Month: June 2026

“Khamenei’s military aide says Hormuz should be left to Iran and Oman,” i24, 6-8-26.  This article raises an interesting point.  This blog focuses on Iran, so Oman only comes up in times of negotiations and cross-strait relations.  We don’t focus on Oman’s role in the region or overly analyze with regard to Iran.  But, other than fearful of more Iran missile attacks, this would be the perfect time for the Sultan to announce that an international strait is an international strait, and that Oman will abide not just by international law (free passage) but that Oman will continue to be an important trading partner with the world, and will sustain and improve its ports and pipelines.  In other words, it is time for Oman to side with 200 countries and not with Iran.  Oman could come more under the umbrella of the U.S. and the GCC.

“AI Chatbots Get Lost in the Fog of Iran War,” New Guard’s Reality Check,” 6-8-26.

“Iran’s strike on Israel suggests the regime’s sense of resilience is growing,” BBC, 6-8-26.   Notice the BBC article in conjunction with WSJ’s.  “Iran’s Attack on Israel Reveals New and Aggressive Regional Ambitions,” WSJ, 6-8-26.

“Iran Ally Joins War with Blockade of Yet Another Global Trade Chokepoint,” Newsweek, 6-8-26.  Yemen’s declaration that it will attack again means it has had time to rearm needed missile supplies from Iran, and second that Iran has given it a green light.

“Iran war day 101: Tensions escalate as Iran and Israel trade air attacks,” Al Jazeera, 6-8-26.

“The ultimate hostage negotiation: Why Iran talks are deadlocked,” CNN, 6-8-26.

“Trump tells Iran and Israel to stop ‘shooting’ as ceasefire breaks down,” Politico, 6-8-26.

“Iran launches several missile barrages at northern Israel, Israel vows to respond | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 6-7-26.  “A weeks-long regional truce [between Israel and Lebanon; Hezbollah/Iran are not parties to the ceasefire] shattered this evening after an Israeli airstrike targeted a Hezbollah command center in Beirut’s southern Dahiyeh suburb, killing at least two people. Citing prior Hezbollah ceasefire violations, Prime Minister Netanyahu authorized the air-raid, triggering swift retaliation from Tehran. Hours later, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched a warning volley of roughly 10 ballistic missiles toward northern Israel. While the IDF reported all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted or struck open areas with no immediate injuries, hardline Israeli cabinet ministers immediately demanded that “Tehran must burn,” prompting emergency high-level security consultations to draft aggressive operational plans.”

“US drafts IAEA resolution demanding Iran account for bombed nuclear sites – report,” i24NEWS, 6-7-26.

“After Months of War, Iranians Sink Into Disillusionment and Despair,” NYT, 6-7-26.

They don’t have that much money.  Many, many billions.  “Iran rejects idea of using its assets to pay damages to US allies,” Reuters, 6-7-26.

“Iran says U.S. has denied visas to key World Cup officials,” ESPN, 6-6-26.  I have no doubt that visas were given to those who need them and denied to those who don’t.

“Iran fires missiles at Kuwait, Bahrain; US strikes Iranian radar site,” AFR, 6-6-26.

“Trump: Iran still has 21%-22% of its missile stockpile,” Times of Israel, 6-6-26.

“Iran’s FM rejects Lebanese president’s accusation of interference, tells him to focus on ‘real foe’,” Times of Israel, 6-6-26.

“Iran’s nightly pro-government rallies reveal both unity and deep divisions,” MEE, 6-6-26.

I need to stop reminding, but we sometimes have new readers into this blog.  Remember, Hezbollah = Iran.  BTW, the ceasefire discussions between Israel and Lebanon don’t involve Hezbollah (which is in southern Lebanon) because Hezbollah refuses to participate.  So if you see in the news Israel attacking Hezbollah INSIDE Lebanon, it is not a violation of the ceasefire with Lebanon, and the international media has not made this clear (though it should).  See “Iran says “no tangible progress” made in talks as Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement,” CBS, 6-5-26.

“Iran declares support for Hezbollah with wider peace deal in doubt,” Reuters, 6-5-26.  “Tehran has made a ceasefire between ‌Israel and Hezbollah a condition for any peace deal with Washington to resolve the regional war, now in its fourth month, and restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.”  Because the conflict between Hezbollah has existed since the time Iran created Hezbollah in the early 1980s, and because Iran tells Hezbollah to keep up the pressure on Israel, there is little chance for a ceasefire there or at Hormuz.

“Tehrangles has a World Cup team to root against,” Politico, 6-5-26.  Fun story.

“Iran Fired Drones Toward Strait of Hormuz With U.S. Shooting Down at Least 4, U.S. Military Says,” NYT, 6-5-26.  Who do you believe?  The U.S. has the track record.  As recorded by the NYT, “American forces intercepted several Iranian missiles and attack drones fired at Persian Gulf countries and the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, U.S. Central Command said….  Iran fired seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain — six were shot down and one fell short — hours after U.S. forces downed four Iranian one-way attack drones that were launched toward the strait….  Central Command said that the attack drones “posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic.” U.S. forces subsequently struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island, off the coast of Iran, to thwart more attacks.”

“Iran declares support for Hezbollah with wider peace deal in doubt,” Reuters, 6-5-26.

We will believe it when he actually says it.  “Exclusive: Iran supreme leader’s adviser says talks deadlocked over $24 billion and warns of wider war,” CNN, 6-5-26.

What an impressive yet concise statement against Iran’s foreign policy since 1979.  “’It’s not your country’: Lebanese President Aoun hits out at Hezbollah, Iran,” Jerusalem Post, 6-5-26.

“US strikes Iran radar sites after Iranian drone launch,” Reuters, 6-5-26.

You have to read this article to understand that the Regime is not banning itself from protesting.  “Iran sidelines ultra-hardliners from pro-government nightly rallies,” Iran International, 6-4-26.

“Iran’s military ‘totally destroyed’ with around 21% missile capacity remaining, Trump claims,” JPost, 6-4-26.

“Hezbollah Rejects Cease-Fire Deal Between Lebanon and Israel,” NYT, 6-4-26.

I’ve been waiting for this story to hit the air waves and internet.  “Mossad and CIA covert operation armed Kurdish militias to topple Iranian regime – report,” I24, 6-4-26.

But see “Iranian Kurdish parties say they received no weapons from Israel or US,” Iran International, 6-4-26.

“Iran War Live Updates: Iran Attacks Gulf Nations, Further Straining Cease-Fire,” NYT, 6-3-26.

The fear of Iran should have driven this years ago.  “Persian Gulf states explore pipeline projects to bypass Strait of Hormuz,” Iran International, 6-3-26.

“Israel, Lebanon agree on plan to drive Hezbollah north of the Litani River,” I24, 6-3-26.  ““We brought the people of Lebanon to the understanding that we’re not the enemy. Hezbollah is,” said Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s US ambassador.”  When you read “Hezbollah” you should always think “Iran.”

Big news.  “US House approves war powers resolution halting military actions against Iran | LIVE BLOG,” I24, 6-3-26.

“Kuwait says Iranian drones hit airport and killed 1 as ceasefire is tested again,” AP, NPR, 6-3-26.

But this is not on paper.  Yet.  “Trump says Iran has agreed to not have a nuclear weapon,” Reuters, 6-3-26.

I agree with Secretary Rice.  “What the U.S. Has Accomplished in Iran,” WSJ, 6-3-26.  “The regime is much weaker, and time is on the side of the U.S. and its allies that want a more stable region.”

“Israel and Lebanon agree to renew fragile ceasefire, create Lebanese security zones,” PBS, 6-3-26.

Keep in mind an important point—the Regime has been in a war with America (and many of its neighbors) and Israel since 1979.  See “Iran Embraces a Forever War,” Foreign Affairs, 6-2-26.  “But there is another reason why the sides won’t make real peace: Iran has concluded that conflict is preferable to diplomacy. The war, after all, seems to be helping Tehran increase its international power. By striking Arab states that host American bases, Iran has succeeded in driving a wedge between U.S. officials and their Persian Gulf partners, who desperately want a lasting settlement. By closing the Strait of Hormuz, it has forced a collection of countries around the planet to acknowledge its power and negotiate over the fate of their ships. Previous agreements with the United States, meanwhile, have always unraveled. The Islamic Republic’s strategy, then, is not merely to survive and outlast the United States, as is commonly assumed. The country is not even really trying to resolve its disputes with Washington. Instead, it wants to fundamentally alter how Tehran is dealt with by the United States, U.S. allies, and indeed, the wider world. It aspires to be a pole in a multipolar order, and it believes that the war is helping it achieve that goal.”

“Rubio details U.S. demands as Iran peace talks falter,” WPost, 6-2-26.  “Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday outlined the Trump administration’s demands for a peace deal with Iran, saying the regime in Tehran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz and commit to future talks on curtailing its nuclear program before Washington will lift its blockade of Iranian ports or ease financial sanctions strangling the country’s economy. His comments before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee were to date the most specific to be offered publicly on the U.S. negotiating position.”

“US will bar IRGC-linked individuals from Iran’s World Cup delegation, Rubio says,” Iran International, 6-2-26.

Remember that any time you read “Hezbollah” replace it with “Iran.”  “Lebanon says Hezbollah accepted a US-backed proposal for reciprocal pause in hostilities with Israel,” I24, 6-1-26.

See what I mean?  The U.S. is trading open hostilities in Lebanon (and Israel’s push) for advances in the Gulf.  “Trump pushes Lebanon truce to advance Iran talks,” Iran International, 6-1-26.

“Iran War Live Updates: U.S. and Iran Trade Attacks and Israel Threatens Beirut,” NYT, 6-1-26.

Quote of the Day.  “Lebanon will have to wait for change in Tehran before it can turn a page regarding Hezbollah’s defiance of the Lebanese national interest,” said Lina Khatib, a visiting scholar with the Harvard Kennedy School’s Middle East Initiative.”  See “How Lebanon’s Best Chance to Disarm Hezbollah Failed,” NYT, 6-1-26.

“U.S. and Iran trade strikes amid talks to end war,” NBC, 6-1-26.

“Iran attacks damage 20 US military sites since start of war, satellite images show,” BBC, 6-1-26.