Donald G.W.B. Trump officially attacks Iran [Archive] - Page 3

View Full Version : Donald G.W.B. Trump officially attacks Iran

Pages : 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 7

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 08:26 AM

The campaign destroyed the head of the Iranian state. In doing so, it shattered the only apparatus capable of issuing a centralised guarantee of safe passage. The more completely the centralised state is dismantled, the harder it becomes to reopen the commercial chokepoint. This is the counterparty paradox no existing geopolitical framework captures.

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 08:31 AM

The single most vulnerable position in global markets is any allocation framework that models the Hormuz disruption as a temporary supply shock analogous to prior geopolitical events. The disruption is transitioning from a transient logistics delay into a genuine upstream supply contraction. This is not mean-reverting. It is a structural removal of barrels from the global supply curve that persists until the Strait reopens, bypass capacity is expanded (a multi-year infrastructure project), or demand is destroyed through recession.

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 09:02 AM

letting one demented, irritable guy make decisions for the whole country without checks and curbs is hurting the USA

what is interesting is they may not want to tell it to Trump’s face, but they’re all falling over themselves to leak to the press—it wasn’t their idea, they thought it was terrible, we gave him the warnings, right? And not just the ones from the Pentagon before the war, but now.

And that is quite interesting, because victory has a thousand fathers, but failure is an orphan, right? They’re trying to put the failure at Trump’s door. And that’s one of the problems with being a personalist leader: things do fall at your door.

So it’s pretty clear that nobody looked down the proverbial game tree at the next move that Iran would make. And closing the Strait as a war move has got to be, if not number one, very, very high on the list of things Iran would do—it’s its biggest point of leverage. But clearly this was not integrated into the decision-making. And, you know, it’s just the latest incredibly painful and costly and deadly reminder of what it means to purge government and decision-making of all the experts.
https://newrepublic.com/article/207670/transcript-trump-war-suddenly-looks-darker-damning-new-leaks-hit

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 09:51 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gftip5r3dmyojn5lat333pp5/bafkreievs3gjckr4kwkj7aa6zzzwmfdqsbpeujuzjvn32s53l 4nuyxcaeu

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 10:28 AM

Helium is key for microprocessor production, about 1/3 of the world's supply is bottled up in the Persian Gulf right now

But while drivers across the US will already have seen gas prices shooting up, and consumers may soon notice challenges getting hold of cheap Chinese imports — according to the United Nations, something like 11% of all global trade (https://unctad.org/publication/strait-hormuz-disruptions-implications-global-trade-and-development) traverses the narrow strait.

But there’s another problem ahead: helium supplies could be crimped because of the war.

The alarm bells were rung by South Korean government officials last week, cautioning that (https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/south-korean-chip-industry-worried-iran-crisis-affect-middle-east-data-center-2026-03-05/) semiconductor production could be disrupted if key materials from the Middle East cannot be sourced, including helium. South Korea’s chip sector, led by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, produces roughly two-thirds of the world’s memory chips. US-listed MicronMU $399.98 (-4.47%) (https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/MU/?source=sherwood) is another big player. Helium is essential in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly for heat management and high-spec industrial processes.
https://sherwood.news/tech/shutdown-strait-of-hormuz-helium-trouble-chipmakers/

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 10:30 AM

That doesn’t mean we need to hit the panic button yet, however. “We’re not in a shortage right now,” said Maura Garvey, president of Intelligas Consulting, a Duxbury, Massachusetts-based consultancy in specialized gas markets. That’s in large part because the helium market has been in oversupply for years, thanks to new large sources coming onstream in Russia, Qatar, and South Africa (https://www.gasworld.com/feature/the-2025-worldwide-helium-market/2165923.article/). Yet Garvey has long cautioned her customers: “I know we’re in oversupply, but don’t get comfortable. We’re just one geopolitical event away from shortage.”

She added, “That’s exactly what’s happened.”

Annual helium demand is currently around 6 billion cubic feet a year, and while the oversupply has been able to meet that demand comfortably up to now, what’s happening in the Middle East jeopardizes the guarantee of that supply. Not all suppliers seem to be affected equally: Taiwan’s GlobalWafers said this week (https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/taiwans-pegatron-globalwafers-see-no-immediate-risk-middle-east-war-2026-03-11/) it held enough helium inventory to sustain operations for multiple years.
“I don’t think we’re going to see disruptions in some of these facilities for now,” Garvey said, adding that a shortfall could be managed. “It’s just, it’s going to be more costly.” At least one major supplier, she said, had already imposed a surcharge. And once the disruption occurs, resolving it is tricky. “A one-month disruption is probably going to end up with a disruption in the whole logistics chain of anywhere from two months to maybe even three months,” she estimated.

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 10:31 AM

Kornbluth is more worried about the consequences for the semiconductor industry. Even if the fighting stopped immediately, restarting LNG production is far from instant. “The process of restarting the LNG plants, my understanding is that it takes around a month,” he said. “It’s not like flipping a switch and you’re back in full production.” His best-case scenario was that a two-month supply shock could “probably disrupt the market for four months before everything went back to normal.” He envisions that in the coming weeks, major helium suppliers will start declaring force majeure with their customers.

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 01:27 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreiby5yxvlj5k2bl3lg2lrpgmib2f3k237dxupfdtenqem 774j2qlaq

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 01:46 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v7762wvbhnna4t4gptkbjogc/bafkreifqz5gdzkzg6kq4imj3eh2vtrx4ah7jdddewc52fpjiw lfe3kexa4

TSA

03-12-2026, 02:35 PM

Three Fucking Stooges :lmao

surely CENTCOM has plans for demining the Strait of Hormuz, it has been studying contingencies like this since 1983

right?

Well, they had a plan....

2031460764545081729

https://x.com/mercoglianos/status/2031460764545081729

This is worse than anything "McHale's Navy" writers could ever dream up.

Everything you said about the current state of the Navy's mine countermeasures capability is wrong. Not a little wrong. Completely, embarrassingly, dangerously wrong....

"The four ships we had dedicated to doing this we just decommissioned." The Avengers in Bahrain... Devastator, Dextrous, Gladiator, Sentry. Wooden-hulled ships from the 1980s. Ships that were pushing 40 years old. You know what replaced them? Three Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships... Canberra, Santa Barbara, and Tulsa… all three already deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet, all three operating in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Gulf right now, today, as you wrote this little rant. Not in San Diego. Not in drydock. In theater. Carrying the most advanced mine countermeasures mission package the Navy has ever fielded.

USS Canberra arrived in Bahrain in May 2025 as the first LCS with a full MCM mission package. USS Santa Barbara is in the Arabian Gulf conducting mine countermeasures operations with unmanned surface vehicles… and, by the way, just made naval history by executing the first-ever at-sea launch of a LUCAS one-way attack drone from a littoral combat ship under Task Force 59. USS Tulsa is right there alongside them. Three ships. In the Gulf. Doing the mission. While you say the Navy "is absolutely not ready for this."

These are fundamentally different platforms. Autonomous mine-hunting sonar… the AN/AQS-20C… towed by unmanned surface vehicles so sailors stay outside the minefield. Airborne laser mine detection systems on MH-60 helicopters. Unmanned influence sweep systems for acoustic and magnetic minesweeping. The old Avengers sent sailors INTO the minefield on wooden boats. The new systems keep them OUT of the minefield using robots... something you call a "downgrade"

And while Santa Barbara hunts mines, she's operating under armed overwatch from A-10C Warthogs out of Jordan… loaded with JDAMs, laser-guided APKWS rockets, and enough firepower to shred any fast boat or drone swarm the Islamic Regime throws at them. The Avengers never had anything like that.

"We lost all of our corporate knowledge." Really? The Navy spent a decade building, testing, qualifying, and deploying an entirely new mine warfare architecture specifically to preserve and advance that knowledge. They trained new crews. They ran operational tests on Cincinnati. They deployed the first operational package on Canberra. The Navy's mine countermeasures technical division ran this transition for years with deliberate overlap between old and new platforms. You lose corporate knowledge when you do nothing. The Navy did the opposite of nothing.

"Now we're running an experiment and it's gonna cost people their lives." Three combat ships, forward deployed in the most contested waters on earth, running mine countermeasures with unmanned systems, protected by close air support, integrated with Task Force 59's autonomous warfare network. That's the most capable mine warfare force the United States has put in the Persian Gulf since 1991.

Yelling "amateur hour" at people while getting the basic facts of the Navy's current force posture completely, demonstrably wrong… while three ships are literally in the water doing the job he says nobody can do… that IS amateur hour.

https://x.com/lamps_apple/status/2031572371786670564

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 02:41 PM

hey, thanks for posting something topical, TSA

you answered my question

:tu

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 02:47 PM

it is a shame that US armed forces are being commanded to an insane, illegal war of aggression by a demented fool

Blake

03-12-2026, 03:17 PM

Three Fucking Stooges :lmao

Everything you said about the current state of the Navy's mine countermeasures capability is wrong. Not a little wrong. Completely, embarrassingly, dangerously wrong....

"The four ships we had dedicated to doing this we just decommissioned." The Avengers in Bahrain... Devastator, Dextrous, Gladiator, Sentry. Wooden-hulled ships from the 1980s. Ships that were pushing 40 years old. You know what replaced them? Three Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships... Canberra, Santa Barbara, and Tulsa… all three already deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet, all three operating in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Gulf right now, today, as you wrote this little rant. Not in San Diego. Not in drydock. In theater. Carrying the most advanced mine countermeasures mission package the Navy has ever fielded.

USS Canberra arrived in Bahrain in May 2025 as the first LCS with a full MCM mission package. USS Santa Barbara is in the Arabian Gulf conducting mine countermeasures operations with unmanned surface vehicles… and, by the way, just made naval history by executing the first-ever at-sea launch of a LUCAS one-way attack drone from a littoral combat ship under Task Force 59. USS Tulsa is right there alongside them. Three ships. In the Gulf. Doing the mission. While you say the Navy "is absolutely not ready for this."

These are fundamentally different platforms. Autonomous mine-hunting sonar… the AN/AQS-20C… towed by unmanned surface vehicles so sailors stay outside the minefield. Airborne laser mine detection systems on MH-60 helicopters. Unmanned influence sweep systems for acoustic and magnetic minesweeping. The old Avengers sent sailors INTO the minefield on wooden boats. The new systems keep them OUT of the minefield using robots... something you call a "downgrade"

And while Santa Barbara hunts mines, she's operating under armed overwatch from A-10C Warthogs out of Jordan… loaded with JDAMs, laser-guided APKWS rockets, and enough firepower to shred any fast boat or drone swarm the Islamic Regime throws at them. The Avengers never had anything like that.

"We lost all of our corporate knowledge." Really? The Navy spent a decade building, testing, qualifying, and deploying an entirely new mine warfare architecture specifically to preserve and advance that knowledge. They trained new crews. They ran operational tests on Cincinnati. They deployed the first operational package on Canberra. The Navy's mine countermeasures technical division ran this transition for years with deliberate overlap between old and new platforms. You lose corporate knowledge when you do nothing. The Navy did the opposite of nothing.

"Now we're running an experiment and it's gonna cost people their lives." Three combat ships, forward deployed in the most contested waters on earth, running mine countermeasures with unmanned systems, protected by close air support, integrated with Task Force 59's autonomous warfare network. That's the most capable mine warfare force the United States has put in the Persian Gulf since 1991.

Yelling "amateur hour" at people while getting the basic facts of the Navy's current force posture completely, demonstrably wrong… while three ships are literally in the water doing the job he says nobody can do… that IS amateur hour.

https://x.com/lamps_apple/status/2031572371786670564

Hey remember when you parrots the party line of "OBLITERATED" when it came to Iran's nuclear program? How's that currently working out for you?

Also, are you for this war? If so why?

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 03:33 PM

This whole war is basically this

These guys thought they had a machine to make their dicks bigger. It's actually a dick crushing machine. https://bsky.app/profile/bobisjim.bsky.social/post/3mgupmtcxac2j

Blake

03-12-2026, 03:42 PM

After more than two decades of controversy, cost overruns, and early retirements, the U.S. Navy’s littoral combat ship is finally doing one of the things it was originally intended to do: hunt mines...

https://taskandpurpose.com/tech-tactics/navy-lcs-mine-hunting/

Lol "crappy little ship"

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 03:58 PM

I see some handwaving about US force posture in TSA's article but nothing about US ships operating in the Persian Gulf

Is that something that's happening now?

Blake

03-12-2026, 04:10 PM

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 04:29 PM

Lol tsa doesn't know. He copy/ pasted his text wall without comprehending it and ran.I'm grateful TSA posted something on topic and had a comprehensible take, that isn' always the case

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 05:12 PM

seems reasonable for Gulf States to reassess the relationship after such a recklessly undertaken US course of action

For decades, #relations between Washington ⁠and the Gulf states rested on an implicit trade-off: Gulf energy and capital -- including hundreds of billions of dollars spent on U.S. arms, advanced technology and goods and services -- in return for U.S. protection, said Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics.

Gerges said the war had shaken those assumptions. Now, he said, Gulf states would accelerate efforts to diversify their foreign and security partnerships, realising "they cannot really rely on the United States to protect their energy, oil, gas, their people and their sovereignty.”
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-ignites-iran-war-gulf-arab-states-pay-price-gulf-sources-say-2026-03-11/

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 05:19 PM

the lack of interagency coordination shows

it's like everybody just says whatever they think they're supposed to say

U.S. OFFICIALS REPORT THAT IRAN IS LAYING MINES IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ, ACCORDING TO THE NEW YORK TIMES. THIS CONTRADICTS EARLIER REMARKS BY TREASURY SECRETARY BESSENT WHO STATED IRAN HAD NOT MINED THE STRAIT.

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 05:33 PM

I saw one article where a source tried to blame Claude for the mistargeting, I presume it's still under investigation

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:jbvnehrrdqoulco4rf5gxg5r/bafkreidrzgoaqrmvlxr44wf5rm7tfqps4oyxxz6zamuzqbaeg s6twejkiu

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 05:36 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:xjc7mkotpenvhh6ffewkdpyn/bafkreieol73dc7rr3fd3di4yikowvis3ddbpmnfnop5abvhxo 7gu3hxope

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 06:29 PM

Trump nuking the Abraham Accords (https://www.state.gov/the-abraham-accords) wasn't on my 2026 bingo card

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 07:02 PM

flop sweat

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:wntfmdnhjbogre6y5tuhm3et/bafkreif77w7vt4jdtq5nhqthuzgtxbkurlcpq5p5yezgbdgxk amqbzkqyq

Winehole23

03-12-2026, 07:24 PM

Treasury manipulating oil futures?

:lol

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:yzkse5d6cre4pbweefxifdjn/bafkreicwtfsarw3zfenpejl757jsgdyvhhbeww5hmuo3dnfs4 eclwwaetq

"Markets do not like it when governments intervene on oil prices," said Terry Duffy, Chief Executive Officer of CME, during a panel discussion earlier this week. The CME, which is the world's largest derivatives exchange, is among a group of U.S. exchanges that trade energy futures.

The White House and the U.S. Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Another CEO of a leading exchange, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter candidly, echoed similar sentiments, saying that #an intervention ⁠from the U.S. Treasury risked aggravating the problem, as it could raise the risk of hefty losses for the government if energy prices continue to rise.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/exchanges-oppose-potential-us-treasury-intervention-oil-futures-market-2026-03-12/

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 12:43 AM

"4 to 5 weeks"

but also, notionally unlimited spending

why beg for appropriations when you can just draw money directly from the US Treasury?

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said "absolutely not" when asked Thursday whether there was any price point at which he would tell President Donald Trump the war with Iran had become unaffordable.https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/scott-bessent-iran-war/2026/03/12/id/1249324/

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 12:49 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:w2jujqedsm6kqfamnhzlml6b/bafkreicjl3izzfotlz2nyyt3cdpwdftijots4shw6xahbjsre ogjeokv5i

velik_m

03-13-2026, 01:04 AM

We attacked Iran with no clear plan for regime change, Israeli security sources say

We attacked Iran with no clear plan for regime change, Israeli security sources say

If regime holds, control of enriched uranium may be ultimate measure of US-Israeli success, insiders say

Israel did not have a realistic plan for regime change when it attacked Iran, multiple Israeli security sources have said, with expectations that airstrikes could lead to a popular uprising having been driven by “wishful thinking” rather than hard intelligence.

Iran has survived nearly two weeks of bombing raids and the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Trump is publicly contemplating ending the increasingly costly war.

If Iran’s new leadership keeps its grip on power, the long-term measure of the success of the conflict may hang on the fate of 440kg of enriched uranium which was buried under a mountain by US strikes last June, former and serving Israeli defence and intelligence sources said. Enough for more than 10 nuclear warheads, Iran could use it to hasten the construction of a weapon if the material remains in the country.

“These 440kg of uranium are one of the clearest litmus tests for how this war ends, whether it is a success,” said one former senior Israeli defence and intelligence official who worked on Iran. “We need to be in a position where either this material is out of Iran, or you have a regime where you are confident that it is safeguarded [inside Iran] in a very meaningful way.”

Hardliners in Iran have long argued a nuclear deterrent is the only guarantee of survival for the Islamic republic. The overwhelming military dominance of US and Israeli forces in this war is likely to bolster that view if the regime survives.

The US is reportedly considering sending troops on a high-risk mission to secure the uranium. Negotiations before the war also included proposals for Iran to surrender the enriched uranium to another country.
...

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/12/israel-iran-us-attack-no-plan-for-regime-change-security-sources

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 01:08 AM

nuke Iran to prevent them from getting nukes?

preventive nuclear first strike...

invasion by the USA to destroy/exfiltrate Iran's obliterated nuclear stockpiles seems improbable

velik_m

03-13-2026, 01:26 AM

U.S. launches rescue efforts after military refueling plane crashes over Iraq

The U.S. military said Thursday that a KC-135 military refueling plane was lost while flying over Iraq in an incident that was “not due to hostile or enemy fire.”

The U.S. Central Command said in a statement that the incident involved two aircraft and occurred in friendly airspace. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely, it added.

“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing, the the U.S. Central Command said, referring to the war against Iran, which led to retaliatory strikes by Tehran across the Middle East.

It was unclear how many U.S. service members were on board the KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a group of militias in the country backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the downing of the U.S. aircraft in a statement posted on its Telegram channel.
...

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/13/us-kc135-crash-iraq-iran-threats-shipping-attacks.html

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 08:25 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreigpytgdgjvgeirc5vnsigeolpbqkzjl75sdbeqzbnq3e a3bsr4t44

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreigdzjxw7rslnnjumixavbzhagv2e6gp7vstlo27nmngo zvp4d4lz4

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 08:42 AM

most targeted by Iran: UAE

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:cmvp2dfgs7qrfjo5n27limmf/bafkreiam7xfxx7bum3bb4coij4ged5l3sxzxs4ucn6jrubste zcyoboz6m

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 08:58 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreifjkujb4nzb5j3wp3spqxwi6bu3h2guczhavu4s55fdy digqenf7e

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 09:35 AM

In front of a room of mostly hand-picked pro-Trump media, Hegseth says that if they don't sell the war for him, they're bad journalists

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:hf7ezrajxadu7v3tzcyij424/bafkreige3n2ts6alt7irpkqmlpvj7yscq6apnckkxundn3tv3 std5ng2wy

Some in the press can't stop. Allow me to make suggestions. People look at the TV and they see banners, 'Mideast War Intensifies.' What should it read instead? How about, 'Iran increasingly desperate.' More fake news from CNN. The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better

TSA

03-13-2026, 09:38 AM

https://taskandpurpose.com/tech-tactics/navy-lcs-mine-hunting/

Lol "crappy little ship"

More proof Blake doesn't read past the headline, if he did he'd realize how idiotic his little quip was as his linked article goes on to describe how the LCS are carrying the most advanced mine countermeasures mission package the Navy has ever fielded.

You're an idiot Blake.

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 09:39 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2rrp7amblhg3xoly5n5huiqv/bafkreifbi4jqtuypnom7ebhif3f2jfp5swbrpxnwccd3lee23 gniio2pgi

TSA

03-13-2026, 09:42 AM

I see some handwaving about US force posture in TSA's article but nothing about US ships operating in the Persian Gulf

Is that something that's happening now?

Lol tsa doesn't know. He copy/ pasted his text wall without comprehending it and ran.

In the first paragraph you idiots :lol

"Three Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships... Canberra, Santa Barbara, and Tulsa… all three already deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet, all three operating in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Gulf right now, today, as you wrote this little rant. Not in San Diego. Not in drydock. In theater. Carrying the most advanced mine countermeasures mission package the Navy has ever fielded."

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 09:50 AM

"in the Presian Gulf and the Arabian Gulf"

if the ships are all in the Arabian Gulf, that could be technically true

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 09:56 AM

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 10:08 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:nzcjpprq6fwcdnwpc45e3gsd/bafkreiee6w43af5bqzeai7gfwjkfe264ui2lif5euuzoytm24 4pkmdl6pm

TSA

03-13-2026, 11:06 AM

"in the Presian Gulf and the Arabian Gulf"

if the ships are all in the Arabian Gulf, that could be technically true

Santa Barbara and Tulsa both in Persian Gulf. Canberra further south heading towards Persian Gulf.

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-santa-barbara/

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-tulsa/

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-canberra/

ChumpDumper

03-13-2026, 11:12 AM

Santa Barbara and Tulsa both in Persian Gulf. Canberra further south heading towards Persian Gulf.

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-santa-barbara/

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-tulsa/

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-canberra/
Are you in favor of Trump’s new war in Iran, TSA?

Or are you just here to say where ships might be?

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 11:19 AM

Santa Barbara and Tulsa both in Persian Gulf. Canberra further south heading towards Persian Gulf.

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-santa-barbara/

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-tulsa/

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-canberra/I hope they're well protected

Apparently not doing any minesweeping or combat right now

:tu

ChumpDumper

03-13-2026, 11:32 AM

Santa Barbara and Tulsa both in Persian Gulf. Canberra further south heading towards Persian Gulf.

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-santa-barbara/

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-tulsa/

https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-canberra/

Are these locations current, TSA? The dates I see are from last year while the locations for other ships are dated minutes ago.

ChumpDumper

03-13-2026, 12:09 PM

And my tweet mentioned the LCS ships.

Not sure why having fewer minesweepers -- indeed, dedicated minesweepers -- is the best course of action right now.

What do you think, TSA -- fewer minesweepers good now?

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 12:10 PM

Hegseth announcing US war crimes

"We will keep pushing, keep advancing. No quarter, no mercy for our enemies.

From the DOD manual for military commissions

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:oqexhdqbizq24v6ikjhhig2h/bafkreieq3mvc64dmcy3iwusibim6rz5csm63ja7kpbbgw7mi4 whqgktbou

"Declaring that no quarter will be given" is specifically prohibited by Art 23 of the Annex to the Hague Convention IV, which means it is a war crime under US domestic law by virtue of the War Crimes Act (18 U.S. Code § 2441).

And as a fun related legal fact, the failure of a commander to punish war crimes by his subordinates is also a war crime under the doctrine of command responsibility.https://bsky.app/profile/bcfinucane.bsky.social/post/3mgxe6ub6zc2c
https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/ils/vol97/iss1/41/

ChumpDumper

03-13-2026, 12:18 PM

What are you tankers waiting for? It's open.*

2032433800072790251

https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/2032433800072790251

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 12:35 PM

Iran gives approval to the Indian government for two liquefied petroleum tankers to sail through the Strait of Hormuz -

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 12:38 PM

Singapore jet fuel

This war will screw up aviation everyone

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:767ycrlfjmddxgnxsylkfbrd/bafkreihmpz4uqomfuekgv7ytcbdx5sjwythf6nypd3orofodq l65ohhhtm

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 12:51 PM

CosmicCowboy

03-13-2026, 01:00 PM

Blake

03-13-2026, 01:11 PM

Are you in favor of Trump’s new war in Iran, TSA?

Or are you just here to say where ships might be?

He's just here to try to win ridiculous internet battles. Nothing of substance. No opinions of his own. Ever.

Blake

03-13-2026, 01:12 PM

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 01:20 PM

another TSA riposte collapses on the starting line

ChumpDumper

03-13-2026, 01:21 PM

Have we considered asking AI to clear the mines for us?

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 01:27 PM

what happens if Turkey invokes Article 5?

NATO INTERCEPTS THIRD MISSILE TARGETING TURKEY SINCE MARCH 4

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 01:33 PM

Have we considered asking AI to clear the mines for us?we're gonna have to fight to reopen the strait, presuming the threat can be meaningfully reduced beforehand. by then, worldwide economic chaos lasting for months will not be avoidable. it may not be avoidable right now.

The Pentagon is weighing sending additional warships to the Middle East in preparation to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran steps up its attacks on the strategic waterway, according to two U.S. officials.

Even with the additional warships, U.S. forces wouldn’t begin escorting vessels until the threat from Iran is reduced, U.S. officials said. That could take up to a month or more, even as U.S. military strikes continue to target Tehran’s arsenal of missiles and drones.https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/us-israel-iran-war-news-2026/card/pentagon-weighs-sending-more-warships-to-escort-tankers-through-strait-of-hormuz-MzWZuOuG0ptP6axl6yl7

ChumpDumper

03-13-2026, 02:06 PM

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 02:12 PM

they're sweating it, as they should

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:eivqo2tskdfn4dbrm3dv2mku/bafkreif37kulyfhbsoju6tx4edi6inozzdpbn56vha5srwu5z eet6rcgva

TSA

03-13-2026, 02:28 PM

LCS Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Package: The LCS MCM mission package, which includes unmanned systems like the Knifefish UUV for detection and the Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS) for triggering mines, achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in March 2023. However, operational testing has revealed significant shortcomings.

Slow Clearance Rates: Even under ideal conditions, the system clears mines at a rate of only 1–2 mines per hour, far below the Navy’s requirements. This is due to the time-intensive process of detecting, verifying, and neutralizing each mine individually.
Poor Reliability: A 2023 Pentagon report found the UISS’s operational availability was just 0.29, well below the required threshold, indicating frequent system failures.
Conceptual Flaws: Experts argue the entire approach—using small, remote systems to clear mines one-by-one—is too slow for combat use, especially when facing large minefields. The LCS is not designed to conduct sustained, high-volume mine sweeping.
Navy's Shift: The Navy has acknowledged these limitations. While the LCS is being used for mine warfare, the service is also pursuing non-LCS platforms for MCM, including repurposed amphibious ships and Joint High-Speed Vessels, to avoid relying on a flawed system.

In summary, while the LCS MCM capability represents a technological shift toward unmanned, standoff operations, it is not currently effective for large-scale or combat-relevant mine clearance. The Navy is actively working to address these shortcomings through new systems and platforms.

:lol prompting ChatGPT for a desired rebuttal

I can do the same.

==================

Despite the criticisms, the mine-countermeasure (MCM) capability built around Littoral Combat Ships does have several important advantages compared with older minesweeping ships like the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship. The concept focuses on remote, unmanned mine warfare, which changes how mines are detected and cleared.

1. Keeps sailors farther away from mines

One of the biggest improvements is standoff distance.

Traditional minesweepers often had to operate inside the minefield. With the LCS system:

Unmanned surface vehicles tow sonar.

Helicopters deploy neutralizers.

Unmanned underwater vehicles inspect mines.

The main ship (like USS Independence (LCS‑2) or USS Freedom (LCS‑1)) can remain miles away from the danger zone, reducing risk to the crew.

2. Much faster mine search capability

The LCS MCM package can search much larger areas faster than traditional minesweepers because it uses multiple systems at once:

Helicopter-based laser detection

Towed sonar on unmanned surface vehicles

Autonomous underwater vehicles

Using several systems simultaneously speeds up the detect → classify → neutralize process.

3. Helicopter-based mine hunting

A key advantage is the use of the mine warfare helicopter MH-60S Seahawk.

The helicopter can deploy systems like:

Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS)

Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS)

This allows mines to be detected and destroyed from the air, which is far quicker than slow ship-based sweeping.

4. Modular and upgradable systems

The MCM capability comes from the Mine Countermeasures Mission Package, not the ship itself.

That means systems can be upgraded over time without replacing the ship, which is different from older dedicated minesweepers whose equipment was permanently installed.

The mission package is designed for ships like:

Freedom-class littoral combat ship

Independence-class littoral combat ship

5. Better endurance and deployment range

Compared with older minesweepers:

LCS ships are larger and faster

They have longer operational range

They can deploy globally with carrier groups or expeditionary forces.

For example, the U.S. has deployed LCS MCM ships to the Middle East to replace aging Avenger ships.

6. Lower magnetic and acoustic risk to the main ship

Mines often trigger on magnetic or acoustic signatures of ships.

Because LCS relies on unmanned vehicles to do the sweeping, the main ship’s signature matters less—another safety improvement.

✅ Summary of the main advantages

Safer: crew stays farther from mines

Faster area search using multiple systems

Airborne mine hunting with helicopters

Upgradable modular equipment

Better endurance and deployment range

Reduced risk to the main ship

================

I'm going to trust that the most powerful and technologically advanced Navy in the world knew what they were doing when deploying this mission fleet that had been developed for over 20 years. The three stooges would rather send in more sailors on 40 year old wooden boats.

TSA

03-13-2026, 02:31 PM

He's just here to try to win ridiculous internet battles. Nothing of substance. No opinions of his own. Ever.

No, I've clearly stated I come back here every now and again to laugh at the 3 of you losers still clinging on to this dead website while circlejerking in your 3 man echo chamber.

Blake

03-13-2026, 02:55 PM

Have we considered asking AI to clear the mines for us?

Lol "grok remove the mines from this photo"

Blake

03-13-2026, 02:57 PM

No, I've clearly stated I come back here every now and again to laugh at the 3 of you losers still clinging on to this dead website while circlejerking in your 3 man echo chamber.

I'll accept that you're avoiding this place because people laugh at how wrong you almost always are about almost everything.

Blake

03-13-2026, 02:57 PM

Blake

03-13-2026, 03:07 PM

:lol prompting ChatGPT for a desired rebuttal

I can do the same.

==================

Despite the criticisms, the mine-countermeasure (MCM) capability built around Littoral Combat Ships does have several important advantages compared with older minesweeping ships like the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship. The concept focuses on remote, unmanned mine warfare, which changes how mines are detected and cleared.

1. Keeps sailors farther away from mines

One of the biggest improvements is standoff distance.

Traditional minesweepers often had to operate inside the minefield. With the LCS system:

Unmanned surface vehicles tow sonar.

Helicopters deploy neutralizers.

Unmanned underwater vehicles inspect mines.

The main ship (like USS Independence (LCS‑2) or USS Freedom (LCS‑1)) can remain miles away from the danger zone, reducing risk to the crew.

2. Much faster mine search capability

The LCS MCM package can search much larger areas faster than traditional minesweepers because it uses multiple systems at once:

Helicopter-based laser detection

Towed sonar on unmanned surface vehicles

Autonomous underwater vehicles

Using several systems simultaneously speeds up the detect → classify → neutralize process.

3. Helicopter-based mine hunting

A key advantage is the use of the mine warfare helicopter MH-60S Seahawk.

The helicopter can deploy systems like:

Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS)

Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS)

This allows mines to be detected and destroyed from the air, which is far quicker than slow ship-based sweeping.

4. Modular and upgradable systems

The MCM capability comes from the Mine Countermeasures Mission Package, not the ship itself.

That means systems can be upgraded over time without replacing the ship, which is different from older dedicated minesweepers whose equipment was permanently installed.

The mission package is designed for ships like:

Freedom-class littoral combat ship

Independence-class littoral combat ship

5. Better endurance and deployment range

Compared with older minesweepers:

LCS ships are larger and faster

They have longer operational range

They can deploy globally with carrier groups or expeditionary forces.

For example, the U.S. has deployed LCS MCM ships to the Middle East to replace aging Avenger ships.

6. Lower magnetic and acoustic risk to the main ship

Mines often trigger on magnetic or acoustic signatures of ships.

Because LCS relies on unmanned vehicles to do the sweeping, the main ship’s signature matters less—another safety improvement.

✅ Summary of the main advantages

Safer: crew stays farther from mines

Faster area search using multiple systems

Airborne mine hunting with helicopters

Upgradable modular equipment

Better endurance and deployment range

Reduced risk to the main ship

================

I'm going to trust that the most powerful and technologically advanced Navy in the world knew what they were doing when deploying this mission fleet that had been developed for over 20 years. The three stooges would rather send in more sailors on 40 year old wooden boats.

I'd rather not send anyone at all. Are you for or against this war? Watch as everyone here laughs at you for your sycophant non- response.

TSA

03-13-2026, 03:18 PM

I'd rather not send anyone at all. Are you for or against this war? Watch as everyone here laughs at you for your sycophant non- response.

:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao

:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao

:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao

Blake

03-13-2026, 03:25 PM

:lmao tsa. Pathetic.

ChumpDumper

03-13-2026, 05:13 PM

:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao

:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao

:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao

Are you personally in favor of your Trump's new war with Iran?

Yes or no.

ChumpDumper

03-13-2026, 05:14 PM

:flag:

ChumpDumper

03-13-2026, 05:20 PM

:bobo

ChumpDumper

03-13-2026, 05:21 PM

:lol prompting ChatGPT for a desired rebuttal

I can do the same.

[lazy bullshit]

I'm going to trust that the most powerful and technologically advanced Navy in the world knew what they were doing when deploying this mission fleet that had been developed for over 20 years. The three stooges would rather send in more sailors on 40 year old wooden boats.

Here's an actual source: those commie pinkos from....

The US Naval Institute.

Initially set for an initial operational capability in 2015, the MCM package went through a development process punctuated by stops and program failures. For example, the first craft that would tow the AQS-20 sonar to hunt the bulk of mines suffered reliability problems and was scrapped. The service also canceled a plan for the MH-60S to tow the AQS-20. After years of program changes, the package has coalesced around a few core main systems, Taylor said.

From the embarked MH-60, the AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System uses lasers to detect mines closer to the surface. Once detected, the helicopter can deploy the AN/ASQ-235 Airborne Mine Neutralization System that lowers a torpedo-sized tube that carries expendable destructor vehicles to neutralize a mine.

https://news.usni.org/2025/03/18/navy-deploys-first-operational-lcs-mine-countermeasures-packages

It's been a shitshow, TSA.

I understand you're incredibly gullible but even you can't explicitly support Trump's new war in the middle east, apparently.

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 07:21 PM

TSA's got a little bit of spirit

That more than I can say for most of the lurking and erstwhile right-wing posters in this subforum these days

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 07:26 PM

don't know if it's strictly true the US hasn't targeted infrastructure in Iran

"military targets" on Kharg were "obliterated" today, according to Trump

hope the oil depot is ok

“We may see the $120 a barrel price we saw on Monday heading to the $150 if Kharg were attacked,” said Neil Quilliam, with the Chatham House thinktank. “It’s too vital for global energy markets”.
Although the US has struck 5,000 targets in and around Iran, it has so far refrained from bombing the country’s oil infrastructure – though oil prices remain nearly $20 per barrel higher because the fear of Iranian retaliation has in effect closed the strait of Hormuz (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/10/aramco-warns-oil-market-catastrophe-strait-of-hormuz) to tanker traffic.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/11/why-irans-vital-kharg-island-oil-hub-is-still-untouched-by-us-israel-bombers

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 07:28 PM

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 09:34 PM

with his barbaric pogrom against nonwhites and foreigners in the USA and stuff like this just starting to happen, I don't see how Trump doesn't end up being the principal villain of the 21st century

The South Asian nation of 170 million people has started fuel rationing, sent students home and scrapped celebratory light displays over the energy crunch.

One man was killed on Saturday night in the southern Bangladeshi district of Jhenaidah after an altercation over refuelling with staff.

Following the 25-year-old’s death, angry crowds torched three buses and vandalised a petrol station, police said.

On Tuesday, queues stretched for 1.5km (nearly one mile) through Dhaka’s city centre.

“My boss left the car here and took a rickshaw to reach his destination,” said Kamrul Hasan, who was waiting in a vehicle almost at the end of the queue.

Petrol station worker Akhtar Hossain said he had not stopped for hours.

“Even during the Gulf War, we didn’t experience this sort of rush,” Hossain said.
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3346112/iran-war-asia-sees-violence-fuel-rationing-queues-energy-crunch-hits

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 09:36 PM

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 10:07 PM

reporting is scanty so far, but it seems the US is bombing Iranian-backed groups in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq

Joshua Harris, Chargé d'affaires, US Mission to Iraq in a statement: The United States' war is with Iran only.

Winehole23

03-13-2026, 10:28 PM

hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Lebanon

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:y4zs4cabaezzwx3bz2e5nnj2/bafkreibn5gsurb4pk4dck5gprki2uk7b6c6kcj3cjw6wbgsfw axsrrm7yq

FrostKing

03-13-2026, 11:06 PM

Most of you equal princesses should love this move

I recognize they are being bullied. Shia vs Sunni. Now we have 1 Islam.

Europe exited this endless headache. We will fight them at home and deport.

ChumpDumper

03-14-2026, 01:09 AM

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 07:37 AM

Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait International Airport and the 5th Fleet Navy base in Bahrain got hit yesterday

The U.S. naval base (https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2026-02-28/strikes-on-bahrain-iran-israel-20902624.html) appears to have taken extensive damage following several days of Iranian missiles and drone attacks. Iran struck the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, as well as multiple warehouses and satellite dishes on base.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2026-03-01/bases-damaged-iran-attacks-20916010.html

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 07:44 AM

anonymous sauces say the US is fed up with the war and wants Israel to stop in one week

A senior political source from the Middle East tells Israel Hayom that the US wants the military campaign against Iran to end, and has given Israel just one week to conclude it. The source also assessed that the regime in Tehran is unlikely to be replaced, because such a change would require either a ground invasion by troops or the renewal of large-scale protests inside Iran, something the source does not believe will happen in the near future.

According to the senior source, there is a major gap between how the war is viewed in the US and how it is seen in Israel. In Washington, the source said, officials are worried about the impact on oil prices, whereas Israel sees the war as an achievement and is celebrating it.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/03/12/us-to-give-israel-one-week-to-end-the-war/

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 08:24 AM

Houthis said to be joining Iran in the war

Blocking Bab al-Mandab would close the Suez Canal

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:movn6xzezospl7lnkhy7nzpt/bafkreigwtdxj6hqnhbodukqbht52gcfjahcvzin2ibbgtslmb 6ioxobuy4

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 08:33 AM

Bombing the hell out of the Houthis didn't work

The US scurried away from Operation Rough Rider to avoid a more obvious loss, without achieving its objectives

Those objectives were removing the Houthis from power and denying them the ability to close Bab al-Mandeb -- the US has apparently failed on both counts

On May 6, President Donald Trump declared the strikes to be over, "effective immediately," as a result of a ceasefire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States%E2%80%93Houthi_ceasefire) between the U.S. and the Houthis, brokered by Oman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oman).[16] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March%E2%80%93May_2025_United_States_attacks_in_Ye men#cite_note-AlJazeera20250506-17) The Houthis asserted that the ceasefire did not in "any way, shape, or form" preclude attacking Israel, which had just begun bombing Yemen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Israeli_attacks_in_Yemen).[17] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March%E2%80%93May_2025_United_States_attacks_in_Ye men#cite_note-AlJazeera20250507-18)

The Houthis resumed attacks on commercial shipping in July, 2025.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March–May_2025_United_States_attacks_in_Yemen

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 08:35 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:acbn5ggxglz77hxuzml5eu3n/bafkreicv4fsx6mzjxs7tfhe4uvoldwrukxb3o6o65li7zheiz gs3trgvae

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 08:50 AM

epic miscalculation

https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-14-at-5.35.52%E2%80%AFPM.png

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 09:40 AM

prove them wrong, Pete Hegseth

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:oba6nioyur5gcxqny4s2usxd/bafkreif6zdku4erojzuzdmfbnkkwxws6oiu6ksddgnmariv3k ibxoy5raq

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 09:55 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2spnzvz2yi7foivfkz76pwdi/bafkreigdpy5mjpzo7ytk2glvondhibnifmjrun7gkkx7yybli gcxwc4ibi

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 10:23 AM

begging for help defeating a "100% defeated" Iranian military

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:v63y3emmbz5dlvzkejca2mcc/bafkreiaal4gmdhpr3bf2cc4rfqu7ylr4ujnlmxhnphxdhlddz 3u3jnudum

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 10:34 AM

escalation seems like a bad idea

In the Strait, Iran Holds the Advantage—and America Has No Good Options
https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:eiroqhvmrl6xbr35pavye5lw/bafkreib3i7kvlp47uwpevo6eedjzuldz3gpwgzo3cgj6wf5d3 gnn24ps5mhttps://www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/hormuz-minefield

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 11:45 AM

Interesting that Trump includes China in his Truth Social begging

I thought keeping China out of the Persian Gulf was a long time strategic objective

I guess fixing Trump's mess is more important now

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 11:45 AM

(very small but nonzero chance that Trump's insane war of choice eventually gets the US kicked out of the Persian Gulf and China invited to secure it)

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 12:20 PM

will South Korea help now that Trump as removed their THAAD battery?

hard to say

velik_m

03-14-2026, 12:50 PM

begging for help defeating a "100% defeated" Iranian military

Trump 6 days ago:

...
"The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday. "That's OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don't need them any longer - But we will remember.

"We don't need people that join Wars after we've already won!"

Speaking on Air Force One in response to a question about the use of UK bases in the war, Trump referred to his post on Truth Social, saying: "We don't need them," appearing to reference the carriers.
...

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9dn3j04lydo

Everything is obviously going according to plan. Or according to a concepts of a plan.

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 03:47 PM

impeach and remove

Trump's cooked

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 03:56 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:dftszigpsrwdsuiefeupskzq/bafkreihyyv22qd7xxx74wswg3kgobkyetydvtz2syi3ibzjra icecbkwvy

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 04:02 PM

in related news

setting aside neutrality maintained since 1815, Switzerland has called the US/Israel war in Iran illegal

The United States and Israel have broken international law with their attacks on Iran (https://www.reuters.com/world/iran/), Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister said in an interview published on Sunday, the latest European leader to raise #concerns about the conflict.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/iran-attacks-breach-international-law-swiss-defence-minister-says-2026-03-08/

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 04:21 PM

and there it is

"There is a risk of terrorist attacks in Switzerland ... the war could trigger a wave of refugees that will also reach us"

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 04:28 PM

Europe received robust immigrant flows during the Iraq war, ~450,000 Iraqis went to Germany

I'm doubtful that'll happen again

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 04:58 PM

I can honestly understand wanting to beg other countries to help at this point, but why do it this way?

I'm really astonished by Trump's repeated public begging

Even if Dept of State is totally cratered out, he can still talk to people on the phone, right?

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:jmbrd5wbriodhjdutmh4bqug/bafkreichmqozag3giqcbnx545vsj5zzooneqp4aqp7vdkbq5b 7iqkjy6oa

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 05:18 PM

(signed, Donald J. Trump, bringer of Harmony, Security and Everlasting Peace)

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 06:01 PM

if you need allies for a duel with Iran, is it a good idea to start a global trade war?

and then to stumble into a global energy supply crunch?

Winehole23

03-14-2026, 06:57 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:3w75iygkvtcrqvu4x4ux2hzv/bafkreihorksr6remkmbqebjdjfwkykjakbls7us7nkab2w2uj lj4xhbhlu

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 08:02 AM

May their memories be a blessing

https://www.stripes.com/incoming/ypqt86-6-airmen-lost.jpeg/alternates/LANDSCAPE_910/6%20airmen%20lost.jpegTech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky., (clockwise from top); Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Wash.; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Ind.; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Ala.; Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2026-03-14/kc-135-military-crash-epic-fury-21066956.html

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 09:05 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:ijn7lseerxnkh5vdf2qoc6t2/bafkreidxewbnnreaha2et4qyuqjqgqs6qdxd34z36f2tx6q46 7ah4vt2c4

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 09:32 AM

great, bring 'em home

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIF. W5LzP%252bXNgaR5n0gxUncD5A%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=af082f283a930ff2de444d327561d043dba1bb49311332 c3b92d8c56dba20273&ipo=images

UN Ambassador Mike Waltz: "This has been a dominant victory the likes of which we haven't seen in modern American military history"

Blake

03-15-2026, 09:34 AM

"OBLITERATED!!"

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 09:55 AM

tactical victory for the strategic loss

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cmvp2dfgs7qrfjo5n27limmf/bafkreifwne5skuhyzpquw2emndxk4viwgj2j7slimf4bf5yq5 vtxarotma

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 09:57 AM

page 1 above the fold

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreif4z6wrqgdufkaau2nhcvcp2aoznfrjmjwdhhkvhes2x nk2evvgxi

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 10:45 AM

Trump probably wanted to give Don Jr. and Eric Trump first crack at defense contracts for attack drones

Nearly seven months ago, Ukrainian officials tried to sell the U.S. their battle-proven technology for downing Iranian-made attack drones. They even made a PowerPoint presentation — obtained exclusively by Axios — showing how it could protect American forces and their allies in a Middle East war (https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/iran-war-countries-gulf-qatar-us).

The Trump administration dismissed the Ukrainians, only to reverse course last week because of more-than-expected (https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/04/politics/us-air-defenses-iran-attack-drones-challenge)drone strikes from Iran.

https://www.axios.com/2026/03/10/us-ukraine-anti-drone-offer

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 11:12 AM

hilarious if accurate

2033138746267509159

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 12:47 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:hbpefio3f5csc44msmbgioxz/bafkreic2rlwqjkouvgve36o4i7fmjss4bq5aqi5uujptjzttm ryjlr6lxq

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 01:21 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jbj2wzit57tfjmmwocupfs7/bafkreifdehphxam2psqvk27gsl52aqjltet2eelsv7i566ae6 fne4d5ztu

velik_m

03-15-2026, 02:16 PM

Iran Officially Confirms Military Support From Russia And China In War Against the US

Iran’s foreign minister said that Russia and China are providing Tehran with military assistance as part of a broader strategic partnership amid ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel.

According to Politico on March 15, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed in an interview with the television channel MS NOW that Tehran maintains close cooperation with both Moscow and Beijing across several areas, including military support.

“In the past we had close cooperation, which continues to this day, and this also includes military assistance,” Araghchi said.

He added that Iran maintains wide-ranging relations with both countries. “We had good cooperation with these countries—politically, economically, even militarily.”
...

https://united24media.com/latest-news/iran-officially-confirms-military-support-from-russia-and-china-in-war-against-the-us-16882

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 02:22 PM

great, bring 'em home

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIF. W5LzP%252bXNgaR5n0gxUncD5A%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=af082f283a930ff2de444d327561d043dba1bb49311332 c3b92d8c56dba20273&ipo=imagesactually, at this point in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Baghdad had already fallen

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 02:32 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:ri3ciinceco5himlcykqomh7/bafkreib5rnikriycfvsonjmasxp3lwbousl4yavj5smphisgt nybab422q

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:ri3ciinceco5himlcykqomh7/bafkreigj5s5tw4mhwl5h345neadobo6jfhswptjdepkt6vjms x5yhiedqe

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 02:33 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:ri3ciinceco5himlcykqomh7/bafkreie32fvwur3l52g2ithwjtj4c6enbntikergsv3eb5shm tvnljjd5m

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 03:05 PM

useful rundown of the various legal and operational issues

Are Iranian actions violating international law? Where do things stand?

Yes. Reports indicate that Iran has targeted civilian merchant vessels from Thailand, Japan, and the Marshall Islands; up to 16 civilian vessels (https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/us-israel-iran-war-2026/card/cargo-ships-struck-near-strait-of-hormuz-3aXCyfy3WERaXKChXr6O?mod=article_inline) have been struck in total. Crewmembers and the vessels themselves are neutral — not belligerents — to the armed conflict with Iran. These Iranian strikes unlawfully target neutral, civilian objects and violate the fundamental principle of distinguishing (https://casebook.icrc.org/a_to_z/glossary/distinction) between civilian and military objectives under international humanitarian law. To be sure, there are key questions about the legality of the underlying legal justification for the war with Iran, as Kate Brannen, Tess Bridgman, and Ryan Goodman at Just Security (https://www.justsecurity.org/132970/questions-trump-officials-war-iran/) have posed, but the attacks on civilian merchant vessels are clearly unlawful.
https://www.justsecurity.org/133996/legal-operational-strait-hormuz-transit-passage/

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 03:11 PM

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz reveals a fundamental weakness in the law of the sea: transit passage is strongly protected in doctrine but difficult to enforce in practice when a coastal State is willing to violate the rules. In that sense, the Strait is not only a strategic chokepoint — it is a stress test for the international legal order governing global commerce.

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 03:24 PM

allegedly, Newt Gingrich boosted this satirical meme

https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!-sQc!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progress ive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb9ef519 a-0129-4c65-b05b-84d6b9812105_2912x1948.png (https://www.chinatalk.media/p/its-time)

https://www.chinatalk.media/p/its-time

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 03:26 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:lva7mtacnzkgl2svei24lbgb/bafkreihwwgmkcyqtgxtyq7myteumlehrlppbhtmc4b2brmamk lybyt6kim

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 03:26 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:uw2b3p2khp6vplu7ymuwyybb/bafkreidfdafgnpknsnev5evgmse6e6ixtol33ynzwqh7xwwd4 6qfzdn4s4

ChumpDumper

03-15-2026, 04:58 PM

Nukes are the Chekhov's gun of the Trump presidency.

They've been there since the first act.

ChumpDumper

03-15-2026, 05:13 PM

:lol prompting ChatGPT for a desired rebuttal

I can do the same.

==================

Despite the criticisms, the mine-countermeasure (MCM) capability built around Littoral Combat Ships does have several important advantages compared with older minesweeping ships like the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship. The concept focuses on remote, unmanned mine warfare, which changes how mines are detected and cleared.

1. Keeps sailors farther away from mines

One of the biggest improvements is standoff distance.

Traditional minesweepers often had to operate inside the minefield. With the LCS system:

Unmanned surface vehicles tow sonar.

Helicopters deploy neutralizers.

Unmanned underwater vehicles inspect mines.

The main ship (like USS Independence (LCS‑2) or USS Freedom (LCS‑1)) can remain miles away from the danger zone, reducing risk to the crew.

2. Much faster mine search capability

The LCS MCM package can search much larger areas faster than traditional minesweepers because it uses multiple systems at once:

Helicopter-based laser detection

Towed sonar on unmanned surface vehicles

Autonomous underwater vehicles

Using several systems simultaneously speeds up the detect → classify → neutralize process.

3. Helicopter-based mine hunting

A key advantage is the use of the mine warfare helicopter MH-60S Seahawk.

The helicopter can deploy systems like:

Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS)

Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS)

This allows mines to be detected and destroyed from the air, which is far quicker than slow ship-based sweeping.

4. Modular and upgradable systems

The MCM capability comes from the Mine Countermeasures Mission Package, not the ship itself.

That means systems can be upgraded over time without replacing the ship, which is different from older dedicated minesweepers whose equipment was permanently installed.

The mission package is designed for ships like:

Freedom-class littoral combat ship

Independence-class littoral combat ship

5. Better endurance and deployment range

Compared with older minesweepers:

LCS ships are larger and faster

They have longer operational range

They can deploy globally with carrier groups or expeditionary forces.

For example, the U.S. has deployed LCS MCM ships to the Middle East to replace aging Avenger ships.

6. Lower magnetic and acoustic risk to the main ship

Mines often trigger on magnetic or acoustic signatures of ships.

Because LCS relies on unmanned vehicles to do the sweeping, the main ship’s signature matters less—another safety improvement.

✅ Summary of the main advantages

Safer: crew stays farther from mines

Faster area search using multiple systems

Airborne mine hunting with helicopters

Upgradable modular equipment

Better endurance and deployment range

Reduced risk to the main ship

================

I'm going to trust that the most powerful and technologically advanced Navy in the world knew what they were doing when deploying this mission fleet that had been developed for over 20 years. The three stooges would rather send in more sailors on 40 year old wooden boats.

https://hntrbrk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-12.png

That is if they're even in the Persian Gulf to struggle.

And yes, were I as stupid as your Trump in starting this stupid war, I would've delayed the decommissioning of the proven Avenger class minesweepers and positioned them to operate in the Strait of Hormuz. Hell, I would've gotten the remaining Avenger class ships underway from the far east as well.

Absofuckinglutely.

How does it feel to be wrong about literally everything, TSA?

I really want to know.

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 07:37 PM

TSA is never wrong

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 07:38 PM

just ask him

except pizzagate

ChumpDumper

03-15-2026, 07:40 PM

just ask him

except pizzagate

:lol his last post about pizzagate was a claim the child sex dungeon was under a different DC restaurant.

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 07:47 PM

:lol his last post about pizzagate was a claim the child sex dungeon was under a different DC restaurant.how silly of me to think TSA had retracted it completely

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 07:51 PM

https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fab8c106 8-b230-4f63-941b-82f6168052d6_1272x1436.png

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 07:52 PM

"blackest night style"

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8e/87/bd/8e87bd284a52861150ed8e53e1071d7b.jpg

Black Lantern Ring | DC Database | Fandom (https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Lantern_Ring)

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 08:15 PM

Pizzagate guy pulls a gun on police during a traffic stop, and dies.

Police released details Thursday morning on a Jan. 4 incident in which a police officer shot a suspect who reportedly pulled a gun on the officer. The suspect died two days later in the hospital.

According to police, a Kannapolis officer was patrolling North Cannon Boulevard about 10 p.m. when he saw a gray 2001 GMC Yukon being driven by a person the officer knew had an outstanding arrest warrant. The officer stopped the car, and while talking with the driver, recognized that the passenger was also someone with an outstanding warrant.

Two additional Kannapolis police officers arrived to help with the stop, and the original officer went around to the passenger side of the car and opened the door to arrest Edgar Maddison Welch of Salisbury.

When the officer opened the door, Welch pulled a handgun from his jacket and pointed it in the direction of the officer. That officer and a second officer who was standing at the rear passenger side of the Yukon gave commands for Welch to drop the gun. When he refused, both officers fired their duty weapon at Welch, striking him. Medical assistance was immediately summoned for Welch, and he was transported to Atrium Health Cabarrus for care and treatment. He was later taken to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte where he died on Jan. 6.

...

This was not the first time Welch had interactions with police. He pleaded guilty in March of 2017 to federal charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and transporting a firearm over state lines in the incident that has come to be known as “Pizzagate.”

https://www.salisburypost.com/2025/0...un-on-officer/ (https://www.salisburypost.com/2025/01/09/pizzagate-gunman-killed-by-kannapolis-police-after-he-pulls-gun-on-officer/)

Winehole23

03-15-2026, 11:26 PM

"a very small endeavor"

lol the begging

https://a57.foxnews.com/cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/694940094001/e6c46107-259f-4f55-8501-27fa137b8d38/f8aa50ef-514d-4d8e-938b-1d520c36d8b6/1280x720/match/1024/512/image.jpg?ve=1&tl=1

"We're always there for NATO. We're helping them with Ukraine. It's got an ocean in between us. It doesn't affect us, but we've helped them. It would be interesting to see what country wouldn't help us with a very small endeavor, which is just keeping the Strait open."

BadMotorscooter

03-15-2026, 11:35 PM

Trump won all swing states and popular vote as a 34 count convicted felon....the democrat party couldnt even beat that.

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 12:27 AM

apparently no one wants to help

Australia maintains it has not received any formal requests to send warships to the strait.

“We won’t be sending a ship to the strait of Hormuz,” transport minister Catherine King told the national broadcaster. “We know how incredibly important that is but that’s not something we’ve been asked or we’re contributing to.”

The conservative Coalition opposition was also cautious about Australia’s involvement.
“If [a request from the US] came, we’d have to very carefully consider it against our national interest and particularly whether we have the relevant naval vessels available that could safely do that mission,” defence shadow minister, James Paterson, told Channel Nine’s Today show.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/16/strait-of-hormuz-australia-japan-no-ships

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 12:28 AM

Trump won all swing states and popular vote as a 34 count convicted felon....the democrat party couldnt even beat that.it's not 2024 anymore -- you're living in the past

Blake

03-16-2026, 12:47 AM

Trump won all swing states and popular vote as a 34 count convicted felon....the democrat party couldnt even beat that.

Do you even know where you are, geezer?

ChumpDumper

03-16-2026, 02:20 AM

Trump won all swing states and popular vote as a 34 count convicted felon....the democrat party couldnt even beat that.You're just admitting Trump is the worst president ever.

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 07:34 AM

GERMAN DEFENCE MINISTER PISTORIUS: WHAT DOES TRUMP EXPECT FROM A HANDFUL OF EUROPEAN FRIGATES THAT THE POWERFUL US NAVY CANNOT DO? THIS IS NOT OUR WAR, WE HAVE NOT STARTED IT

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 07:38 AM

UK PM STARMER: STRAIT OF HORMUZ WON'T BE A NATO MISSION

Millennial_Messiah

03-16-2026, 07:43 AM

Stock market gonna plunge this morning

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 07:52 AM

Just a reminder that the Washington Treaty defines the geography of NATO’s mutual defense pledge — at U.S. insistence in 1949 — to prevent allies from committing us to their wars outside of Europe.

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 07:53 AM

Trump told reporters that the administration had reached out to seven nations for help policing the strait, but declined to say whether any had agreed to assist..

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 08:18 AM

Trump bullying and threatening US allies for a year has maybe conditioned their willingness to help out now

It's odd Trump didn't try get to other countries on board before attacking Iran

Asked if he believed Trump might reduce support for Nato if other members did not do as he demanded with Iran, McFadden told Sky News: “Well, that’s the president right there. The quote that you’ve just given has summed him up.

“It’s a very transactional presidency, and our job is to navigate this, to always remember that the friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom runs very deep. It’s a good relationship. It’s enduring, and I think it will outlast all the personalities involved.”

Rather than sending ships, the UK is instead (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/15/uk-plans-minesweeping-drones-help-reopen-strait-hormuz) drawing up plans to send minesweeping drones to the strait of Hormuz, amid concerns that complying with Trump’s demand could escalate the crisis.

Asked about this, McFadden said: “The honest answer is – these things will be discussed between the prime minister and the president, and I can’t give you a list of equipment at the moment that we would send, but the position that we’ve taken more broadly in the war, as I said, is we’ve not sought to be a protagonist in this.”
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/16/uk-not-obliged-to-support-every-transactional-demand-trump-us-minister-says

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 08:20 AM

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi says her country has no plans to send ships to the Gulf, despite Trump's demands, according to Reuters

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 09:46 AM

https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!46hg!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb863c68 2-66ce-4c75-a9bd-00bc83fe4881_825x686.jpeg

ChumpDumper

03-16-2026, 09:47 AM

Even Trumptards are hoping he dies soon so they can just move on and pretend they didn't support him like the Gulf War.

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 10:10 AM

Stock market gonna plunge this morningdjia up ~300 points

tail risk isn't getting priced in, markets are faking it, hoping they'll eventually make it

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 10:27 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nyjm4ylfid2a7mjm6varxuiq/bafkreicgcejqi3sa4wyng5bebnzsy6ikk3w266lhgwqiveyia tgnqhyvty

velik_m

03-16-2026, 11:17 AM

Why China can withstand oil’s surge past $100 more easily than other countries

BEIJING — Surging oil prices following the Iran war are expected to impact China less than in past years as the country has built large crude stockpiles and diversified its energy sources, including renewables.

As oil prices climbed past $100 a barrel for the first time in four years, OCBC analysts said China may be “less sensitive to a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz than many of its Asian peers.”

“China has accumulated one of the world’s largest strategic and commercial crude reserves,” the analysts said, adding that its “rapid transition toward electric vehicles and renewable energy provides an additional structural hedge.”

China held an estimated 1.2 billion barrels of onshore crude stockpiles as of January.

That’s about 3 to 4 months of reserves, which will delay the economic impact, Rush Doshi, director of the China Strategy Initiative at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Monday on CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia.”

..

China’s electric vehicle push, especially in trucks, has already displaced over 1 million barrels per day of implied oil demand, Rhodium Group said in July 2025.

The research firm expected that figure to rise by around 600,000 barrels per day over the following 12 months.

More than half of China’s new passenger vehicles sold are now new-energy vehicles, meaning they rely more on batteries than on gasoline.

“With road fuel demand already showing signs of peaking and renewable capacity expanding rapidly, China’s sensitivity to oil price fluctuations is declining on a [year-on-year] basis,” the OCBC analysts said.

“Over time, the electrification of transportation and the expansion of renewable power generation will further insulate the economy from oil-related shocks.”

Oil and natural gas only account for 4% of China’s power mix, far lower than the 40% to 50% share seen in many Asian economies, the analysts said.

...

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/09/china-oil-shock-iran-war-hormuz-energy-transition.html

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 11:41 AM

Germany's Chancellor Merz: We will not participate in securing the Strait of Hormuz and we do not know a concept for doing so.

Ball Buster

03-16-2026, 12:40 PM

Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius:

“What does Trump expect a handful of European frigates to do that the powerful US Navy cannot?

This is not our war, and we did not start it.”

Donald Trump continues to be humiliated on the world stage.

https://x.com/sahouraxo/status/2033534681619067290?s=61&t=CQfvV293J518QWnxG7pQDg

Spurs Homer

03-16-2026, 04:11 PM

You think this is a shitshow…

just wait to see what dementia donvict has in store for cuba!

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 05:44 PM

TWZ on the minesweepers

Moving U.S. warships out of port in Bahrain ahead of the current conflict was a prudent security measure. The Gulf state is well within range of Iranian missiles and long-range kamikaze drones, and U.S. military facilities in Manama did subsequently come under attack (https://www.twz.com/news-features/iran-turns-up-the-heat-around-the-strait-of-hormuz). The U.S. military’s own strikes on Iranian naval vessels in port (https://www.twz.com/land/iranian-submarine-sunk-by-atacms-short-range-ballistic-missile) have underscored the vulnerability of ships sitting pierside (https://www.twz.com/news-features/irans-key-naval-base-on-strait-of-hormuz-set-ablaze-from-strikes).

Why the decision was made to then send the USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara thousands of miles to the east is unknown. A host of factors may have come into play, including the availability of suitable friendly ports and diplomatic considerations.

Regardless, at least two-thirds of the warships intended to be available for tasking for mine countermeasures missions in the Middle East are presently in a completely different part of the world. As noted, USS Tulsa, USS Santa Barbara, and USS Canberra, were forward-deployed to the region in the first place explicitly to fill gaps left by the decommissioning of four Avenger class mine hunters (https://www.twz.com/sea/navys-avenger-class-mine-hunters-have-left-the-middle-east-for-good) last year. The former USS Devastator, USS Dextrous, USS Gladiator, and USS Sentry left the region for good aboard a heavy lift ship in January. There are only four Avenger class ships left in active Navy service, all of which are forward-deployed in Japan, and are also slated to be decommissioned in the coming years.
https://www.twz.com/sea/u-s-navy-minesweepers-assigned-to-middle-east-have-been-moved-to-pacific

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 05:49 PM

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, one of the briefing slides noted (https://x.com/hntrbrkmedia/status/2032557157502132680) that “LCS was designed as a multi-mission platform” and “all of these other missions reduce time for the ship and Minemen to gain proficiency in MCM [mine countermeasures].” To reiterate, the Avenger class ships were purpose-built for this mission set and had crews trained to match. Mine-clearing operations are slow and complex, and carry significant risks, even when carried out by experienced personnel in benign environments.

As it stands now, U.S. officials have said that American warships are unlikely to begin escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for at least some number of weeks (https://www.twz.com/news-features/u-s-navy-wont-be-ready-to-escort-tankers-through-hormuz-for-weeks). Convoy operations carry their own risks and will require a host of supporting assets at sea and in other domains, as TWZ has previously explained (https://www.twz.com/sea/trumps-plan-to-escort-ships-through-strait-of-hormuz-would-put-u-s-navy-warships-in-the-crosshairs). Limited availability of mine countermeasures assets would create additional challenges.

It remains to be seen how long the USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara will remain in Malaysia, and where they might sail after they depart. Where USS Canberra is currently is still unknown, as is whether any additional mine countermeasures configured ships are on the way to the Middle East.

For the moment, at least, a substantial portion of the Navy’s minesweeping capacity in the region, amid a major conflict with an opponent experienced in mine warfare, is now thousands of miles away in a completely different part of the world.

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 05:50 PM

U.S. Navy Commander Joe Hontz, a spokesperson for NAVCENT, has provided TWZ with the following statement:

“Tulsa and Santa Barbara are conducting brief logistical stops in Malaysia. U.S. forces routinely make port calls in Malaysia as part of our operations, reflecting the close and enduring military cooperation between the United States and Malaysia.”

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 06:04 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:eivqo2tskdfn4dbrm3dv2mku/bafkreihwszmd7zq5o5tqoxsz5omjtppf2oxz2u7wmkkalm5yg 7b6oevcjy

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 06:21 PM

don't even ask about the plumbing

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreihkdghzgeq4ehmkun7ikb4p3ab7vfgf3lkku3pttvthm km4or66r4

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ilyxejcmhg2qwqomgu2umi5v/bafkreia3iygmpzab4otpvwf43mv2ygewv6l6wnluhumzfcats vy24zypsq

ChumpDumper

03-16-2026, 07:24 PM

:lol just amazing how wrong TSA is.

Blake

03-16-2026, 08:02 PM

:lol just amazing how wrong TSA is.

:lol

Winehole23

03-16-2026, 09:20 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreidha25zalf4vc2v5wadmmxnzhruaimpo5kri5h6dwa7a re3maoen4

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 08:27 AM

"the real economy is going to be fine, consumers are the last of our concern"

https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1IgJVZ.img?w=1916&h=1280&m=4&q=60

If the war were to be extended, it wouldn't really disrupt the US economy very much at all. It would hurt consumers, and we'd have to think about what we'd have to do about that, but that's really the last of our concerns right now.

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 08:35 AM

there's precedent for prosecuting wars of aggression as crimes against humanity

Count Two: Waging Aggressive War, or "Crimes Against Peace"Including “the planning, preparation, initiation, and waging of wars of aggression, which were also wars in violation of international treaties, agreements, and assurances.”https://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/nuremberg/NurembergIndictments.html

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 08:47 AM

The rejection of Trump’s pleas for help confirm US isolation as its unprovoked, illegal war against Iran is already set to impose massive costs on the world, even if it were to stop now

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 08:58 AM

(this is anecdotal, but I hear Costco is changing its gas prices twice daily)

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 09:01 AM

escalation trap

Now, more than two weeks into the campaign, some of those allies believe the president no longer controls how, or when, the war ends. They fear Iran’s attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which have rattled global crude markets and threaten broader economic distress, are boxing Trump into a situation where escalating the conflict — potentially even putting American boots on the ground — becomes the only way to credibly claim victory.

“We clearly just kicked [Iran’s] ass in the field, but, to a large extent, they hold the cards now,” said one person close to the White House, who like others in this story was granted anonymity to speak candidly about the war. “They decide how long we’re involved — and they decide if we put boots on the ground. And it doesn’t seem to me that there’s a way around that, if we want to save face.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/17/they-hold-the-cards-now-trump-allies-fear-iran-is-slipping-beyond-the-presidents-control-00830449

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 09:25 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:7yfndyftbhd2phupw7zczghg/bafkreiceuymsfglzxwt6yupoeg4hfjqzbzojge6655vlfw2np ovmlqx3ri

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 09:39 AM

~8.5 million barrels a day lost

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:767ycrlfjmddxgnxsylkfbrd/bafkreidhl3t2b7lzsjzptcxd4zuy4nw7vdl7ybvtsxnbyonfv tenwezdre

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 09:54 AM

National Counterterrorism Chair and far right crank Joe Kent, resigns over the Iran War

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:pnx2fjuannbdpy3337ggthpp/bafkreicnk6yk6sg6l4z3cpdzpqmesu4mdjyn2fp42jk7fxvzm pqozu4vr4

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 09:56 AM

he’s a notorious antisemite and white supremacist who is blaming Jews to get out of a real job that’s quite difficult right now as we increasingly explode the world and create the conditions for terrorism.

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 10:02 AM

in Gulf War 2, we crafted a decent sounding lie to tell the world, prepositioned US forces and got other countries on board before we attacked

this is just handwaving

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image/webp;base64,UklGRrYmAABXRUJQVlA4IKomAAAw4ACdASqGAQ 4BPp1InUwlpCY4JRPrWwATiWVujdF0tTvPkzgIpek SdlvbDqH83f2yapcrtkIW/AxGpy5vtBldPEf8nl71FumowEj8iUXdzkDrVsuk8Oi0kw7yjKd cLxz9EbmV 3VRHwGTfaXDHjK GdkDp1p6hkeDeuMn0tjVcn2k5Rwb7VXtHdVWYXi/Ca 2MXaKP5l/K3cSY6Xfd6B Q1vYmtXnQv5KLrVcCToT6l02wG8nubCNLkV3j/RUkxyMWTQlHtsX6gYjfJZL2J8CiE3r6WdmRY9gU7wLvDmeuskl D XP08OHCeJjE kt4T2JzdEtUgjuWKaCLkEm6QUaaG5 WboA Zy9BuEYhQ5J3gdXwXze/Muy5Xdu1wq3ssK6c3EQ222kKo4pcy128PoNEzCG/eleQXczSTa9z57fYZAXsWmI4tpvXLqCgWvA2Nl4ZzwaP OHrJtJVYd/7VY5hqv8zvTNPmf8BC0HFluLcSnvAZ2/CKjeSsvhUzUFPDWutew oQqVURQHtKEUIKa7 KzPUTDdm YSloJ4p8 5c69yk6IbDjlsYt/mRhLeOMlIAisiq9U2OEe6iDtMmgIFyLk9bysxRxaekbMFFv4Ue L2iwAujvEDPyulf g2c UoeoMCnDVj8ELgl18yUVFmECoyWl iN/lgqHxUt87kxp60ixtFSf/ hgBx8xdUcuuW PKg3YVo0nejJM52uPRPLDMYebyxn57eyy896COm6oOJQlgEYWr 7zdI0Pvl5yCY4gX/xDVQHR0iHBJnLFb3vQ3iOkqVUmr/1L20P3pRS55qClBVmLJhjiYNBLs4oI0k1Ey4HjHX3PAk eyfVEi2103OPcZnS8QGrD3Nwd pdVhz R9oz2/cvDW06prfQI9BnBhXKHrqxUEk3Zw7NY5fZN6N2wqciWUuqcoTq HZkFxGJDbUFG5LACmusid0WeZ4ICJTv50/SSPliuqL3RGaVtXUSfxzSc7LT7 79Y7 Jyg9AZeqOCVom9hAOVrpQfFWzt3UB/LT9WqKNg/iBpR9p/ZzwYxkepsG3MRfKlpROj8e3zkY/wu0TBnE3BDfL2iUCeWe 2m 5pW5sjc2d/d4vf2g4dTxaA3Nz xA /noyGsLrKrkl6vF0qv9CWrcjFBze1Cut1hIqsstuTw yJtg7sDm32w SPHQ4drkVDJSKpLp 7lbkoXOEfTHTGnZOEv9vGNa / 2WP2kmUJb4pfITArUvmhy4bJZmk9EyTlffmYekMmiE1ArypUyQ 5nokZi7iNwLOvlLvSNKDNim15fhTvIXrN Nr7nRXDPe6Vc9Av/KQQBG7YeIZ3Rx5QLjKXxX/nZgmX7 ZWP34wGneX8rnvN6rgXoytu9KwfB79vcit OXpAc3NWQFR6SPGEhNofvsH t7uCRkMkpONjstojCU1AmlQLvZkqV5Qa1TUOduXldZxoC0w1DG zv/QXD7OBBs9tFoeS0RJalvIjGbEpk6MLMFHBSzpn67f9NiQ1aVFK cpUmv6DupyvI7Y3cm14CHrtmaZjFaqRKpI58pSK8J2 1ob5L3QNQOvuvSR50NeGq4JFs84xvZc3clDXKl48FXc/FBvGoLOi/eCCjx2TuxvHJAdLtTcNFW1RIGNATHZaTDCJRJ 4Q3OvkynDtOwiws2dIgmxzuXAZb34Xb5jQ8uMhKo1 0NnzqIe7gIvf8GeRr9WS9Q9k8gi5nQAFkIev84lZaBr3xdvQhe 2 ITNaad3uFFI7qLiqkTEG01c7FSLbh7ssIz97DRO5dNJI4Q8xsD FjkxHRfmjWrEeipPaOye / ZpycSe17X0mziTcAgbTXmTTls5R6DTGuL6X6xKy4HvJb5ERKnJ PcDn86lUe81VelbGb/n5PsbyljJXRIk3x7tdLzpgpPeBOp3NiIlMKNNR9DwI0Xo7cIpp L1KZF0txU01CijEM3VZRfjaTSb7GZEo rMvl5BG5 hXansYDzEdgxIoy29JxujNCzMUuuS1OqlrKc9SntdM53Sq Qve lLr7Cnnywsd3cEMr3ia/5PE/3/KT9e/vlLMivd00DKV48gB7CF1nmNQM0qSQYXKGSiCF2lmt4E5QZJZ/HKqEqZek46m5SLgT8kt13F0vOh5eOIi1g ce8t811FDRQGxpuZ8C/5R93 fmq5BNzXfM0hoQmv x3OhlbmGJwrxqPX9xuYmRjM dihUmB9afDPD8pRiMXJBaVmz04rfvn3lCp13p UowiJ5i58TzcnHlbpW52SxjNZckEeJFbyucOSlFBtyYRCVHrUz CHEUcTyhRfiFA7zFplPJYcPTf2otNe40ImoK7SpBSIu77sa/x5 /PAFZdv5KO88sXDYmeXq6ooPQVWV/cCH3OP n3//pu qIOkFrEnccPOiaUAD 94qPMLoXXp2rcR0rZirZ8xqWw8YL8GCMuYEqLoYXRM22NyMaKc Ldjj0DN4HVRCsu6d9VjdF8CnxE9b Se0ECM1568QGQbsr 0MKh8HJW7ZGYEAZTFlmglGD0qFrS9yXljEUsLkeCl12aD0r1aG JKrxNI0BSlo7wZifnKeR/6RZcDH0gVNFckU74sqEK/gRKUse4gWirp2jwgce7qWVgoc ap v/F02p1DVgref ZUitXxw4h245zMcJzoqEAz0k5lMr4Tck/3vHofzrmACpCGHK7IV ke kII6uonvSoXAoDKbDfpUBL4OhfqZtHXoRDC FIHGIeUc8X2OYgrgdCXT7nTY7Ck yTvmO9Rhafx/HfxeCiMQzizgBwxtJBMH0TCLJCJcNjLDTbTsfQDhyivhhZla0I evVIqiRQ606M4cbY2880/KsqHHEXHdcDqcZxLGyWY gSxi4MQlO8Px7crz1rzqHydLN1i2Fi58Yzo7hXQ3G9m2p3/RKOcrYw5PK7lwpIhmK1FiW2 pdUOZhuD0K4NT2FnSxd1ihTGJ9zbHf oETzTb1tQ/jzgIXFf8vJj87sjXJY7CfO3suXPDzd05JlMXYkYZgxXTDQLYOf KoCYwq/5/9zIjcl0sww7GPU2oBvQb8q/YG1pxhNcZcoL4tnM/TD/oBhpjHp7Az0oHu/0glRfFxR4urpoM1kFrutQBnnCFox/FeOMKMzzFIeUIkr5jjPArWf sKHGHwko Q4nZGNL47r1dFLpfJlHcp46ReDTc7SOtN4UWO5PGw /KnT6/XsVJCN8VfYPLNTuv0ChdGOIPdsK O FKSwCqnP Q5tW1toH8PXnXa9JDd2tQjkD3aY39RRa8GzpD14BZowaWMHGQn l2eSZNULnWxOISxkrqRgTaT0Zpjc HDIhKHIv ETN jEcD8MbXsD6DWFrNUxnpCkbqMKLMdheAx6GE6z9NhGWzJc4dyv K5iLJysLSTUqHHIzlfZQZt1Q skZow2/TAE9b/IvmmstaBY3yMDCO61UaVs ujVfXGsYGYvCp9MYUkoJv03iP3H0xkm6wLoy6Wj i8NKrnb49set9B411eBGe 35 QQUwYqN v2W /cgDkYwIoGBtYg5l2WfT4ml3 uddNv0cnBXBrvZ9LhA/aEIGBmIvtKrX3TVDp3YFyeNnJA lXWxruFh3e/K8l0sMUcLbiRDnImIkxTxhnt51qvgODocreXnMn aqJNMf3IU6py7fs45C76nMeFWGkJxUiWadgvrQMqiNy0FYsO85 6A/H4A/7IZlwDZ4a2OWbHV/TrKIWr61zY/e0BjNJQj1JN4Kh8/1aCG7FBd9cJGCpmejdPF0U19NI6e8/pUJNq/mNHFKQjwaxiESBt/uOmbmqgT9VbHP9hDNC2TjgLazqLOHNYsOrTHONdnMU11cNtl4w rRGnUSP8u0v1IaZDm MhhT55F/kaJiDVXd 4m/DHX9cwrYEcXSc FP b3leMxdZ0z MhVARYxA72G/3UXLI dUsxzAeWPlDyjm0YF6JF7bj ysAsl/B/VXfsxpHp/lkeIQ964fH/uzaVJN7DH1c1vC0x1tLFhhhiD6IEp1w5WrhotVWhn LRLl0mjpr3uSQQs3gSjXCpVTxDUDSpD8QpidzpzB6WZzwXZIK1 xM2X5xcmvAaWmicPxtRMvxlfWhUkrdhL9jZfr1GmGd/H7SRUqaOX0jLWCrf4LVTRojVXPCddgZjZeTLHbWY0y/iSITm2kMbCMcOli 70bM42Y4QZ9ci gF/Hi84iFA5qwxi8z qJBA9cVYPJQB5riKl0GEX5M4dVXZlbEt4im8t2ozYYI1C3zpbP lrLEwQVYT9R0mvXYLPV1W/r1aRVIgwfH6UjrVFB9b31mDUDPotgk6veS mU6eOvosHk3Jwv5kv1iQ hW6B/MqFJe1ZDsq66YOBqtwWQynzO/kHa xqyo2eFIsrWqVwY1et1MM63iiMryHNZpYhS8fLF1Qk7h182Rvl G3CBn82lqrBU0arEX4/dLxiLthLfRn0kZRvuxTSIuivGekSiyGCoPGth7v2ki6F0tEO2w lv3E4oMlnwVnDyTN1wnsx51LFYavvwMuZHiYTKFvwBqFjY/n0mbtd6fdt22IsOCxOnGiFO5souRFWFP0FiFEbam2Wq5V3XPty 6krjLf mrXzXrnbuTkXwoP0j3Ub7iOzZ48y2znNsxHNO 4XX6JfRWTurqYreDb9eQ3ADK9guZOD5OfqmCJQDJyXN/mVkXnKQgS/P8BA4lpaRCfpDFurH5d61uVLB7zadrGBfwNb 9tqhEvZi m8wBa1hqifkVyEtRYu3ZzQUweHpSLl/0G0Y0Glxss50vSIkYk631LNX2DPIcX0TALBQODH1EaIP/5S RuGRvTs5eEPxSkHI0Bb/dn89EDpFFbtp1ULP5ImipzuT3crU46WmDwizcUrlIMx6s2vExF XpJcDy82qXSz7NJuGzHGSA2NAuYE43xerGfpLQdtP823lW2Plc bcOUjmzoHHuX4ac7oajjBbpzE5POgYJO ay2qsfNp/WBMGocN8wC y7LdvrerUDqbLuglqjt95AERnmbjPNrjGy96YQuMRtJv9pPQrP SyVMwUcys/qiej 3hxhPe6j1uZZOgDzDAZhU g6ibH5ZXkCfUCwXZ5Izomvw 6B8MAYinPRO8GERQHO0thJ2H9widj9E3feGpCbzqsIjd1dv/pM5gGdrwfYnTuuETmZRREPuJ1M/M54HEwOZqKF3kOx Jphlxz8IcwKVhX/qHFHeSawyd5Qy6c7nMqCi6YcSsNc8zs8Iuvw/7JGoOBfqtaJnR/1hEhMJk4Qm45jhDgFLlvEfMOPUhho9QLAnrlsQd1rdOazKtlEz YlNDnj2bMVpULVyNmsAiCOQgobxJ kKpL4hbB7O1zRNypXaBTZKnjqfGDWHiSHpj2eMB3zLkUAefzuf YVvXYgNTmL5Lnxupt/533CT/rZplPWEEuH8lyxjQ9tQn/hjHGvJpzkEvG5FFC0lIqYxaEM0mxEk8x2i8Apugrk981sVuspD VLGcAEpGHNe2DIyYvVtjlYmtPMWZYklg2KzUIiKHPMP324nuUZ Z5CkW1b5fgTwahsJSAtGqAzkxGlfGhMl2b017eSLug8jfiyoUo qVtkU7Z9ayoQjt3RBaWGIV32cBb8QeDwgBK8jupapv5hJRmd6x 5HEjZrito0yhMVeIZJAwUmPQXPUGsySf0zkifcOzRzYHy8Pvnz x8dHMj2FEOXwrVBD2G9JqCseVQgLxSsvsc8ToyiQFb45fib32B jiRehL3chGz5ij3WWVfotqnT5aDUjWoX3vCjqjCz1K1OM5rjB2 3FsGVURcH91jqqIq4zHNxB92awObZShuN2FmSXf4Pn6jigtJEQ mzMhdu6gAB631Hdg2FNVRdQzQ5PmC5dpYaq1zK QH7I09DmpLY7rYRP9pIhQd3BT7ReO8K79ZGMqUXYlgVg2j9Aeh t3Kt273QwLAW9yNs/FzazpLNxvPbv bMrC61VbeqRlEIk443Qn1Za8nN8/f1LYyxKp9tGzQ0lew5WqAYi3pmaFG0mEY0rWfE91DKKQugnFUF Qv5OELibiJAJZ9PC63J1J9O8sm8ZPQwCr4ixYPyU1za30CVjWe ByvKWDV V8AIkZgwTEZaggqCCPhq5chBo4JBOufpvYgDoX0L2tFn F8eQ Jg47MsN4grsym/kmsOCTLOQfg6r2ejQOaziWnc2rXP48Ih4jKZnWiC9CVQeybSR9 TKx2wMbqHBorZ3h6oKCAOgnZ8qBctinr0WsX2c2kW0IdTeFyra s N8ain/Gd7gvY238b0S2uCXmXRnrD0sMuTApEUGG6SrQ9W4BLxVehfASn IRaFK/EiBVJCodAR/eoOnFbLC9QlkSvOjQ8HNrph76tfeTLY2SRJuW5caBWWSwKeMMH eIB IAUj 7Ch/p4xbHxOrDSsdnE4muyfnDnqwAujxLUbCHqefJY dRXAKVY0U9p/3ZpZJ3KRLoPEYr8R8Pdb5ItUfeVzEsbEY1Gta21dBijwu132M0 NWVz8e9yzcT8BEl5pnx8u9SprfgT5GjItx6fkSdiQx//kP6Hauu6iSwKFle9ez/vkJchk/uuWdOme/w 9tDpGuparZRCLYNDQCplsIWYUJXXbFJzyasP6NpVwAZ9HD4XO/qzK0npaiFj2Qc7uoe1gVWAte38My1HuW0gGW9TY l7xAjzb5g172jV/dBcczb1j6QtOh1dyzxgnH0dBLdndDmYKxc16RDUZnzxHmwC5cF jZGjHQbF2VS0J6oiuVYBGXY50sU3/5DKwzXBkfkVj0xIhoD4rP1mzrCrqOvqsnhmA0ZFQgGg7QpZE0c 9U9 8sT5rFCM19PcTTLbrPIm4qgCIlAzNI2bdlIGBjqssM5gUuMRAo 3I9O/dTGveUxvcXYpEdytPyAO7pPiTri0984LXDzLBqV7eUZD/uU4V5w9daLCWjyERre0IMwh9RG0PsHe1TvS/SacRzgizdX0r7FxNNLF58OhugaXDDwuhjxbrdTpVuz7O5pSmUe Bg4dK6D7cspPmlq35irz9fsqIafhCC HG86m0DC2tsP5wx5p79OP3IDaHTTjyWpt6E0UJk763BNR8FUqK hMtcfBkB Q BwDT1cZIxCkco FAd5xIa8fCYDa2QhK1GWdpAl4Nb4aUKcL9IXvLTMFpg7Ii01iZ ECJXp7lppR/D3O5HmLbGIU6dzbI OjUDxFcGiYO61EMyTzRjKXdq5cgLSOkef1oLRUWvFBqNexp0fY QaAbzTvnjN7D12nLE/fcmZ1tLXx LiGVX5v0XbzPdNfSiF2mXkQLwobKdpri3RORgY9EuuwnBq7BVT/fwApjAWUGXOXwJR9ZJHpYfqA8ygIcuoUaUIJBCoZc6m94eC6En S5JScJhPYwin/J7Vg0KLC/0VkU8hMEsL5MCGYLEvBqKHPAAfIJj i6Doxo7NcvXEAWB6P2SbhWE3c3/ 6SLsjjdwPBoN0t1zcb0n0vJKXv0pM6IOcMoiwi 0EhIc4Yv4kNcWMeplkTRUxDGRjHf8jCZdXNqO4xkMwBM/lj2RMBMMDYBXNaLp5dwMUo6eDd0MfRP7gC6jgBbDapyv3vd5R5 ZS5cy9dvYjeuv4HsV5TP1E40hJ5OIt3yhmB AAKTNWE15dfBuzDJjLjF j2WRXxnscDwBO7PahUlQfBPRCSc7U4K7oMKHB3BVzRD7BwpU7B 9mWEaiuDoRuiz9q/67Zyx/OuU9vkyKVqq5DyOeLYHqq1hmZdH02vpqZ/HjCwvVlvSXkxWl55fScWDvVNeRIyCCCDXmWxjKKRI3DykMYbG9 cxV5DgMAYZZhdm6/4FK8g9hcsF2h1zv1uVfyLg3AEvMOuqHqcl2KXhBD i2Y/U/oKw8ABTUPacVN7EuJIjEYIC4kEPu/YrlMGw3F8aCVH9J3cw0hyghTHQR KIsfOhp3uoOALTS11/J73feSNPSz3KEY52LVoz6mkFJll4kpgPjfZ4buEJlelEcJPRIc IJp5u5 j5 u4mm9q4hPtTukY1kjwdBTk5A6sa 19YY/dy9Eqj1w/1c3u3JSxAmXFTW p5a8ltf0iYZsyqPCnd72KzqLOBOsCobKOkeWG6Z/QNm5QSrUfDGaz2Tx9YZSnz5H5AMlni7cUbjjR q3rPMstusHbZRIbo4XS1GC66CEEeX49lTouhEwe10j2TLC9Ruz/ovYsvmucQmzyWu sUORJTNqIWFzFXohRVcbHNar1mbiNMQVHQQK95t7EI/ mEBkBhviqydEIUm/uTFOytgJ1PpHDMlJnkYaeIQoutPtBmk/5IGUVet2Ar5t2cqXuUPt4OLOAd7F5XpcCCt16t62ItWprEQDtQ lXgtNn4GHASRu/Ll 1PK rxVq9miK1pxqACjG2z330uUMe63YUbIwvXlY Ri6OLGStrgAgP7zdSFNlydU3vcpcFAsC8oSxxrRJqxktin31of vGqghr5IhSOlcPE1H/8erSwpkwFn/AIBusXHCsMVoQciUd8zJB8F7KgYfKSpZRePjjiKw9fohcBPSTw yltBnZ2Wqa5yqEDnEf1q5INGjqB739NUyukckMlsurxqxgH7PX J45/ExpOjzE8dRUsMcjHa/vfaFMutN iBhBwmnw92es5qeYPWCE9WAtI9M12vLhpdYRv//VHDPJ4R6/K6TZMjYyFcT7mrmxnVI88yV25TjPHLSTSRdSe7mf1PsjEUSq72 NvlRuGf1FDFOi cLDRdWLOwkszFnGw7ksZR8eM64a0WxTaPNAASKkyNeyOV0p5yR MRzbA5xjLYFXe/gJDYj4S5w yDpVs7YzXlnQactirpqouE5I1XfrjAAyjjtalUu1hL9JIzF/fUvAQ1/9kb69hHy9ihWgGCZEp9p4PrSp/zZKUjwdEqmQHLZQMLuxZDJ4vNqBWKmWgD4oqrSlal 6iv2/SuUQh5A0Vc4EVbvz0USizEZJswSI6KhmR/EzGP8BUmO6PcW9zXhSwRPBNto6PqIFTsQQCALuU8AG psCCFzitnFuM09Q7iAXr6XkncgP9kA/wyuJdB08WNCeab59OuzUfrTl3COKDDoaGx870j8euCwfpUV1NG 94ivaCIhGpw l8Vnkp4HfcC 0KqvJZzVRnq/J 73TzfUbpoQ2/bhd6j/e2Wk5M 3I ZUNEy/jgOpQxIvFClKEfDE3eT 6MQuY faxoFinpiHsgJ8XY8Isht/0zlyfgknja2kQlckc4f0len01KVvNk6/VjfqhT/KOXHFnmDNCuJfGwVkNEFfpe59Dswn3wPC6rYLoPb8QYn0S /JDTjaeEHjnuAyS bmR0g/jslS12B6bFQvQImi76SGH ADTW90FhuP0F/jhILwxhnHAU8m5P2RY3ZQ5p9W420zEGA2EmRr1xN5 7njqbiVzUuI/U1jV28NaG7R0AN9rGAt3RaDvbcPeP59Znq IICLuGHyL2afsI Tx2Fv6lIcoV7YvMVD7v2SUpA 0Sqn00xH8P69qADjI9LIg5WFY7x05eD5s0zGb1MLLLrZXI8u7R C8Z QfMX/qFYB69Wt4uoJc89wWKqBMgfKhXkq2wv6iJzeXsW0RIvJSseeMU kG09DeVRV43 mTVbEhEabvGC/eH5/So5Y8w7wXlbrzBs8oudBUTM2sMf08ZzfURtEwE6EtXgqqg11NE 8JQxgFLwDSUxQK ybyzefWJ7VaqQZcRlOo0yXiZc9lSXuJcZfBahzTGC XVoUej/0jcDtt2lcMBWZtWA0zurp5nlcSZguIVoXbtL/tCtqGALxuY8nnBSpXE0g2Xy37pNhXuMr9Wcc4PkEKtEN9OOCVT PBBl6iF1dGzcmLGMTUZT5QIE7FzWKNPnmzvnVGhptC x2MNDqpDGN72iwGbEfSHUVBLclQfz87MPmGIjSpqo1Gle2GihA NGoTV4uS6MQRCEzkFxbjpM/sJOwmrOpI3GJCu6eV4LQI0T2T5nhRFffTRck3MfgN40m4t jjj6vAPPecpwHDp0SSodkBOalBcEc68VPvVK Ty4oO54Oe7C8h8nDxodUTxZJ8FIzIfTyZwwoyKKtOhkHW96iFs MXufY2kBfsxXI/ze1cLxo4PyhGfDyGCRHBd 5cgZcB7JAvEYitix8dHM6MVlxtWJNAECSGeKadBij0YOZH8jOh vRGOXghcqT1DxnbFlMADO3g5fVFpWFF5P0dLr7iGMTvXlJ1Xa3 V9AOKyIJoAbGe48d6/twr/WC1khtc9TKy120r1tijuSW0beez2Q1G/B3pN HDB0dovKSLt1s3jhdTxP c44VMKSsS tFZTYu21SA6iJNgU DkK7cA9PzjWToVM6/tWXWnxYiwO4emCm1O8VF yJ/QevYsL6Adh2Gw9cpoL11oxX7QuxKuwEjN4hVYPhh8FrbRT/cZ7cLoTVXW9MQ0Q9y3Ap0S VhqiW3FuM4vPDPNKqiQgRLXBkMcZVoimrt37idb4nmkYThY25x ByWP5XujfyzSmV2qKpSClFl3P6b5D5Mlmi0Jgvg7I7X79Pp GFevF1abIiTvRo35zSb8T7lRTzagBWrTrn/K5 6EzqC3arfXAlzkBHNLK8HwwLArUWZc7Gug4BIvOxcgzI NigIisPnlVMzWgxsdOJAoEz X1YFFsXGzPDTa52QE7QTS/VmQ4EprBqfV9V4cOulsLAs2olCoGhfPLXMKbXbyKaTFl3rQ/z4gy0tPNsSHyr3KIJbCDlovQpd/5yF7ldAbbGbiZ0QHg2lmn2P6RDln67mIYC9ZRtAYzpeL8FTLW8 GueT2Wtqq2rrlixU5ve2UZHUAosION7EKxe84I 3y8i1E6ozWBlUO066brDYi9RVSSB98o7dJV4yOsnQJ6R3SPVAX ZduHADwhvDe4nr3cHkewCNHMA01Jj9pqX DZnfErTsN0wfO92NyPfhcm8KSMxHT4D7qm GNEeBbZhhDiaGJkOrS/nSoj/ywvQZvtw0s8dRc5l5bNUdDkI2SKJFDvRrgvB18srVlTcbWe7m4 TknksgXlScP wYblNd8v8PdtK8yWM5Ek2s3SByndJyosjo92Bdev69deu8yJQW hX5r0Sg5U /mb3PuybnMp/j3a2yOkghMfzeEq/IQ2AKUhRQyRPYhDQ 7RRpmRusORaHIoQkwrQSjyzeD3YQXI8bBhouLIwVhHjsph438A gH4d/gSCJp/ndWYerR6ofD/eYRvRiLoiy/78aWuIhKsPKg FiGC1o2l7uQsSw71dmTv34Pnl2Rny7rvj/uSmr8p G5W15fLpuFe7kiyQS Uo80EeLzq4yZpaLGlqRoEeEjVmol7Ba3jAgdAFebxnmgfeAVlQ 9D68NbWKkc8PQwHksrV/nAO4t4cAzii4ubH2ary7y2SYGXBWDFcT9FUqMylxLTBMeQ9PIQ ua UcwO9yHJQezXdMg5gQiRpJ7tlZeqpMGAufRDfRnCAqD9MlrdDc R96vh0oWSx6TZ/c8ZvHdAKDChLA2n3tKC/d8ddcOW OIdecECm4NG8ZUhW6hQdoA/9Tn8FjMp3iKMhsj7rRTZQ8cy0/AKapfSafilFebdRZ6VausZuLTomiZo80Mq/g0V7DN63avjzIC2VI3EwietaArEjF2zickiIBW0AYNG5qiA7wp sMg45r/KZSqH9oRNWiWZo0keFyxFxKZTyrPMZ0ywMYB/npkiGeTlUusYiqgY76HCO0LU3hwtFgj7aPT6TrY4BCMBYu1Pzo dDAqHrh0XDTvdISw1RsCiSQTIhQ6Fq0aFOc6dLYbX3P/IitpjEAk0D/rpo jRsGDAfxm4AKYmESsg0s/ZKRAk73mm3NIAC/5qDB8HpkRYirn6f38YJ0SubS9lPIRXKCPJHkpHoc4RD aHGh3HRYMnX7QZ9uuov8tm12dLXnkeTMkDdZ RDDpV0nz6ptasjVU67dzUt0eDtmL6vYv9TVEySHI/r9ktS5wtt8LMUWlr/E2WcxfpXPiYSTqDBo6SWWpbmOGG2ZTeqLjDGrhcofn48CbMYyI wIlzyG0NCt5EOgXnvq4whCksx9PIpIF0I Hte/EXeLmQIEk/GMLnjTSp1WeYfcQ899HphzKw5p91h410whPWv6HfIDtNTaXT37 dGhs eLxD8tobCM nhAxxNEBq6d522Peit/BVeVmTtlnozYkew5a98CMTlesYN7Npc2FyPCVF3ERC/3gVyeDOv5ce30ON7vY1AicgZh1UL1GDTGq9hJ9siBhMtfu7fqk eXhnzuWk6kWjLR3noImVOsDUjtoVTDVSSCNlLjI8gW0wTUZGGG qrEX1nuZHOo8Wfb48xIOUQwda fbvkmUV0VMkg6EUYa5RuSVHE8KKCfhlZSSZkDHkgAnETpgRZzM 3wbg/HQbbn17ucpzSALbwuzbDPyKP5geKlpK2jOPCnRekdocvEzMK6p zvKnkSgko7hw 7eboa9ZKM5EW oo/FKLF6N kOJhs2c2hGhBU2REN9ZyHBPhml6st4k8rzOu0eRe Ybs9ag39x2j3tjH87fyy/lKfL58k1DxHsVEqXWNn3lDr2bXAeEfrbG5vhnNaZD6bGtzKjQf dTyyPYqK8dVU3oq XvwQOeBxOLimqSBB34EkbKcVpjzpfcRVTkuWq6ZBLYQrghYXAO K17iL4kT5VY4zryTzK91vZlfbFhgWkrPMwWhEKh39XZkiDCMGI KWtcbEUG4Su 0NMFzw4EwNr vbB1LNwqX06Af6wTlVVjrkziruDvnPmeJAutBg5jy4Vfs79hgK I1DXgO0wQlCW7yV7kC7I6K6guj34uImsd7iJhMZhSM5s2l6Hcp ZkH4ZecsXla3RW5hjdR KrHt/QfXcF9MpGdiHAfwIsAiJsfgga/A4ny4Iy9hB QFrXEpGhh8HHhmQ3Gr4nedvEa4mEwDUMIUkTKbAPNwmZM5L4cM/ OcX7s/E5Kj6mlXNxZilN68EG5Mhd0Y39osY1/l2nS5b84VuzglMp0ngpCfdVasxol57oH6dortA/b4NzzIVILGoCBZj6bjAJRVTxJe8zqy7CnIqxcxwvMcfbnpytaT irJINdUoD6m1J15Vk5G4lhoAHo04BqoGM/bH9JuS3Wd bSuiQpVcusJakP2fFFgDkgSMqB0t6rsSEDeNdw7wDNJqn8QrJ2 9EB4HIHb1oTLebmMBpcV7/6/poRD4oNNMnBdG6rRA7r2kQ13 bPkjUe/ndxympp4x/GYnVpfRkPAJxAofEAAAA

Mike Johnson: "We all understood there was clearly an imminent threat that Iran was very close to the enrichment of nuclear capability ... I don't know where Joe Kent is getting his information ... the president felt he had to strike first to prevent mass casualties"

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 10:10 AM

one way to avoid an outcome like this would've been not to attack Iran

ceasefire and negotiation might be another

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:hbto7fanntnmq4sllszksbqt/bafkreidcyvhyrha7tbyjodrjh5bga7twc54jawwg3tyd2ibs3 gxlyi244uhttps://sherwood.news/markets/iran-strait-of-hormuz-friendly-vessels-traffic-us-escort/

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 10:28 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:hbpefio3f5csc44msmbgioxz/bafkreih25qx5zgxl45a7qrrqnniczdvzvnw7ob4zgag6tnohe fok264l7u

Israel (https://www.axios.com/world/israel) assassinated two top Iranian (https://www.axios.com/world/iran) officials in separate strikes Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said: national security chief Ali Larijani (https://www.axios.com/2026/03/10/trump-iran-khamenei-threats-war) and Basij paramilitary commander Gholamreza Soleimani.https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/israel-kills-iran-larijani-soleimani

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 10:31 AM

They’re telling me a great empire will be destroyed if I attack Persia. Even the oracles who don’t like me very much, very nasty, they all said to me, “Sir, it’s one of the great empires, and it’ll be destroyed. And all because you attacked Persia.” That’s what they’re telling me.https://bsky.app/profile/kenjennings.bsky.social/post/3mh7vq5grb22q

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 10:35 AM

<60 seconds apart
*TRUMP: CONFIDENT MACRON WILL HELP WITH STRAIT

*TRUMP ON HORMUZ HELP: MY ATTITUDE IS WE DON'T NEED ANYBODY

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 10:36 AM

update: *
MACRON: FRANCE WON'T JOIN OPS TO FREE HORMUZ IN CURRENT CONTEXT

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 10:59 AM

Trump is cooked -- yesterday he said countries were lining up to help

Not the right leader for this situation

Someone needs to take the keys away from grandpa

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:u4o26nximjdtgooqshfz45zr/bafkreieup3a2fmhhfpfx3zyuqele2t3cicdamky456phechg2 ewia7hdl4

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 11:03 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:eivqo2tskdfn4dbrm3dv2mku/bafkreidkjmbsauuebj3wlitlc6ltxdbgvjnlij3s4qlnnpquk qw7sacdqe

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 11:20 AM

per Reuters

US encouraged Syria to consider sending forces into eastern Lebanon to help disarm Hezbollah but Damascus reluctant to embark on such a mission for fear of being sucked into the war in the Middle East and inflaming sectarian tensions, five people briefed on matter said

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 11:22 AM

looks like the global consensus is to let Trump clean up his own mess, then show up afterwards to get on new terms for whatever security arrangement gets hammered out

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 11:32 AM

and that would be a war crime

TRUMP: WE COULD TAKE IRAN'S ELECTRIC CAPACITY IN ONE HOUR IF WE WANTED TO

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 05:11 PM

(Trump and Hegseth publicly declaring intent to do war crimes isn't the best look for the USA)

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 05:22 PM

rising input costs

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreig6eeouj4iuyoohg3u36ed4now6lk4w4ogztpgbpqsbm f34y7ir64 (http://ttps://bsky.app/profile/carlquintanilla.bsky.social/post/3mhbevuwf4s2m)

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 05:25 PM

where is hater

this is the real "WW3 just started" thread

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 05:29 PM

Trump broke the post-WW2 trans-atlantic alliance on the starting line, it was already under enormous strain

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 07:23 PM

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand told Bloomberg News today that the country "was not consulted prior to the offensive operation" and "has no intention of participating in" it.

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 07:49 PM

this should go over well

Air cargo rates from India have reportedly climbed 200 to 350 percent for some routes, according to Blough. Because most pharmacies and wholesalers operate on a just-in-time inventory model for generics, he warned that sustained disruption could start showing up for consumers within four to six weeks — first as shortages or delays for high-volume medications like diabetes drugs, hypertension treatments, statins, and antibiotics, and potentially extending to some temperature-sensitive therapies, including certain cancer treatments.

The longer the war lasts, there is a real likelihood that consumer and health system will see price increases and disruptions of the supply chain, said Amanda Chawla, senior vice president and chief supply chain and post acute care officer at Stanford Health Care. It is not only drugs she is worried about. Beyond acetaminophen and antibiotics, she said insulin syringes, hand sanitizers, nitrile exam gloves, and ointments that require petroleum or petroleum by-products in manufacturing for production are at risk. As the price of oil increases, that will translate to the cost production of such goods.

The sea-freight picture carries its own complications with shipping delays not only increasing the cost and time needed to move finished medicines. While some shipments use sophisticated cryogenic containers, many still rely on cooler-style packaging that requires ice or battery-powered fans to be replenished every few hours to prevent a cold-chain failure. Refrigerated “reefer” containers operate on strict transit timelines, and with canceled sailings and diverted routes, some containers are stuck at origin ports while others are stranded at diversion hubs that may not have the power capacity to keep large volumes of refrigerated cargo running. Empty containers are also becoming trapped in the Middle East, preventing them from returning to Asia to load new shipments. Container shortages typically associated with supply chain disruptions mean Indian exporters may have to compete for limited cargo space.

“That creates a cascading problem: full containers can’t move, in-transit cargo must stay cold, and manufacturers may struggle to secure the specialized equipment needed to ship the next batch of medicines,” Blough said. Some carriers may even declare force majeure, relieving them of liability for delays or damage tied to the disruption.
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/16/strait-of-hormuz-closure-generic-drug-prescriptions.html

SnakeBoy

03-17-2026, 09:28 PM

Trump broke the post-WW2 trans-atlantic alliance on the starting line, it was already under enormous strain

:tu

Been telling you tbh

ChumpDumper

03-17-2026, 09:42 PM

:tu

Been telling you tbh

You haven't been telling us whether you are personally in favor this war of your Trump's choice.

You shut the fuck up about that.:tu

SnakeBoy

03-17-2026, 10:10 PM

You asked and immediately answered for me like on page one :lol

ChumpDumper

03-17-2026, 10:21 PM

You asked and immediately answered for me like on page one :lol

You never answered for yourself and immediately shut the fuck up about it forever :lol

Winehole23

03-17-2026, 10:25 PM

:tu

Been telling you tbhyour man is cratering out hard

ChumpDumper

03-17-2026, 11:02 PM

Look at these gold drapes!

BadMotorscooter

03-18-2026, 03:22 AM

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 07:19 AM

robust loser energy

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:lm4eq2cftwbnrmzkzowigpt7/bafkreif5h3tbeeemxf7nk7jpnxlns5ramz6bif4opwl6mr264 zowppm43a

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 07:32 AM

"how about if I wreck everything, declare victory and walk away"

Blake

03-18-2026, 08:13 AM

When are democrats gonna realize how stupid they are?....remember when I said I was betting Trump to win again in 2024 and you democrats laughed?.....lmao. JD Vance is the favorite to win in 2028 at even money and Im betting on him....Newsom is the democrat favorite at +128.....you democrats gonna call me stupid again and go with Newsom.....let me know.

You voted for a felon that's caused needless American deaths and your cost of living to go ridiculously, needlessly high. You're dumber than every person that voted against Trump.

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 08:56 AM

more begging

this is the opposite of what you're supposed to do in times of rising inflation

later today, the Fed will announce its 2026 projections -- the consensus is it will probably put off any rate cuts until next year, as inflation is likely to be 3% or higher for the duration

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreico33cj4t7jsnj7bbycmf44jxrsz2cc74u3va6a4d62h vmdpj2ehe

ChumpDumper

03-18-2026, 09:42 AM

When are democrats gonna realize how stupid they are?....remember when I said I was betting Trump to win again in 2024 and you democrats laughed?.....lmao. JD Vance is the favorite to win in 2028 at even money and Im betting on him....Newsom is the democrat favorite at +128.....you democrats gonna call me stupid again and go with Newsom.....let me know.

I'll let you know we all said Trump would win BECAUSE people like you are stupid.

Let us know you predicted Trump's war of choice in Iran and murdering citizens in the street and endless inflation and that you wanted all of it.

Blake

03-18-2026, 09:47 AM

"how about if I wreck everything, declare victory and walk away"

S.O.P./ M.O.

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 10:22 AM

DOW CEO SAYS UP TO 50% OF POLYETHYLENE SUPPLY IS OFFLINE, CONSTRAINED OR IMPACTED AMID MIDDLE EAST DISRUPTIONS -- CONF CALLhttps://www.britannica.com/science/polyethylene

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 10:28 AM

industrial inputs

BASF TO HIKE SOME PRICES BY UP TO 30% OR MORE AS ENERGY, MATERIALS COSTS SOARhttps://www.britannica.com/money/BASF-Aktiengesellschaft

SnakeBoy

03-18-2026, 01:57 PM

When are democrats gonna realize how stupid they are?....remember when I said I was betting Trump to win again in 2024 and you democrats laughed?.....lmao. JD Vance is the favorite to win in 2028 at even money and Im betting on him....Newsom is the democrat favorite at +128.....you democrats gonna call me stupid again and go with Newsom.....let me know.

I wouldn't put '28 in the bag yet. I still believe the establishment will rig their primary to ensure a Shapiro/probably Whitmer ticket. That's a formidable ticket that will run on a slightly modified Trump agenda. These crybaby libs will fall in line and do what they're told. They always do.

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 03:35 PM

who's "the establishment"?

ChumpDumper

03-18-2026, 04:55 PM

who's "the establishment"?

snacks will never answer this

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 05:04 PM

I think everybody knows

Obsessed with Josh Shapiro

ChumpDumper

03-18-2026, 05:13 PM

I think everybody knows

Obsessed with (((Josh Shapiro)))Some of his wife's best friends tho.

SnakeBoy

03-18-2026, 05:21 PM

Amazing! God Bless these Israelis, they're so happy

2034352373628596256

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 05:39 PM

Fires at Ras Laffan

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rwagsud3omjb3e3comhxoudg/bafkreibdeinbc4fnh27ngtytrezhjb7upjaopvlvjjaffsm75 iemnkhiey

and Mesaieed, in Qatar

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:rwagsud3omjb3e3comhxoudg/bafkreic3fur2rrg74zt4az6bx6nfwkjkyv6rayifninnrmuj2 ylza464mq

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 05:40 PM

Qatar is PNGing a bunch of Iranian diplomatic personnel, particularly military attachés, over the latest attack on civilian gas installations at Ras Laffan

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 05:40 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rwagsud3omjb3e3comhxoudg/bafkreidb7bii52x5g7s2bygr73kcsvl2p2ubm7j4gzir4nqk2 okl3eavmy

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 05:56 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:movn6xzezospl7lnkhy7nzpt/bafkreibetx5kd3xg3qxd3ir2ntilqb3c2dbg4sjbp45e46qlt 3bvoytaku

ChumpDumper

03-18-2026, 06:08 PM

snacks voted for that

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 07:14 PM

moment of hesitation?

(WSJ) (http://htps://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/iran-us-israel-war-news-2026/card/rump-wants-no-more-energy-strikes-but-supported-attack-on-south-pars-JYROfxheBSzuGarvy6O1)

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:pnx2fjuannbdpy3337ggthpp/bafkreierp2ykn2xy3unwho43uoylwo3dvrscwibkdjpzznqjd h3d4gj2im

Winehole23

03-18-2026, 09:10 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4usmserhjqkvhldgedfjb3jw/bafkreigamnlm4qufr2ailk6zbq2tvt7ogvrtmbckvozvqghws zldvqrohe

SnakeBoy

03-18-2026, 10:00 PM

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDtES1ibEAAV7a-?format=jpg&name=large

ChumpDumper

03-19-2026, 01:44 AM

You're doing social media wrong, scrah.

Winehole23

03-19-2026, 06:45 AM

leaving the legality of Trump's war of choice completely aside, it's just dumb

Winehole23

03-19-2026, 07:16 AM

unsanctioning Sauron's oil is America First

*BESSENT: US MAY UNSANCTION IRANAIN OIL THAT'S ON WATER
*BESSENT: WE'RE ABSOLUTELY NOT INTERVENING IN OIL FUTURES
*BESSENT: US COULD DO A UNILATERAL RELEASE OF OIL RESERVES

Winehole23

03-19-2026, 07:19 AM

spitting in the ocean

Winehole23

03-19-2026, 08:00 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:yjswdvqm3v6shgkszgxczzdt/bafkreib4lyb2twdugtl2cgmjl2o55pn4kfgwjkjyxxwdfp4tg gqkvrc55i

Winehole23

03-19-2026, 08:35 AM

the article lists Iranian mistakes and miscalculations too, but this is a big one

Washington has not yet reckoned with the world made by its war on Iran, one in which the bomb looks more attractive than ever and would-be nuclear states understand the urgency of developing a weapon in secrethttps://www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/stunning-failure-iranian-deterrence

Winehole23

03-19-2026, 08:52 AM

per Reuters

QATARENERGY CEO TELLS REUTERS: WE MAY HAVE TO DECLARE FORCE MAJEURE ON LONG-TERM CONTRACTS FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS FOR LNG SUPPLIES TO ITALY, BELGIUM, KOREA AND CHINA

QATARENERGY CEO TELLS REUTERS: THE ANNUAL REVENUE LOST FROM THE THREE DAMAGED FACILITIES IS AROUND $20 BILLION

Winehole23

03-19-2026, 09:01 AM

https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-19-at-6.07.58%E2%80%AFPM.png

Winehole23

03-19-2026, 12:12 PM

geostrategic catastrophe

no better time to impeach and remove Trump

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gftip5r3dmyojn5lat333pp5/bafkreihc272v5t3mmg7alwduqpxwmgc6h252zzbei6yqlzily 57u6yisbe

Winehole23

03-19-2026, 12:32 PM

Spain's renewables build-out has structurally decoupled its electricity prices from gas markets. Gas now sets the price in only 15% of hours, compared to 90% in Italy.

Countries that invested early in clean power are far less exposed to fossil fuel price shocks. Those that didn't now pay the price.

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:2iv3f7svsfxfr5r53bgymkjk/bafkreicd4c4tfi3py2ef22zawfzmeagbk52i3k25lszhdbbgt bangrtaiq

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 06:40 AM

"demand destruction"

causing a global recession by stumbling into a global energy supply shock with no strategy for solving it won't soon be forgotten by the whole freaking world

In this context, “break” fundamentally means demand destruction. Typically, higher prices can incentivize suppliers to realign logistics and trade routes to allow more supply, even with the same amount of production behind it. But all of those things are insufficient for the loss we’re currently facing. If we continue down this path, prices will need to rise to such a level as to actually force a physical, volumetric reduction in demand.

That’s not something we’ve typically seen in these types of crises. What you would often see is a high price level that over a longer period of time saps consumer spending and causes all the recessionary issues that we usually talk about. But rather than a price elasticity demand destruction [where consumers choose not to buy], it’s an income elasticity demand destruction [where they can’t afford to buy]. It’s not that you don’t drive to work because the price of gas is too high, it’s you don’t drive to work because you lost your job. That is the more common way we see demand destruction manifest.

In this situation, if the Strait remains closed, the price is just going to keep rising and rising and rising until you get fewer planes in the air and fewer people driving. And I think that is the kind of situation we’re kind of looking at now.

Gasoline is going to hurt household budgets, and it’s very politically sensitive. But middle distillate products are actually much more important for the economy because that’s shipping costs, that’s freight, that’s groceries, that’s Amazon boxes, that’s airfare, everything else. So, I think that is a much more economically and structurally important fuel, particularly when we’re talking about potential inflationary pressures.

If central banks are trying to look at inflationary pressures, they’ll be looking at gasoline for a view on consumer expectations. But I think they’ll be looking primarily at diesel for the kind of structural, inflationary impact it can have.
https://hbr.org/2026/03/the-oil-shock-is-here-and-were-just-beginning-to-feel-it

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 07:37 AM

ok, then what?

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:zi6x5ppoqiomymqr7s47em4o/bafkreicqh5xecyjqbz4rej4qumjgd3x3ivo4onbm66xuak4vj g7iplntn4

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 07:49 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gftip5r3dmyojn5lat333pp5/bafkreihc272v5t3mmg7alwduqpxwmgc6h252zzbei6yqlzily 57u6yisbe

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 07:51 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:zuuhnsbfrt6sjtimuzx7olop/bafkreicrl747zqvnsuex2dviwqi2cvfu4y6ola6qihhfenkty oens5dloi

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 07:58 AM

planting season for the northern hemisphere is right now

lower crop yields and higher prices for food are pretty much guaranteed

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:e4nvb4arx2ackutuq3os2r6s/bafkreibp4ujny47elogwxiitrwmgixjdwkc3kvxe43y3xvgbo 3l4pain7e

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 08:00 AM

WALLER SAYS THE FED CANNOT "LOOK THROUGH" A LARGE AND PERSISTENT OIL SHOCK; AT THIS POINT CAUTION FOR THE FED IS WARRANTED

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 08:26 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cmvp2dfgs7qrfjo5n27limmf/bafkreibrf2yq5ffownwamfivh2hjgdiguahohw6bsqu3vxskd ceysrd6qi

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 08:40 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:4kshoaytrzhgsziro6ywozul/bafkreih23qjfgkq4q7lodgdahqhx2iourealy4363adnej6w5 n7gkpryr4

SnakeBoy

03-20-2026, 06:11 PM

lol

2035094245355159870

We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.

We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks, and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.

Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.

Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasise that such interference with international shipping and disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.

We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations engaging in preparatory planning.

We welcome the International Energy Agency decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves. We will take further steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with producing nations to increase output.

We will also work to support the most affected countries, including through the United Nations and the international financial institutions.

Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.

ChumpDumper

03-20-2026, 06:47 PM

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 07:10 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:pnx2fjuannbdpy3337ggthpp/bafkreicyx65t5l3xmgixlzbeq3rja67q3uigh4o6ea5gmxo3e uhnquzpze

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 07:20 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:eivqo2tskdfn4dbrm3dv2mku/bafkreigcdd36qrzmosplk76lkjnvhzwt25hf4sb5o5ce53fiy o5njdsmiy

Blake

03-20-2026, 09:40 PM

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 11:27 PM

"US lifts sanctions on Iran" is one of Iran's preconditions for reopening Hormuz, right?

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:flfa7b6kgjqp3bbh223tmpjk/bafkreiajkmqzum5s47phwcokyh7ps2yczyzdknbnqumzdps2p yjik5rch4

Winehole23

03-20-2026, 11:37 PM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:mf5dzzqkp7fnmby6blfeljwj/bafkreigf42ubvwjvhattqxw5kflpad35kpkgunk2rzslk3qhf iwxrznt3q

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4xpmcoftij275cpykncaqne6/bafkreib33nphlaypssnpfk2iiq3425q5xdecmtibzmepahz77 b7ppim4wy

Winehole23

03-21-2026, 12:57 AM

Iran fires intermediate range missiles at Diego Garcia

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:3553q446gonrogr5klgmzd2x/bafkreicv3omjjlpcubzhsk44yq2gzsnjiqq2h3a432z422u5c pdzonsjcq

Winehole23

03-21-2026, 07:30 AM

https://www.thedailybeast.com/resizer/v2/RKHTCNBTHZBETAJN7MYG7NQ4TI.png?auth=449dac39708c41 f110d7a9106810ad7e9760599bccbda1d263c4ff83561666ed&width=800&height=827

Winehole23

03-21-2026, 08:46 AM

"totally destroyed"

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreibzlpldjc2mr3nlahjazm7cqk3lqqy7ogcyt3vk6prjl jl4fnlncq

Winehole23

03-21-2026, 10:38 AM

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:j2kmiyhld5btzozgzwy3lc2m/bafkreiapqhty5aftbzyiqss7qqjzrvd3d7s5lfejwczsoswfj 7uxrhglem

Winehole23

03-21-2026, 10:44 AM

tactical success for strategic failure has been the story of US armed forces in East Asia and South Asia this century so far, it doesn't look like that has changed very much

The Trump administration has led the United States into war with Iran, assuming it could secure a quick victory with limited costs. They were wrong. After more than two weeks of consistent bombing, new US intelligence (https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/03/16/iran-regime-intelligence-irgc-war/) suggests Iran’s regime is now consolidating power, unlikely to collapse, and led by a cadre more extreme than before. Despite this, Washington is deploying thousands of additional troops (https://www.reuters.com/world/us-deploy-thousands-additional-troops-middle-east-officials-say-2026-03-20/) to the Middle East, and Trump inches closer to a potential ground campaign inside Iran. It is time to face reality: tactical successes cannot mask what has quickly become another strategic failure in the Middle East.

There was no question whether the United States and Israel could inflict major damage (https://airwars.org/record-pace-of-strikes-in-iran-bombing-campaign-analysis/) on the Iranian regime and its military. It took them only 100 hours to drop more bombs than in the first six months of the US-led counter-ISIS campaign and less than 24 hours to assassinate (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/01/us/politics/cia-israel-ayatollah-compound.html) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The war has certainly achieved discrete tactical successes aimed at weakening Tehran. Yet the central question has always been the strategic end such force is meant to achieve.

Here, the administration’s strategy is divorced from its ostensible aims. Among the many contradicting rationales floated by Washington to justify the attack, two have been most prominent: eliminating Iran’s nuclear program and effecting regime change in Tehran. Washington has achieved neither of these objectives, nor is it in a position to do so.
https://www.cato.org/blog/strategic-failure-iran

Winehole23

03-21-2026, 11:04 AM

SEND MOAR TROOPS

President Donald Trump's administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to reinforce its operation in the Middle East, as the U.S. military prepares for possible next steps in its campaign against Iran, said a U.S. official and three people familiar with the matter.

The deployments could help provide Trump with additional options as he weighs expanding U.S. operations, with the Iran war (https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-criticises-allies-over-rejection-hormuz-request-iran-israel-trade-2026-03-17/) well into #its third week.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-weighs-military-reinforcements-iran-war-enters-possible-new-phase-2026-03-18/

Winehole23

03-21-2026, 11:13 AM

Adam Smith (D-WA)

Sargent: Yes. And I want to be clear, though—you think that his idea is to go in with troops on the ground and try to change the regime that way? I mean, does that make any sense? Like, how would it happen?

Smith: It doesn’t make any sense. But the idea in Trump’s mind—look, whenever Trump encounters an adversary of any size, he has pretty much the same approach: Kick him in the balls, force him to say “uncle.” That’s pretty much the only card he’s got to play. Think about the way he ran his businesses—he sued people all over the place, he declared bankruptcy, he didn’t pay his bills. He’s now trying to prosecute enemies large and small across the government. He cut off like $500 billion in programs. He goes for the punch in the face, right off the bat. I mean, that’s his move. The problem is, Iran has said, yeah, we took the kick—we’re not going anywhere. And then Trump doesn’t really have a play at that point.

So he gets frustrated, and he’s like, No, you will bow to my will. And he tends to double and triple down. And again, in this case, we’re not talking about pulling Nicolás Maduro out of some weak, collapsing Venezuelan government. We’re not talking about the horrific crime that we are committing against Cuba right now—just choking off their oil and waiting for them to die. We’re talking about going into a country that’s dug in, of 93 million people with over a million troops and a passion to fight us. Remember how the Iranians fought in the Iraq War, and they were nowhere near as solidified or capable of defending their regime then as they are now. So Trump’s fantasies are confronting reality, and we all are paying a terrible price for that.
https://newrepublic.com/article/208015/transcript-trump-war-takes-dark-turn-leaks-unnerve-dems-madness
https://adamsmith.house.gov

Winehole23

03-21-2026, 06:50 PM

nuclear brinksmanship, it it strictly necessary?

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5at5gikrfzvktcpmzmvzil2q/bafkreib765eatmavf77cz2aasdg7jfwdrin62k4xaoofnu6oq 4tinzqne4

Winehole23

03-22-2026, 09:14 AM

our decider in chief is flailing

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:svawqo4jxobyyuqmixplvcux/bafkreibqowodyy62fvjzusnnnt7vhqsnn25roedpnaivityrx 6gv7k6yai

Winehole23

03-22-2026, 09:55 AM

Russia's strategic narrative appears to be against the US/Israel war on Iran

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:vxdyct2qkmd4gsjeyh3lx7st/bafkreibhr25ktfpw46vo7alo6bgafrgxck5bxw6cfkj2ngki3 siwbwyski