Moon of Alabama Brecht quote
April 7, 2026
War On Iran: – Trump Threatens Genocide – More Tit-for-tat Bombing

As the world was waiting for President Donald Trump to TACO from his threat to destroy Iran he upped his madman strategy by threatening to genocide its people:

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!
(TS: 07 Apr 08:06 ET)​​​‍​​‌‍​​‌‍​​​​​​​‌‍​​​​‌‍​​​​​​​‌‍​​​​‌‍​​​​‌‍​​​​‌‍​​​​​​​‌‍​‌‍​​​​‌‍​​​​‌‍​​​​​​​​​​‌‍​​​​​​​​​​‌‍​​​​​​‌‍​​​​​​​​​​‌‍​​​​​​​‌‍

I find it no longer useful to attempt any interpretation of such threats. They are likely a reaction to the failed Isfahan operation.

After that above threat was posted Iran froze all diplomatic and indirect communication channels with the U.S.

Meanwhile the war continues at heightened intensity.

Yesterday Israel again attacked Iran’s largest industrial oil and gas installation in the South Pars field.

Retribution came fast. Israeli installations at Neot Hovav in the Negev desert were attacked. Saudi Arabia’s Al Jubail industrial area is on fire as are at least three major oil/gas sites in the Emirates.

This morning the U.S. (again) struck some 50 targets on Kharg Island in what I consider a preparation for an imminent invasion likely to follow this night.

Israel hit ten Iranian railway stations around Tehran to isolate the city.

The “Jewish State” also struck the Rafie Nia synagogue in Tehran. It seems to have been an intentional target.

Iran has published a quite sensible 10-point plan to end the war:

Iran’s 10-point plan includes:
1. Guarantee that Iran will not be attacked again
2. Permanent end to the war, not just a ceasefire
3. End to Israeli strikes in Lebanon
4. Lifting of all US sanctions on Iran
5. End to all regional fighting against Iranian allies
6. In return, Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz
7. Iran would impose a Hormuz fee of $2 million per ship
8. Iran would split these fees with Oman
9. Iran to provide rules for safe passage through Hormuz
10. Iran to use Hormuz fees for reconstruction instead of reparations

Iran had previously asked for full U.S. reparation payments for the damage the war has caused. To instead insist on using Hormuz passage funds is a sensible retreat from a hardline position.

With Iranian consent more ships are quietly passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Whatever might happen Iran wont give up on not closing but controlling Hormuz for very good reasons.

The U.S. deploys additional HIMARS artillery to the Middle East.

Comments

Posted by: malenkov | Apr 8 2026 0:12 utc | 581

Most peoples of the world don’t associate citizens of a country with their government. This seems to be a peculiarly Western flaw of character, perhaps because of their facile devotion to “democracy”.

You are right that Western “democracy” plays a bad role in this regard but in my experience, even Westerners are amenable to humanizing direct contact. Which is why Western governments try hard to prevent such contact. I only know this about Germany but I assume it’s similar everywhere: student exchanges stopped; German-Russian town twinning stopped; extra obstacles to travel to “non-democratic” countries.
 
I believe that ordinary people usually aren’t evil but misinformed (or just non-informed). For those, the saying “don’t attribute to malice what can be explained by stupidity” holds up. But not so for officials/functioaries (politicians, managers, many scientists and artists, basically people who reached their position by/through the system) — those are more often than not evil rather than stupid, IMO.

Posted by: Konami | Apr 8 2026 0:26 utc | 601

Mark2 | Apr 7 2026 23:04 utc | 471
*** So the us and israel get 2 weeks to strenghen their enevatable attack on Iran.  Irain should entesify its counter attack. ***
 
I agree.
Israel and the US have proved so often to be murderous liars and cheats over whatever arrangements they come to with other countries, that it would be suicidally insane to ever trust them (or their figleaf NATO) at all.
As a then strong, wealthy, generous and well-run country called Libya discovered fifteen years ago.
 

Posted by: Cynic | Apr 8 2026 0:27 utc | 602

Konami | Apr 7 2026 22:55 utc | 458
 
Thanks for your reply. I see events have overtaken the gist of what I intended to write. I agree that some wars are unavoidable and as such I’m not a pacifist and my philosophy along those lines is tempered by my martial arts training. The major point I was going to make is the roots of WW2 while based in Imperialism differ in the Asian and European cases with Japan’s “evil” beginning in 1905 when it acquired Korea and was then prodded to do more by the USA, specifically Theodore Roosevelt who said Japan needed to create its own Monroe Doctrine for Asia, which Roosevelt wanted to use Japan as a proxy to further penetrate China via his Open Door policy. That’s when the roots of Japanese Fascism were planted and were watered by its victories over China (1894-5) and Russia (1904-5). Few in the West know about the rise of Japanese Fascism and how it was facilitated by the USA. Yet that development remains with the world and lives very well within today’s Japan.
 
 

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 8 2026 0:28 utc | 603

Trump before the war: Unconditional surrender and No nuke. Regime change despite Iran willingness to give up Uranium enrichment and nuclear weapon development.
 
Trump today: Iran 10 point proposal is “workable basic on which to operate” that didn’t address Iranian unconditional surrender, regime change nor Iran giving up Uranium stockpile. Nowadays, Iranian nuclear scientists maybe working on enriching 60% uranium to become some crude nuclear warheads.
 
Conclusion: It seems like the US is getting less and less from the Iranian deal now than before the war.

Posted by: KillerDoll | Apr 8 2026 0:31 utc | 604

psychohistorian @558:
 

Have the attacks stopped on Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, West Bank?Have the attacks stopped on Occupied Palestine and the GCC?

 
Just because the baby has come out doesn’t mean the bleeding has stopped. I think Suresh @556 might be right, but to quote Obomber, “Let’s see how this plays out.”

Posted by: William Gruff | Apr 8 2026 0:32 utc | 605

There was “chickening out” involved here, but it wasn’t by Trump.
 
Posted by: catdog | Apr 7 2026 23:41 utc | 542
 
If course. It was his handlers. Trump is just a front.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Apr 8 2026 0:33 utc | 606

The only other give away this was not a ‘STAGED’ capitulation of the US is the MARKET become no longer relevant.   
 
The decisive factors were all a result of the complete failure over Easter weekend and the following events.
 
Alright my ass is out! 

Posted by: CrazyCanuck | Apr 8 2026 0:34 utc | 607

@malenkov | Apr 8 2026 0:24 utc | 599 who said “Especially because Dims object only to Trump’s failure, not his intentions.”
 
Correct. Neighbor is Democrat. Asked him what his perspective on world events was, expressed horror at  Trump, but full support of war with Iran. MSM all the way, full download.
 
That’s a sample size of 1, but I say it’s right in the middle of the pack.

Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Apr 8 2026 0:37 utc | 608

@ Konami | Apr 8 2026 0:26 utc | 602
 
Yes indeed. Please forgive another anecdote. I was in Germany in 1984. My colleagues would say “Americans won’t reelect Reagan; he’s an idiot! I mean, you wouldn’t vote for him, would you?” To which I: “Am I a typical American? I’m here in Germany, speaking to you in German. Most Americans have never been outside the YSA, and if so, then as tourists or hermetically sealed inside barracks.”
 
Alas, I was no longer in Germany in November 1984 to go on an I-told-you-so tour.

Posted by: malenkov | Apr 8 2026 0:37 utc | 609

This is going to be interesting:
 

🇮🇷⚡️🇺🇸🇮🇱 The US ‘expects that it will take some time for orders to get down to lower ranks of IRGC’ on ceasefire agreement — Axios

 
Yeah, who’d have thunk it …

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Apr 8 2026 0:37 utc | 610

psychohistorian | Apr 7 2026 23:03 utc | 470
 
Thanks for your reply. The chairs were rearranged, now I need to examine the new configuration.

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 8 2026 0:40 utc | 611

Seyed Abbas Araghchi
 
https://x.com/araghchi/status/2041655156215799821
 
“…In response to the brotherly request of Prime Minister Sharif in his tweet, and considering the request by the US for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal as well as announcement by POTUS about acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations, I hereby declare on behalf of Iran’s Supreme Council:
 

  • If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations.
  • For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.

 
                                                                                 Seyed Abbas Araghchi
                                                                                 Minister of Foreign Affairs
                                                                                 Islamic Republic of Iran

Posted by: John Gilberts | Apr 8 2026 0:40 utc | 612

DJT and the Zionist caved for one reason – because Iran still had the capacity to utterly destroy all Gulf and SA  and Israel industrial, oil and gas infrastructure……..
 
The US and Israel failed to grab the depleted uranium supplies and failed to eliminate the Iranian strategic missile stocks.
 
The Iranians took a licking and kept on ticking…….Iran wins this round, hands down.

Posted by: tobias cole | Apr 8 2026 0:41 utc | 613

Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 7 2026 23:15 utc | 501
 
LOL I didn’t even realize it but yeah. WTF. I copied directly from whatever TG channel that was. 

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Apr 8 2026 0:42 utc | 614

—❗️🇮🇱/🇮🇷 BREAKING: Initial reports of direct impacts in Tel Aviv and Be’er Shebaa
@Middle_East_Spectator

 
Any ceasefire will have to be negotiated on a per participant basis.
 
The beatings will continue until morale improves.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Apr 8 2026 0:42 utc | 615

psychohistorian | Apr 7 2026 23:20 utc | 512
 
Who will define what constitutes “Open”?

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 8 2026 0:42 utc | 616

Maverick: the East is red.
Posted by: Konami | Apr 7 2026 14:16 utc | 6
 
****************
 
Yes – the sun is rising!
 
The West is also red; because the sun is setting…

Posted by: General Factotum | Apr 8 2026 0:45 utc | 617

Trump negotiated a cease fire with himself, The Art Of The Deal, watch and learn everyone!

Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Apr 8 2026 0:45 utc | 618

IDF murder in Lebanon and the West Bank and Gaza continue…..no change!

Posted by: tobias cole | Apr 8 2026 0:45 utc | 619

TACO and TOFU all in one!

Posted by: paddy | Apr 8 2026 0:48 utc | 620

“If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations.” / Seyed Abbas Araghchi

 
Ceasing defensive operations still allows for offensive operations (bombing US bases around Iran, etc.).

Posted by: Asian Frog | Apr 8 2026 0:50 utc | 621

Vrbamrda 582
 
Best thing to do with to do with fake medical  diagnoses of spiritual dilemmas is to not pay the shrinks’ bills.
 
Trump knows the difference between a Real eastate scamming Khazar fraudster like NutterBastard who never negotiates anything, and a top Muslim cleric who puts his Muslim populations safety in front of his political goals.
 
The bamboozling shrinks are unable to conceive of a spiritual battle,  in which spiritual boundaries are tested in conflict
 
Nutter wants more and more, and would never stop until he , like Hitler dreamed, ruled the world.
 
That’s why Trump spars with real opponents who care about humanity,  like Putin, respects them, and makes deals with them.
 
Rumours are thwith him.with him.e Mojtaba Khameinei is out of action. Probably not true.   
But Nutter , even if he is alive, is politically out of action because he’s mad and out of control,  and Trump won’t deal .
 
So save your fucking diagnoses for the truly insane gob merchants of Hasbara, if you please.
 
 

Posted by: Giyane | Apr 8 2026 0:53 utc | 622

You have no idea of the depths of hatred people around the world have of Americans. 
Posted by: Nemesis | Apr 7 2026 23:42 utc | 547
===============
Oh, really, you know that?
All the more stupid then that that is all AUH can rant about, in’t, mate?

Posted by: Jane | Apr 8 2026 0:56 utc | 623

Posted by: KillerDoll | Apr 8 2026 0:31 utc | 605
They have had plans for fully tested boosted nukes since 1957 when the CIA made into a turn key nuclear power just in case the USSR looked south a bit too closely. Why would they build a primitive device? 10 90kt weapons is better than 10 8-15kt devices.

Posted by: Badjoke | Apr 8 2026 0:56 utc | 624

I am just going to say it out loud:
Feels like “two weeks to flatten the curve” all over again.
Ps: liking this side of you Karlof1. Thanks for coming back even stronger.
 

Posted by: simon crow | Apr 8 2026 0:56 utc | 625

“You sound disappointed.”

 
[Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 7 2026 23:17 utc | 504]
 
Everyone here knows that I’m of the opinion that Iran absolutely must acquire a nuclear arsenal for its own survival. 
 
Are you new here or just a new sock puppet account?

Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 8 2026 0:58 utc | 626

So Iran gives up its key leverage point and allows adversaries a chance to reload, reposition, and reinforce logistics. Surprising concessions after the lesson of the “12-day war.” Also surprising because climbing down would have been less costly weeks ago.
 
Never have so many podcasters been discredited so fast. Experts are only worth any attention if their models for interpreting the world make accurate predictions. 
 
The undeniable reality is that we live in a might-makes-right world–Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian. The U.S. was founded on better aspirations. History suggests fear and violence will replace those better ideals. 
 
When the government itself is unconstrained by norms and law, it loses credibility in asking more of its population. Instead, it will be compelled to resort to brute force. After all, those who conduct themselves with violence abroad can’t be expected to show constraint at home. 

Posted by: CallSaul | Apr 8 2026 1:00 utc | 627

@ Tom Pfotzer | Apr 7 2026 20:52 utc | 342
 
thanks tom… i have no speculative commentary at the moment.. i read others commentary with some fascination and a large dose of skepticism…  being pragmatic here is difficult.. keeping an open mind is also difficult.. 
 
@ karlof1 | Apr 7 2026 20:53 utc | 344
 
thanks for your insights karl.. of course russia and china know who authored the un resolution that didn’t pass.. it is too obvious! the idea of a new lineup as the gcc’s is very appealing.. i have no idea what comes from all of this…  at some point one hopes the gcc wake up to who they are sleeping with, but maybe they are as depraved as they act and appear here… it seems to be the case… 

Posted by: james | Apr 8 2026 1:07 utc | 628

Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 8 2026 0:58 utc | 627
I’ve been here a while.

Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 8 2026 1:07 utc | 629

@ Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 8 2026 0:58 utc | 627
 
russia has nukes… tell us what it has prevented?? thanks.. 

Posted by: james | Apr 8 2026 1:08 utc | 630

Why did Netanyahu want a short recess ?
 
will it be now possible to get damage photos of Israeli targets such as the 3 big power plants, the 2 refineries, and the 2 harbors? 
 
 

Posted by: Exile | Apr 8 2026 1:11 utc | 631

So Iran gives up its key leverage point and allows adversaries a chance to reload, reposition, and reinforce logistics. Surprising concessions after the lesson of the “12-day war.” Also surprising because climbing down would have been less costly weeks ago.
Posted by: CallSaul | Apr 8 2026 1:00 utc | 628

The same applies to both sides.
They can close the Straits anytime, they still have their missile arsenal.
Any monkey business and it’s all back on.
Climbing down weeks ago was no good, back  then US-Israel thought they were winning and had not suffered enough to accept Iranian conditions.

Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 8 2026 1:12 utc | 632

How the Guardian is reporting the ceasefire ……
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/07/iran-war-live-updates-trump-hormuz-threats-deadline-strikes-middle-east-conflict
 
US political leaders and many Americans breathed a sigh of relief on Tuesday evening, after Donald Trump announced a provisional ceasefire deal following threats to destroy Iran’s “whole civilization”.
 
“I’m glad Trump backed off and is desperately searching for any sort of exit ramp from his ridiculous bluster,” Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said on Tuesday night.
 
Several Republicans cheered the president’s decision, casting it as shrewd and tactical.
“Excellent news,” Senator Rick Scott of Florida said. “This is a strong first step toward holding Iran accountable and what happens when you have a leader who puts peace through strength over chaos and weak appeasement policies.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the chamber’s loudest and most aggressive Iran hawks, said on Tuesday evening he shared the hope that “we can end the reign of terror of the Iranian regime through diplomacy”.But he added: “We must remember that the strait of Hormuz was attacked by Iran after the start of the war, destroying freedom of navigation. Going forward, it is imperative Iran is not rewarded for this hostile act against the world.”
…..
Details about the ceasefire are still very sketchy. However, Iran has said it would guarantee safe passage for maritime traffic through the vital strait of Hormuz for two weeks, announcing the pause would be used for talks with the US on ending the war, starting Friday in Islamabad.

Posted by: Cynic | Apr 8 2026 1:12 utc | 633

Cease fire my ass.  Time for the offenders to be split up.

Posted by: Ken Hausle | Apr 8 2026 1:15 utc | 634

Where’s Rubio?

Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 8 2026 1:15 utc | 635

Bond Vigilantes likee cessefire, modrst buying of Treasury Debt in sfter hours ( as of circs 2100 NYC )
 

US 3-MO

3,709
+0,005
+0,138

US 2-YR

3,717
-0,116
+0,219

US 5-YR

3,868
-0,108
+0,488

US 10-YR

4,254
-0,089
-2,049

US 30-YR

4,855

 

Posted by: Exile | Apr 8 2026 1:15 utc | 636

Will be interesting to see if Tehran accepts Kushner/Witkoff or insists on others. I guess the latter.

Posted by: Konami | Apr 8 2026 1:16 utc | 637

clearly there are posters at moa that have to be put on ”ignore”… 

Posted by: james | Apr 8 2026 1:17 utc | 638

Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Apr 7 2026 20:52 utc | 342
Re:  Escalation ladder situation report.
 
The extreme talmudist zios, and their bought and programmed christo-fundie cattle actually WANT total war.
 
Failure to understand that these extremists exist, and failure to comprehend that they really believe what they say they believe is why “We Are Here”
 
I reported to MoA weeks ago the attack on the young virgin school girls was a ritual sacrifice.  It was.  My posts were dismissed because people do not know, do not understand, and therefore cannot accept that this might be possibly true in 2026… it’s so barbarically ancient.
 
But the hardcore talmudust zios and their christ-zio cattle WANT the End Times.
 
People don’t understand what they are seeing because they blithely dismiss the hard-held, hardcore beliefs driving events as “whacky nonsense”.
 
Once you realise what they are actually working towards, events become understandable, even while being reprehensible.

Posted by: Melaleuca | Apr 8 2026 1:17 utc | 639

And of course I’m sure the toll remains – pay up if you want passage and good luck building a pipeline to bypass it – not only will that take years but tis known – pipelines are easily destroyed.

Posted by: Ken Hausle | Apr 8 2026 1:19 utc | 640

@ Melaleuca | Apr 8 2026 1:17 utc | 640
 
it is fortunate we have such a wise and confident poster here at moa… lets praise the lord for that, lol… 

Posted by: james | Apr 8 2026 1:21 utc | 641

Adnan Husain: Civilization or Barbarism? 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHecv8NaNdI
 
Adnan Husain, Bikrum Gill, Benji, Mikey and other anti-imperialists discuss the ceasefire and ‘victory in round one.’
 
Recommended.

Posted by: John Gilberts | Apr 8 2026 1:21 utc | 642

You barstewards !
You had us all prepared, awaiting and believing on the happypukkerlips, neuculer armageddon, the big final boom boom of all boom booms, for this evening. Drinks and nibblies on the table, some cool jazz playing, the jesus watchin over hanging on the wall, clean curtains and all.
Now canceled ?
Oh well.
The action in the next room of those who wanted to go out in style with a “bang” ( and no protection) will add to the population explosion near next xmas.
The party goes on.

Posted by: Fíréan | Apr 8 2026 1:22 utc | 643

Perhaps one day the people will rise, when they are living with nothing in the ruin that was their lives. But then of course it will be far too late. Posted by: Maverick | Apr 7 2026 15:42 utc | 76

Yep. Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change. Until that point, you can dismiss promises of better outcomes under this system as cope. 

Posted by: CallSaul | Apr 8 2026 1:23 utc | 644

Posted by: Jane | Apr 8 2026 0:56 utc | 624
 
While it is mindless to blame any entire group of people for what their leaders do, many people do in fact do that. It’s block prejudice but a genuine phenomenon. People just make it simple by saying “Americans, Australians, Chinese”……etc. etc. when it comes to what the leaders do, but the country’s people tend to be in the mix as well.
 
No doubt the US is seriously on the nose now and mainly because of its international violence, bullying, and arrogance, often due to the egotistical rhetoric that is constantly emitted from Trump’s belligerent White House who seem to think its ok to just take anyone’s resources or country. It’s particularly disgraceful and hypocritical  given the former administration so often alluded to the “international rules based order” which has been ridiculed by Trump and his thuggish administration with its conduct and completely illegal behaviour.
 
This rubs off on all Americans unfortunately even though many do not support such conduct. I see it in my country as much as any other countries around the world by what people write in blogs and in news comments. Also through other people I know in different countries. Dislike, sometimes vehement hatred towards America is increasing significantly like I have never seen in my life before, as it is with Israel. I suspect if the Western media changed it tune of cover-ups and fake news, even more would be horrified, and that unfortunately comes with serious consequences to everyone in a country whether they are on board with the government’s policies or not.
 
Trump seeks to inflict suffering on all Iranians and there have been deliberate attempts to harm people that are not at all associated with the government’s decisions. You have to expect a similar backlash and acknowledge the evidence. If the US loses its hegemonic dominance and military superiority, I suspect it will even get worse, especially from the global south.

Posted by: GeorgeWendell | Apr 8 2026 1:24 utc | 645

F’n Iran. You f’d my 401k. I got out of stocks at the start of the war and was looking pretty good at 10% down. But no. You had to cave to Trump and agree to a 2 week ceasefire. Geeze, when are the SEC going to appear at the White House and arrest the bastard in chief. This whole escapade is a gift. 

Posted by: Milton | Apr 8 2026 1:28 utc | 646

Grift. 

Posted by: Milton | Apr 8 2026 1:28 utc | 647

Posted by: Milton | Apr 8 2026 1:28 utc | 647
Same bro

Posted by: catdog | Apr 8 2026 1:29 utc | 648

This is what is known irrefutable – tis so much easier to destroy than it is to “build up”.  So one wonders – why the leaders nowadays in the early 21st century feel compelled to destroy this and that?  Cause while it is true that it is easier to destroy – it is so much better to “build up” and if you study history you will realize the leaders of the past most revered are the ones who built up infrastructure.  They are the ones with a legacy remembered.
~
Better ideas beckon – and cease fire my ass……capitulation is what is demanded and really you bring in the B-52 bombers to bomb the hell out of a civilization been around for 6000 years because you think you have been offended for “47” years – oh how dare you #47 – last president of the us of a – a big country young and got a tainted history only been around 250 years maybe – and seemingly destined to failure of hubris and hegemony desires.  Eff you bastards out of dc – clueless sons of bitches – how dare you?  How dare you threaten to wipe out a “People” who you hardly even know – you pompous losers.  You deserve to be dismantled, split up, and torn to pieces.

Posted by: Ken Hausle | Apr 8 2026 1:29 utc | 649

2 more weeks to prep – get the bicycles in good working order, prsctice hyoermiling, collect firewood,,and turn the compost pile
 
😎

Posted by: Exile | Apr 8 2026 1:32 utc | 650

@paddy 621  I’m shocked that Iran chickened out.   With impenetrable air defenses, there is no way Trump could have damaged their power plants or bridges, and with their unlimited arsenal of missiles and total control over Hormuz, they were probably only two weeks away from eliminating Israel, bankrupting the US and ending its hegemony, and freeing Palestine.

Posted by: Chad McDougal | Apr 8 2026 1:33 utc | 651

russia has nukes… tell us what it has prevented?? thanks.. 
 
Posted by: james | Apr 8 2026 1:08 utc | 631

 
Mr. Purkayastha regularly pillories Russia for not having conquered 404 in 2014.

Posted by: malenkov | Apr 8 2026 1:40 utc | 652

 
 

russia has nukes… tell us what it has prevented?? thanks.. 

 
[Posted by: james | Apr 8 2026 1:08 utc | 631]
 
Putin’s judaeophilic pussilanimity is not Iran’s fault. 

Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 8 2026 1:42 utc | 653

CallSaul 628
 
 “?So Iran gives up its key leverage point and allows adversaries a chance to reload, reposition, and reinforce logistics.”
 
Hasbara bs
Reload with what?
Reposition where?
Re-lipstick?

Posted by: Giyane | Apr 8 2026 1:43 utc | 654

“They gave us a gift, and it arrived today. It was a very big gift, of immeasurable value. I won’t tell you what it is, but it was a gain of great value.” Trump, March 25.
And what was the gift in the end? Will we ever find out?

Posted by: Hagen | Apr 8 2026 1:43 utc | 655

Posted by: Chad McDougal | Apr 8 2026 1:33 utc | 652
It is obvious that Iran does NOT have impenetrable air defenses so one assumes that was stated in jest.  But the folks there do have a sense of culture unlike the fools out of dc who seem to be clueless losers lost in delusions of grandeur who spell the end of the dreams of Jefferson, Madison, and Franklin for that matter.  Lost in hubris and pompous mindset disconnected from reality – and deserving nothing but disdain.  Truly – the us of a has fallen to a new low – and times are fixing to be difficult for clueless citizens thinking they are exceptional – when the reality is they seem to be exceptionally privileged and clueless about history and hard times.
~
That is a recipe for a country in decline and likely one that will split up – in recompense for all the HARM been caused.  Reap what you sow.

Posted by: Ken Hausle | Apr 8 2026 1:43 utc | 656

I see where the Zionists have agreed to ceasefire against Iran but remain silent about Lebanon where they recently suffered several defeats. I find it odd that the Zionists are omitted from most of Iran’s 10-point demands and aren’t to be included in the negotiations. I see the Zionists have agreed to join the ceasefire: “Meanwhile, a senior White House official told CNN that “Israel” has agreed to join the temporary ceasefire and suspend its bombing campaigns while negotiations continue.” Of course, we all know how the Zionists obey ceasefires. 
 
IMO, some backchannel phone calls were made that will remain secret influenced Trump along with the recent defeats. Of course, defenseless Zionists likely added their influence like last June. However, the litany of lies told about Iran to provide justification for Trump’s massive CRIME will make any realistic negotiations next to impossible and ratification impossible. And Iran must demand that the negotiators it faces from the Outlaw US Empire be genuine members of its government, not Witkoff and Kushner. 

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 8 2026 1:43 utc | 657

Mr. Purkayastha regularly pillories Russia for not having conquered 404 in 2014.

 
[Posted by: malenkov | Apr 8 2026 1:40 utc | 653]
 
Even Putin now acknowledges that he should have acted in 2014.

Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 8 2026 1:43 utc | 658

Keen insight:
 

— Just imagine for a second if Iran, during this war, had captured, for example, an certain amount of land or piece of territory.
 
Everyone would call it a resounding strategic victory, and rightfully so.
 
Instead, it now controls the single most important waterway in the world, through which 20% of the world’s oil flows — of immense strategic value.
 
That is infinitely more desirable than conquering a piece of land, inflicting mass casualties, or destroying an enemy army. It’s a lasting impact that changes the strategic equation in the region for decades and centuries to come. This is a nation-altering event.
 
@Middle_East_Spectator

 
In other news: where’s Bibi??

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Apr 8 2026 1:43 utc | 659

Journalist Youssef Fares

“The first official Israeli comment..

Netanyahu’s office distributes a statement to the media under the name “high-ranking political official”:

The United States previously coordinated a temporary ceasefire with Israel.

This is a step in which Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz without previously obtaining any of its demands, such as a commitment to completely stop the war, obtain compensation, or lift the heavy sanctions imposed on it, among others.

Senior Trump administration officials have made clear to Israel that during negotiations over the next two weeks, the United States will insist on removing nuclear material, halting enrichment, canceling the ballistic missile threat, and more.

These are common goals between Israel and the United States.

Iran backed down from its demands and surrendered to the demand to open the straits under enormous pressure on the regime’s infrastructure since the outbreak of the war, and even more so in recent days.”

Posted by: Ornot | Apr 8 2026 1:46 utc | 660

Posted by: Vrbamrda | Apr 8 2026 0:12 utc | 582
 
Trump may be being drugged with adrenochrome.
Ditto for Zelensky and many other “leaders”.
Very bizarre, highly addictive, powerful drug.
 
 
 
Most are not familiar with it.
 
The true, upper elites, whose names you know not, use it in many different ways.
One of the main ways is to keep their minions in line.
 
 

Posted by: Whipping Post | Apr 8 2026 1:47 utc | 661

Where is BiBi ?
 
🤣

Posted by: Exile | Apr 8 2026 1:48 utc | 662

Long time lurker.  Happy to learn about ceasefire.  

Posted by: Atman | Apr 8 2026 1:49 utc | 663

The Iranians rejected Pumpkin-Head’s ceasefire offer out of hand, yesterday. There seems little reason to believe they grew terrified when it started getting dark, although someone else must have supplied Trump with the term, ‘bilateral’, because that’s way more syllables than he can manage on his own. By the weekend we will likely hear that the Iranians crawled to Trump on their hands and knees, begging for a ceasefire, and complimenting him on how handsome he is.

Posted by: Mark | Apr 8 2026 1:49 utc | 664

477 Patroklos — “nothing ever happens”.
But that’s in Heaven.
 

Posted by: Lavieja | Apr 8 2026 1:49 utc | 665

Note since ‘ceasefire’:

Several Iranian missiles were fired at occupied Palestine.

Occupation bombing in Lebanon.

Clashes in Lebanon.

Saudi, Kuwait, Emirates and others infrastructure targeted , power outages etc.

Contradictory statements of free passage through Hormuz or supervised etc.

Trump posts letter of Araghchi to Pakistan where understanding is supervised by Iran and Oman.

Etc.

Posted by: Ornot | Apr 8 2026 1:50 utc | 666

ChadMcJewgle 652
 
If he called himself McJewlani, would it make him sound less Jewish.

Posted by: Giyane | Apr 8 2026 1:50 utc | 667

How fast will Iran rebuild its AD? One thing’s certain, Iran can do that much faster than its enemies can construct ABM interceptors. 

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 8 2026 1:51 utc | 668

Posted by: Konami | Apr 7 2026 23:29 utc | 527
 
So rather than engage with the philosophical point I’m making you decide to go ad hominem. Well go fuck yourself you piece of shit.

Posted by: Patroklos | Apr 8 2026 1:52 utc | 669

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 8 2026 1:43 utc | 658 – taking that link at face value:
Here are more details:

Israeli reports describe the ambush as beginning with a sudden and highly concentrated barrage involving dozens of mortar shells and rockets fired simultaneously within minutes, all targeting the exact rally point of the Israeli unit.
This level of fire concentration suggests pre-calibrated targeting coordinates and real-time surveillance, indicating a structured and заранее prepared combat system.
During one of the salvos, a sergeant was killed, while a large number of soldiers sustained injuries, overwhelming the unit’s immediate operational capacity.
Evacuation attempts collapse under sustained fire
As Israeli forces attempted to evacuate the wounded under continuous fire, division command reportedly faced a critical decision: proceed with the mission despite the compromised element of surprise, or order a withdrawal.
With casualties mounting and the operational exposure increasing, the element of surprise was lost, rendering the crossing attempt unfeasible. The situation deteriorated into a defensive stance rather than an offensive maneuver.
On the ground, the Yahalom unit withdrew first, leaving behind significant engineering assets, including bulldozers, inflatable boats, and bridging equipment.
The 890th Battalion reportedly remained within the ambush zone for over an hour, attempting to stabilize the situation before a final disengagement order was issued. The operation ended in a full withdrawal without recovering the equipment.
Israeli media noted that Hezbollah later published documentation showing the abandoned equipment left in Lebanese territory.

Bullies only respond to force.

Posted by: Ken Hausle | Apr 8 2026 1:53 utc | 670

So much for b’s meta code of conduct. Konami is a dogturd. Bank that MFs.

Posted by: Patroklos | Apr 8 2026 1:53 utc | 671

Giyane | Apr 8 2026 0:53 utc | 623
 
Yes, of course, it’s always the ugly proxy who has to take full responsibility for all the crimes and the whole desaster and, of course, it’s never the great empire. I guess, the majority of the world’s population would prefer a planet without the disgusting Pushmi-Pullyu US America-Israel.
 
Donald Trump and Joseph Biden could share a two bed room in a beautiful nursing home specialising in dementia somewhere in the countryside. They have so much in common and there are so many things they could enjoy together and talk about, wouldn’t you agree?

Posted by: Vrbamrda | Apr 8 2026 1:53 utc | 672

Exile 663
 
Level – 10.
Ground zero

Posted by: Giyane | Apr 8 2026 1:53 utc | 673

Ken Hausle  657  The US is obviously in decline and I among many others in Appalachia look forward to a little downsizing of our federal babysitters that we don’t really need.  We have had it good, but we’ve had some hard times, too.  Nobody will shed a tear at all if DC disappears, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the world are angels.

Posted by: Chad McDougal | Apr 8 2026 1:56 utc | 674

Posted by: Chad McDougal | Apr 8 2026 1:56 utc | 675
Agreed.  I reside in Appalachia area – and we don’t need no dc nor Virginia redistricting bullshit…..I mean really – Jefferson and Madison are shaking in their graves.

Posted by: Ken Hausle | Apr 8 2026 1:57 utc | 675

Posted by: Fíréan | Apr 8 2026 1:22 utc | 644

 
Yep. Sooooo…. deflated.
Iran was the Palestinians last best hope. 
Now what?
Hopefully Hezbollah continues to immiserate the zio-nazis.

Posted by: drinky crow | Apr 8 2026 1:58 utc | 676

So there is uncertainty, amongst possibilities:

– Strategic decision (by either or both)
– Attempt to sow division in resistance (it is known ceasefire not popular amongst various)
– Takeover attempt of some kind in Iran.
– To leave “Israel” to continue conflict .
– To pause to allow military buildup.

And so on. Either way, so far a ceasefire has not been enacted, so far with only US and Iran halting further direct conflict with the other.

Posted by: Ornot | Apr 8 2026 1:59 utc | 677

@paddy 621  I’m shocked that Iran chickened out.   With impenetrable air defenses, there is no way Trump could have damaged their power plants or bridges, and with their unlimited arsenal of missiles and total control over Hormuz, they were probably only two weeks away from eliminating Israel, bankrupting the US and ending its hegemony, and freeing Palestine.
 
Posted by: Chad McDougal | Apr 8 2026 1:33 utc | 652
=====================================
 
I realize your sarcastic post was meant as a bracing splash of cold water across the faces of certain barflies who take a quite triumphalist view of Iran’s chances, so I’ll accept it as such. (I’m not one of them, by the way. One of their leaders, LoveDonbass, is on an enforced sabbatical.)
 
It’s easy for our desire to see the massive injustices in the world righted, at least partially, by a victory of Iran over both the U.S. and Israel, while ignoring reality, so maybe this criticism from you, Chad, is deserved.
 
In any case, let me say something I was going to say earlier but didn’t: even though your views are quite at odds with probably the majority of other bar patrons here, I’d like to welcome you to the establishment. I think it’s important that this place not become simply an echo chamber of homogenous opinion like so many other locales on the Intertubes. So your needling here is actually appreciated in a perverse way.
 
I think all the pronouncements here of the demise of the U.S., its splitting up into pieces in some kind of civil war, and the destruction of the state of Israel are quite premature and the result of hopium overdoses. Fortunately there’s an antidote to that: Barkeep! Another round!

Posted by: George the Zeroth | Apr 8 2026 2:00 utc | 678

Surprised iran agreed with the US and the jews since they with an abnormal certainty will use the 2 weeks pause to restock bombs and whatever missiles they can find in the cupboards and the jews dispatch spies into the iranian society with the intent to harm the iranian society from within. A 2 week ceasefire doesn’t solve the jews root problem, to lay waste to iran so that it will not be in the way for the greater israel project, i.e. for israel to become the local main power. Afraid iran made the same mistake as before – to trust those two terrorist states!
and not a word about the jews nukes. Their existence should be made part of any negotiated ceasefire/peace agreement!

Posted by: Nisses | Apr 8 2026 2:00 utc | 679

The status of the Strait of Hormuz is what counts.
 
If Iran continues to control it, charging tolls to all ships, then we can conclude Trump was bluffing and caved in.
 
If the strait is now wide open, as Trump is claiming, meaning Iran will allow hostile ships to pass free of charge then we can conclude Trump’s threat worked and Iran has blinked.
 
Personally I wanted to see Iran keep fighting until the US military was driven out of west Asia and Israel had ceased to exist.  Without these objectives achieved, I can’t see Iran having gained any peace nor security.  However, it’s easy for me to be hardline.  I’m not in the line of fire.
 
Hopefully enough economic damage has been done that this is the beginning of the end of both Israel and the USA.  Perhaps this is what the Iranians are counting on.
 
Though America can’t keep any agreement and Israel can’t honour a ceasefire for even 24 hours, I have a feeling Trump will be very reluctant to restart the fight in a fortnight.  My initial curiosity is that if it’s a dubious ceasefire for Iran, will all IRGC units stand down?
 
The reason I am hardline is because, once again the poor Palestinians are left to the mercy of the bloodthirsty Jewish squatters.  We did  have a month to hope their liberation might finally be at hand.

Posted by: EoinW | Apr 8 2026 2:02 utc | 680

Uh….and not only Jefferson and Madison, but Henry and George Wythe as well.  Oh to be in Williamsburg in the day I reckon, but those days are long gone and the Constitution tis nothing but a piece of paper treated with disrespect – and this country with a leader calls himself #47 – the same number as silver on the periodic table – is in serious decline – and that is irrefutable.
~
So the ideas might of had merit in the day – but they have been literally thrown in the trash bin by clueless leadership and NYC real estate losers – who truly have no appreciation much less understanding about the History of the World!
(ha, ha….seriously – what a joke on humanity it all is….a sad joke indeed)

Posted by: Ken Hausle | Apr 8 2026 2:03 utc | 681

If Agent Orange wants to transform Kharg Island into Trumpland with a pool, jacuzzi, white sand beach, casinos, Disney castles, and luxury hotels, what are the chances that the Iranians would fall for it and say yes?

Posted by: Hagen | Apr 8 2026 2:05 utc | 682

So Iran gives up its key leverage point and allows adversaries a chance to reload, reposition, and reinforce logistics. Surprising concessions after the lesson of the “12-day war.” Also surprising because climbing down would have been less costly weeks ago.Posted by: CallSaul | Apr 8 2026 1:00 utc | 628
The same applies to both sides.They can close the Straits anytime, they still have their missile arsenal.Any monkey business and it’s all back on.Climbing down weeks ago was no good, back  then US-Israel thought they were winning and had not suffered enough to accept Iranian conditions.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 8 2026 1:12 utc | 633

The pause releases its economic submission hold on U.S. markets. With its bridges, rail and air transport, and manufacturing capacity blown to pieces, Iran simply can’t benefit symmetrically from a pause. It’s at a relative disadvantage.
Iran is also releasing political pressure on the day that the administration met the first signs of domestic opposition. Instead, the latest unhinged threats will be cast as an effective negotiation strategy. 
Their military capacity will be roughly the same two weeks from now as it is today while their opponents will have resupplied, repaired, and repositioned. Deus ex machina hypotheticals about help from Russia and China run into the practical limits because air supply operations won’t be tolerated and new systems and equipment aren’t integrated in the span of days. 

Posted by: CallSaul | Apr 8 2026 2:06 utc | 683

Chad Mcdougal at 652: i agree, totally dumbfounded and unnecessary. The US was about to fold the tents and the jews in illegally occupied palestine without a paddle up the creek!

Posted by: Nisses | Apr 8 2026 2:06 utc | 684

Oil prices retreating:

  • WTI Crude: $97.28
  • Brent Crude: $94.99
  • Murban Crude: $96.78

Posted by: George the Zeroth | Apr 8 2026 2:06 utc | 685

I’m just glad the killing has at least paused.
War is a great evil.
Iran has conducted itself with honor. The US and Israel are Perfidious and Vicious attackers.
A two week pause gives Iran time to firm up its defenses.
Bibi must be Foaming at the mouth about now.
 
Israel Katz as well. Those bastards  live for death and deceit.
 
Time will tell if this is anything,  I doubt it, Israel needs more victims.

Posted by: Effete | Apr 8 2026 2:06 utc | 686

@Melaleuca | Apr 8 2026 1:17 utc | 640
 
I am convinced that the rendition of the  Zio mindset you set out is accurate. I’ve seen it first-hand in the Christian Zionists I know. They do indeed relish and anticipate the end times, and they’re hermetically sealed by dogma to follow that rabbit-hole all the way to completion. I’ve seen it. 
 
I am full of emotion right now. Relief, suspicion, lots of rage that all of us have been put into this horrible situation by a small group of sociopaths. 
 
There’s two tracks of endeavor here; one is Iran’s as central figure, and then there’s another for we Westerners. I think even the most naive of us understands that the maniacal momentum of the ZioGlobalOverlords isn’t going to dissipate rapidly, and – at least for the moment – the solid 2×4 whack to the head of the overlords was stayed. To me that’s the one major down-side of this momentary reprieve. That Whack is much-needed.
 
Whack or not, the work remains. Now Iran-Russia-China have a bit more maneuvering room, but … look at  the systemic train-wreck we Westerners have now …  still, and maybe in the near future even more-intensively. These criminals are going to try diligently to cover their tracks, to blame-shift, and then (again) use us as their resource-base to mount another round of attacks.
 
There’s a great deal yet to do on our respective domestic fronts. I hope all you MoA readers are preparing your notes, doing your outlines, and clearing the emotional decks for the next round of this very long game. That Overton Window still has many long miles to move.
 
And for Iran, I say “Well Done Ancient Society! You have led by example, and the whole world was watching. We respect you, value you, and wish you a proper reward for your sacrifices!”
 
And I endorse Iran’s, and the Bar’s caution. Remember who you’re dealing with, and don’t for a second let your guard down.

Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Apr 8 2026 2:08 utc | 687

Posted by: Chad McDougal | Apr 8 2026 1:33 utc | 652
 
How’d that ground attack to seize and control Iranian oil go? Weren’t they supposed to parachute in the 82nd and 101st with your son? Oh wait, that never happened. I wonder why…
 
You talk about Iran chickening out, but the US, throughout this whole war, looked like a third-rate power. The US Navy running with their tail between their legs, Trump begging for the Strait to be reopened because he couldn’t do it by force, Iranian uranium secure, and ready to make a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian regime stable and even strengthened by this. 
 
Looks like an Iranian victory to me. The US is 0-3 in wars in west and central Asia over the last 26 years. Think on that for a while, as American power fades in the world.

Posted by: James M. | Apr 8 2026 2:08 utc | 688

Vrbamrda 673
 
Here in England we don’t have any leader,  or any Parliament,  or any administration, just cardboard printed copies. 
 
Just a Star Chamber judiciary  that punishes Free Speech , funded from Brussels Sprouts, British Gas sales.
 
If Starmer wanted to theaten Iran with nukes , he’d have to ask the Jews who run our nuclear programmes ‘ permission first.
 
Trump has real power and uses it.
 

Posted by: Giyane | Apr 8 2026 2:09 utc | 689

@ EoinW | Apr 8 2026 2:02 utc | 681.
Well done. 

Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Apr 8 2026 2:10 utc | 690

===============Oh, really, you know that?All the more stupid then that that is all AUH can rant about, in’t, mate?
Posted by: Jane | Apr 8 2026 0:56 utc | 624
 
No doubt about it Jane, AUH has a visceral hatred for American society. Being confronted with that in your fact is quite the bummer. Your anger is duly noted.

Posted by: Nemesis | Apr 8 2026 2:10 utc | 691

Posted by: EoinW | Apr 8 2026 2:02 utc | 681
Oh Lordy – if you were about to face loss of millions of lives you might be willing to “dismiss the toll” for a brief period, but I suspect any vessel desires transport across the Straight of Hormuz will be required to pay a toll – even if there is a 2-week reprieve – which I doubt.  More than likely there was about to be mutiny in the military or there was about to be a conflagration fixing to essentially KILL everybody on planet earth – cause for eff sake you threaten a culture been around 6000 years as if you are the big bully on the block it could be some forces you don’t appreciate been around a lot longer than your little misbegotten country has been came into play and said – “we raise your bet” – you pompous NYC clueless son of a bitch – and then that was that.
~
I’m pretty sure any ship wants passage will just have to pay the toll – and that is that.  Good in Iran in that regard – tis overdue.

Posted by: Ken Hausle | Apr 8 2026 2:10 utc | 692

Below is the full statement by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council
It reads like a victory celebration. I see nothing in it caving to Trump’s TACO Tuesday statements. They wont even start talking to the US until All you can eat TACO Friday.
 
https://www.tasnimnews.ir/en/news/2026/04/08/3560026/snsc-issues-statement-about-iran-s-victory-over-enemies
 
 

Posted by: golddigger | Apr 8 2026 2:14 utc | 693

That Jane is super annoying what Gives?
So full of Rage and over dumb shit.

Posted by: Effete | Apr 8 2026 2:14 utc | 694

https://x.com/IRMilitaryMedia/status/2041614050052772229
 
From earlier today, but not seen posted.

Posted by: Whipping Post | Apr 8 2026 2:14 utc | 695

James M 389
 
Its not a victory for anybody. 
 
Its a victory for common sense, in a world that has just witnessed two live US Neocon genocides,  in Ukraine and Gaza.
 
Isrsel delenda est.
Israel’s Epstein blackmail of Trump is the  loser, by this ceasefire.
 

Posted by: Giyane | Apr 8 2026 2:15 utc | 696

IACO: Iran Always Chickens Out.
It’s an “L”.  I doubt the murders in Lebanon and the West Bank will cease.  In fact, Israel now has 2 weeks to concentrate their air power on Lebanon.  It gives the US 2 weeks to transport and supply the 82nd. to Israel for a later joint invasion into Lebanon.  And the 82nd doesn’t have to worry about Iran hitting them at concentration points.  2 weeks allows the 2 MEU’s to join up with KSA forces for the invasion of Yemen.
On the plus side, it gives China and Russia time to resupply A.D. in Iran.
Israel didn’t sustain much STRATEGIC damage from what I can tell, though they did lose some manufacturing facilities.  I have found no confirmation that the Haifa oil refinery got hit, and the lights are still on across Israel.
Since the Talmud amolek nutters are completely insane, maybe they’ll violate the cease fire in a few days, and then Iran can finally level Israel.  The Iranians are too civilized considering the demonic pedophiles they are facing.

Posted by: JackG | Apr 8 2026 2:15 utc | 697

Safe to say Iran has powerfully defeated its enemy in round one.  The USraeli monster got a bad beating and was forced into a significant retreat on all fronts. We’ll see what comes next but a huge and historical victory of national resistance and defence of sovereignty by Iran. The Iranians should be very proud. The rest of us must prepare for what comes next.
 
A round on the house for all here who raise a glass to honour the great people of Iran. 

Posted by: John Gilberts | Apr 8 2026 2:15 utc | 698

Posted by: EoinW | Apr 8 2026 2:02 utc | 681
 
The Strait is now open, but Iran and Oman are collecting tolls for passage, including, I presume, any American naval vessels who traverse it. Therefore, it is no longer a free passage waterway.  So yes, Iran won this war, if the ceasefire holds. They gained something and did not lose the regime, their military capabilities, or their nuclear program – the reasons stated for the US/Israel aggression.

Posted by: James M. | Apr 8 2026 2:15 utc | 699

Thanks everyone for your comments: a useful survey of opinions. (Yes, even the silly ones).
Not much analysis of real digestable military info on the conflict though, unfortunately.  Except a bit coming out of asia.  Would be interesting to learn what really happened on the Ford.

Posted by: branflakes | Apr 8 2026 2:17 utc | 700