Iran Nation or Cause

“Day 48 of Middle East conflict — Lebanon ceasefire aimed at halting Israel-Hezbollah conflict begins,” CNN, 4-17-26.

More news from countries Iran used to control.  “US envoy says Syria normalization with Israel could come ‘sooner than Lebanon’,” i24, 4-17-26.

“Three charged over attempted arson at Iran International office in London,” Iran International, 4-17-26.

“U.S. intelligence detects signs China is weighing giving Iran advance radar systems,” CBS, 4-17-26.

“Iran suspends kindergarten operations until further notice,” Iran International, 4-17-26.  But don’t blame the blockade, there are other reasons.

Does he not know that his 20 points are so out of touch that the U.S. negotiators won’t consider them?  Doesn’t Foreign Affairs know this?  Does Foreign Affairs care about his background?  “America and Iran’s Long Road to Peace:  A Grand Bargain Is Out of Reach, but a Comprehensive Deal Is Possible,” Foreign Affairs, Seyed Hossein Mousavian, 4-17-26.  Each of the 20 points is so one-sided and has nuances that only the Iranians can define (to their advantage), I’m not sure why I’m including this on my blog.  But that is his track record, at Princeton and now gaining access to a U.S. foreign policy review.

“BBC in Iran: ‘Tehran does not think it has lost this war’,” BBC, 4-17-26.

Iran in London, again.  You would think that it is time to establish the IRGC as a terrorist group.  See “UK: Islamist group claims to attack Israeli embassy with ‘drones carrying radioactive, carcinogenic materials’,” i24, 4-17-26.  “The group was identified as HAYI, a shadowy entity with suspected ties to Iran that has already claimed recent attacks against Jewish institutions, including torching ambulances in London.”  At least the EU knows how to list terror groups.  See “EU adds Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to terrorist list,” BBC, 1-29-26.

We know who his father is (was).  So many people close to the Ayatollahs somehow become very rich.  “US sanctions oil network tied to Iranian tycoon Shamkhani,” Iran International, 4-17-26.

Sometimes force has to be a part of diplomacy, and here it is being used against Hezbollah in Lebanon and its master, Iran, at Hormuz.  But that force can be a good is not how the NYT will put it.  BTW, the public and Congress didn’t like Pres. Jefferson’s fight against the Barbary Pirates, either.  See “10-Day Cease-Fire Between Israel and Lebanon Goes Into Effect,” NYT, 4-16-26.  “The pause in the fighting between Israeli forces and Iranian-allied Hezbollah militants may help smooth the way to a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran.”

All vessels have been stopped.  Textbook operations.  Set up outside the strait, just like I and others have advised.  “Why a U.S. blockade on Iran seems to be working,” PBS, 4-16-26.  Note also that PBS was not in favor of a blockade.

Scrapping the bottom of the barrel, they are running out.  “Pete Hegseth says Iran is digging out missiles and launchers,” NBC, 4-16-26.

A great sign that the blockade strategy is working.  “Iran halts petrochemical exports until further notice,” Reuters, 4-16-26.

This is actually an interesting question, to ask the Pope if Iran can have nuclear weapons.  I hope he will say no, and that he will propose the best way to keep this from happening.  “WATCH: Trump says the pope has to understand that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” PBS, 4-16-26.

“Trump Says Iran Has Agreed to Turn Over Uranium,” 4-16-26.  We will be hearing more about this.

I can’t stress enough how big a deal this is for the Middle East.  The Iran War (which has been with us since 1979) may bring to an end Iran’s control over Syria (already mainly accomplished now) and Syria’s control over Lebanon (adios Mr. Assasd) and Iran’s/Hezbollah’s control over Lebanon.  Thank you Mr. President.  “Trump: Israeli and Lebanese leaders will speak for the first time in 34 years | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 4-15-26.  “Lebanese President Aoun: Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire is the ‘natural starting point’ to begin direct negotiations.”

Here we go again.  Iran wants to stretch this out forever.  The U.S. wants to put the pirate state in its place and open up Hormuz for everyone.  Remember that Iran is hanging on to its quest for nuclear weapons and its abutting Hormuz as the way to hold the world hostage.  Also, remember an important point—it is the force involved in the blockade that is making Iran return to the table.  “US and Iranian teams to return to Islamabad for renewed peace talks – report,” i24, 4-14-26.

The Iran/Hormuz and Lebanon stories are intimately related (the NYT needs to report this).  The (three) ayatollahs would not be happy, nor former Pres. Assad, nor Pres. Putin that Israel and Lebanon are talking.  Iran and Syria have had a strangle-hold on Lebanon for decades.  “The meeting would be the first direct, in-person talks in decades between Israel and Lebanon, which do not have diplomatic relations.”  This meeting is another sign that Marco Rubio is the right person in the right place.  See “In Rare Direct Talks, Israeli and Lebanese Officials Look for Way Forward,” NYT, 4-14-26.  The NYT reports, “The war between Hezbollah and Israel reignited last month after Hezbollah fired on Israel in solidarity with Iran. Hezbollah has since launched more than 6,500 rockets, missiles and drones toward Israel, according to the Israeli military. Israeli attacks on Lebanon have become a flashpoint in the fragile cease-fire between Iran and the United States. Iran insists that Lebanon is covered by the agreement. Iran and the United States say it isn’t.”  …  “Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, said in a televised speech on Monday that Hezbollah categorically rejected Lebanon’s planned talks with Israel. He called on Lebanese authorities to cancel the talks, urging them not to become “a tool of Israel.””  Will we defeat terrorism, and defang Hezbollah and the Quds and the IRGC?  Other countries will have to step up and be courageous.

“China rejects reports of arms supply to Iran as unfounded,” Iran International, 4-14-26.

46 days and counting.  “Iran internet blackout continues to harm lives, NetBlocks says,” Iran International, 4-14-26.

Uh oh.  “Chinese spy satellite guided Iran’s strikes on US bases across Middle East – report,” i24, 4-14-26.  “A Financial Times investigation reveals the IRGC used a Chinese-built satellite to coordinate precision strikes against American airbases and regional civilian infrastructure.  … The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has achieved a major leap in its regional strike capabilities by covertly deploying a Chinese-built spy satellite to orchestrate attacks on US military installations, a Financial Times investigation has revealed. The satellite, identified as the TEE-01B, was reportedly transferred to the IRGC’s Aerospace Force through a sophisticated “in-orbit delivery” scheme following its late 2024 launch from Chinese soil. The investigation found that the satellite was used to capture detailed imagery of the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia just hours before and after a March 14 missile strike. That specific attack, later confirmed by President Trump, resulted in the damaging of five US Air Force refueling aircraft. Beyond Saudi Arabia, the TEE-01B reportedly provided the IRGC with a stream of intelligence on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, the US Fifth Fleet’s headquarters in Bahrain, and logistical hubs like Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. The surveillance extended to critical civilian infrastructure, including major desalination plants in the United Arab Emirates and massive aluminum smelters in Bahrain.”  Are you tracking what is happening here?  The IRGC and China together hitting military and civilian targets across Arab states.  This is a real threat by a superpower against the GCC states.

“Iran War, April 14, 2026: U.S. Enforces Blockade, Sends Tankers Back to Iran,” WSJ, 4-14-26.

Thank you again II.  “Iran negotiators ordered to return after internal rift over Islamabad talks,” Iran International, 4-14-26.

Due to the war and the over 1,000 Regime leaders who have died, those remaining are like cornered animals, not more dangerous than the earlier Regime leaders.  For example, the proposition the MK is more extreme than his father is laughable.  But the article has a good description of new security chief Zolghadr.  See “Iran’s Regime Has Changed—for the Worse,” WSJ, 4-14-26.

Up 6% from previous year.  “Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, highest amount in decades,” i24, 4-13-26.

“US military threatens to blockade all Iranian ports starting on Monday,” Al Jazeerz, 4-13-26.  “Trump said the blockade would target any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz. But CENTCOM is saying this would only target ships going to or from Iranian ports.”

“Iran Counters Looming U.S. Blockade With Warning on Ports,” WSJ, 4-13-26.

There seems to be some misunderstanding about what international law is, and about the way the world works.  Hats of to the U.S. for standing up to nuclear proliferation and terrorism and piracy.  It is time for Europe to truly stand up to Putin, and for the countries of Asia to stand against China.  Europe needs to put the distraction of Pres. Trump aside and to remember that the U.S. and the standard of freedom over the decades and longer are the aim.  See “Worst since WWII: Kallas decries breakdown of international law in Middle East and Ukraine,” Politico, 4-13-26.  (she forgot to mention the situation in the South China Sea).  In addition, the EU’s definition of imminent threat in int’l law regarding pre-emptive self defense doesn’t work if you consider the slowly roasting frog.

“Uranium deadlock: The key gap that derailed US-Iran talks – reports,” i24, 4-13-26.  “Washington reportedly proposes a 20-year freeze on enrichment while Tehran returns with five-year counter-offer.”

The U.S. blockade is being set-up just as one of the Pentagon plans was drawn up if Iran was to dictate who passes through.  It is textbook naval strategy, especially because there is only one out.  What will be interesting is not if Iran sends swarms of small boats (they will be destroyed) but if they send drones and missiles, but there is a plan for those, too.  By the way, if you’ve been reading this blog, you know that probably now ten times over the past three weeks I’ve been advocating for such a move, and to use Pres. Jefferson and before him Hugo Grotius as the impetus for action.  See “How the U.S. Navy Is Blockading the Strait of Hormuz to Choke Off Iran’s Ports,” NYT, 4-13-26.

“Iran’s army says US plan to blockade Hormuz ‘amounts to piracy’,” Al Jazeera, 4-13-26.  Won’t AJ call Iran out for its piracy actions?

“Saudi Arabia has warned Iran might retaliate by closing the Bab al-Mandeb,” WSJ, 4-13-26.

Great article, informative about the Strait and mines.  “How the US Navy could blockade Iran’s ports and sweep mines from the Strait of Hormuz,” CNN, 4-13-26.

“U.S. Threat to Blockade Hormuz Sets Up Risky New Showdown,” WSJ, 4-13-26.

“Iran rejected US demand to stop funding proxies, and halt uranium enrichment during talks,” i24, 4-12-26.  “During negotiations in Pakistan, a US official told Reuters that the Iranians refused to stop funding Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. They also refused to fully open Hormuz, halt uranium enrichment.”

Let’s all remember that Democratic and Republican administrations have backed the Freedom of Navigation program run by the U.S. Navy.  This idea goes all the way back to Hugo Grotius, the Father of International Law, ad then runs through President Jefferson and the Barbary Pirates.  See “Trump announces Strait of Hormuz blockade after Iran talks collapse,” Politico, 4-12-26.  “In a pair of Truth Social posts, he also said the Navy would intercept any vessel that has paid tolls to Iran to transit the strait safely. … President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to destroy “the little that is left of Iran” after peace talks in Islamabad fell apart overnight. In a pair of Truth Social posts, Trump said the U.S. military would begin blockading ships entering or leaving the strait, and would also intercept any vessel that has paid tolls to Iran to transit it safely. He also said that any Iranian who fires on the U.S. military or other, peaceful vessels will be “BLOWN TO HELL” while the Navy works to de-mine the strait. “THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION,” Trump wrote in one of the posts, “and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted.” The weekend talks, which were brokered by Pakistan and represented the highest level engagement between an American official and Iranians since the 1979 Islamic revolution, were aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming the flow of roughly a fifth of the world’s oil through it. Reopening the strait has become an economic imperative for Trump, whose approval ratings have sagged amid spiking oil prices and growing anxiety about the war’s toll on an already turbulent global economy. But the talks ended early Sunday morning without movement on the question Trump said rendered the rest of the discussion moot. “They have chosen not to accept our terms,” Vice President JD Vance told reporters in Islamabad before departing for Washington. “The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon.”

Surely CNN must understand you have to close the strait in order to open it.  Clearing the mines, Clearing Iran.  See “Why Trump is threatening to blockade a strait that Iran is already blockading,” CNN, 4-12-26.

I hope that some intrepid reporter will run with the story of whether Ghalibaf, who let’s the Parliament chant “Death to America,” can be trusted.  He has a long track record that could be reported.  See “Iran’s Top Negotiator Says Talks Failed Because U.S. Failed to Win Trust,” NYT, 4-12-26.

“Trump Warns China Of ‘Big Problems’—But Here’s How China And Russia Could Be Helping Iran,” Forbes, 4-12-26.

“How Iran is using executions to crush dissent,” CBC, 4-12-26.

The Iran leaders who came to Islamabad didn’t feel enough pressure to give up anything.  “Control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s Uranium Stockpiles Were Sticking Points,” NYT, 4-12-26.  “The meeting between Mr. Vance and Mr. Ghalibaf was the highest-level face-to-face engagement between representatives of Iran and the United States since diplomatic relations were severed in 1979 after the Islamic Revolution.”

“US Navy begins actively carrying out naval blockade on Iranian ports | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 4-12-26.  “As the United States launches a naval blockade [15 ships] against Iran, the Israeli military has indicated it remains on “heightened alert” in the face of any developments.”

“China reportedly preparing air defense shipment to Iran within weeks, says US intel,” i24, 4-11-26.  “According to US intelligence sources cited by CNN, Beijing is expected to deliver man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) in the coming weeks, should the truce hold long enough to allow such transfers. These shoulder-fired missiles pose a significant threat to low-flying aircraft and were already used during the war.”  Is this what brought down the F-15?

Waiting for that first interview.  “Mojtaba active in Iran’s decision-making despite severe disfiguring injuries from airstrike – report,” i24, 4-11-26.

“U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Move to Technical Stage After Face-to-Face Meetings,” WSJ, 4-11-26.

“US intel said to assess Iran can recover underground launchers, fire thousands of missiles,” Times of Israel, 4-11-26.

“Saudi Arabia condemns Iran’s drone attacks on key facilities in Kuwait,” Iran International, 4-11-26.

Manpads.  “U.S. Intelligence Shows China Taking a More Active Role in Iran War,” NYT, 4-11-26.

“U.S. warships cross Strait of Hormuz for first time since Iran war began,” Axios, 4-11-26.  Two guided-missile destroyers, USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy, “crossed the strait from east to west to the Gulf, and then made their way back through the strait to the Arabian Sea.”

Look at the picture.  Why are Araghchi and Ghalibaf dressed as twins in shiny black suits?  “Iran brings unusually broad team to US talks to blunt future blame,” Iran International, 4-11-26.

Maybe he is alive.  Did Reuters ask to interview him?  “Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei continues to recover from severe facial and leg injuries that he sustained in the February 28 strike on the supreme leader’s compound in Tehran Province. Three unspecified individuals close to Mojtaba’s inner circle told Reuters on April 11 that the strike disfigured Mojtaba’s face and injured one or both of his legs.”  See “Iran Update Special Report, April 11, 2026,” ISW, 4-11-26.

“IDF: More than 1,400 Hezbollah terrorists eliminated and over 4,300 infrastructure sites dismantled,” i24, 4-10-26.

“Iran’s negotiating team led by Ghalibaf arrives in Islamabad – state media,” Iran International, 4-10-26.

“UK to host officials for Strait of Hormuz talks next week,” Politico, 4-10-26.

“U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Are Make-or-Break, Pakistan Says,” WSJ, 4-10-26.

No one had reported yet there was a poison pill paragraph.  “It is understood the UK has still not received a formal exchange of letters from the US – a legal necessity required for the treaty to be enacted.”  This is good news for the U.S. to respond to Iran and other Middle East evantualities.  See “UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition,” BBC, 4-10-26.

“Under the rubble: Iran’s hidden arsenal with thousands of ballistic missiles – report,” i24, 4-10-26.  “The Wall Street Journal reports that Iran still possesses thousands of medium- and short-range ballistic missiles tucked away in subterranean ‘missile cities’.”

“Day 41 of Middle East conflict — Netanyahu says there’s no ceasefire in Lebanon as Israel pursues talks,” CNN, 4-10-26.

“Iran is demanding tankers in the Strait of Hormuz pay tolls in crypto: What we know so far,” Fortune, 4-10-26.  The fee is $2 million and Iran is “accepting payment in a variety of fiat and digital currencies: Chinese yuan, Bitcoin, and potentially the stablecoin USDT.”

Interesting, there are to be negotiations in Islamabad, but Iran has requirements beforehand.  See “Iran says no negotiations without Lebanon ceasefire, release of assets,” The Hill, 4-10-26.

I’ll say Yes, and I’ll guess they’ll say No.  Then I’ll read what the CFR says.  “Was the Iran War Worth It?,” Council on Foreign Relations, 4-10-26.  Well, I’ve read it now.  They say “it’s simply too soon to tell.”

“The Era of Free Seas Is Unraveling—and Now Everyone’s Going to Pay,” WSJ, 4-10-26.  “America’s allies worry other players could try to replicate Iran’s example, like empires of the 17th century, when China’s Qing dynasty, the Ottomans and Portuguese taxed passing vessels. … “Once you have one major breach, others will follow and you quickly descend into a state of legal chaos,” said Jason Chuah, professor of commercial and maritime law, at the City Law School of City St George’s, University of London. “It’s extremely sad. International law seems to be at a breaking point in the Persian Gulf.”  Remember Pres. Jefferson!

The long arm of the IRGC and Quds have long been in South America and reach up to Central America.  “Costa Rica designates IRGC, 3 Iran-backed groups as terror organizations,” Iran International, 4-9-26.  “Costa Rica designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization, the foreign ministry said on Thursday, in a move that also blacklisted three other Iran-backed groups in the region. Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and Houthis in Yemen were also designated.”

“Trump says Iran’s handling of Strait of Hormuz is ‘not the agreement we have’,” BBC, 4-9-26.

Thank you, these media are catching on to call Iran’s hand on MK.  “In statement, Iran’s supreme leader said to vow revenge for his father and other ‘martyrs,’ claim Tehran is ‘definite victor’ of war,” Reuters and Times of Israel, 4-9-26.  The words and phrases “purported”, “statement attributed”, “ostensibly says” are used.  The following is then added, “Khamenei, who took over the role of supreme leader after his father was killed at the start of the war in February, has not been seen or heard in public amid the conflict, leading to speculation he has been seriously wounded.”  Perfect.

“The Iran truce may be too late for many African countries,” CNN, 4-9-26.

And Iran will ask for compensation for its own leaders’ poor decisions.  “Iran estimates war losses at up to $145 billion after weeks of fighting,” JPost, 4-9-26.  “Iran has suffered extensive economic losses estimated between $140 billion and $145 billion following six weeks of war with Israel and the United States, according to open-source intelligence assessments. Beyond the financial impact, the conflict is believed to have caused significant military damage, including hits to Iran’s naval assets, ballistic missile program, nuclear infrastructure, and personnel. The estimates, based on Iranian and open-source reporting, point to widespread degradation across key elements of Iran’s military capabilities. According to the assessments, Iran sustained approximately 2,076 fatalities and around 26,500 injuries, including thousands of military personnel. More than 66% of missile and drone production facilities, as well as shipbuilding infrastructure, were reportedly destroyed. In addition, between 160 and 190 ballistic missile launchers were eliminated, with hundreds more rendered inoperable. Strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program, including facilities in Natanz, Yazd, and Arak, are believed to have set back development by an estimated 8 to 15 years.”

“What to Know About the Bab El-Mandeb Strait as Iran Threatens to Restrict Other Key Trade Passage,” Time, 4-9-26.

Is NPR blaming Pres. Trump or Israel or the Regime of impacting Christmas?  “How an ancient resin traded for centuries got snarled up by the Iran war,” NPR, 4-9-26.

MK (abbrev. for Mahdi, the savior not seen yet) astonishes me, as he can talk without being able to talk.  “Khamenei says Tehran ‘astonished the world’ during US-Israeli war on Iran,” Al Jazeera, 4-9-26.

“Trump casts doubt on ceasefire as Iran maintains chokehold on Strait of Hormuz,” CBC, 4-9-26.

You might think that I’m going to lead today with the ceasefire news and the no “total destruction of Iranian civilization” Trump statement.  We will post the ceasefire story in a moment, but first consider where the Regime is, has been, and seems to be remaining.  See “Iran says US must accept domestic enrichment for nuclear talks to succeed,” Iran International, 4-8-26.

“Iran war live: Trump declares ceasefire, Tehran agrees safe Hormuz transit,” Al Jazeera, 4-8-26.

“Trump says Lebanon not included in US-Iran ceasefire amid Israeli assault,” Al Jazeerz, 4-8-26.

“Pakistan calls for restraint from US, Iran after ceasefire violations reported ‘across the conflict zone’,” The Hill, 4-8-26.  “In announcing the deal, Sharif said the ceasefire included Lebanon.”  But there is not a quote from him.  Trying to find one someplace.  Be aware that in ceasefire negotiations the nature of the agreement does not usually result in one document that everyone signs.  Instead, everyone walks away with their own list or document they create themselves to get approved by their home government.  This is due to the fragility of the talks themselves.

I see on BBC’s coverage of the Pakistan PM Sharif’s statement that Lebanon is included, it is listed, see it for yourself.  “Iran and US agree to conditional ceasefire and opening of Hormuz strait | BBC News,” BBC, 4-8-26.  At this point my only guess is that the U.S. and Israel are saying the first step is to open Hormuz.  But the U.S. and Israel are no longer bombing Iran, so that sounds like that was the first step.  But the agreements don’t say they are dominoed or stair stepped.

“Iranian President says Israeli strikes on Lebanon violate ceasefire, peace negotiations ‘meaningless’ | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 4-8-26.

I can’t wait to read how the unconscious MK negotiated with DT and BN.  Axios needs to have a staff meeting and discuss their headline wording.  “Exclusive: How Iran’s supreme leader reached a truce with Trump,” Axios, 4-8-26.

“Trump Secured a Ceasefire With Iran. Will It Last?,” CFR, 4-8-26.

“What to make of the Iran war cease-fire,” Atlantic Council, 4-8-26.

“Why ceasefire deal with US has unsettled Iran’s hardliners,” BBC, 4-8-26.