Live Thread: War With Iran Continues #5

[240B]

[libertybele]

At the moment, and on the surface, this looks to be the painful truth of the situation.

[mystery-ak]

OIL IS FLOWING, IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON (THE WORLD WILL BE SAFE!), THE STOCK MARKETS ARE ROARING, JOBS ARE AT RECORDS, AND PRICES ARE DROPPING (AFFORDABILITY!). OUR COUNTRY IS STRONG, SAFE, AND RESPECTED LIKE NEVER BEFORE. “YOU’RE WELCOME!” President DJT
- President Donald Trump on Truth Social

[mystery-ak]

Netanyahu vows Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon security zone

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will maintain its security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as the country’s security needs require it, arguing the buffer is necessary to protect Israeli communities from Hezbollah.

“This requires maintaining the security zone in southern Lebanon,” Netanyahu said at a ceremony Thursday, according to translated remarks. “It requires that we do not withdraw from there as long as Israel’s security needs demand it.”

Netanyahu said the zone “stands between Hezbollah terrorists and our citizens and communities,” linking the Lebanon front to Israel’s broader war against Iran and its proxies.

Israel has “shattered Hezbollah’s missile capabilities” and removed the threat of a ground invasion from northern communities, according to Netanyahu, acknowledging “there is still work to be done.”

Netanyahu also stressed the importance of preserving Israel’s relationship with the U.S., saying the two countries have fought “shoulder to shoulder.”

Netanyahu repeated his central red line in line with President Donald Trump's memorandum of understanding (MOU).

“Iran will not have nuclear weapons," he said, "and as long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel — it will not happen.”

That came as Vice President JD Vance issued a firm rebuke of criticism coming from members of the Israeli Cabinet.

“Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time,” Vance said at the White House press briefing Thursday. “And he happens to be the head of state of the world’s superpower.”

Netanyahu “has not gone down this path,” Vance admitted, but some members of Israel’s cabinet should reconsider their criticism of Trump.

“If I was in the Cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” Vance said.

Vance noted “two thirds of the defensive weapons” protecting the country over the last three months “have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars.”

“The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump,” Vance said. “Anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the president of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in.”
Posted by Eric Mack

[mystery-ak]

I still think he's dead

Khamenei message on U.S.-Iran MOU expected within hour

A message from Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei on the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) is expected to be published within the hour, according to a post on his X account.

The translated X post says the message will be directed “to the Iranian nation” and will address the MOU between the presidents of Iran and the United States.

It is not yet clear what form the message will take.

Based on the wording of the post, it does not appear certain that Khamenei will deliver the remarks personally on video.

In the past, similar messages have sometimes been read by a presenter on Iranian state television or issued through social media channels.

The expected statement could offer a major signal on how Iran’s leadership is framing the MOU domestically after the U.S. and Iran moved toward implementation of the agreement.
Posted by Eric Mack

[Bigun]

Mullahs still in charge = 100% fail!

"Hold on! Help is on the way!" Goes down in the annals of infamy!

[mystery-ak]

The Hormuz Letter
@HormuzLetter
·
58m
BREAKING: Iran warns of cancelling all upcoming negotiations, re-imposing the full Hormuz blockade and responding with missiles over the direct violation of the US-Iran MOU's first clause, with Israel continuing military aggressions in southern Lebanon, including last night, despite explicit commitment from the first clause to end the war and guarantee Lebanese sovereignty, per Tasnim.

Iran explicitly rejects any "theater from Trump" about Netanyahu being rogue, and now Friday's Geneva meeting to launch the first round of 30-day technical talks between Vance and Ghalibaf is on hold over the violation, as no trip has been confirmed or scheduled just 24 hours after the MOU was electronically signed.

[Bigun]

The Hormuz Letter
@HormuzLetter
·
58m
BREAKING: Iran warns of cancelling all upcoming negotiations, re-imposing the full Hormuz blockade and responding with missiles over the direct violation of the US-Iran MOU's first clause, with Israel continuing military aggressions in southern Lebanon, including last night, despite explicit commitment from the first clause to end the war and guarantee Lebanese sovereignty, per Tasnim.

Iran explicitly rejects any "theater from Trump" about Netanyahu being rogue, and now Friday's Geneva meeting to launch the first round of 30-day technical talks between Vance and Ghalibaf is on hold over the violation, as no trip has been confirmed or scheduled just 24 hours after the MOU was electronically signed.

How long before Trump throws Israel under the bus?

[mystery-ak]

he's dead Jim

Iran leader opposed MOU, but approved it only after Iranian president took responsibility

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Wednesday he held a “different view” on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the presidents of Iran and the United States, but granted permission after Iran’s president accepted responsibility for protecting Iranian interests.

In a statement posted in parts to X, Khamenei addressed the “passionate and loyal nation of Iran” and said Iranian officials had worked toward the agreement with “sincere concern and goodwill.”

https://twitter.com/MKhamenei_ir/status/2067661469047509123

He also claimed President Donald Trump pushed for the MOU “out of desperation” and used “all kinds of leverage” to bring it about.

“I, as a matter of principle, held a different view,” Khamenei said, but added that he approved the move after Iran’s president, as head of the Supreme National Security Council, pledged to safeguard “the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front.”

Khamenei said the president also explicitly promised that Iran would not submit if the U.S. makes “excessive demands.”

“From this moment on,” he said, Iranians will wait to see whether those conditions are met.

    In the course of reaching this stage, the officials in charge, out of sincere concern and goodwill, made extensive efforts—and of course, it was the American president who, out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage to bring this about. I, as a matter of principle, held a different view; however, out of the commitment that the esteemed president — as the head of the Supreme National Security Council — gave to me on his own behalf and on behalf of the other members regarding the safeguarding of the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and his explicit acceptance of that responsibility, I granted my permission.
    - Iranian Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on X (translated to English)

Posted by Eric Mack

[Right_in_Virginia]

"Hold on! Help is on the way!" Goes down in the annals of infamy! [/size]

Like "Peace with Honor"?

[Right_in_Virginia]

How long before Trump throws Israel under the bus?

This ⬆️ is just silly hyperbole.  Everyone knows no one can throw Israel under its own bus. 

[LMAO]

The repubs basically had no choice or they were going to get creamed in the mid terms.  Oil prices are already heading for the 60’s.  We can go back to pounding Iraq after the election.

Lol

Good luck with that when the newly elected Democrat Congress take control in January

[DCPatriot]

Jack Posobiec reposted
Human Events

@HumanEvents
·
1m
.
@JackPosobiec
 praises Trump's official signing of the Iran deal and slams critics:

"We understand the score. President Trump understands the score. That's why he was elected. If you don't like it, run for president yourself."

https://x.com/JackPosobiec

[Right_in_Virginia]

Jack Posobiec reposted
Human Events

@HumanEvents
1m
.
@JackPosobiec praises Trump's official signing of the Iran deal and slams critics:

"We understand the score. President Trump understands the score. That's why he was elected. If you don't like it, run for president yourself."

https://x.com/JackPosobiec

Last night's signing of the agreement in the Palace of Versailles

Video:  https://youtu.be/qUoUeQ_tYbE?si=bheW5x4fmjOK1iSi

[mystery-ak]

Top Senate Republican rips into Trump's Iran deal, says $300 billion makes Obama deal look like 'a pittance'
Roger Wicker said Trump's Iran deal 'negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury'
By Alex Miller Fox News
Published June 18, 2026 1:09pm EDT

Republicans aren’t taking President Donald Trump's deal with Iran well.

While Congress has still not received the actual memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Trump and Iranian officials, lawmakers have seen the reports circulating in the media.

And one of the top Republicans in the Senate warned that while he supported the war’s initial objectives, he feared that the current agreement would undermine those same objectives.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, R-Miss., shredded the MOU in a statement on Thursday, in which he cautioned that the agreement "negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury in ways that are completely out of step with the president's goals."

"Specifically, the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran — though not funded by U.S. taxpayers — would make Iran's payoff under President Obama's 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison," Wicker said.

The proposed $300 billion fund has given Republicans heartburn as details have emerged in recent days, with some comparing it to the billions that flowed to Iran under former President Joe Biden.

The agreement stipulates that the U.S. would coordinate with regional partners to develop the fund, which would be finalized as part of the 60-day deal.

more
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-senate-republican-rips-trumps-iran-deal-says-300-billion-makes-obama-deal-look-like-a-pittance

[DCPatriot]

Last night's signing of the agreement in the Palace of Versailles

Video:  https://youtu.be/qUoUeQ_tYbE?si=bheW5x4fmjOK1iSi

@Right_in_Virginia

       

[Bigun]

Jack Posobiec reposted
Human Events

@HumanEvents
·
1m
.
@JackPosobiec
 praises Trump's official signing of the Iran deal and slams critics:

"We understand the score. President Trump understands the score. That's why he was elected. If you don't like it, run for president yourself."

https://x.com/JackPosobiec

https://twitter.com/Tinker08406246/status/2067678206694494550

[DCPatriot]

[libertybele]

What a crock of crappola  -- unfreezing billions in sanctions is going to give the Iranians $$$.   There's just no denying that.

Secondly, the agreement stipulates that the U.S. would coordinate with regional partners to develop a fund, which would be finalized as part of the 60-day deal.

[Timber Rattler]

Last night's signing of the agreement in the Palace of Versailles

[libertybele]

Lol

Good luck with that when the newly elected Democrat Congress take control in January

Good luck to you as well; we're all going to be dealing with this mess for years to come.

[libertybele]

This ⬆️ is just silly hyperbole.  Everyone knows no one can throw Israel under its own bus. 

@Right_in_Virginia do you agree then that Israel has the right to defend herself AND take necessary actions to ensure that they are not attacked??

[libertybele]

Mullahs still in charge = 100% fail!

"Hold on! Help is on the way!" Goes down in the annals of infamy!

 

[massadvj]

Most in this forum realize that  Vance objected in the first place going into Iran, but I don't think his objection is widely known and will be forgotten if we wind up with a situation worse than 9-11 on our hands.

Very likely, and I think Vance knows his political fortunes are tied to this deal, for better or worse.

[rangerrebew]

And The Narrative 'Trump Lost' Begins With The Usual Suspects, We Beg To Differ...Indeed, The World Won
By L Todd Wood
June 16, 2026
 

After publicly and forcefully being against the start of the recent war with Iran, I directed our CDM network to advocate for a good outcome for the United States. In other words, we were against getting involved in another Middle East war, but we refused to join the cacophony of voices dreaming of an American defeat. That would not be a good outcome for our children, our country, or even the world was our reasoning.

So, we did our best during the last few months to report responsibly on what was happening on a daily basis. We did NOT join the vast army of coordinated 'Anti-Trump' forces which savaged the President and his staff regularly [you know who you are, and so does everyone else]. We did not join the chorus of pro-Iran forces.

Simply, we remained truly 'America First'.

Therefore, we find it disturbing that the pee wee chorus is now chiming in together to savage the President for ending the war, on terms that are good for America, and the world.

[BobfromWB]

The speech 47 could never give:

Eisenhower to the invading force on D-Day.

Mind you, this speech comes after Eisenhower's Operation Tiger, a practice operation for D-Day, where a miscommunication cost the lives of over 1,000 men.

Audio of General Eisenhower reading his D-day "Order of the Day" for radio broadcast 4min

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckH4ZwkuccA&t=48s

When men were men, not soy boys.

When leaders led, and did not make deals with defeated enemies.

[Cyber Liberty]

"Who won" and "who lost" remains to be seen.  If (when) Iran violates the MOU, does the President stomp the shit out of them, or does the President minimize and excuse the violation(s)?  I don't know which path he'll take, TBH. Iran has already said it intends to control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, complete with charging tolls.  If they actually try this, they must be punished because this would create a precedent for every country in the world that borders any Strait, like Yemen!

I can conceive Trump ignoring serious violations just to protect his Big Beautiful "Deal." 

[DCPatriot]

Tironianae 🍊🍊 Z. - Ultra Verbum Vincet
@Tironianae
·
5h
🚨 HOLY SMOKES: Marco Rubio just went OFF in the Cabinet room and laid it out with zero hesitation.

He makes it clear this is not about the Iranian people, it is about radical leaders pushing chaos even at their weakest point.

He says imagine what they would do with a nuclear weapon. That risk is unacceptable.

Every objective is being executed. Navy hit. Missile capability targeted. Production getting shut down.

He calls out decades of weakness and says this president is not walking away.

No more talk. Action.

That is leadership.

Proud. 🇺🇸

[Free Vulcan]

Don't care who the Prez is, but striking deals with the Mullahs will result in pain and retribution in return.

Just go in and smoke 'em already.

[Right_in_Virginia]

@Right_in_Virginia do you agree then that Israel has the right to defend herself AND take necessary actions to ensure that they are not attacked??

Okay @libertyele

But, Israel does not have any right to demand fidelity when they break alliance strategy, piss on regional agreements and shred the sanctity of international borders.  Israel is choosing to turn itself into a rogue state ----  and we have no moral or legal obligation to defend or assist them -- or any state in similar circumstances.

[libertybele]

Okay @libertyele

But, Israel does not have any right to demand fidelity when they break alliance strategy, piss on regional agreements and shred the sanctity of international borders.  Israel is choosing to turn itself into a rogue state ----  and we have no moral or legal obligation to defend or assist them -- or any state in similar circumstances.

Rogue state??? I don't think so...they have been repeatedly attacked and IMO YES they do have the right to defend themselves and do what they can to ensure that they are not attacked.  They are our ally and I believe that as their ally we do have reason to help them.

The ME is a beast.  Prayers for peace.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Benny Johnson
@bennyjohnson

Vice President JD Vance Just WENT OFF on the Israeli Cabinet Attacking Trump:

"One, Donald Trump is the ONLY head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time. And he happens to be the head of state of the world’s superpower.

If I were in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally I have left anywhere in the world.”

“Second, some of those cabinet members who have been attacking the United States, over the last three months, two-thirds of the defensive weapons that have protected your homeland have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars."

"The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump, and anyone in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the President of the United States needs to wake up.”


Video:  https://x.com/bennyjohnson/status/2067665289357996226

1:46 PM · Jun 18, 2026. 

@libertybele

[240B]

OIL IS FLOWING, IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON (THE WORLD WILL BE SAFE!), THE STOCK MARKETS ARE ROARING, JOBS ARE AT RECORDS, AND PRICES ARE DROPPING (AFFORDABILITY!). OUR COUNTRY IS STRONG, SAFE, AND RESPECTED LIKE NEVER BEFORE. “YOU’RE WELCOME!” President DJT
- President Donald Trump on Truth Social

Trump is a fool to believe this stuff. He could have won the game. He could have been victorious. But, he was too emotionally fixated and obsessed with his retarded "deal" which is really nothing at all.


Trump wants the deal. Trump needs his precious deal. Must have the deal and Sméagol will swear on the Precious Deal.

[Cyber Liberty]

Rogue state??? I don't think so...they have been repeatedly attacked and IMO YES they do have the right to defend themselves and do what they can to ensure that they are not attacked.  They are our ally and I believe that as their ally we do have reason to help them.

The ME is a beast.  Prayers for peace.

I agree with you, and strongly disagree with RiV because she keeps dropping hints that she despises Jews in general, and Netanyahu specifically. 

(I'm not giving her a "courtesy ping" because I know from her own admission she has this Admin on her Ignore list!  If I need to say anything to her, I can PM her because the forum software bypasses Ignore lists for Admins.)

[Bigun]

Rogue state??? I don't think so...they have been repeatedly attacked and IMO YES they do have the right to defend themselves and do what they can to ensure that they are not attacked.  They are our ally and I believe that as their ally we do have reason to help them.

The ME is a beast.  Prayers for peace.

  

[Bigun]

Trump is a fool to believe this stuff. He could have won the game. He could have been victorious. But, he was too emotionally fixated and obsessed with his retarded "deal" which is really nothing at all.


Trump wants the deal. Trump needs his precious deal. Must have the deal and Sméagol will swear on the Precious Deal.

[Right_in_Virginia]

https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/2067656956731654550

[Right_in_Virginia]

https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/2067713687859736729

[libertybele]

https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/2067656956731654550

Vance crushing it -- by belittling our strongest ally???? I don't see it that way, not at all!

[240B]

A "Deal" with Iran is like an alcoholic promising that he will never drink again.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Vance crushing it -- by belittling our strongest ally???? I don't see it that way, not at all!

But, you're fine with Israel belittling the United States ---- their only global financier, shield and refuge.

Girl, why can't you stand up for the United States??

[Timber Rattler]

"You’re a country of 9 million people. You can’t just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have"

JD is a total moron.  Does he even have any awareness whatsoever about how the state of Israel came into being and why???

[Cyber Liberty]

JD is a total moron.  Does he even have any awareness whatsoever about how the state of Israel came into being and why???

Israel is, in fact, one of our strongest allies, despite what our resident anti-Semite says!  We have a long history of disagreeing with each other over specific policies, but we stay allied in the end.  Golda Mier, Johnson and Nixon argued all the time, but whenever the Arabs start shooting we've always been by their side.

[berdie]

"Who won" and "who lost" remains to be seen.  If (when) Iran violates the MOU, does the President stomp the shit out of them, or does the President minimize and excuse the violation(s)?  I don't know which path he'll take, TBH. Iran has already said it intends to control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, complete with charging tolls.  If they actually try this, they must be punished because this would create a precedent for every country in the world that borders any Strait, like Yemen!

I can conceive Trump ignoring serious violations just to protect his Big Beautiful "Deal." 

I,sadly, think your last sentence says it all.

[libertybele]

But, you're fine with Israel belittling the United States ---- their only global financier, shield and refuge.

Girl, why can't you stand up for the United States??

Give it a rest.  I love this country.  However, right is right and wrong is wrong. 

[libertybele]

I,sadly, think your last sentence says it all.

Ditto.

[Right_in_Virginia]

https://twitter.com/JesseBWatters/status/2067659515332370671

[Right_in_Virginia]

Give it a rest.  I love this country.  However, right is right and wrong is wrong.

I think it's wrong of Israel to belittle this country.  Do you agree @libertybele

[libertybele]

I think it's wrong of Israel to belittle this country.  Do you agree @libertybele

As I stated, Israel has not belittled us.

[Right_in_Virginia]

https://twitter.com/tparsi/status/2067658434028118100