News & views related to the war on Iran …
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July 9, 2026
Iran Open Thread 2026-147
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Iran crying about how the US is “violating the memorandum of understanding” is really, really funny. They thought that they could continue the salami-slice routine in the strait forever, and now it’s blown up in their faces and they desperately want the ceasefire back.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 14:48 utc | 1
#1 dogcat …..you may know or not but Strait of Hormuz…..is in territorial area of Islamic Republic of Iran…
Posted by: sejmon | Jul 9 2026 14:59 utc | 2
Iran crying about how the US is “violating the memorandum of understanding” is really, really funny. They thought that they could continue the salami-slice routine in the strait forever, and now it’s blown up in their faces and they desperately want the ceasefire back.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 14:48 utc | 1
How do you know they want the ceasefire back?
Posted by: Centinel | Jul 9 2026 15:02 utc | 5
#1 dogcat …..you may know or not but Strait of Hormuz…..is in territorial area of Islamic Republic of Iran…
Posted by: sejmon | Jul 9 2026 14:59 utc | 2
OK? So why are they attacking random freighters in Oman’s territorial waters?
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 15:07 utc | 7
What was instructive about the very short Nato summit was how supportive the audience was to the Rump’s attack on Iran … not a disparaging word to be heard … it’s as if the absolute entire “west” had utterly given up on even pretending to any kind of legality or morality in international affairs. And the general populations of these nations? As long as they are not personally and immediately inconvenienced, no worries.
Posted by: Caliman | Jul 9 2026 15:12 utc | 8
it’s as if the absolute entire “west” had utterly given up on even pretending to any kind of legality or morality in international affairs
Posted by: Caliman | Jul 9 2026 15:12 utc | 8
Iran cannot cry about international law while its main tactic continues to be holding nonbelligerent merchants hostage, bombing nonbelligerent nations, and attempting to annex Oman’s national waters for its illegal tolling scheme.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 15:15 utc | 9
When‘s the last time the Pentagon won a war ? (Greneda doesn‘t count )
Posted by: Exile | Jul 9 2026 15:16 utc | 10
Posted by: Exile | Jul 9 2026 15:16 utc | 10
Venezuela and Syria were quite recent, decisive and embarrassing defeats for the “resistance”. Did you memory hole them already?
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 15:18 utc | 11
Suffice it to say that, henceforth and forthwith, any country that entertains the idea of bargaining or engaging in things like “memorandums of understanding” with Great Satan and Little Satan are behaving recklessly and irresponsibly. This is a fool’s errand.
Posted by: chunga | Jul 9 2026 15:26 utc | 12
@7
That’s easy. The MoU says:
Upon the signing of this MOU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge, for 60 days only, from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa.
The language refers to passage through the strait, not just to passage through Iranian waters in the strait. If Trump wanted to limit Iran’s control to Iranian waters, he should have had that specified in the MoU. Since it isn’t specified, the Iranians are correct in their interpretation that they are responsible for the ensuring safe passage through the entire strait at least for the duration of the MoU. People who don’t understand this don’t want to understand it.
Posted by: lg | Jul 9 2026 15:29 utc | 13
Catdog is earning his shekels today …
Just to put to bed the silly notion of shipping rights:
– Iran was attacked during peacetime and in fact during negotiations by the US, a perfidious war crime as a crime against peace.
– It is still in a state of war with that entity and its supporters in the area.
– As an attacked nation, it has the right to control shipping and traffic in its nearby areas to ensure it will not be attacked again.
– It had repeatedly told the shipping companies the safe way to travel through the strait.
– Thus, any shipping co that does not follow instructions is fair game for discipline.
Posted by: Caliman | Jul 9 2026 15:33 utc | 14
Russia Set To Operate ‘Commercial Hub’ From Syria’s Tartous Port
https://thecradle.co/articles-id/38695
“Moscow has maintained its military and commercial presence in Syria despite its previous alliance with the ousted government of Bashar al-Assad. Moscow has managed to maintain interests in Syria after Assad’s fall, in part due to Israeli lobbying in Washington.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Jul 9 2026 15:34 utc | 15
If Trump wanted to limit Iran’s control to Iranian waters, he should have had that specified in the MoU. Since it isn’t specified, the Iranians are correct in their interpretation that they are responsible for the ensuring safe passage through the entire strait at least for the duration of the MoU. People who don’t understand this don’t want to understand it.
Posted by: lg | Jul 9 2026 15:29 utc | 13
Trump doesn’t have the authority to just sign away Oman’s territorial waters to Iran. If the Iranians thought that’s what they were agreeing to, they are very stupid. Indeed that was not the agreement, and that’s why they’re getting bombed, again.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 15:49 utc | 16
– As an attacked nation, it has the right to control shipping and traffic in its nearby areas to ensure it will not be attacked again.– It had repeatedly told the shipping companies the safe way to travel through the strait.– Thus, any shipping co that does not follow instructions is fair game for discipline.
Posted by: Caliman | Jul 9 2026 15:33 utc | 14
Iran does not have the right to “control” (attack) shipping in Oman’s waters, and it is finding that out today the hard way. Again.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 15:51 utc | 17
15 minutes Iranian missiles hitting Israel in Round 1 ; Sept 2024 supercut
https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1841183543093051731
Posted by: Exile | Jul 9 2026 15:51 utc | 18
The American markets are all up. They know this thing is almost over. Iran can’t hold on too much longer.
Posted by: bored | Jul 9 2026 15:51 utc | 19
Some are writing the war has restarted when it never actually stopped, and during war Iran can do whatever it wants regarding Hormuz regardless what the MOU says, although point 5 says the same as what international law allows during war as stated above. In other words, Rump has no argument and will forever be a War Criminal for his Mafia Man actions. As discussed yesterday, Rump’s actions will not attain a different outcome regarding Hormuz. The fallout from yesterday’s failure to breech Hormuz by GCC ships acting at Rump’s behest has yet to become clear, specifically Pakistan’s attempt to mediate between GCC states and Iran. Did Mojtaba call the monarchs and get a response, or will he judge them by their feckless actions to continue as Rump’s pets? IRGC seems to have only targeted Outlaw Empire bases, not GCC infrastructure but that can easily change. And IMO, if that’s done, it will show us Iran’s policy direction.
“The American markets are all up. They know this thing is almost over. TACO can’t hold on too much longer.”
FIFY!
Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Jul 9 2026 15:55 utc | 21
The Wild Rover of Hormuz ( Irish Shanty remade)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E-Y0la8qwEo&ra=m
Posted by: Exile | Jul 9 2026 15:58 utc | 22
Regarding catdog and bored, the zios must be nervous about something to have sent their trolls out in force.
Posted by: BG | Jul 9 2026 15:58 utc | 23
Iran crying about how the US is “violating the memorandum of understanding” is really, really funny. They thought that they could continue the salami-slice routine in the strait forever, and now it’s blown up in their faces and they desperately want the ceasefire back.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 14:48 utc | 1
That’s funny. Salami slicing is a routine US Strategy.
Well a favorite saying of mine is “a good idea is a good idea” .
Let’s not forget how the US and Israel started this. A surprise attack during negotiations with an assassination campaign conducted in the middle of densely populated areas.
I’m not generally sympathetic to Iran but let’s get real here, theyve got a good case for not believing any cease fire and have every right to fight as hard as they can.
Study the Iran Iraq war work your way forward. There’s no deal to be had with the US until the US military infrastructure around Israel US is gone.
I dont think Iran is “crying”. It feels more like scoring PR points.
Which might be a while.
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 16:02 utc | 24
catdog | Jul 9 2026 15:51 utc | 17
So how many ships are crossing on the Oman side now, dummy? Who learned what lesson?
Posted by: Caliman | Jul 9 2026 16:04 utc | 25
Posted by: Exile | Jul 9 2026 15:51 utc | 18
What a difference between what Iran was capable of launching in 2024, and their flaccid attacks today.
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 16:02 utc | 24
How many PR points does Iran have to cash in to get the glow-in-the-dark beachball from the prize desk?
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 16:08 utc | 26
karlof1 6
ErdoganCatz
She’s licked herself bald in some places, worrying about the future of Tel Aviv.
Posted by: Giyane | Jul 9 2026 16:10 utc | 27
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 16:02 utc | 24
How many PR points does Iran have to cash in to get the glow-in-the-dark beachball from the prize desk?
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 16:08 utc | 26
I dont put much stock in PR points myself. Nonetheless some people consider it important.
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 16:11 utc | 28
Iran does not have the right to “control” (attack) shipping in Oman’s waters, and it is finding that out today the hard way. Again.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 15:51 utc | 17
They are doing it though. I guess rights are like PR points.
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 16:13 utc | 29
@17
Omani waters are not US issue. US is putting its imperialist nose where it don’t belong
Posted by: paddy | Jul 9 2026 16:17 utc | 30
EI Podcast, Day 1007: Breaking News & Analysis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfkVIM6gVxw
“Iran shows the limits of US power.”
With analyst Helena Cobban, and Jon Elmer’s Resistance Report; Iran and Lebanon.
Posted by: John Gilberts | Jul 9 2026 16:17 utc | 31
@16
Trump didn’t have the right to attack Iran in the first place, assassinate it’s leadership or kidnap Maduro either. But he did. Odd that your argument is that he is justified in attacking Iran again because he couldn’t have given away Oman’s rights to their territorial waters since he didn’t have the authority to do so. If Oman’s rights were important, he would have protected them by excluding Omani waters from Iranian control in the MoU he signed.
This is all academic anyway. Trump was just buying time to reload to restart the war and the MoU was the pretext for pausing the war until that was done. Nobody else’s ‘rights’ matter; the US/Israeli agenda is all that counts and you are assigned to this blog to further it.
Posted by: lg | Jul 9 2026 16:50 utc | 33
Iran does not have the right to “control” (attack) shipping in Oman’s waters, and it is finding that out today the hard way. Again.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 15:51 utc | 17
For crying out loud, are you willfully blind? Do you understand who started this war in the first place? Do you know who violated the MOU on the first day it was in effect? Iran is going to do what it can to inflict consequences on a country that attacked it. This isn’t complicated.
Posted by: Centinel | Jul 9 2026 16:55 utc | 34
If anyone wants a clear eyed view of what the MoU is about. Craig Murray wrote about it a while back.
here’s a snippet
https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2026/06/the-middle-east-hormuz-and-the-new-mercantilism/
The simple truth is this: in openly abandoning the principle of free trade, the Trump regime has also abandoned the logically linked principle of freedom of navigation. This is evident not just in their indifference to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It is evident in the naval blockades of Cuba and Venezuela and above all in the worldwide blockade of Russian hydrocarbon deliveries, including the effective end of free passage through the Strait of Dover, and a de facto naval blockade of the Arctic passages.
Following the shale boom, the United States is a net hydrocarbon exporter. The USA balance of trade benefits from high hydrocarbon prices. Trump is doing everything he can to increase US hydrocarbon production by slashing environmental and other controls. This is a core Trump policy.
The USA does not import hydrocarbons through the Strait of Hormuz. That fact is key to Trump’s thinking.
In this mercantilist view, closure of the Strait has two benefits for the USA.
- It disadvantages rival hydrocarbon suppliers
- It disadvantages rival industrial competitors in Europe and Asia who do get hydrocarbons through Hormuz.
This is exactly the same logic behind the destruction of Nord Stream 2. The same mercantilist system also explains the effective seizure through naval blockade and control of Venezuela’s oil production, and the blockade of Russian hydrocarbons through sanctions and the “shadow fleet” propaganda disguising another naval blockade.
The UK’s recent actions in the Dover strait indicate that the West, not just the United States has surrendered the principle of freedom of navigation in straits.
The simple truth is as I have long been saying now it’s about the Illegal Apartheid Entity, stoopid!
Its a long standing strategy at the next-stage imperialist invation and colonisation … following on many centuries of baton passing.
This one is the WasNeverReal Empire !
Thats why all the Collective Wastes satraps are pushing for it and the IOF/Mossad hardwiring is being undertaken in the US budget.
it’s just a rebranding of empire all else remains the same plan A. Takeover West Asia and African horn. Control the crossroads of the World and the fresh water great rivers.
As CM succinctly puts it
To understand the American position, it is important to realise two key points:
-
Greater Israel is an absolute priority
-
Opening the Strait of Hormuz is not a US priority
Ok? All together now :
Death to the IOF child murdering and rapist bastards.
independence for Palestine.
From the rivers to the seas.
Posted by: DunGroanin | Jul 9 2026 16:59 utc | 35
Victory Scarpihttps://youtube.com/shorts/pcHaMGLV71g?si=8BlNRNqW8NdzGozba 32
Posted by: Giyane | Jul 9 2026 17:01 utc | 36
Iran cannot cry about international law while its main tactic continues to be holding nonbelligerent merchants hostage, bombing nonbelligerent nations, and attempting to annex Oman’s national waters for its illegal tolling scheme.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 15:15 utc | 9
How are you defining a non belligerent nation here? They’re attacking bases of the #1 belligerent. If you stand in my neighbor’s yard and punch me from across the property line, that line isn’t relevant.
Posted by: Centinel | Jul 9 2026 17:03 utc | 37
Trump didn’t have the right to attack Iran in the first place
Posted by: lg | Jul 9 2026 16:50 utc | 33
What does Trump have to do with Iran attacking nonbelligerent merchants?
Do you understand who started this war in the first place?
Posted by: Centinel | Jul 9 2026 16:55 utc | 34
Are you going to tell me it the sailors Iran is holding hostage and bombing? You guys keep pretending that Iran is an innocent victim and not a self-interested pirate state.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 17:04 utc | 38
How are you defining a non belligerent nation here?
Posted by: Centinel | Jul 9 2026 17:03 utc | 37
Ships belonging to nations that aren’t parties to the war. Iran attacking American ships would be one thing. Attacking random Indian or Liberian or whatever ships is just Iran’s attempt at turning the strait into its personal pirate zone.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 17:06 utc | 39
International Law is dead.
Might makes right.
Geography is King.
All that stuff…
US/Israel should think of the Hormuz as an Iranian embargo against them.
Like the illegal Cuban one for 60 years, or an illegal occupation of Omani waters, like USReal has had for 80 years of Palestinian land.
Why bother pointing out the legality, wartime regulations or other issues??
I’m ok with Iran taking/destroying anything in ME they’re able to, however they’re able too…
the days of “rules for thee, but not for me” are finished.
All the podcasters can squawk all day long about “MOU’s” , “ceasefires” and “law” all day long. Waste of time.
Posted by: Trubind1 | Jul 9 2026 17:06 utc | 40
@38
meh, Assassinate Ayatollah and a bunch of school girls, reap the whirlwind.
Posted by: paddy | Jul 9 2026 17:07 utc | 41
I saw a lot of red flags at the funeral. The peace is not for tomorrow whatever the West can do or say.
I’ve also seen some development in Iraq with MPs arrested in the green zone over corruption charge (with alot of greenbacks). I wonder who corrupted them and for what purpose. It might not look important but the Zionist propaganda was so quick at showing it as a proof of Iran meddling that it makes me suspicious. (Iranians paying in dollars : definitively their kind of methods /s).
Anyway, yesterday night “exchange of courtesy” might only be a prelude : Hezbollah hasn’t enter the room yet (and they have a lot of “materials” ready to “work”.)
Posted by: Savonarole | Jul 9 2026 17:12 utc | 42
Journalist Suhaib Al-Masalma
“An assassination attempt against Hamas spokesman in Gaza, Hazem Qassem, failed by bombing a vehicle west of Gaza.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem survived an Israeli assassination attempt a short while ago in Gaza City, and his companion, the martyr Muhammad al-Fayoumi, rose”
Posted by: Ornot | Jul 9 2026 17:13 utc | 43
Posted by: DunGroanin | Jul 9 2026 16:59 utc | 35
Murray is right to a good extent, but I doubt that the US, under Trump, can impose a worldwide monopoly of trade, and I doubt that it is not interested in opening Hormuz. As other commentators have since pointed out, the issue lies in the types of oil. The US may have adequate oil, but does not have a sufficient supply of the sour crude necessary for distilling diesel and jet fuel, and thus needs Gulf oil. Murray didn’t understand this point; Trump seems to be having trouble with it.
Posted by: Laguerre | Jul 9 2026 17:15 utc | 44
Do you understand who started this war in the first place?
Posted by: Centinel | Jul 9 2026 16:55 utc | 34
Are you going to tell me it the sailors Iran is holding hostage and bombing? You guys keep pretending that Iran is an innocent victim and not a self-interested pirate state.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 17:04 utc | 38
Lol there you go again, scoring PR points? How many do you need for a prize?
We all saw israel and the US launch strikes before Iran took hormuz and the sailors hostage. These are facts. do you not agree?
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 17:21 utc | 45
@17 catdog
“Iran does not have the right to “control” (attack) shipping in Oman’s waters”
Iran is at war with the US, a war initiated by US on Iranian territory. It is understood Iran has the right to retaliate against US military assets wherever they may be in that circumstance, and to have a right to impede resupply and hostile strategic organisation of the US and of US allied nations that have also attacked it, or that provide material support to US aggression.
Hence the control of the waterway, allowing only a verified transit of goods.
They do not have to do that even, the various nations on the western gulf can be labelled as aggressors and all but clearly civilian and non military supportive shipping made target.
In the strait, in the gulf… anywhere.
Who broke the rules ?
Are you some kind of idiot ?
Posted by: Ornot | Jul 9 2026 17:29 utc | 46
How are you defining a non belligerent nation here?
Posted by: Centinel | Jul 9 2026 17:03 utc | 37
Ships belonging to nations that aren’t parties to the war. Iran attacking American ships would be one thing. Attacking random Indian or Liberian or whatever ships is just Iran’s attempt at turning the strait into its personal pirate zone.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 17:06 utc | 39
Boo hoo hoo. You really are a bleeding heart aren’t you? War isn’t like a sports game. Those ships are Irans leverage and from Irans perspective they must be used. Iran cant fight the US directly therefore they use the tools they have available.
You mocked PR points but yet you simply cant help yourself in trying to use them.
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 17:30 utc | 47
DunGroanin | Jul 9 2026 16:59 utc | 35
What puzzles me about this argument that the US is eliminating the competition re hydrocarbon generation through embargoes and shipping control and dirty tricks is that two (or many) can play that game, no? Russia could easily use agents to absolutely wreck US production and transport. They have not done so yet on a large scale but they easily could. So this cannot be a good US strategy long term, can it?
Posted by: Caliman | Jul 9 2026 17:34 utc | 48
yeah, that c m repost is very astute, laguerre, does it matter to the TPTB if there is diesel and jet fuel shortage in us ? (there will be no shortage for the oligarchs) is not the aim still for a hot civil war in the us ? (I was pretty convinced of this but it has been such a slow burn towards it)
Posted by: E | Jul 9 2026 17:37 utc | 49
Omani waters are not US issue. US is putting its imperialist nose where it don’t belong
Posted by: paddy | Jul 9 2026 16:17 utc | 30
This is exactly the point. Absent a formal request by the Sultanate of Oman to the USA that the latter police the former’s territory, the USA has no right to do so.
Posted by: malenkov | Jul 9 2026 17:37 utc | 50
Russia could easily use agents to absolutely wreck US production and transport.
They could make some high profile operations sure. They would not be able to absolutely wreck it, not even close. Security would tighten and results would drop off. What works the first time wouldn’t work forever.
So this cannot be a good US strategy long term, can it?
Hypothetically speaking with the US controlling the entire western hemispheres hydrocarbon resources(Venezuela, Brazil) they would make enormous profits controlling the price of oil to Eurasia. The strategy is valid. In a few decades once their reserves wain a push to re establish control over middle Eastern reserves would be viable again.
Until then its quite suitable if iran and the gulf destroy each other’s export capacity, from a US perspective.
Sometimes I wonder if the gulf truly understands the precariousness of their situation.
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 17:43 utc | 51
With its funeral tour, Iran just hosted/staged what could be viewed as the world’s largest-ever pep rally, showing unprecedented national support for the home team to go ahead and kick the ass of bully rivals, America and Israel.
Most of the world – and all of the sane world – is pulling for Iran and pulling against the Neo-cons and The Epstein Class.
I think Iran’s leaders are feeding off this support and are more confident than ever they can pull off this historic upset.
Posted by: GMST | Jul 9 2026 17:43 utc | 52
Posted by: Caliman | Jul 9 2026 16:04 utc | 25 “So how many ships are crossing on the Oman side now, dummy?”
.
How would you know ships are or are not, given lots of them are turning their AIS off?
Posted by: ed4 | Jul 9 2026 17:52 utc | 53
Posted by: malenkov | Jul 9 2026 17:37 utc | 50 ” Absent a formal request by the Sultanate of Oman to the USA”
.
How do you know they haven’t?
Posted by: ed4 | Jul 9 2026 17:54 utc | 54
We all saw israel and the US launch strikes before Iran took hormuz and the sailors hostage. These are facts. do you not agree?
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 17:21 utc | 45
Brutus also stabbed Caesar before Iran took the sailors hostage. What is your point? The sailors are not a party to the conflict. Deluded posters here think that the wider world sees Iran as an innocent victim acting within its rights, even as Iran pirates the wider world’s shipping.
“You mocked PR points but yet you simply cant help yourself in trying to use them.” I am merely humoring the a priori assumptions of some of the posters here that “rights” and “pr points” exist and matter so that I may critique their illogical statements on their own terms.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 17:55 utc | 55
@38
Trump signed the MoU giving Iran the right to manage the strait for 60 days. He did not exclude the Omani side of the strait from the agreement. Your argument that Trump didn’t include the Omani side in the agreement because he didn’t have the authority to do so is bullshit based on all the other things he has done that he didn’t have the authority to do. The ships trying to pass through Omani waters are owned by other gulf states who are co-belligerents in this war as attacks on Iran are coming from those states’ territories; thus, they are legitimate targets if they don’t follow the MoU rules that Trump signed. That is what Trump has to do with it.
Over and out.
Posted by: lg | Jul 9 2026 17:58 utc | 56
“How would you know ships are or are not, given lots of them are turning their AIS off
Posted by: ed4 | Jul 9 2026 17:52 utc | 53
Well, shoot, if they could’ve done that, what have we been dicking around with these past three months then?? It appears Iran had a way of checking, even when the transponders are off, no?
Posted by: Caliman | Jul 9 2026 18:00 utc | 57
Giyane | Jul 9 2026 16:10 utc | 27—
Yeah, agreed. And I hate cleaning up hairballs.
Brutus also stabbed Caesar before Iran took the sailors hostage. What is your point? The sailors are not a party to the conflict. Deluded posters here think that the wider world sees Iran as an innocent victim acting within its rights, even as Iran pirates the wider world’s shipping.
My point is that Iran is under existential threat and those sailors work to support its enemies. Neither you nor I care for rights, or the moral high ground. The point is that those gulf states host forces attacking Iran and those sailors works for those forces in exporting hydrocarbons. They are legitimate targets. Don’t pretend otherwise.
I am merely humoring the a priori assumptions of some of the posters here that “rights” and “pr points” exist and matter so that I may critique their illogical statements on their own terms.
Im critiquing your illogical statements on your own terms. Drop the moralizing and ill believe this. Otherwise I think your covering a vulnerability I’ve discovered and keeping poking.
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 18:02 utc | 59
Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 17:43 utc | 51
Re “security would tighten up” … with drones and missiles, resistance is futile. As Ukraine had shown, stationary targets like power plants and refineries are absolute sitting ducks. All it takes is the will to do it and the willingness to pay the price.
In other words, any attempt at real control will be responded to in kind … it ain’t 1992 any more.
Posted by: Caliman | Jul 9 2026 18:05 utc | 60
@54 ed4
“How do you know they haven’t?”
Custom is to declare status of foreign military presence, so that accumulation of forces is not mistaken as preparation for invasion, for example.
A US ship acting in Omani waters would declare itself under Omani authority before initiating hostile acts, to avoid confusion of responsibility, for example.
However, with or without Omani permission, any US military assets would be considered legitimate target during war, the only restraint being to avoid diplomatic upset with the nation hosting them, to not inadvertantly place them on the enemy’s side, for example.
Equally, Omani acceptance or tolerance of US presence and actions on its territory, is a very thin line as far as maintaining neutrality is concerned.
Which is all one way the US is dragging the whole region into conflict, by creating confusion and via manipulations.
Posted by: Ornot | Jul 9 2026 18:06 utc | 61
The ships trying to pass through Omani waters are owned by other gulf states who are co-belligerents in this war
Posted by: lg | Jul 9 2026 17:58 utc | 56
Liberia is a co-belligerent? Perhaps under the theory that Iran is justified in warring on the civilians of the entire world because it’s too weak to fight the US.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:06 utc | 62
Re “security would tighten up” … with drones and missiles, resistance is futile. As Ukraine had shown, stationary targets like power plants and refineries are absolute sitting ducks. All it takes is the will to do it and the willingness to pay the price
Targets can be hardened, the price can be raised, resistance is the course that does this.
Hopeless odds arent a reason to surrender. Buck up your enemies love it when you lose hope. They hope you do.
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 18:12 utc | 63
@62 catdog
Closure of Hormuz is based on verification of ships transiting. That includes owner, cargo etc.
Those not respecting that and attempting transit are targeted. Even ships in gulf waters considered supportive of the conflict have been targeted.
As for the sailors, they are not hostage anymore than other citizens that cannot leave due to travel closures. A reason ‘most people’ or countries don’t tend to start or get involved in wars – they tend to be unpleasant for most of those involved.
Incidentally, you cannot strike a country and then say ‘We’ve finished, war is over’ …it doesn’t work like that.
Posted by: Ornot | Jul 9 2026 18:18 utc | 64
IRGC Navy: Foreign Powers Have No Role in Strait of Hormuz
https://www.presstv.co.uk/Detail/2026/07/09/771911/IRGC-Foreign-powers-no-role-Strait-Hormuz
“…The warning followed US attempts in recent days to establish an alternative maritime route through the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz and escort vessels independently of Iran’s security arrangements.
Tehran has described such actions as a violation of regional understandings, including the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which assigns Iran a central role in maintaining security and regulating navigation in the waterway.
The IRGC statement warned that ‘any adventurism by the terrorist US military and any interference in determining the routes of maritime traffic will not only be met with our decisive response, but will seriously disrupt the gradual reopening process and put the interests of countries using the Strait of Hormuz at serious risk…”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Jul 9 2026 18:19 utc | 65
Journalist Suhaib Al-Masalma
“American raids in Ahvaz, Bushehr, Shiraz, and southern Iran”
Posted by: Ornot | Jul 9 2026 18:23 utc | 66
Liberia is a co-belligerent? Perhaps under the theory that Iran is justified in warring on the civilians of the entire world because it’s too weak to fight the US.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:06 utc | 62
Good lord your ridiculous.
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Jul 9 2026 18:24 utc | 67
Journalist Suhaib Al-Masalma
“American raids on the islands of Qeshm, Kish, Abu Musa, and Sirk”
Offline, to follow:
Posted by: Ornot | Jul 9 2026 18:30 utc | 68
Incidentally, you cannot strike a country and then say ‘We’ve finished, war is over’ …it doesn’t work like that.
Posted by: Ornot | Jul 9 2026 18:18 utc | 64
Sure. But that is not pertinent to the current situation. There was a ceasefire and something like a peace plan. You can’t have a peace plan and then keep blowing up random merchant ships. Doesn’t work like that.
It’s an interesting question why Iran has decided to own-goal themselves like this. They have pissed away the imminent return of their frozen assets, and the possibility of sanctions relief, and are once again being bombed, and the counter-blockade may be reinstated. And for what benefit? What is the motivation? Is it really as simple as their petty pride and stupidity, and the delusion that they will ever be allowed to establish a toll?
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:34 utc | 69
The troll ed4 has joined the show. Now I’m sure izzies are nervous. Catdog is obvious, bored tries to come off as neutral but the concern trolling gives it away, and ed4 thinks it’s cleverly hiding its true self but it’s not. Feed them at your own risk.
Posted by: BG | Jul 9 2026 18:40 utc | 70
warring on the civilians of the entire world because it’s too weak to fight the US.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:06 utc | 62
So you’re plumb out of facts now?
Just throwing out “feelz”, right?
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jul 9 2026 18:41 utc | 71
iran calls usa big satan and israel little satan. this strongly implies usa controls israel. yet numerous moa posters have israel controls usa.
Posted by: ahmed | Jul 9 2026 18:45 utc | 72
Apparently the US is pounding the hell out of Iranian cities and infrastructure as we speak. The Iranian response so far seems feeble, it looks like they are spent. Sad times.
Posted by: bored | Jul 9 2026 18:45 utc | 73
Catdog is obvious
Posted by: BG | Jul 9 2026 18:40 utc | 70
Wow, nothing gets by you, detective.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:46 utc | 74
Posted by: GMST | Jul 9 2026 17:43 utc | 52
WRONG. the most important pep rally in the history of history was held in Ankara.
BEST. NATO. EVER.
did you see all that unity? feel the energy, the vibe? the spirit, the fighting spirit? toward fighting Russia, that is…and no condemnation of the Iran war, as someone (Caliman?) said. what’s Farsi for what a %*%(!# surprise.
burn baby burn. what else to say about Europe? (sorry b).
Posted by: duck n cover | Jul 9 2026 18:46 utc | 75
Liberia is a co-belligerent? Perhaps under the theory that Iran is justified in warring on the civilians of the entire world because it’s too weak to fight the US.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:06 utc | 62
Liberia owns not a single one of those ships.
Any ship claiming to be civilian but participating in dollar trade and a petro dollar economy with participants in the active war zone is physically aiding the enemy.
The correct thing for those ships to do would be to:
a) declare neutrality and non participation
b) evacuate from the battlefield and state their intention not to return until formal cessation of hostilities.
We know that Iran would honour this – that’s been their behaviour to date.
We know that the US would ignore this and continue attacking civilian ships, even allies ships – because that’s been their behaviour to date.
So what are you babbling about?
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jul 9 2026 18:48 utc | 76
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:46 utc | 74
sitting on the other side of the globe, it’s difficult to be certain about what’s happening in Iran, etc.
unlike what’s happening in the US.
DEATH TO ISRAEL AND EVERY ZIONIST FAGGOT ON THIS PLANET. Exterminate the brutes. Annihilate all of you.
Posted by: duck n cover | Jul 9 2026 18:50 utc | 77
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 15:15 utc | 9
Name the non-belligerent nations whose flagged vessels have been struck by Iran and then name the actual origin, destination and main composition of the respective crews.
Next tell us how many nautical miles these vessels were from the southernmost point of Iran along the strait in the area of territorial waters of Iran and Oman.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jul 9 2026 18:51 utc | 78
The Iranian response so far seems feeble, it looks like they are spent. Sad times.
Posted by: bored | Jul 9 2026 18:45 utc | 73
That was your mantra last year as well until Iran gave USreal the beating of its 250+ year history.
Iranians, like Russians are slow to saddle but once they ride it’s BOOM BOOM TEL AVIV!
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jul 9 2026 18:53 utc | 79
Posted by: ahmed | Jul 9 2026 18:45 utc | 72
Wrong, and the only way those of you who make this claim can post it with a proverbial straight face is to build a straw man or projection to knock down.
“Israel” the country doesn’t control the US. Rather, Zionist Jewish players, Zionist “Israel-first” “Christians” and certain factions of “Israeli” leadership essentially dictate US foreign and economic policy vis-a-vis the Middle East/West Asia.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jul 9 2026 18:54 utc | 80
AJE Updates
https://x.com/AJEnglish/status/2075226852117872932
“The US bombed a strategically important railway bridge in northern Iran, linking it to China and Russia, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Jul 9 2026 18:56 utc | 81
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jul 9 2026 18:51 utc | 78
Why? If you think you have some point to make, do it yourself.
Any ship claiming to be civilian but participating in dollar trade and a petro dollar economy with participants in the active war zone is physically aiding the enemy.
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jul 9 2026 18:48 utc | 76
Similar to The Jackal’s justification for chucking grenades into French drug stores. Another proud alumnus of “the resistance”.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:56 utc | 82
The USA is the Great Satan. “Israel” IS the Little Satan, but sometimes the Little Satan standing on the Great Satan’s shoulder isn’t whispering in his ear, but rather screaming and holding a garrote around his neck in the form of blackmail, false flags, propaganda, assassination threats, etc.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jul 9 2026 18:56 utc | 83
yet numerous moa posters have israel controls usa.
Posted by: ahmed | Jul 9 2026 18:45 utc | 72
The Zionists control both.
But israel is merely an extension of the Zionist Council of Elders, therefore the control exerted on the USA is indistinguishable from the control exerted by the Zionists.
If the zionists had to choose which to sacrifice, they’d follow the Talmudic rule:
The goys (USA) bite it for israel.
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jul 9 2026 18:57 utc | 84
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:56 utc | 82
Like a typical NPC you think you can dictate the terms of discussion when it’s you who hasn’t defined your own completely fabricated points. You have no fucking idea what you’re talking about, including which supposed non-belligerent nation’s flagged ships have been struck or where exactly they were when they were struck.
Take a hike or do your own homework. You’re just throwing shit at the wall and hoping some of it sticks.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jul 9 2026 18:59 utc | 85
You have no fucking idea what you’re talking about, including which supposed non-belligerent nation’s flagged ships have been struck or where exactly they were when they were struck.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jul 9 2026 18:59 utc | 85
Wow me with your superior knowledge. Go ahead.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 19:00 utc | 86
Today, Wolff explained very well that there’re two tails wagging the dog–Zionist and European. The Big Picture of the conflict was well painted by him and Hudson and goes well beyond the Outlaw US Mafia Empire war on Iran and Russia.
Wow me with your superior knowledge. Go ahead.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 19:00 utc | 86
Why don’t you take the first step. I’ve yet to see you put forward anything resembling knowledge on this site since you first crawled in.
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jul 9 2026 19:03 utc | 88
Similar to The Jackal’s justification for chucking grenades into French drug stores. Another proud alumnus of “the resistance”.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:56 utc | 82
How so?
Walk me through it.
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jul 9 2026 19:04 utc | 89
81- The IRGC are not going to like that strike at all……expect a major energy target in the ME to go booooommmm and soon too.
The IRGC are consistent in stating we will hit you just as hard as you hit us…………..if I were in Dubai I would leave for Singapore asap!
Posted by: tobias cole | Jul 9 2026 19:05 utc | 90
“A US official told CNN that the American military is not conducting strikes at this time. The statement came amid reports from Iran of explosions and air defense systems being activated in the country.” Ynet
Disinfo ?
Posted by: Ornot | Jul 9 2026 19:11 utc | 92
catdog – never mentions the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians raped and murdered by the IDF since ’48, or turning Gaza and South Lebanon into ’45 Berlin. Or to the theft of Palestinian land by the Zionists, or murder of JFK and RFK by the Mossad, or killing of 25,000 school children in Gaza, or the murder 0f 3000 of police officers, and firefighters and emts, or the massacre of 200k civilians in Gaza, or bombing hospitals and aid centers, or the destruction of 95% of Gaza farms and homes and schools. You see they are always entitled!
Zionists always have an excuse as the ‘Chosen People’, they are entitled to enslave any non believer! Pathetic…..
Posted by: tobias cole | Jul 9 2026 19:12 utc | 93
Posted by: tobias cole | Jul 9 2026 19:12 utc | 93
I’ve never mentioned that the black & tans kicked Tommy O’Feeney’s dog either. So what? This is a thread about Iran.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 19:16 utc | 94
Millions bid final farewell as Martyr Leader is laid to rest in Mashhad
Thursday, 09 July 2026 6:55 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 09 July 2026 7:01 PM ]
Mourners pack streets during the funeral procession for martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Se3yyed Ali Khamenei in Mashhad, Iran, July 9, 2026.
Millions of mourners bring several days of nationwide mourning to their climax in Mashhad, as the final farewell ceremony for martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei concludes at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS).
Even as night fell and the official ceremonies concluded, crowds continued to gather in the streets surrounding the shrine, reciting prayers and expressing their devotion.
The red and black banners of mourning and vengeance remained unfurled, while the words “Labbaik Ya Hussein” (Here I am, O Hussein) echoed through the streets, ensuring that the spirit of this historic farewell would endure long after the physical procession had ended.
This unprecedented display of national unity and international solidarity has not only honored the memory of a beloved leader but has also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Iranian nation to the principles of independence, resistance against oppression, and devotion to the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.
The martyred leader has found his eternal resting place, but his legacy and the determination of his followers to continue his path remain more vibrant than ever.
Posted by: arby | Jul 9 2026 19:16 utc | 95
Listening to Wolff and Hudson–
Hudson pointed out that no longer is there a law of the seas thanks to the US.
Posted by: arby | Jul 9 2026 19:19 utc | 96
https://www.rt.com/india/642399-israel-gaza-babies-targets/
Babies were ‘special targets’ of Israeli killings – UN probe panel chief
A clear pattern of attacks targeting children is evident, Justice S. Muralidhar told RT India
Posted by: Exile | Jul 9 2026 19:20 utc | 97
Sure. But that is not pertinent to the current situation. There was a ceasefire and something like a peace plan. You can’t have a peace plan and then keep blowing up random merchant ships. Doesn’t work like that.It’s an interesting question why Iran has decided to own-goal themselves like this. They have pissed away the imminent return of their frozen assets, and the possibility of sanctions relief, and are once again being bombed, and the counter-blockade may be reinstated. And for what benefit? What is the motivation? Is it really as simple as their petty pride and stupidity, and the delusion that they will ever be allowed to establish a toll?
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 18:34 utc | 69
But its ok for Israel to violate the agreement before the ink is even dry.
You can’t honestly think they were ever going to get doller-denominated assets back. And they knew it – those are as good as gone. A mistake that many other countries are starting to learn from.
Bigger picture, the US isn’t even capable of an agreement. All it can do is dominate until it’s physically prevented from doing so. Iran clearly understands the predicament its in.
Posted by: Centinel | Jul 9 2026 19:23 utc | 98
catdog 93 – the Black and Tans were pure amateurs compared to the IDF war criminals……………and the Israelis are fully responsible for this ongoing war and the skyrocketing of world oil prices too.
They suckered DJT into a war he did not want all over more phony WMD BS, just like Iraq, and we were dumb enough to take the bait. By the way it was the IDF that murdered all the top Iranian leaders not the US….just thought I would add that factoid………their blood lust showing again….
Iran has no deliverable nukes, but the IDF does, over 245 tactical nukes, many stolen from US stocks during the LBJ regime. No one ever mentions the IDF nuke stockpile………quiet now you might offend Bibi and the crazed war cabinet of Katz, and Smotrich, and Gvir!!
Posted by: tobias cole | Jul 9 2026 19:25 utc | 99
So what? This is a thread about Iran.
Posted by: catdog | Jul 9 2026 19:16 utc | 94
As Khamenei said, the central cause of our time is Palestine.
This thread only exists because Iran took up the cause of Palestine.
All the consequences you make worthless comments about issue forth from Iran’s stubborn support of the Palestinian cause.
So why don’t you ever comment about israeli murder and rape of Palestine?
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jul 9 2026 19:27 utc | 100