News & views related to the war on Iran …
Back to Main
April 22, 2026
Iran Open Thread 2026-083
Comments
Now that oil & gas are apparently difficult for europe to obtain, why isn’t Germany, Italy, Spain France plus england at least checking out all the modern tech that has been developed in the intervening years which has much more efficient methods of fractionating the hydrocarbons contained in coal as well as synthesising other substances such as urea from the ammonia and CO2 found within coal extracts post gasification?
Posted by: A_User | Apr 23 2026 3:49 utc | 169
Coal-to-Liquids (CTL) is technically practical, and the abundance of coal is enormous. Even the coal under Illinois could last the entire human race for thousands of years and that’s just a moderate coal reservoir.
The problem is the cost of production. In order for CTL to be financially viable, the price of petroleum has to be high and has to be stable over a long period. Different authorities specify the price of petroleum having to be anywhere from $70 to $ 110 per barrel in order to do it – plus it has to be up there for multiple years, because it takes 8 years just to bring a CTL plant online.
To keep the price per barrel of petroleum at $110 or above would require an apocalyptic scenario in which a substantial portion of worldwide petroleum was reliably interdicted for a period of multiple years, enhanced by threats of nuclear war and an inconclusive conflict.
Oops.
Posted by: Wrath of Khan | Apr 23 2026 10:27 utc | 201
Now that oil & gas are apparently difficult for europe to obtain, why isn’t Germany, Italy, Spain France plus england at least checking out all the modern tech that has been developed in the intervening years which has much more efficient methods of fractionating the hydrocarbons contained in coal as well as synthesising other substances such as urea from the ammonia and CO2 found within coal extracts post gasification?
Posted by: A_User | Apr 23 2026 3:49 utc | 169
Coal-to-Liquids (CTL) is technically practical, and the abundance of coal is enormous. Even the coal under Illinois could last the entire human race for thousands of years and that’s just a moderate coal reservoir.
The problem is the cost of production. In order for CTL to be financially viable, the price of petroleum has to be high and has to be stable over a long period. Different authorities specify the price of petroleum having to be anywhere from $70 to $ 110 per barrel in order to do it – plus it has to be up there for multiple years, because it takes 8 years just to bring a CTL plant online.
To keep the price per barrel of petroleum at $110 or above would require an apocalyptic scenario in which a substantial portion of worldwide petroleum was reliably interdicted for a period of multiple years, enhanced by threats of nuclear war and an inconclusive conflict.
Posted by: Wrath of Khan | Apr 23 2026 10:31 utc | 202
Posted by: Giyane | Apr 23 2026 3:29 utc | 165
Poor you, stuck with an MP like that. In contrast, our MP is excellent. Bright, hard-working, really cares about his constituency. Very civil too, which is nice.
Just that something odd happens when he gets to Westminster. Turns into a party hack, rabid neocon, nods through the craziest stuff without turning a hair. So we’re in the same boat, really.
Posted by: English Outsider | Apr 23 2026 10:33 utc | 203
Posted by: Ornot | Apr 22 2026 23:39 utc | 104
Thanks for that – one might hope it would give the nuke ghouls something more to think about, but sadly I expect it won’t.
Another interesting article that dropped out of that thread (though totally OT):
The Most Important Scientist You’ve Never Heard Of
Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 23 2026 10:54 utc | 204
A free and fair society with transparent access to publicly funded data.
Planet Labs embargoed imagery map ==> https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2026-satellite-imagery-restrictions-iran/img/ai2html/blacked_out-mobile.png
Posted by: too scents | Apr 23 2026 11:00 utc | 205
He is probably as chew as money…..
189 norwegian
Millei- Mileikowsky?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Netanyahu
Posted by: Paul from Norway | Apr 23 2026 11:00 utc | 206
🇺🇸🏴☠️ US Navy Secretary John Fallon was immediately dismissed by the Pentagon.
https://t.me/ZandVchannel/184550
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 23 2026 11:01 utc | 207
Trump envoy pushes FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirms he proposed to Trump and FIFA President Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup 2026.
https://t.me/presstv/186760
Boycott.
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 23 2026 11:06 utc | 208
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 23 2026 11:06 utc | 216
DonT sinking the Football WC is beyond Funny!
Posted by: Nobody | Apr 23 2026 11:08 utc | 209
Anyway, Italy worked very Hard not to qualify for that World Cup…
Posted by: Nobody | Apr 23 2026 11:10 utc | 210
Somalia has announced a ban on all Israeli ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
1 day later…..
UKMTO reported that two small armed vessels approached a cargo ship and fired warning shots near the Somali coast, one day after Somalia announced a ban on Israeli-linked ships.
Posted by: StrongOx | Apr 23 2026 11:19 utc | 211
Posted by: palestina habibti | Apr 23 2026 8:33 utc | 196
Thank you for this link!
According to the article, there are approximately 10 million Indian nationals living in the Gulf states so there are still 9 million left, lots of them probably planning to repatriate shortly, which will lead to interesting times both in India and in the Gulf monarchies.
Posted by: Avtonom | Apr 23 2026 11:19 utc | 212
Masada 2.0 is definately possible given the Likudniks obession with Masada 1.0
Posted by: Exile | Apr 23 2026 11:21 utc | 213
lots of them probably planning to repatriate shortly, which will lead to interesting times both in India
Posted by: Avtonom | Apr 23 2026 11:19 utc | 220
—
Remittances of Indian overseas workers make up ~3.5% of India’s GDP.
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/BX.TRF.PWKR.DT.GD.ZS?locations=IN
Posted by: too scents | Apr 23 2026 11:29 utc | 215
Favourite moment of the war – so far. Trump waking up on Day two to find his shock and awe had been countered by an Iranian one that had destroyed all his Gulf bases and closed the strait of hormuz so grabbing the whole world economy by the gonads. This caused him to have a nervous breakdowm whose affects are still seen today !!!!
Posted by: Monty | Apr 23 2026 11:53 utc | 216
Boycott.
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 23 2026 11:06 utc | 216
Boycott!
1. Don’t go there (deny the revenue and crowds)
2. Don’t buy the merch (deny revenue)
3. Don’t watch the matches on TV/interweb/toaster (deny ad revenue).
Do nothing that helps them.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 23 2026 11:54 utc | 217
Posted by: StrongOx | Apr 23 2026 11:19 utc | 219
Is that Somalia or Somaliland? It matters a lot.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 23 2026 11:56 utc | 218
Can the Brits get more pathetic – they plan to demine the straits
https://x.com/SprinterPress/status/2047236035474550870
Posted by: Monty | Apr 23 2026 11:56 utc | 219
$9 pounds for a pint of beer? Wow that is a rip off, it’s only made from a bit of sugar, malt, and hops – and it’s warm beer as well !!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: GeorgeWendell | Apr 23 2026 1:33 utc | 144
*************
I remember when you could get serious change and three schooners for a dollar at the Forest Lodge pub near Sydney Uni. Anxious consideration to ‘going on the wagon’ when three schooners cost more than a dollar.
Posted by: General Factotum | Apr 23 2026 12:04 utc | 220
F__k off, Zionist tool:
https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/182651
Posted by: Apollyon | Apr 23 2026 12:06 utc | 221
My wonderment in all this: the irrelevance of Islam in general.
After many decades of Jews defeating Arab nations amidst humiliation, Iran comes along and kicks ass and Israel can’t beat them. Meanwhile, the nations facing Israel have gone full on wh*re – actually defending Israel. For all the talk of killing every Jew hiding behind a rock, this looks astonishing. As if, ‘you idiots have finally been taught how to beat Zionism’ but their elite have been bought off. It’s pathetic. Build an engineering culture and use it long term – instead of simple pretense of being all holy or whatever.
As for China, their engineers are puzzling over clear evidence of huge oil/gas pockets in one of their deserts. Problem being, it’s extremely deep. But they also have big thorium deposits, enough to last thousands of years, if they converted over to thorium reactors. So, I can see Neo Cons wetting their pants in fear because China’s weakness here is closing fast. Give them a few years and they’re completely autarkic, untouchable.
Posted by: Eighthman | Apr 23 2026 12:21 utc | 222
Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 23 2026 11:56 utc | 226
Is that Somalia or Somaliland? It matters a lot.
Somaliland is a state or province within the federal state of Somalia.
Somaliland is being encouraged by the former colonial powers to secede and become independent, a move that displeases the central government.
What interests them is Somaliland’s strategic position at the tip of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
They have managed to secure the support of neighboring Ethiopia, which has become a landlocked state and desires a port, while the Gulf Arab monarchies are doing the dirty work and providing the funding.
The US is prevented by diplomacy and the fierce opposition of the entire African Union from recognizing Somaliland, so they are using Israel.
Israel has therefore announced its recognition of Somaliland in order to establish a US-Israeli base to control shipping and fight the Houthis on the other side of the strait.
However, Somalia itself has offered them bases to prevent this.
Therefore, if anyone opposes the passage of ships linked to Israel, it must be the federal state of Somalia.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 12:24 utc | 223
https://www.saltwire.com/newfoundland-labrador/gwynne-dyer-why-trump-is-chickening-out-on-war-with-iran
This same buffoon Gwynne Dyer spent months claiming that Iran’s missiles were a “paper tiger”, so it’s incredibly satisfying to see him begin acknowledging reality and the fact that Iran – not Trump – is winning, and the longer this goes on the better things get where Tehran is concerned.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 23 2026 12:26 utc | 224
@Sebgo 231
I lost all respect for Andrew Korybko (who had once interviewed me for his podcast) when he jumped on the “recognise Somaliland” bandwagon. When I pointed out the irony of him, a white man from Poland, supporting the Ashkenazi recognition of the “independence” of an African country against the entire African Union, he called me a racist and blocked me on both Twitter and Telegram.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 23 2026 12:30 utc | 225
If you want to get a cheap pint in Dublin do not go to the Temple Bar, especially after dark. 11eu for a pint after 7pm!
And to add insult to injury, the Garda (too busy policing the social media or arresting fuel protesters) cant control criminal gangs in the Temple Bar area – assaults, robberies, stabbings, homicides, thefts, pick pocketing are not uncommon in this area.
Save your money drink in Galway or Kerry!
Posted by: tobias cole | Apr 23 2026 12:33 utc | 226
If Iran doesn’t let Trump steal their resources I don’t see an end to this, given Trump’s obsession with being seen to be a deal making winner. Maybe he can just lift the US blockade and hope that Iran allows Hormuz to reopen, but that’s definitely not a win for Trump. Even if Trump does that, Iran might keep Hormuz closed until Israel reverses the ethnic cleansing of a large chunk of Lebanon.
Posted by: Dave G | Apr 23 2026 12:36 utc | 227
The crucifix destroyed in the Lebanese Catholic Village of Debel was replaced by Italian UN troopers, not by the IDF.
Just for clarification………….the IDF soldiers deliberately defaced and desecrated the Statue of Jesus on the Cross and then filmed the outrage.
And the IDF continues to besiege the Catholic villages of Debel, Rmeish, and Ain Ebel. In fact food and medical supplies have been cut off to these villages, and farmers can get into their fields and pastures due to the danger of IDF death squads murdering citizens at will……..
More war crimes……the IDF is now war crimes are us!!
Posted by: tobias cole | Apr 23 2026 12:41 utc | 228
Israel has therefore announced its recognition of Somaliland in order to establish a US-Israeli base to control shipping and fight the Houthis on the other side of the strait. However, Somalia itself has offered them bases to prevent this.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 12:24 utc | 231
Your meaning is unclear. Somalia offered bases to Houthis or Israel or US?
Posted by: BM | Apr 23 2026 12:56 utc | 229
On April 23, 2026, an Iranian activist threw ketchup at Reza Pahlavi during a gathering in Berlin.
Posted by: StrongOx | Apr 23 2026 12:56 utc | 230
I had a dream last night that all the tankers stuck in the Persian Gulf began holding races and regattas for want of anything better to do.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 23 2026 13:00 utc | 231
BM@238
I think the intended meaning is that the Somali government, such as one exists at all, offered bases to “israel” and Epsteinistan in return for their not recognising Somaliland.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 23 2026 13:02 utc | 232
I lost all respect for Andrew Korybko…
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 23 2026 12:30 utc | 233
Isn’t Korybko a 3-letter proxy anyway?
Posted by: BM | Apr 23 2026 13:02 utc | 233
FIFA : interesting to know that Aramco and Qatar Airways are major FIFA sponsors (“partners”).
But… it looks like they didn’t put any pressure on FIFA to have the unprovoked attacker (a.k.a the USA) to be banned from the 2026 Football World Cup (unlike Russia that was instantly banned for the “unprovoked invasion of 404”).
Posted by: Asian Frog | Apr 23 2026 13:04 utc | 235
I just read this on Upscrolled:
Via @TheCradleMedia : ❗️Somalia announces ban on Israeli-linked vessels in Bab al-Mandab after Tel Aviv appoints envoy to Somaliland
Somalia announced it will ban Israeli-linked vessels from passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in a statement delivered by its ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abdullah Warfa, warning that violations of Somali sovereignty would not go unanswered.
The move comes in response to Israel’s decision to exchange ambassadors with Somaliland, including Tel Aviv’s appointment of an envoy to the region, with Mogadishu signaling it could impose restrictions on access to the key maritime corridor.
While analysts question Somalia’s ability to enforce the ban due to limited naval capacity, they say the decision carries major political weight, potentially reshaping regional alignments and pushing Somalia toward closer coordination with Sanaa over control of the strategic chokepoint.
(Yemen Press Agency)
Source:
https://share.upscrolled.com/en/post/dc3d24d0-3f0f-11f1-8080-80015b729c83/
So apparently that puts paid to that plan.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 23 2026 13:07 utc | 236
Somaliland is a state or province within the federal state of Somalia.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 12:24 utc | 231
So which year did the people of the State of Somaliland vote to join that Federation?
Posted by: Tel | Apr 23 2026 13:08 utc | 237
I had a dream last night that all the tankers stuck in the Persian Gulf began holding races and regattas for want of anything better to do.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 23 2026 13:00 utc | 240
All those crews are short of food. They are gathering straws of different lengths to decide who will be eaten first…
Posted by: Asian Frog | Apr 23 2026 13:09 utc | 238
Flying Dutchman | Apr 23 2026 7:13 utc | 193
*** I wonder if those Western billionaires with bunkers in New Zealand are starting to wonder how secure New Zealand still would be if the empire is forced to retrench to the Western hemisphere. Maybe everyone’s rethinking their plans and looking at South America as a better Lebensraum proposition.***
New Zealand is too much on volcanic/geological (?) plate-edge compared to Argentina, as well as lacking its space and still largely unused resources. Also not as well located for a later territory-grab in the Antarctic.
Nauseating how the Zionist Jews and their Oligarchic clones get hold of area after area worldwide and then — thanks to toxic ideologies of “capitalist development” (literally everything and everybody reduced to mere disposable commodities price-tagged for sale) … “exceptionalism” … and “end of time” religious crap, or cultist-economic “reset” so either way zero concern about future consequences — proceed to shit all over these regions, progressively turning absolutely everything into just a sick projection of their own perverted, gangrenous mindsets.
They get away with it because of liberal drivel in which they’ve for centuries soaked the rest of the population — banking on the fact that most people are still basically too near to being inadequately evolved killer-chimps holding pretensions and delusions that can always be exploited.
The choice is obvious …. either the Overclass must be eradicated, or the survivors of their global predations end up as their slaves. But since they have been allowed to own all the “money”, the “mass-media” and “system”, guess who will win…..
I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be (Their naval ships are ALL, 159 of them, at the bottom of the sea!), that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation. Additionally, our mine “sweepers” are clearing the Strait right now. I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP
Posted by: KillerDoll | Apr 23 2026 13:12 utc | 240
DT announces he is tripling mine clearance in Hormuz…with what and how, where ? In second world war where planes with magnetic rings fitted to set off mines I seem to recall?
Also any small boats laying mines will be blown up…..sound like the Venezuela model target anything everything……
Posted by: Jo | Apr 23 2026 13:12 utc | 241
Posted by: BM | Apr 23 2026 12:56 utc | 238
Somalia offered bases to the US.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 13:13 utc | 242
Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 12:24 utc | 232
Somaliland was a “proposed” new “Promised” land in 1917. The Zionists (before they became zionists) had already earmarked this and went as far as asking for the land to be given to them. Which was refused. The high ground is also cooler to live in, next to the beginning of the Rift valley.
So it is Israel organising the US, rather than the other way round.
Posted by: Tel | Apr 23 2026 13:08 utc | 246
It is the same country but occupied by different colonial powers.
When they go, it was easier to reunite the countryside but with a federal organisation.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 13:15 utc | 244
Today is feast day of St George Day, the dragon slayer. He is celebrated more in the eastern Christian churches than west (celebrated in England, too). He was a Roman soldier, born in Cappadocia, martyred in Diocletian’s persecution.
Which brings up the on going suffering of Christians from Gaza through Iraq! Done by IDF mostly funded by US!
See South Lebanon today.
Posted by: paddy | Apr 23 2026 13:18 utc | 245
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 13:15 utc | 253
Oups… Reunite the country…
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 13:19 utc | 246
There are more claims going around that Iran supposedly after destroying dual-use radars (HAARP weather control being the other use) Iran is now experiencing a lot of rain, even floods and desert areas turning into rivers.
What do you think?
https://x.com/Partisangirl/status/2047276268530655234
Posted by: unimperator | Apr 23 2026 13:19 utc | 247
So which year did the people of the State of Somaliland vote to join that Federation?
Posted by: Tel | Apr 23 2026 13:08 utc | 246
Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 23 2026 13:26 utc | 248
GeorgeWendell | Apr 23 2026 9:34 utc | 202
*** I wonder if the idea of escaping in a rocket to another planet somewhere has lost its appeal for the billionaire class as well including those who currently fit the Zionist description. ***
Being so “finance” obsessed they simply cannot be arsed, given that it is easier and quicker for them to just get everyone else on Earth disposing of each other.
In the case of the Zionist Oligarchy and its cultist followers, see for example Ukraine and Argentina.
What do you think?
Posted by: unimperator | Apr 23 2026 13:19 utc | 257
—
Camelot Lyrics
ARTHUR:
It’s true! It’s true! The crown has made it clear.
The climate must be perfect all the year.
A law was made a distant moon ago here:
July and August cannot be too hot.
And there’s a legal limit to the snow here
In Camelot.
The winter is forbidden till December
And exits March the second on the dot.
By order, summer lingers through September
In Camelot.
Camelot! Camelot!
I know it sounds a bit bizarre,
But in Camelot, Camelot
That’s how conditions are.
The rain may never fall till after sundown.
By eight, the morning fog must disappear.
In short, there’s simply not
A more congenial spot
For happily-ever-aftering than here
In Camelot.
Camelot! Camelot!
I know it gives a person pause,
But in Camelot, Camelot
Those are the legal laws.
The snow may never slush upon the hillside.
By nine p.m. the moonlight must appear.
In short, there’s simply not
A more congenial spot
For happily-ever-aftering than here
In Camelot.
Posted by: too scents | Apr 23 2026 13:30 utc | 250
EoinW | Apr 23 2026 10:21 utc | 208
*** The Israeli Zealots have a Masada Complex. Either they win, creating their Greater Israel, or it’s mass suicide, taking as many others with them that they can.***
And there’s even a big question mark over their “Masada” myth in the first place.
They are a compendium of self-deludedly ‘ethnocentric’, psychopathic and insatiably avaricious fakes.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 23 2026 13:26 utc | 258
The days of the Imperial hokey-cokey in Somaliland:
1940 Refugees and British and Empire troops evacuate Somali Republic (British Somaliland)
Some time later, same footage, different narrative:
1941 SOMALIA: British Army retake Somaliland during World War II
Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 23 2026 13:43 utc | 252
April 20 2026
Netanyahu and Javier Milei, President of Argentina, announced today the launch of the “Isaac Accord.”
The Isaac Accord is a strategic framework aimed at strengthening military & intelligence cooperation between Argentina, Israel, and soon in all countries in South America.
https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/182395
Posted by: Melaleuca | Apr 23 2026 13:46 utc | 253
Wrath of Khan | Apr 23 2026 10:31 utc | 211
*** Coal-to-Liquids (CTL) is technically practical, and the abundance of coal is enormous. Even the coal under Illinois could last the entire human race for thousands of years and that’s just a moderate coal reservoir. The problem is the cost of production.***
So the real problem is …. the debt-money capitalist system.
@210 Wrath of Khan
“Different authorities specify the price of petroleum having to be anywhere from $70 to $ 110 per barrel in order to do it – plus it has to be up there for multiple years, because it takes 8 years just to bring a CTL plant online.”
Material economy does not work like that though, meaning:
Picture a society that has all the oil it needs for free. It then finds coal also, so sets about turning that into oil as well.
Something to do, that society likes and needs energy, so why not explore and become able to activate the reserves at hand.
In reality the prices or ‘market forces’ are a tangent, and nowadays are not accurate. Dollars per barrel means little, the dollar can be worthless or expensive by itself. The calculations are no longer possible, it is mainly finance that is interested in using pricing to own ends.
The reward of putting effort and resources into a CTL plant ? After all, that is what is involved.
That is where a discussion is had.
For example, one nation has engineers, resources, labour, and the wage is one dollar a month.
Another has similar but wage is a hundred dollars a month.
You start charging one dollar per barrel, one nation is going to have no oil for food, the other will continue using it to drive around needlessly.
So dollars per barrel is only relative.
For the one dollar wage country, CTL is not only cheap to build, but justifiable if not necessary.
Organisation, planning and avoiding corruption are vital.
There are many different models possible for various circumstance, from return to low carbon economy through to diversification.
Currently it is muddle through and ‘grab what is available’ for cheapest. This allows dependency, and so manipulation via market to exist.
Etc.
Posted by: Ornot | Apr 23 2026 13:47 utc | 255
Israel’s highest civilian honor to be awarded to Argentinian President Milei
President Isaac Herzog will confer the Presidential Medal of Honor upon the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, in recognition of his consistent and outspoken commitment to the State of Israel.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/425426
Israel National News
Apr 13, 2026
Extracts:
President Milei has demonstrated unwavering support for Israel on the international stage, stood alongside the families of the hostages, and has expressed a deep connection to the Jewish people and its heritage. ……
Through his policies, he has positioned Argentina as a key ally of Israel, including through clear diplomatic and security measures ……At a time when one campaign follows another and turning one’s back on Israel has become more prevalent than ever, President Milei represents bold leadership and pursues a clear and unequivocal policy of standing with the State of Israel, as an ardent Zionist, through thick and thin.
He holds a warm place in his heart for the people of Israel. ……
Posted by: Melaleuca | Apr 23 2026 13:48 utc | 256
Re: Mineclearing by USN ?
I thought the Pentagon only had 3 Mineclearing vessels of which 2 were in drydock for extensive repairs.
Posted by: Exile | Apr 23 2026 13:55 utc | 257
https://nitter.net/Megatron_ron/status/2010483794483052667
Israeli soldiers wanted for war crimes were arriving en masse in Argentina’s Patagonia – report from 2025
As recently as a year ago, local Argentine news agencies reported that Israeli soldiers wanted for war crimes were arriving en masse in Argentina’s Patagonia, were the where mass fires are set
“They’re dressed as backpackers, but they’re military operatives with combat and explosives training, some wanted internationally for war crimes in Palestine.
Locals say they’re using hostels like Onda Azul in Lago Puelo as staging grounds, hiking in groups, carrying radio gear, satellite phones, and surveillance tools deep into remote territory.
The reporter points out that Israeli “hikers” stay at hostels located awfully close to wildfire hotspots.”
Report from February 2025. Source: @DD_Geopolitics
https://x.com/Megatron_ron/status/2010345839252721735
Forests deliberately on fire
Israelis are TWO-THIRDS of all tourists kicked out of Patagonia. And Israelis have a history of ARSON in Patagonia:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-184073768
https://ddgeopolitics.substack.com/p/unmasking-the-flames-israels-shadow
Posted by: Melaleuca | Apr 23 2026 13:57 utc | 258
@unimperator | Apr 23 2026 13:19 utc | 257
What do you think? https://x.com/Partisangirl/status/2047276268530655234
Very, very speculative.
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 23 2026 13:58 utc | 259
In short, there’s simply notA more congenial spotFor happily-ever-aftering than hereIn Camelot.
Posted by: too scents | Apr 23 2026 13:30 utc | 260
“On second thought, let’s not go to Camelot. ’tis a silly place.”
https://youtu.be/P8ghXxXyAuw?si=qNe5Z9qgdH7JBEQO
Posted by: Joe Turner | Apr 23 2026 13:59 utc | 260
The stage seems to be setting up for the final encounter. Iranian response should be final and decisive on the country which is root cause. It will not get another opportunity like this
Posted by: R M Rao | Apr 23 2026 14:01 utc | 261
Iran just published a map of every undersea internet cable running through the Strait of Hormuz.
97 percent of global internet traffic rides on undersea cables……
https://x.com/USronaldcarter/status/2047250829980139951
**more at link
Posted by: Whipping Post | Apr 23 2026 14:01 utc | 262
Re: Mineclearing by USN ? I thought the Pentagon only had 3 Mineclearing vessels of which 2 were in drydock for extensive repairs.
Posted by: Exile | Apr 23 2026 13:55 utc | 267
Exactly. The whole mine clearing story has been fabricated from whole cloth to justify an ongoing western military presence in the Gulf.
Mines in the Straits are as real as Iraqi WMDs.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 23 2026 14:06 utc | 263
@Exile | Apr 23 2026 13:55 utc | 267
Re: Mineclearing by USN ? I thought the Pentagon only had 3 Mineclearing vessels of which 2 were in drydock for extensive repairs.
You can easily clear nonexisting mines with nonexisting mineclearing vessels. A couple of tweets will do it.
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 23 2026 14:08 utc | 264
Mahmood OD: ‘Strikes Resume on Monday?’
https://www.youtube.com/@Mahmood_OD/videos
“Israel reveals ceasefire deadline. Did Trump promise this to Netanyahu?”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Apr 23 2026 14:18 utc | 265
US Imperialism’s War on Iran Unleashes Global Economic & Social Catastrophe For the Working Class
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2026/04/23/xzww-a23.html
“Less that two months after fascist US President Donald Trump launched the criminal US/Israeli war against Iran in the dead of night on February 28, the conflict is having a devastating impact on tens of millions of workers around the globe.
American imperialism’s determination to consolidate its geostrategic dominance over the Middle East, one of the world’s most critical energy-producing regions, has already claimed the lives of thousands of Iranians. But the economic fallout from the US-instigated war and blockade could prove even more deadly.
By contrast the war is proving to be a bonanza for the corporations and financial oligarchy. According to one investigation, the world’s major oil conglomerates will pull in additional profits of over $230 billion in 2026 alone.
As the imperialist powers in North America and Europe scramble for the upper hand in the redivision of the world, they are totally indifferent to the impact on billions of workers from the global economic and social disaster produced by crisis-ridden capitalism and their crazed policies.
But this very disaster creates the material conditions for the development of a working class movement to end the war and the capitalist profit system which is its root cause…initial expressions of social unrest provoked by the war have already erupted…”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Apr 23 2026 14:28 utc | 266
🇮🇷 Journalist: Are you an israeli asset?
Reza Pahlavi: (nods) of course not.
https://t.me/RezistanceTrench/49674
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 23 2026 14:30 utc | 267
Analysis –
Crucial Defeat and Lies: Trump Spreads Lies About Alleged “Internal Divisions” in Iran to Cover Up US Military and Strategic Failure. Following a crushing defeat in the 40-day war and a diplomatic fiasco in Islamabad, the desperate US has lost all influence and is now spreading lies about alleged “internal divisions” in Iran to obscure the reality on the ground. From Press TV Strategic Analysis @PressTV
Posted by: Genesis | Apr 23 2026 14:32 utc | 268
Read the last paragraph for a good hoot… ignore Trumpy tards statements, they are detached from reality.
A little earlier, Trump wrote that the US Navy has complete control of the Strait of Hormuz and that no vessel can pass through it without the approval of the American military. Now it suddenly turns out that the Iranian Navy is also mining Hormuz. Even Israelis are mocking the American leader on social media.
Meanwhile, in the US itself, Detroit officials are pleading with residents not to steal fire hydrants, which are disappearing across the city after 75 went missing in the past 48 hours. According to a recent poll, more than half of Americans want to remove the US president from office, including 21% of those who voted for him in 2024. But Trump has no time for domestic issues; he’s firmly mired in a war in the Middle East, a victory in which exists only in his imagination.
Posted by: CrazyCanuck | Apr 23 2026 14:40 utc | 269
Italy REJECTS proposal from Trump’s envoy to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup
Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the idea ‘SHAMEFUL’
Proposal would have meant a backdoor entry for the four-time champions, who failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 23 2026 14:41 utc | 270
Details of “The Murder of the IRIS Dena” by the Outlaw US Empire & former BRICS member India: https://johnhelmer.net/the-murder-of-the-iris-dena-first-public-testimony-by-the-surviving-captain-and-first-officer/#more-94001
Posted by: Elmer Fudd | Apr 23 2026 14:44 utc | 271
Posted by: Genesis | Apr 23 2026 14:32 utc | 278
Trump’s diversionary campaign is more extensive. The lies and actions intended to obscure the defeat include:
1) A supposed division at the highest levels of government, with rumors of arrests of leaders.
2) A supposed disagreement between Iran and the mediator, Pakistan.
3) Supposed catastrophic losses for Iran in oil revenues.
4) A supposed coalition involving Arab monarchies that is about to attack Iran.
5) An air force transfer operation for an imminent ground invasion of Iran.
6) A nuclear attack on Iran by Israel or the US at any moment.
7) A US naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz with a mine-clearing operation underway.
8) The claim that US bases in the Persian Gulf countries are still operational.
This list is not exhaustive. But one thing is certain: lies don’t win wars on the ground.
Whether there are more bombings or not, Trump cannot achieve a military victory.
But he also cannot declare victory and withdraw without an agreement, because Israel will then remain in direct conflict with Iran.
He has no other choice but to find an agreement that includes mutual non-aggression, including Israel.
And everyone has an idea of the demands Iran will make in return. So they are not in a hurry.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 14:55 utc | 272
Details of “The Murder of the IRIS Dena” by the Outlaw US Empire & former BRICS member India: https://johnhelmer.net/the-murder-of-the-iris-dena-first-public-testimony-by-the-surviving-captain-and-first-officer/#more-94001
Posted by: Elmer Fudd | Apr 23 2026 14:44 utc | 281
The fact is the frigate Dena was doomed from the start, US would have hit it sooner or later, but doesn’t remove the fact that it was protected by Sri Lankan/Indian invitation and US committed the war crime of hitting it with a second torpedo directly under the area the crew was staged to abandon ship.
Everything points to deliberate acts.
Posted by: unimperator | Apr 23 2026 14:58 utc | 273
Another good laugh moment: US Veteran – took her 20years to realize this is quite humourous.
The power factor of conditioning the mental state of ordinary American citizens 20-50years.
“Twenty years ago, I participated in the war on terrorism. And today I have to come to terms with the realization that I was a terrorist myself.”
US Army Veteran
Posted by: CrazyCanuck | Apr 23 2026 15:02 utc | 274
But he also cannot declare victory and withdraw without an agreement, because Israel will then remain in direct conflict with Iran. He has no other choice but to find an agreement that includes mutual non-aggression, including Israel. And everyone has an idea of the demands Iran will make in return. So they are not in a hurry.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 14:55 utc | 282
No matter what excuse Trump comes up with…
Israel will remain at odds with Iran in ANY case…Always with the question of how long Israel will exist…because the Gulf States will turn away from the US and thus reveal their true attitude towards Israel.
THEREFORE, Israel must somehow manage to escalate the situation, no matter how or with what. Its existence, its future, depends on it…perhaps not for the next 10 years, but woe betide them if the tide turns, for example, towards Brix, if the Arabs run out of oil…
Posted by: Genesis | Apr 23 2026 15:04 utc | 275
Whipping Post 272
This map is showing cables from UAE data centres to Israel, which would indicate proof of Abraham Accords criminal links between Isrsael and UAE.
Sometimes it’s not clear to us why Iran is so angry with the criminal activity that the US GCC vassals do with Israel.
The economic value may be less than the espionage value. Palantir might be about to become Palaeontology.
Posted by: Giyane | Apr 23 2026 15:04 utc | 276
@Melaleuca | Apr 22 2026 18:53 utc | 20
Christian Zionism preceeded Herzl and he learned it from them anglosaxons while he was still in favour of jewish assimilation. The British had then long ago invaded the US with that breed of elements from the bible plus creative additions including Gog and Magog and applying it to Russia
Several novel versions of the Christian Religion came about that are considered a variant of zionism. It is clear that it was the anglosaxons who were most ambitious to bring it about.
Posted by: petergrfstrm | Apr 23 2026 15:07 utc | 277
Furthermore
Posted by: Genesis | Apr 23 2026 15:04 UTC | 285
By the way, disclosing the expert findings on the UAE’s oil reserves is punishable by death… I wonder why?
Posted by: Genesis | Apr 23 2026 15:08 utc | 278
Palantir might be about to become Palaeontology.
Posted by: Giyane | Apr 23 2026 15:04 utc | 286
Can’t happen a moment too soon.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 23 2026 15:08 utc | 279
Genesis 285
Israel delenda est. It will soon cease to exist.
It belongs to the Book of Revelations not Genesis.
Posted by: Giyane | Apr 23 2026 15:09 utc | 280
Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know! The infighting is between the “Hardliners,” who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the “Moderates,” who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY! We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is “Sealed up Tight,” until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP
This is a lie as the entire Iranian government set aside their differences and are all working together to expel the USA from the region.
Posted by: KillerDoll | Apr 23 2026 15:13 utc | 281
@KillerDoll | Apr 23 2026 15:13 utc | 291
It is a projection of the state of things in the US. These ‘people’ always project. They are infighting and firing members of their own regime now.
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 23 2026 15:16 utc | 282
Oilprice.com
Brent – 102, WTI – 93
Article: https://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/StanChart-95-Per-Barrel-Is-The-New-Oil-Price-Equilibrium.html
Gist of the article is that 95 dollars a barrel is the “New Equilibrium” price. My take is that this the price that the US Epstein Class decided is to be the new price of oil. I also found this article in the US MSM, which reinforces the idea that one of the goals of the US is to raise oil prices from what it was to an average of $95, apparently with large enough swings so that people in the know can buy low and sell high, with prepared events dictating when these lows and highs happen.
Posted by: Woke American | Apr 23 2026 15:18 utc | 283
Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.
Jewish Simeon had understood that their prophet Esa alaihi salaam / Jesus , whom the rabbbis tried to kill, was ‘ the glory of your people Israel ‘, and not the land of Palestine.
The Khazars are just criminal gangsters whose criminal imaginations have never grasped the concepts of Jewish spirituality.
Time for the Khazars to go.
As Kemi Badenoch might justifisbly say.
Posted by: Giyane | Apr 23 2026 15:26 utc | 284
Posted by: Woke American | Apr 23 2026 15:18 utc | 293
This price increase has other reasons as well.
Freaking is the most expensive type of oil production and previously required a price of $69 or more to cover costs…
But everything is getting more expensive in the US too, apart from the land the corporations have to buy, wages, transportation, their own energy, and above all, hardly anyone wants to insure the corporations anymore… Venezuela’s oil on the market is, in that sense, dangerous, blocking the road from Homs to a certain extent, good.
Of course, this also benefits Russia, $90 and up… but the fact that this benefits Putin has never really bothered the US… Russia doesn’t have to appease shareholders, pay dividends… not even environmental damage (laughs). So Russia is already breaking even at $52.
Posted by: Genesis | Apr 23 2026 15:27 utc | 285
Giyane@286:
“This map is showing cables from UAE data centers to Israel, which would indicate proof of Abraham Accords criminal links between Israel and UAE.”
The UAE is a ‘strategic partner’ of Russia.
Posted by: John Gilberts | Apr 23 2026 15:34 utc | 286
Posted by: Persona Non Grata | Apr 23 2026 2:30 utc | 154
Considering the US willingness to murder civilians, I can guarantee that US navy seals will be tasked with cutting any anchoring chains, sending the mines drifting off into the ocean, in the hope of sinking/damaging any merchant navy vessel, or better still a cruise ship full of Americans. Potential PR nightmare for Iran.
US Seals will not cut chains anchoring mines because when they float away they can in fact damage American ships. Also, the American propaganda will turn everything IRI does or even what it doesn’t do into a PR nightmare. People in Iran breathing is a horrible offense to American propagandists.
Posted by: Roger Boyd | Apr 23 2026 2:47 utc | 158 This is misleading. Trump is not a front man for oligarchs (who by the way are not a secret society whose members can be seemingly ordinary people.) Trump is one of the oligarchs. Thus, Trump’s moves against bourgeois democracy is oligarchy taking direct control. Pretending Trump is merely a front man conducting business as usual in a fake democracy is minimizing Trumpery, wishing it away. Also, it foster illusions that a real democracy can be established by some minor reforms, such as voting for rebels against the system, as if Trump cultists don’t claim that’s exactly what they’re doing.
The claim that the Caucasus and Central Asia are a “soft underbelly” rather depends on not knowing where mountain ranges are. Also, it omits where deserts are. Neither mountain ranges nor deserts are “soft.” The projects for expanding rail and highway links (One Belt One Road, or more recently Belt and Road Initiative,) will one day be important, if completed. Yet it is doubtful they will replace the volume of sea traffic, given the intrinsic limits to capacity and the higher costs. As for the general notion of a continental safe space, if a single transit line were to support such a “safe space,” then surely the Transsiberian Railway, already in existence, would have done so. Strategic advice premised on non-existent
Posted by: steven t johnson | Apr 23 2026 15:38 utc | 287
The Inherent Fragility of the Ceasefire: Lebanon, a Punching Bag for Israel & America
https://journal-neo.su/2026/04/23/the-inherent-fragility-of-a-ceasefire-lebanon-a-punching-bag-for-israel-and-america/
“…Upon deconstructing the logic of the buffer zone, we find that it is part of Israel’s grand project. The dream of Greater Israel. It is a theological cum political idea that represents an Israel that is significantly bigger in comparison to its present shape – the idea incorporates territories that include present-day countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Hence, the extension of the ‘Yellow Line’ template to Lebanon. Therefore, by allowing Israel to establish the so-called ‘Yellow-Line’ in Lebanon, the West is allowing the country to use the 10 day ceasefire as a diplomatic perfidy to indulge in the slow annexation of the Levant – representing imperial audacity in its most egregious form…”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Apr 23 2026 15:46 utc | 288
Posted by: Giyane | Apr 23 2026 15:09 utc | 290
Israel delenda est. It will soon cease to exist.
Perhaps others besides you are anticipating these events.
The US is building infrastructure on the island of Cyprus that could facilitate a mass evacuation from the Middle East.
Who would be the “beneficiaries,” in their mind, the Palestinians or the Israelis?
Or is it more likely preparation for a mass invasion?
In any case, Cyprus is within range of Iranian missiles.
https://tass.com/world/2119763
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 15:46 utc | 289
Veröffentlicht von: Steven T. Johnson | 23. April 2026, 15:38 UTC | 297
I agree with you about the oligarchs in the USA…whether it’s Trump, Apple, Microsoft, or oil companies, they’re all Western oligarchs.
The Western press coined this term in connection with Russia and, importantly, Ukraine before the SMO.
In Russia, Putin took years to expose the oligarchs who aspired to state power and politics.
In Ukraine, after the country’s secession from Russia, these oligarchs first appropriated everything that had previously belonged to the state, and they continue to do so today with the billions of dollars from the EU.
The USA is ruled by oligarchs, not by presidents…or even a two-party system…which is a joke in itself for a supposed democracy…two parties.
Strangely enough, people feel more comfortable under so-called dictators than in so-called oligarchic democracies. One reason…A dictator is and remains a dictator ONLY if the people can live and are content.
An oligarch, on the other hand, looks only at himself and his interests. His wealth is related to keeping other oligarchs in check so they don’t devour him.
Oh yes… a dictator decides what is to be produced when he believes it is necessary for the people or defense. An oligarch first asks the question: What do I earn? What’s in it for me?
Posted by: Genesis | Apr 23 2026 15:51 utc | 290
Posted by: KillerDoll | Apr 23 2026 15:13 utc | 291
——————
It’s time to confiscate Trump’s toy, i.e his smartphone, like you would do for a disobedient child.
The US is getting ridiculous to a point never seen before.
Posted by: scc | Apr 23 2026 15:53 utc | 291
R2R: ‘Israel Killed Her During A Ceasefire’
https://www.youtube.com/@reason2resist/videos
“Lebanese resistance strikes back after Israel commits ceasefire atrocities.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Apr 23 2026 16:07 utc | 292
Posted by: Woke American | Apr 23 2026 15:18 utc | 293
Posted by: Genesis | Apr 23 2026 15:27 utc | 295
Les projections mettent le prix de revient du pétrole de schiste à $70 en 2025 et $95 en 2035.
Un prix d’équilibre de $95 en 2026 semble donc une victoire, un objectif stratégique atteint par la guerre de choix de Trump.
Mais c’est trompeur, parce que tous les dégâts faits par la guerre jusqu’à présent sont réversibles, et seront réparés dans deux ans maximum, et les prix vont baisser.
Rien ne dit même que le marché ne va pas compenser plus tôt l’offre, avec l’Iran, le Venezuela et la Russie en passe de produire plus’
En dehors d’autres événements donc, aucun investisseur privé ne va s’aventurer à investir et forer.
Mais il semble qu’ils ont prévu le coup et que des financements publics sont orientés vers le secteur.
Attendons de voir.
Il reste toujours que c’est cynique voir diabolique de recourir à la guerre pour ça.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidblackmon/2025/09/28/new-report-projects-95-future-breakeven-price-for-us-shale-oil/
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 16:09 utc | 293
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 16:09 utc | 303
Oups… Sorry for posting in French.
Was doing so elsewhere and forgot to change.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 16:11 utc | 294
Projections place the break-even cost of shale oil at $70 in 2025 and $95 in 2035.
An equilibrium price of $95 in 2026 therefore appears to be a victory—a strategic objective achieved through Trump’s war of choice.
However, this is misleading, because all the damage inflicted by the war thus far is reversible and will be repaired within two years at most; consequently, prices will fall.There is, in fact, no guarantee that the market won’t compensate for the supply shortfall even sooner, given that Iran, Venezuela, and Russia are poised to increase production.
Barring other unforeseen events, then, no private investor is likely to venture into drilling and investment.Yet it appears that they have anticipated this scenario and that public funds are being channeled into the sector.
Let us wait and see.
The fact remains, however, that resorting to war for such a purpose is cynical—if not downright diabolical.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 16:09 utc | 303 <google translate used to translate it to Enlish>
I hope the formatting was not TOO horrible. I agree with all of this. I also think that the US plan to “monopolize energy” by destroying Russian and Iranian energy sources, and provoking Iran to destroy GCC energy sources, as previously discussed, is likely the goal, but doomed to failure. Nations will rebuild, China especially is good at rebuilding, and alternatives to oil and gas will become more prevalent.
And I agree with the phrase that I bolded from Sebgo. This plan is nuts, doomed to fail, evil, and diabolocal.
Posted by: Woke American | Apr 23 2026 16:21 utc | 295
Syriana Analysis: Mohammad Marandi: ‘No Deal No Exit’
https://www.youtube.com/@SyrianaAnalysis/streams
“Trump blinked on Iran but Hormuz is still closed.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Apr 23 2026 16:21 utc | 296
Posted by: Woke American | Apr 23 2026 16:21 utc | 305
Thank you for the translation.
And we agree, all those shenanigans will fail, with other losses, unforeseen ones.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 16:26 utc | 297
the US plan
Posted by: Woke American | Apr 23 2026 16:21 utc | 305
—
To repeat, ad infinitum — There is no plan. Only the exercise of naked power.
Posted by: too scents | Apr 23 2026 16:30 utc | 298
Posted by: Woke American | Apr 23 2026 16:21 utc | 305
I just realized this isn’t the first time.
The first oil shock was also orchestrated by the US, which had just passed its peak in conventional oil production, even as the end of the gold standard led to a fall in the dollar and inflation.
Nixon and Kissinger’s suggestion to the Arabs to abandon the embargo in favor of a massive price increase, along with selling exclusively in dollars, saved the US from a critical situation.
What blinds people to this situation is the conviction that Trump wants low prices for “Joe six-pack,” as you say.
Just because he says it doesn’t make it true.
Posted by: Sebgo | Apr 23 2026 16:35 utc | 299
DD: Alastair Crooke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoLvGxJkNHQ
“Iranians only getting tougher.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Apr 23 2026 17:22 utc | 300