us down," Trump said. "But I'll remember that, Kurds."

He went on to say that he was initially opposed to the plan, saying he suspected the Kurds would "keep the weapons."
Posted by Anders Hagstrom

[mystery-ak]

Trump announces more strikes against Iran, plans to take over key Iranian stronghold

President Donald Trump says the U.S. will be continuing strikes against Iran on Thursday as peace talks appear to have come to a standstill.

"The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT," Trump warned.

Trump also revealed plans for the U.S. to take over Kharg Island, a key military and oil production hub for the Iranian regime.

"At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America," he wrote.

The U.S. has previously carried out airstrikes on Kharg Island, but no action has been taking to seize it.
Posted by Anders Hagstrom

[libertybele]

Trump says US tried to deliver arms to Iranian people, but regional ally 'let us down'

President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. attempted to deliver arms to the Iranian people in an effort to overthrow the regime in Tehran, but regional allies "let us down."

Trump made the statement during an on-air interview with "Fox & Friends," saying the the U.S. delivered weapons to the Kurds, regional adversaries of Iran, but he believes they kept the weapons for themselves rather than distributing them.

"The Kurds let us down," Trump said. "But I'll remember that, Kurds."

He went on to say that he was initially opposed to the plan, saying he suspected the Kurds would "keep the weapons."
Posted by Anders Hagstrom

Well, he is saying that an attempt was made to arm the Iranian people which is to his credit.  Then the only way to help the Iranian people is with boots on the ground???

[massadvj]

Well, he is saying that an attempt was made to arm the Iranian people which is to his credit.  Then the only way to help the Iranian people is with boots on the ground???

Trump would have to arm a bunch of dead people. Literally every known dissident in the country has been killed by the mullahs. Trying to arm the citizens is laudable, but would very likely result in dire consequences. There is a high likelihood that the weapons would end up in the hands of the most extreme Anti-Christians in the country.

[massadvj]

"At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America," he wrote.

The U.S. has previously carried out airstrikes on Kharg Island, but no action has been taking to seize it.

The only reason I can imagine this has yet to be done is that Trump is afraid of the Chinese reaction. With control of Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz, Trump can simply sit and wait. Iran will revert to the stone age. There will be a very bloody civil war, which the mullahs may well win. But the country will have no tenable path to renewal, and a large percentage of the population (probably mostly the seculars) will be killed. The world press will, of course, blame the USA for that carnage.

And then there is the problem that if Trump attempts this and fails, he will be impeached and convicted.

[catfish1957]

The only reason I can imagine this has yet to be done is that Trump is afraid of the Chinese reaction. With control of Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz, Trump can simply sit and wait. Iran will revert to the stone age. There will be a very bloody civil war, which the mullahs may well win. But the country will have no tenable path to renewal, and a large percentage of the population (probably mostly the seculars) will be killed. The world press will, of course, blame the USA for that carnage.

And then there is the problem that if Trump attempts this and fails, he will be impeached and convicted.

Sorry, but you won't get  67 senators for conviction. Bank on it.

[massadvj]

Sorry, but you won't get  67 senators for conviction. Bank on it.

If he uses ground troops and the effort fails, he will fall quicker than Nixon.

[catfish1957]

If he uses ground troops and the effort fails, he will fall quicker than Nixon.

And what would be the impeachable offense?  Are matress tags involved?

[Cyber Liberty]

The only reason I can imagine this has yet to be done is that Trump is afraid of the Chinese reaction. With control of Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz, Trump can simply sit and wait. Iran will revert to the stone age. There will be a very bloody civil war, which the mullahs may well win. But the country will have no tenable path to renewal, and a large percentage of the population (probably mostly the seculars) will be killed. The world press will, of course, blame the USA for that carnage.

And then there is the problem that if Trump attempts this and fails, he will be impeached and convicted.

Wait...you said literally all dissidents are already dead.  Civil War with whom?

[libertybele]

If he uses ground troops and the effort fails, he will fall quicker than Nixon.

I doubt that's a concern, he has a little more than two years left to his term.  I think his greatest concern is loss of U.S. lives.

[mystery-ak]

Trump says US 'will be taking Kharg Island' oil export hub, vows to hit Iran 'very hard tonight'
Ryan King

WASHINGTON — President Trump warned Thursday that the US will soon take over Kharg Island, which processes about 90% of Iran’s crude oil for export, following a second day of airstrikes against the Islamic Republic.

“The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT,” Trump announced on Truth Social.

“At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America.”

Trump had flirted with military operations targeting Kharg Island earlier in Operation Epic Fury, but has so far refrained from knocking out Iran’s oil industry infrastructure, viewing it as too important to the country’s future.

The US restarted strikes Tuesday evening after an Apache helicopter was brought down over the Strait of Hormuz by an Iranian drone.

more
https://nypost.com/2026/06/11/us-news/trump-says-us-will-be-taking-kharg-island-oil-export-hub-vows-to-hit-iran-very-hard-tonight/

[mystery-ak]

https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2065058007197593992

[massadvj]

And what would be the impeachable offense?  Are matress tags involved?

Carrying out a war without congressional authorization. The 60-day window is already closed, and congress has put him on notice that they do not authorize the use of ground troops.

If Trump uses ground troops and succeeds, then every Republican in congress will claim to have supported him all along. If he fails, he will have nary a friend in the world.

The question is moot because this statement from Trump is likely more bluster in trying to get a negotiated settlement. I am still betting on TACO.

[catfish1957]

I doubt that's a concern, he has a little more than two years left to his term.  I think his greatest concern is loss of U.S. lives.

 

Exactly.  Plus, I want someone to give me the exact names of the 18 or 19 GOP senators who would convict, considering prior blatant political weaponization. 

[massadvj]

I doubt that's a concern, he has a little more than two years left to his term.  I think his greatest concern is loss of U.S. lives.

This is the most likely outcome, assuming he takes Kharg Island. The war will be protracted to the point that the final outcome will be determined under another POTUS. Similar to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Failure, by definition, means loss of American lives in a losing cause. So, yes, I agree.

[mystery-ak]

https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2065057578388689064

[massadvj]

Wait...you said literally all dissidents are already dead.  Civil War with whom?

All KNOWN dissidents are dead. More will resurface and be created.

[Cyber Liberty]

All KNOWN dissidents are dead. More will resurface and be created.

Correct.  The supply of dissidents is never ending.

[Timber Rattler]

"The Kurds let us down. I disagreed with the decision. I said, they won't deliver them. I think they KEPT them for themselves. I'll remember that, KURDS!" em weapons, and we were VERY disappointed by the Kurds, to be honest with you."

Payback for all the previous times the U.S. either betrayed or abandoned the Kurds after making all kinds of bad faith promises about their own self-determination and defense in support of U.S. policies in Iraq.

I guess Trump is ignorant about all of that.

[mystery-ak]

https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2065043613155815741

[BobfromWB]

Trump would have to arm a bunch of dead people. Literally every known dissident in the country has been killed by the mullahs. Trying to arm the citizens is laudable, but would very likely result in dire consequences. There is a high likelihood that the weapons would end up in the hands of the most extreme Anti-Christians in the country.

You know for a fact that every known dissident is dead - then cite your source, please.

Who cares if they are anti-christian or Zoroastrian? As long as they are not Islamic Shia 12ers all is good.

[240B]

Trump says US 'will be taking Kharg Island' oil export hub, vows to hit Iran 'very hard tonight'
Ryan King

WASHINGTON — President Trump warned Thursday that the US will soon take over Kharg Island, which processes about 90% of Iran’s crude oil for export, following a second day of airstrikes against the Islamic Republic.

“The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT,” Trump announced on Truth Social.

“At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America.”

Trump had flirted with military operations targeting Kharg Island earlier in Operation Epic Fury, but has so far refrained from knocking out Iran’s oil industry infrastructure, viewing it as too important to the country’s future.

The US restarted strikes Tuesday evening after an Apache helicopter was brought down over the Strait of Hormuz by an Iranian drone.

more
https://nypost.com/2026/06/11/us-news/trump-says-us-will-be-taking-kharg-island-oil-export-hub-vows-to-hit-iran-very-hard-tonight/

Why would anyone say they are going to attack the Klingon island hours in advance?
I cannot imagine any reason Trump would say this to the press?

[catfish1957]

Bridge and power plant day needs to be conducted soon.

Blow 'em all up.  Level their infrastructure crumble, and it'll take 10+ years to recover.  Nukes?  No problem, they will be more concerned about water, food, and the basic survival necessities,

[BobfromWB]

The only reason I can imagine this has yet to be done is that Trump is afraid of the Chinese reaction. With control of Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz, Trump can simply sit and wait. Iran will revert to the stone age. There will be a very bloody civil war, which the mullahs may well win. But the country will have no tenable path to renewal, and a large percentage of the population (probably mostly the seculars) will be killed. The world press will, of course, blame the USA for that carnage.

And then there is the problem that if Trump attempts this and fails, he will be impeached and convicted.

One big reason taking Kharg is holding it, the taking is relatively easy, the rest is difficult  ... at best.

And no Iran will not revert to the Stone Age. Just more sensationalized hyperbola

Only you seem to care about what the "world press" thinks, the rest of us could give a rat's patoot.

[BobfromWB]

If he uses ground troops and the effort fails, he will fall quicker than Nixon.

Oh, give it a rest, please. Nixon resigned & was not impeached or convicted.

[massadvj]

Why would anyone say they are going to attack an island hours in advance?
I cannot imagine any reason Trump would say this to the press?

If you always assume that what Trump writes on Truth Social will be the exact opposite of what he actually does, you will be right the vast majority of the time, and retain your sanity.

Truth Social has two marketing objectives: (1) feed red meat to the cultists; and (2) trigger more TDS in the enemy. Trump's TS posts have no bearing on actual policy as far as I have ever been able to tell.

[Timber Rattler]

Defense industry leaders preparing to meet with Trump as worries over missile supply grow, sources say

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/defense-industry-leaders-preparing-meet-trump-worries-grow-missile-sup-rcna349289

Defense industry leaders have been preparing to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House later this week in what is expected to be a contentious discussion as concerns grow over the U.S. supply of missiles, according to two people familiar with details of the meeting.

The leaders of roughly seven defense companies are expected to be pressed by the president to find ways to swiftly increase their production of weaponry for the Pentagon, according to these people and one other person familiar with the upcoming meeting. Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg is also expected to attend, two of the people said.

The president has expressed anger to aides and allies over thinning American stockpiles, the people said. Trump is considering whether to restart major combat operations in Iran, which downed a U.S. Army helicopter Tuesday. The crew was rescued and the U.S. launched new attacks in Iran in response.

(snip)

One of the people familiar with plans for a meeting this week said they anticipate it is “going to be ugly,” in part because of Trump’s frustrations with the status of the U.S. munitions stockpile.

(snip)

While the Pentagon has entered into “framework agreements” on weaponry, none include any actual contracts to produce new munitions that would replenish the American stockpile, according to officials and defense firm representatives.

EXCERPT

Flashback to 1993:

'The last supper': How a 1993 Pentagon dinner reshaped the defense industry

https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/03/01/the-last-supper-how-a-1993-pentagon-dinner-reshaped-the-defense-industry

They had made very clear what they could afford and they were going to pay for companies that had one third of all factories and inefficiencies to go with that. And they said that the government was not in the business of redesigning companies or consolidating industries or putting people in or out of business. That was up to us, the CEOs of the companies that were in the industry at the time.

And that was quite an awakening, they heard from the Defense Department on how small an industry would be afforded. And I should add to that that in serious war time, the defense industrial base is really the national industrial base. And it too had manufacturing was severely declining at the same time. And in 1980, 18% of the workforce in the nation was in the manufacturing world. Shortly after the Last Supper it was 7%. So the commercial industrial base was declining and the defense industrial was going to decline. Big worry for any future need for large scale military equipment.