Caitlin Johnstone:
I’m supposed to hate a country for saying “Death to America”? I yell that during sex.
LOL
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jun 21 2025 16:20 utc | 74
I deeply love that woman! If I ruled the world, I’d appoint her minister of western female reeducation.

Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Jun 21 2025 16:49 utc | 104

see the 13:18 video at the second link
see the 1:19 video at the third link
https://t.me/presstv/145478
Press TV
How Iranian missile struck at the heart of Israeli cyber empire in Beer al-Sabe
A day after the Israeli regime launched multiple coordinated cyberattacks targeting Iran’s banking network and state television, Iran responded with a missile strike on what is widely regarded as the regime’s cyber capital.
https://x.com/MaxBlumenthal/status/1936105591547601196
Max Blumenthal @MaxBlumenthal
Wondering why billions of people around the world are delighted to see Israel get its just desserts for launching an unprovoked war on Iran?
Just watch this video I made back in December 2023
https://x.com/SuppressedNws/status/1936185407986717102
Suppressed News. @SuppressedNws
🚀BOOM BOOM TEL AVIV.
Lyrics+ Song: @LucasGageX Edit: @_its_Amara2

Posted by: michaelj72 | Jun 21 2025 16:51 utc | 106

I agree that the US/Israel feel confident that they have paid off enough IRGC generals to do another Syria.
I have an Iranian-American fb friend that posted a long screed from someone still in Iran who hates the ayatollah and wants to destroy the government. How many Iranians are in on that? I don’t know, but I’m sure the US is counting on them.
Of course, the US was also convinced that putting sanctions on Russia would upset the Russians enough to overthrow their government. That didn’t work out for them so much.
I guess we’ll see if there are enough dumbasses in Iran to think that collaborating with the US is a good idea.
The Kurds are always up for that, no matter what country they are in. They don’t seem to be capable of learning from experience. But what about the rest?
How’d it work out for the people of Iraq, Libya, Syria and Ukraine after the US overthrew their governments?

Posted by: wagelaborer | Jun 21 2025 16:51 utc | 108

Caitlin Johnstone:
I’m supposed to hate a country for saying “Death to America”? I yell that during sex.
LOL
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jun 21 2025 16:20 utc | 74

I don’t want America destroyed. I want it reformed, back to the “by, for, and of the people.” But, I do appreciate Caitlyn’s stance. She doesn’t pull any punches.

Posted by: team10tim | Jun 21 2025 16:55 utc | 110

Did the Brit gov takeover the EIC or did the EIC takeover the British government?
Posted by: will moon | Jun 21 2025 16:30 utc | 84

Indeed, Britain’s first nationalisation (to make sure nobody who mattered got hurt) or reverse takeover, kinda the same.
At least the British Crown got to play Empress/Emperor for a bit until the Battyman rage quit with the partition.

Posted by: ChatNPC | Jun 21 2025 16:57 utc | 112

I am not claiming exclusive rights, and certainly didn’t come up with ‘Empire of Lies’ it’s just a very accurate term.
Not sure about ‘America being a reality show with nukes’, I may have read it somewhere, in any case I think they are both apt monikers.
As an aside, isnt the discrepancy between Western media reporting and the actual news that does escape the information lockdown in Israel remarkable?

Posted by: Doctor Eleven | Jun 21 2025 16:58 utc | 114

Magnier: ‘Iran May Consider Attacking The Israeli Occupation Forces in Gaza & The West Bank’
https://x.com/HussainShafiei/status/1936370354777153999
“The greatest news on Earth would be the end of this genocide. A victory not just for Palestine, but a message carved into history – showing the regional cowards and collaborators what true courage means. Not silence. Not deals. Not fear. But standing when it counts.”

Posted by: JohnGilberts | Jun 21 2025 17:01 utc | 116

I don’t want America destroyed. I want it reformed, back to the “by, for, and of the people.” But, I do appreciate Caitlyn’s stance. She doesn’t pull any punches.
Posted by: team10tim | Jun 21 2025 16:55 utc | 112–
I’m afraid US will miss the last exit.

Posted by: MorePain4Cakes | Jun 21 2025 17:01 utc | 118

@73
Agree.
US/Israel/neocon thought that Mossad/CIA/MI6 could do both Russia and Iran w/in a two week lapse. In both cases the US was lulling their target in negotiation and agitprop!
Regarding Market Garden: who would have known to look for armored units refitting after getting out of the Falaise pocket in the way of a British airborne division inserted too far from any help?
Like last week, who could have envisioned Iran not collapsing after killing a few officers and scientists?
My theory is after their Russia flop they should have cancelled the Iran decapitation….. Probably hubris or too late to call off the dogs!
The gulf nobility remains on the US/Israel side possibly due to the schism with Shi’a. When the empire falls they will be dependent upon the Ayatollahs’ charity.
They all believe their own BS!

Posted by: paddy | Jun 21 2025 17:03 utc | 120

Posted by: team10tim | Jun 21 2025 16:55 utc | 112

…
I don’t want America destroyed. I want it reformed, back to the “by, for, and of the people.”…

…But not at the expense of other people. It’s all I ask.

Posted by: robin | Jun 21 2025 17:05 utc | 122

More recently while scrolling through TikTok I learned that bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki started WWII.
Posted by: sln2002 | Jun 21 2025 16:39 utc | 92
Idiocracy – Time Mascheen

Posted by: ChatNPC | Jun 21 2025 17:08 utc | 124

Just a quick message before slow internet.
—
That’s a non-starter. A classic march of folly into oblivion.
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jun 21 2025 15:39 utc | 27
Awww, Arch. That’s disappointing. I thought Real Men wanted to go to Tehran.
Where are these Real Men anyway? Are they lost in time?
Have any wars been won, just by air?

Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Jun 21 2025 17:11 utc | 126

SOS | Jun 21 2025 16:44 utc | 99
The surge real but I suspect information warfare is being used to vastly overstate reality. I am tracing this all back to Israeli media. I many be incorrect but it is an excellent exercise to see how these stories start and grow across the media spectrum.

Posted by: circumspect | Jun 21 2025 17:13 utc | 128

Pakistan. Suddenly “pakistan” is appearing in all sorts of news bulletins.
First, we learn its military guy / delegation had meetings in the White House.
Now the same guy is meeting everyone’s favourite snake, Erdogan.

Pakistan Marshal Asim Munir, FM Dar and Turkish President Erdogan in Istanbul.

Erdogan met with Armenian PM Pashinyan this week, and the next day met with Iranian FM Araghchi.
Now he’s meeting with the Pakistanis.
https://t.me/ClashReport/48486
Busy boy reptile
——-
Lukashenko also playing nice with the U$ delegations
= “Belarusian President Lukashenko meeting with Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg.”

Posted by: Melaleuca | Jun 21 2025 17:13 utc | 130

The gulf nobility remains on the US/Israel side possibly due to the schism with Shi’a. When the empire falls they will be dependent upon the Ayatollahs’ charity.
They all believe their own BS!
Posted by: paddy | Jun 21 2025 17:03 utc | 122–
Don’t forget the heartily welcome of Al Julani in KSA, only months after renewing contacts with Assad.

Posted by: MorePain4Cakes | Jun 21 2025 17:14 utc | 132

Roger, I’ve oft written about teleological thinking. It’s a product of Messianic thinking/indoctrination, an inauthentic desire the Existentialists would say. The East Asians don’t have this tick, they think cyclical, hence every crisis is an opportunity, always focused on what next and aware of the season at hand. We are in the reaping season, late in the cycle, renewal, rebirth are coming, but first the Summer will strip bare the overgrowth and excess from the last flourish. it’s gonna be a hard, dry Summer, the most dependent will be the first to wilt. They drop their own leaves, bare down to dormancy to stave off the sere forced, the unrelenting sun and the dedicating winds

Posted by: Scottindallas | Jun 21 2025 17:17 utc | 134

It’s coming regardless, barring some Divine miracle.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jun 21 2025 17:15 utc | 136–
The ‘mandate from heaven’ has been lost long ago.

Posted by: MorePain4Cakes | Jun 21 2025 17:18 utc | 136

I don’t want America destroyed. I want it reformed, back to the “by, for, and of the people.”
Hmm.
“All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
Couldn’t put Humpty together again”
comes to mind.
whiffs of Heinlein’s “Revolt in 2100”
which showcases a more positive outcome.

Posted by: MAKK | Jun 21 2025 17:22 utc | 138

Dear Israeli citizen, most of you travel for tourism. But have you tried to travel for immigration yet?
In this video, we will give you some tips and instructions.
https://t.me/presstv/145574
In a fresh wave of Operation True Promise III, the Islamic Republic of Iran Army on Saturday launched dozens of combat and suicide drones at the occupied Palestinian territories.
https://t.me/presstv/145578
Palantir’s Joe Lonsdale can’t wait to ‘invest in Iran’ after anticipated regime change
https://t.me/rtnews/100056
Russia has sent a signal to the US calling on it to refrain from striking Iran, the Israeli TV channel Kan 11 reported.
According to sources involved in contacts between Moscow and Washington, “this is not a threat, but an attempt to dissuade Trump from making a decision to attack.”
https://t.me/Slavyangrad/132493
🇮🇷🇺🇸🇮🇱| On the interpretation of Trump’s 2-week deadline:
CNN: This is part of a game of deception to keep Tehran confused, while Trump has actually decided to intervene.
https://t.me/Middle_East_Spectator/20636
—❗️🇮🇷/🇺🇸 NEW: The U.S. tried to set up a meeting with Iran in Istanbul, but Ayatollah Khamenei refused – Axios
https://t.me/Middle_East_Spectator/20638

Posted by: Norwegian | Jun 21 2025 17:25 utc | 140

see the 1:47 video at the second link
and the Houthis ain’t focking around
https://t.me/intelslava/76761
Intel Slava
🇾🇪 Yemen to strike all US military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait if US starts war with Iran – Yemeni Houthis spokesman Yahya Sari
https://x.com/WarMonitors/status/1935657429225669023
War Monitor @WarMonitors
I can’t lie, never in my life did I think this would be a regular occurrence in central Tel Aviv.
https://x.com/Yemenimilitary/status/1936443490528837816
Yemen Military 🇾🇪 @Yemenimilitary
Officially:
“In the event of American involvement in the attack and aggression against Iran alongside the Israeli enemy, we will target its ships and warships in the Red Sea and close the Bab al-Mandab Strait to its vessels.”

Posted by: michaelj72 | Jun 21 2025 17:27 utc | 142

The US Will Attack Iran From The Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia
https://x.com/justinpodur/status/1936433167969206322
“Not a bluff. Not 2 weeks to think about it. Just taking the time to move the bombers into position.”
Posted by: JohnGilberts | Jun 21 2025 16:02 utc | 50
The Saudi’s aren’t seriously going to allow this.
Consequences and all that.

Posted by: jpc | Jun 21 2025 17:33 utc | 144

There is a plan where Israel/Iran are just minor pieces on the chessboard to be sacrificed, but I am not smart enough to figure out how it will be played into the Future.
Posted by: Tom_12 | Jun 21 2025 16:54 utc | 112
When we assume that the US / Wall Street financed & propped up Hitler and helped to propagandize the population, just like with Zelensky and the Ukrainians, with the goal to attack Russia and when we also assume that they did the same to the Japanese to attack China, then we could also assume that all this is a replay of this (potential) WW2 script and as soon as the pawns get exhausted or even go rogue (see Hitler, see Japan & Pearl Harbor), the puppet master has a reason to step in and pick up the pieces as a “winner”.
When we compare this to the current then I could imagine that the US makes Israel to go rogue and drop some tactical nukes on Iran, then the US will step in and even shut down project Israel “to restore order & peace”. Maybe the US even helps Israel by dropping those bunker busters before making it go rogue, whatever, the goal is either regime change in Iran or at least plunging it into chaos and destruction.
And voila, the US & Trump will be peacemakers, at least for the global propaganda machine. Just in a very twisted way…
Btw, in Japan some people marched for a free East Turkestan yesterday, go figure – the pieces are being moved slowly and silently for the third front in WW3.
Dunno if that makes sense to anyone else but it’s my mental model for quite some time now. What do others think?

Posted by: Zet | Jun 21 2025 17:34 utc | 146

My traveling has put me behind in reporting events, the most recent being the SPIEF Plenary Session where the 4-hour discussion yielded many important points about the current conflict and beyond. What follows is an excerpt from the third hour dealing with the current topic:

N.Kotyash [Moderator]: President Putin, you are writing something down. If you allow me, I will ask you just one question and give you the floor.
V. Putin: We are recording everything, keep in mind. We have every step recorded, every step.
N. Kotyash: Do I have problems now? (Laughter.)
V. Putin: You can handle them. And we will even help you. (Laughter.)
N. Kotyash: Okay.
The Western media often write the following, and I would like to give you the opportunity to comment on this narrative: they write that the war against Iran is good for Russia. This is good because it shifts attention to another conflict, giving Western countries another problem to deal with. Thirdly, Ukraine ends up on the periphery of the situation, as the focus is now on Iran and Israel rather than Ukraine.
What do you have to say about that? And what do you have to say to those who say or write that Russia is an unreliable ally because it did not stand up for Iran?
V. Putin: Those who promote such narratives about Russia’s unreliability as an ally are provocateurs, they are provoking the situation. But it will not help them, they will not achieve their goals.
Because, first of all, every conflict is only superficially similar to other conflicts. But, as my esteemed colleague from Indonesia, who is now the President of that country, said quite accurately in the recent past, as a theorist of armed conflicts and armed confrontation, and we have published his book on military art in Russian: “Each country bears its own responsibility for what happens within its borders.”
Now, as for Russia’s reliability and unreliability as an ally, we have already discussed the need for certain levels of solidarity. However, each conflict is unique in its own way.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that there are almost two million people from the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation living in Israel, which is almost a Russian-speaking country today. We have always taken this factor into account in recent Russian history. This is the first point.
Second. We have traditionally developed very good, trusting, friendly and allied relations with the Arab and Islamic world. Because we have about 15 percent of the Islamic population, so we are observers in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. You see, this is also a factor. We must keep in mind both of these circumstances.
We have developed certain friendly relations with Iran. First of all, we always fulfill all our obligations in this regard, and the same is true for the Russian-Iranian track. We support Iran in its struggle for its legitimate interests, including its interests in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We have always taken this position, and our fundamental position in this matter and conflict has not changed.
Who says that we should have done more: what is more? Start some kind of military operations, is that it? We are already engaged in military operations with those whom we consider to be opponents of the ideas we are defending, and those who pose a threat to the Russian Federation. Essentially, these are the same forces, both in Iran and in Russia, located in the background. But these are not even the people on the front lines.
But we have certain obligations, and we are defending Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy, not just in words but in deeds. What does this mean? Despite the complexity of the situation surrounding Iran, we have built a nuclear reactor in Iran, in Bushehr. We have also signed a contract for the construction of two more nuclear reactors. Despite the challenges and potential risks, we are continuing this work. We are not evacuating our personnel from there.
Moreover, in this case, based on the known level of our relations with Israel and the resuming relations with the United States, we have raised this issue with both Israel and President Trump. We have explained that we are carrying out our functions in Iran based on our understanding of Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and that we are acting within the framework of international norms. We have requested the safety of our personnel.
I want to say that Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed with this, and President Trump promised to support our legitimate demand. Isn’t this a support for Iran? In my opinion, it’s direct support. In addition, we have taken a certain position at the United Nations.
I am deeply convinced that the position we are taking, including within the framework of the United Nations, is in line with both Iran’s interests and those of the State of Israel. [My Emphasis]

A Ha!! The situation is far more complex than most know or appreciate. There’re more interesting points made during the four-hour session I hope to have completed by Monday, provided my travel schedule allows. The link to the Russian transcript and video is up top for those not wanting to wait for me. Perhaps what Putin explained helps explain Trump’s behavior.

Posted by: karlof1 | Jun 21 2025 17:34 utc | 148

Brigadier General Zarghami:
“We’ve always had problems with long-range missile test launches in the past. Engine tests or launches below maximum range didn’t answer all the questions.
Today, the geography of the Israeli regime, especially Tel Aviv, has become an ideal testing ground for our long-range missiles.”

https://x.com/SprinterObserve/status/1936451849852477797

Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jun 21 2025 17:37 utc | 150

These people are damaged. There is no help for them.
Posted by: Tom_12 | Jun 21 2025 16:40 utc | 94
Agree. There is a psychopathology at play here that encompasses the entire society. To wit: I do not wish for their emmigrants to settle where I live, lest they bring their corrosive machinations to my peaceful existence. Not sure where they would fit in…maybe Antarctica?

Posted by: Original Newbie | Jun 21 2025 17:40 utc | 152

There is no plan for day 2 or beyond.
Posted by: SOS | Jun 21 2025 16:44 utc | 100
_____
I think the plan for Day 2 is “sit back and watch the MEK, the Kurds, the Azeris, and the Sunni minorities rise up destroy every vestige of Iranian society.
Think Libya.

Posted by: malenkov | Jun 21 2025 17:43 utc | 154

ChatNPC
“They had sailed from Deptford, from Greenwich, from Erith, the adventurers and the settlers; kings’ ships and the ships of men on ‘Change; captains, admirals, the dark “interlopers” of the Eastern trade and the commissioned “generals” of East India fleets. Hunters for gold, or pursuers of fame, they had all gone out on that stream, bearing the sword and often the torch, messengers of the might within the land, bearers of a spark from the sacred fire.”
Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad

Posted by: will moon | Jun 21 2025 17:47 utc | 156

Zainaybioon movement: The group of Pakistan’s resistance axis:
the name of the Lord of Martyrs and the Truthful
The Islamic Republic of Iran is a sacred shrine, and we are its defenders.
Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) said: “Beware, the illegitimate son of the illegitimate has forced me to choose between two paths: the sword or humiliation. Far be it from us to accept humiliation.”
The noble, brave, and heroic nation of Iran — children of the great Khomeini and heirs of ancient civilizations — today you have shown humanity the true meaning of standing firm and resisting oppression and arrogance. Your blood is our blood, and our hearts, souls, and minds are with you. Know that the people of Pakistan and millions of freedom-loving people around the world stand by your side. You are the symbol of human resistance and freedom, standing today like the companions of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). The brave and valiant fighters of the Zainabiyoun, sworn to the blood of their martyrs, believe that today the Islamic Republic of Iran is the camp of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
Our message is clear and unequivocal: Tens of thousands of trained, sworn, and devoted fighters declare that the noble nation of Iran, amid peaceful negotiations and without any provocation, has been subjected to aggression by the illegitimate offspring of America — the usurping Zionist regime. Now, the reckless and gambling president of America — the murderer of the heroic commander of Islam, Hajj Qassem Soleimani — has begun threatening to “enter into war,” endangering American citizens and diplomats. He has even dared to threaten the Leader of the Muslim world and deputy of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance), His Eminence Ayatollah Imam Khamenei (may my soul be sacrificed for him).
In this situation, should America directly enter this war, all freedom-loving, trained, and elite fighters will consider it a crossing of the red line, authorizing direct and discretionary attacks. All American interests worldwide, wherever we can reach them, will be operational targets to be destroyed and annihilated.
This warning is beyond serious: In the event of any operation against the sacred person of the Leader of the Muslim world, His Eminence Ayatollah Imam Khamenei (may my soul and the souls of others be sacrificed for him), all American government and people’s interests worldwide — including embassies, consulates, and American companies, especially in the Middle East and Pakistan — will have no safety and will be targeted by direct and martyrdom-seeking operations by freedom-loving fighters.
— Signed with blood,
Zainabiyoun Brigades
Soldiers of Hajj Qassem Soleimani
🔹@enemywatch

Posted by: JB | Jun 21 2025 17:50 utc | 158

Posted by: karlof1 | Jun 21 2025 17:34 utc | 151
How nice, Trump and Israel must feel reassured that they have in Putin in their trying times of obliterating Iran.

Posted by: Deniz | Jun 21 2025 17:52 utc | 160

🇮🇷🇺🇸🇮🇱| On the interpretation of Trump’s 2-week deadline:
CNN: This is part of a game of deception to keep Tehran confused, while Trump has actually decided to intervene.
https://t.me/Middle_East_Spectator/20636
RE: Posted by: Norwegian | Jun 21 2025 17:25 utc | 143
they’re not confused and they’re not deceived, even the Iranian President has seen through it all, finally. the old ‘liberal’ fool.
Iran’s armed forces are ready, as are the Houthis, and Hezbollah and the Iraqi militias as well. Are israel and Jordan and Saudi Arabia and the USA ready??
There are still 10,000s of US armed forces in the Persian Gulf and Middle East region. Many are vulnerable, and Trump thinks Thaad and the other air defenses are going to work, has he been watching israel?
and as some military experts have noted, Iran’s missiles can also reach Cyprus, and Diego Garcia, as well.

Posted by: michaelj72 | Jun 21 2025 17:53 utc | 162

I think the plan for Day 2 is “sit back and watch the MEK, the Kurds, the Azeris, and the Sunni minorities rise up destroy every vestige of Iranian society.
Think Libya.
Posted by: malenkov | Jun 21 2025 17:43 utc | 157
My impression of the little I have read of the Persian history is that Iran can never be compared to Libya. Libya is group of warring tribes. Iran is far far from that. 8 yrs fighting Iraq showed it but Americans don’t get it because they aren’t interested in history ( a malady of most nations)

Posted by: Tom_12 | Jun 21 2025 17:58 utc | 164

What other countries do not possess nuclear weapons but have a nuclear industry capable of enrichment at or around Iran’s supposed levels? Meaning, what other countries could develop a bomb in 3 months, a year, [insert geopolitically motivated timeline here]? And if other such programs exist, why are these countries not subject to such hostility? (Rhetorical question).

Posted by: longtimelurker | Jun 21 2025 18:03 utc | 166

RE: the odds of US reform vs collapse.
“Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder.”
― Arnold Toynbee
I can see the writing on the wall. I’m learning Spanish and Russian because what I want America to be is staggeringly unlikely to come to pass.

Posted by: team10tim | Jun 21 2025 18:05 utc | 168

A US puppet speaks.
“Iran is an enemy of Argentina. Israel is saving the Western civilisation,” – Javier Milei, President of Argentina.”

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Jun 21 2025 18:06 utc | 170

Posted by: c1ue | Jun 21 2025 17:13 utc | 132
Steve Bannon has kore than hinted today that it’s still happening soon. Besides you already said the US would have attacked Iran in January if Kamala had won. So I don’t see the use in what you have to say on this matter when or if Trump does end up getting involved more directly. You’re not a good faith voice on this matter.
“TDS” Larry Johnson says his sources agree with what Bannon alluded to “The party is still on.”

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jun 21 2025 18:07 utc | 172

They must be feeling confident in Iran – good for them.
“The U.S. tried to set up a meeting with Iran in Istanbul, but Ayatollah Khamenei refused – Axios”

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Jun 21 2025 18:08 utc | 174

The Saudi’s aren’t seriously going to allow this.
Consequences and all that.
Posted by: jpc | Jun 21 2025 17:33 utc | 147
—-
Yet, looking at the sat photos they are entirely on track to do just that.

Posted by: knighthawk | Jun 21 2025 18:09 utc | 176

Whatever happens here, it takes a hell of a lot of nerve for the country that dropped atomic bombs on cities 6000 miles from it’s shores to appoint itself to be the arbiter on the responsible use of nuclear weapons. One might call such shameless impudence “chutzpah”.
Posted by: chunga | Jun 21 2025 18:06 utc | 174
Maybe that’s because nearly all of the prominent figures behind the American nuclear program were Jewish cunts?

Posted by: Tichy | Jun 21 2025 18:10 utc | 178

Paul said:
“The Kremlin’s spokesman said the countries in the Middle East are “now plunging into the abyss of instability and war.” The Kremlin should have thought about that before Putin green-lighted the instability and war by standing aside from Russia’s Iranian ally, just as Putin stood aside from Russia’s Syrian ally, thus leading to the destruction of Syria. Putin has as much responsibility for “the abyss of instability and war” in the Middle East as Netanyahu and the succession of US presidents who danced to Netanyahu’s tune. Now it seems Putin dances to Netanyahu’s tune, expressing his concern with Israeli’s survival, not with Iran’s…”
https://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2025/06/20/russia-wants-to-have-its-cake-and-eat-it-too/
Putin is a disgrace. Pyotr Tolstoy should be president.
Regards, Mario 2

Posted by: Mario 2 | Jun 21 2025 18:11 utc | 180

Posted by: malenkov | Jun 21 2025 17:59 utc | 168
Indeed, yesterday peace prize thing was comical, suspect that meeting among other things cleared the way for what will be undisclosed b-2 (or other) use of Pak airspace.

Posted by: knighthawk | Jun 21 2025 18:12 utc | 182

one can only love to hate the Brits and the Brit government, too
complicit in the genocide by israel in Gaza, complicit in the attacks on the Houthis in Yemen, and complicit in the forthcoming war against Iran
https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/152842
DD Geopolitics
🇯🇴🇨🇾 British military bases in Jordan and Cyprus have reportedly been placed on high alert amid fears of Iranian retaliation.
Cypriot media says the same heightened alert level applies to both UK bases and the Cypriot National Guard.
This comes after a suspected “Iranian spy” was arrested near a British base in Cyprus—raising concerns that Tehran may be targeting UK assets in the region.
Britain appears to be bracing for escalation alongside the U.S. and Israel.

Posted by: michaelj72 | Jun 21 2025 18:13 utc | 184

They must be feeling confident in Iran – good for them.
“The U.S. tried to set up a meeting with Iran in Istanbul, but Ayatollah Khamenei refused – Axios”
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Jun 21 2025 18:08 utc | 177
______
That, or Khamenei didn’t think that being Soleimani’d or Karlov’d by the reliably treacherous Turks was the best use of his blood and guts.

Posted by: malenkov | Jun 21 2025 18:14 utc | 186

A bit of conformation by the looks of it.
“The Pentagon confirms several fully armed B-2 bombers are on their way to Guam, from where they could hit Iran – They’re waiting on Trump’s Green light.”
https://nitter.poast.org/MonitorX99800/status/1936474868758819201#m

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Jun 21 2025 18:15 utc | 188

lex talionis | Jun 21 2025 16:18 utc | 71
“Death in June”? What a weird f-ing rabbit hole of ’80s nilhism. Yeah “tik-tok, but really?

Posted by: the pessimist | Jun 21 2025 18:18 utc | 190

Posted by: MorePain4Cakes | Jun 21 2025 18:15 utc | 192
Part of me hopes that Bannon left the meeting with Trump last night knowing the US WOULDN’T be attacking Iran and is just staying on message perhaps to keep the Iranians and Nutty both guessing. But Johnson says his military sources are all operating under orders and impressions that it’s too late to stop the “luge” as it careens down the tube.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jun 21 2025 18:20 utc | 192

I agree – I just don’t see how we win under the current scenario. Let’s say we pound Iran to shit along the lines of Germany & Japan in 1945.
Do we effect regime change? And if so, how do we guard against ongoing stay behind elements engaged in sabotage and guerrilla warfare?
How do we protect our supply lines and ensure confidence in ongoing lending and capital spending that are dependent upon steady & secure energy inputs?
Nothing really adds up. Besides, what’s the hurry? We fucked up maintaining existing heavy footprint doctrine (ie manned air, sea, land).
Why not take a pause to allow us to pivot towards new weapons development in such promising areas as AI, bio agents, transformative DNA, etc?
We can always come back in a generation or so when we’re in a better position to achieve success.
Posted by: Markw | Jun 21 2025 15:41 utc | 30

With what you say above, and pretty much everyone everywhere echoes, the absence of any sign of a good outcome for the US in this gradually developing, horrifying debacle, I can only see one thing that could compel the US to continue forward in it. It has to be that Israel wields extreme influence in the US government, such that it over-rules effectively both Congress and POTUS. I can’t see another reason for the President to be behaving so much contrary to American interests, with the Congress more-or-less silent on the subject. All Israel appears compelled to do is move somewhat gradually, keeping its prodding just subtle and behind-the-scenes enough.

Posted by: jonboinAR | Jun 21 2025 18:22 utc | 194

Paul Craig Roberts is a broken clock and a garbage human. If you’re quoting him, it’s cause you haven’t read him over time

Posted by: Scottindallas | Jun 21 2025 18:25 utc | 196

Yet another day where Trump DOES NOT authorize a direct US attack on Iran.
Yet another day where the analysis of TDS addled individuals is shown to be false.
Posted by: c1ue | Jun 21 2025 17:13 utc | 132
I’m starting to wonder. Despite the obvious advantages of neglecting Israel until they unleash their nukes on Iran, this thread is full of items which would terrify the Chinese. People planning destruction of the Middle East because EeVees, Putin emphasizing that Israel may as well be speaking Russian, Erdogan blathering on about Syria after the Turks worked to tear it apart…
I no longer doubt that the Chinese are quietly telling President Trump they’re just fine with Iran being nuked. No Belt and Road infrastructure is worth spiraling into regional warfare.

Posted by: They Call Me Mister | Jun 21 2025 18:27 utc | 198

planning has to go forward. preparations have to go forward. an attack has not been given the final go ahead. Trump may not like the spot he is in, but he knows he has more power and influence now than he ever will again. Will he, won’t he? Everyone is waiting to see. This is what he lives for. He either pushed domino, or he puts it away, if he pushes the domino he won’t get to play again, the people won’t gather to see what Trump is gonna do. People are being so nice, so kind so long as he has that little domino.

Posted by: Scottindallas | Jun 21 2025 18:30 utc | 200