docb said:

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flown-the-coop said:

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Do you ever have anything on topic to discuss or lame ad homs?

What in the absolute hell would I be paranoid about another poster not reading the article they linked then derailing the thread with ad homes and nonsense?

Care to opine on the topic?

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The point is you will say anything to protect your Lord savior Trump

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By pointing out someone else's derail trying to tie Ukraine congressional funding to political fallout with Iran?

And all you has is ad homs? neat!

PaulsBunions said:

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flown-the-coop said:

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In case you forgot the exchange you jumped in to.

So are you admitting you derailed by switching to prior appropriated funding by Congress when responding to an exchange on Trump ending the war in Ukraine?

Sorry your TDS derail failed. The rest of us see you grabbed a headline about Pentagon money and Ukraine and went all "Trumph!" without reading the article.

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Dude calm down, I simply stated that we are indeed funding Ukraine, which is the truth. I don't know why you keep getting so upset over this. Take a deep breath and re read the whole interaction again. You're grasping at straws to paint me with a claim I never made.

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Lot of words to say you derailed and messed up with your linked article. See above. You jumped into it, not me.

Where are you getting I am not calm?

Back to the topic. Trump's ongoing success in Iran and driving a focus on America First, Donroe Doctrine and ending decades old wars in the Middle East will usher in a 20 to 30 seat R majority in November.

DOW probably over 60k and gas around $2 by August along with the tax savings from the OBBB and the CapEx investments from the same are taking hold now.

See more records on the markets.


So much winning folks had to abandon their Epsteining to derail Iran discussions.

flown-the-coop said:

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DOW probably over 60k and gas around $2 by August along with the tax savings from the OBBB and the CapEx investments from the same are taking hold now.

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Never go full Pam Bondi.

if it takes that long to get ships moving back to normal these effects will not be temporary. it will be many months if not a year before things get back stabilized

Still a bargain if Iran is no longer a terrorist supporting state without nuclear capability.

Oh there is gaslighting going on that is true but not the way you think.

Riddle me this:

1. If there was no nuke program, why were they bragging on it before the war?

2. If they don't have a program, why not give up and turn over the said non-existent program and end the destruction of their country? It would be too easy.

If your little wordy meme were correct, who would be the bad guy in the eyes of the whole world? Your party and the world would have blame game in abundance on Republicans, The left in America could put Communism on the fast track, along with child mutilation and post birth abortions and never look back or have to steal another election again.

But it is gaslighting talking about gaslighting so no worries.

Stay winning all you leftists, communists, Hamas, Hizbullah and Islamic Republic fanboys!!

'Death Spiral': Iran May Be Near Tipping Point, Says Wall Street Journal

If Iran hasn't hit its economic "death spiral" yet, it's not for lack of trying by the US, and especially by Iran's regime.

The war and the naval blockade have sent Iran's economy into a collapse, the Wall Street Journal reported a couple of hours ago. Those factors alone have put more than a million people out of work as inflation rages and supplies can no longer meet demand.

The IRGC has gone on a spending spree to contain the political damage, but as anyone could predict, that has made the situation even worse. Military dictator Ahmad Vahidi now has to hope he can outlast Donald Trump's strategic patience ... and that it's not already too late:

Talks between the U.S. and Iran have stalled. American officials are betting that Iran will soon crack because of the deepening economic crisis. Iran is betting the U.S. will crack first and end its blockade of Iranian ports to calm global markets and bring down American gasoline prices.

To contain the economic fallout, the Iranian government has raised wages, subsidized basic goods and handed out cash to the poor. But authorities are confronting a level of hardship not seen in decades, according to residents.

"It is an authoritarian regime, and it can claim that resisting economic pressure is a question of national pride," said Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow and Iran expert at the Middle East Institute. At the same time, "as the money dries up because of the blockade, we may find that more and more folks have no choice but to mobilize politically," he said.

A collapse in the rial in December touched off a massive popular uprising, supported by the merchant class for the first time since the 1979 Islamic revolution, and the IRGC and Basij had to slaughter thousands of people in the streets and hospitals in January to maintain power.

By the way, the rial is still spiraling: Iran's national rial currency hit a record low Wednesday of 1.8 million to the dollar as a shaky ceasefire with the U.S. and Israel holds.

The rial had remained stable in the early weeks of the war that began Feb. 28, in part because there was little trading or imports.

The rial began to slide two days ago. Experts warn that its fall is likely to further fuel inflation in a country where many imported goods, from food and medicine to electronics and raw materials, are affected by the dollar rate.
The latest slide of Iran's currency comes months after a currency shock helped fuel nationwide protests in January. At the time, the rial weakened from about 1.4 million to 1.6 million to the dollar in less than a week, deepening public anger over rising prices and fears about the country's economic future.

National pride and about nine million rials will get you a caf latt in Tehran at the moment. This isn't about "national pride" for Vahidi. It's about maintaining the IRGC's iron grip on an outraged population, and it's even more about Vahidi maintaining his grip on a potentially mutinous IRGC and Artesh. He's been sticking his hand up the backside of the obviously dead Nepo Babytollah to prevent the latter, but that game's almost up too. Even Reuters finally threw in the towel on the Cardboardatollah this morning well, sorta:

Two months into a war with the U.S. and Israel, Iran no longer has a single, undisputed clerical arbiter at the pinnacle of power an abrupt break with the past that may be hardening Tehran's stance as it weighs renewed talks with Washington.

Since its creation in 1979, the Islamic Republic has revolved around a supreme leader with final authority on all key matters of state. But the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war, and the elevation of his wounded son, Mojtaba, have ushered in a different order dominated by commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and marked by the absence of a decisive, authoritative referee.

Mojtaba Khamenei remains at the apex of the system, but three people familiar with internal deliberations say his role is largely to legitimize decisions made by his generals rather than issue directives himself.

Reuters still won't publish the obvious conclusion that Mojtaba is dead, but they're conceding that Mojtaba doesn't matter. The more that impression gets around in Iran, especially with potential rivals for power, the closer Vahidi comes to a tipping point on legitimacy as well as an economic tipping point. Both appear to be approaching rapidly, too:

"Living is not affordable anymore," said Mahdi Ghodsi of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies. "Iran is at its weakest point."

Businesses across the countryfrom manufacturers to retailersare closing, residents said. The lack of steel and other raw materials is hampering production in various industries. Electronic goods, which are mostly imported, are in short supply and expensive.

Iran's economic meltdown predates the war, crippled by years of U.S. and international sanctions. The collapse in the value of the local currency and fast-rising prices triggered mass antigovernment protests at the turn of the year. The regime crushed the protests with lethal force. The economic woes that underpinned the protests have worsened since the start of the war, raising the possibility that the unrest could flare up again.

It's this consequence cascade that likely has Trump standing pat on the blockade. Further strikes might galvanize Vahidi's support in the short run, but the collapse in both the economy and the regime's legitimacy will only accelerate as the blockade continues. Iran has no way to reverse it without getting oil revenues flowing back into the country, and they may be days away from doing permanent damage to that resource too.

www.hotair.com

BQ78 said:

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... who would be the bad guy in the eyes of the whole world? Your party and the world would have blame game in abundance on Republicans,

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This is really the main issue. ME war becomes a partisan sport. People must cheer for their political team, no matter what. They parrot the talking points from the WH, when their man is in charge.

When skeptics question the cost benefit of Op AIPAC Fury, they get marginalized with ad hominems and labeled traitors "against the troops" and "for terrorists".

With Iraq it was about Saddam actually having WMDs. With Iran, at this stage, its their nuke ambition....we are spending 100s of billions for a thought crime. Actually, an assumption about their thoughts, based on prior comments or their enrichment efforts.

The Trump loyalists are openly admitting that NOT replacing the IRGC would mean the nuke threat remains. If Trump doesn't do a ground invasion to replace the IRGC, that crowd will pretend they never had that position....and that Trump forced the IRGC convert, and we are now safe from nuke threat with the IRGC remaining in power.

That proves that this is all mostly very expensive political theater. As Rubio pointed out, we got drawn into kinetic action due to Israel's attack. Now, the WH is desperately trying to save face, but can't find an off ramp.

Phatbob said:

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Got anything new

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"Iran is an imminent, 11 bombs, nuke threat"
"The war started 47 years ago, Trump is finishing it"
"This war IS America First"

This entire thread is variations of these same ridiculous talking points parroted every day. When someone posts a more nuanced perspective, these parrots accuse them being old and repetitive.

It is relatively NEW, that Trump loyalists are NOW claiming the IRGC must be replaced to eliminate the nuke threat. Before that, they were claiming this isnt a "regime change" war. And before that, they were claiming this wasn't even a "war".

Quote:

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a more nuanced perspective

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LOL

They will follow whatever talking points they get from Fox and Mark Levin.

Cinco Ranch Aggie said:

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Quote:

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Its sad to watch.

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The only thing sad to watch is the number of Americans who seem perfectly willing to allow a nation with a clear intent of using a bomb to actually get that bomb.

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So do you also believe the IRGC must be replaced in order to eliminate the nuke threat?

Or do they just need a stern talking to from Trump?

Like I said, no one wants to actualy have a nuanced discussion about war paths and outcomes. It never goes beyond "bad Muslims want nukes and we can't ever let that happen, you support terrorists if you dont jump on bandwagon".

Ok, how exactly do we end the nuke threat without installing a new friendly regime? And if the regime isn't changed, how can anyone claim the "nuke threat" has been eliminated? Is it going to be an agreement for limited enrichment and inspections with Trumps name signed off, instead of Obama's?

If we end up with a Trump nuclear deal, with same regime, after spending 100s billions, thats gonna be hard to spin as a "win".

Trump has had MANY clear victories. Absolute Resolve and Midnight Hammer recently. Still a solid record, IF he is able to cut losses on AIPAC Fury.

MarvZindler said:

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Phatbob said:

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Got anything new

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"Iran is an imminent, 11 bombs, nuke threat"
"The war started 47 years ago, Trump is finishing it"
"This war IS America First"

This entire thread is variations of these same ridiculous talking points parroted every day. When someone posts a more nuanced perspective, these parrots accuse them being old and repetitive.

It is relatively NEW, that Trump loyalists are NOW claiming the IRGC must be replaced to eliminate the nuke threat. Before that, they were claiming this isnt a "regime change" war. And before that, they were claiming this wasn't even a "war".

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So... no?

I'll have a discussion, nuanced or not.

Yes, removing these rats is going to ultimately require either (a) a massive arming of Iranians who also want them dead or (b) our boots on the ground. The unfortunate reality of war is that overwhelming devastation accomplished from the air is simply not going to kill everyone that you want to kill.

No, I am not in any position to say that we should definitely put US boots on the ground in Iran. I'm simply sharing my opinion.

I support President Trump in this, but if he does not get the unconditional surrender and then does not put boots on the ground to force the issue for them, then ultimately isn't getting the complete job done.

MarvZindler said:

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Sheep are being gaslit that we are at war because "Iran can never have a nuke". They are convinced, just like the red cross doctor meme. Its sad to watch.

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I hope you and the 7 who starred the post realize how little that unsourced statement makes. Also, I thought neocons were more reflective of Dems in R clothing and then peaking on the R side with W.

Me thinks whoever wrote that statement is a ******, stupid and generally uninformed.

Thanks for sharing.

The Fob-bing is relentless. At least the Biebee aliens stuff is ludicrous enough to be laughed at. This is more like serious derangement that makes you concerned people actually believe this *****

MarvZindler said:

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Cinco Ranch Aggie said:

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Quote:

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Its sad to watch.

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The only thing sad to watch is the number of Americans who seem perfectly willing to allow a nation with a clear intent of using a bomb to actually get that bomb.

---

So do you also believe the IRGC must be replaced in order to eliminate the nuke threat?

Or do they just need a stern talking to from Trump?

Like I said, no one wants to actualy have a nuanced discussion about war paths and outcomes. It never goes beyond "bad Muslims want nukes and we can't ever let that happen, you support terrorists if you dont jump on bandwagon".

Ok, how exactly do we end the nuke threat without installing a new friendly regime? And if the regime isn't changed, how can anyone claim the "nuke threat" has been eliminated? Is it going to be an agreement for limited enrichment and inspections with Trumps name signed off, instead of Obama's?

If we end up with a Trump nuclear deal, with same regime, after spending 100s billions, thats gonna be hard to spin as a "win".

Trump has had MANY clear victories. Absolute Resolve and Midnight Hammer recently. Still a solid record, IF he is able to cut losses on AIPAC Fury.

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I think more people would engage if you dropped the "it's the joos behind AIPAC Fury" nonsense. But since that is not likely, then folks will either move on and ignore.

The IRGC is on its last legs, literally and figuratively. They are mostly relying on conscripts, mercenaries and increasing coordination with Artesh. The hardline remaining head of the IRGC is allowing and maybe even pushing the remnants of the IRGC to fight on. Military leaders and parliament folk want to make a deal. Until that is sorted, next steps will be undetermined.

Folks can demand war plans, next steps and strategy o be covered daily at a 10am presser. But that's not how war works. Particularly under Trump and Hegseth. They have been burned about leaks undermining OpSec so they remain tight lipped.

The WPA deadline came and went today. Trump has a firm argument the WPA is unconstitutional. Congress can defund the DoW if they so choose, though that has to wait until the midterms as this Congress is not going down that path. Plus, Trump would still have to sign it. So if they try after the midterms, still not happening. So it's best to set any of that nonsense aside.

I think you have a poor concept of what "regime" means in Iran. The leaders (many now former leaders) of the regime were eliminated day 1 and then further decimated. We and the Israelis have shown a great ability to eliminate uncooperative "leaders" at will. The bombings and executions will continue until morale improves.

Has everything gone to plan? No. Whilst the potential for Iran to attack its 'allies' and neighbors in the region, it was considered such a stupid move that it was way down the list of what was expected after the initial decapitations. But there was a plan, it was considered as a potential, just not "expected". Should there be criticism there? Sure, but I think it's shown to actually been a blessing in solidifying opposition.

Did Trump expect for Iran to at least make a reasonable attempt at a deal? I think so. Think his same outlook is why he made the end the war in 24 hours in Ukraine statement. Trump assumes in deal making that the other side will recognize and act in their own interests. When Ayatollahs, Putins and Gay Actors from Ukraine behave otherwise, it makes reaching a deal difficult.

The action in Iran will not cease until the nuclear enrichment ability is removed, the nuclear dust recovered or made unattainable, and missile restrictions put in place, along with a commitment to social and economic reform in the country. Either someone in Iran will; step up, or we will continue to knock them on the head.

Also heard this morning that weapons provided to the Kurds did not reach the intended destination. I have not looked into it, perhaps someone else has. Maybe even you could if you are serious about a discussion and not going with Trump is incompetent and BiBi has to tell him how to tie his shoes.

Why not research and make a post about the weapons that were to be provided to local resistance. It's certainly not a Trump win and likely deserves valid criticism.

BQ78 said:

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Oh there is gaslighting going on that is true but not the way you think.

Riddle me this:

1. If there was no nuke program, why were they bragging on it before the war?

2. If they don't have a program, why not give up and turn over the said non-existent program and end the destruction of their country? It would be too easy.

If your little wordy meme were correct, who would be the bad guy in the eyes of the whole world? Your party and the world would have blame game in abundance on Republicans, The left in America could put Communism on the fast track, along with child mutilation and post birth abortions and never look back or have to steal another election again.

But it is gaslighting talking about gaslighting so no worries.

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I thought everything they say is a lie and they can't be trusted?

Ervin Burrell said:

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BQ78 said:

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Oh there is gaslighting going on that is true but not the way you think.

Riddle me this:

1. If there was no nuke program, why were they bragging on it before the war?

2. If they don't have a program, why not give up and turn over the said non-existent program and end the destruction of their country? It would be too easy.

If your little wordy meme were correct, who would be the bad guy in the eyes of the whole world? Your party and the world would have blame game in abundance on Republicans, The left in America could put Communism on the fast track, along with child mutilation and post birth abortions and never look back or have to steal another election again.

But it is gaslighting talking about gaslighting so no worries.

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I thought everything they say is a lie and they can't be trusted?

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Then why do you trust them when they say they aren't? The IAEA even says they were enriching uranium to 60% of "grave concern" to them, that they could to verify that Iranians were not furthering enrichment efforts and that post Midnight Hammer

For the mostly-peaceful nukes aimed at Israel / the Ayatollahs are poets and have super serious no nuke fatwa folks, even the IAEA confirms they detected movements at the sites hit by Midnight Hammer and were "very suspicious" as to what Iran was intending.

Not a single person outside of Iran and their acolytes believe that Iran was not continuing their pursuit of a nuclear weapon. When the IAEA is not on your side, you should look around and consider who your friends really are.

Staff wants WPA off the Iran war strategy thread. So reposting here.

Regarding the WPA…

I think if POTUS sued then SCOTUS punts back to Congress. They tell them if they have a mechanism to immediately cut funding then go for it.

Problem is no such mechanism exists. It's another example of incompetence or intentional incompetence to draft legislation that both follows the constitution and that can actually be effected.

One could still then argue that since POTUS is commander in chief, the only mechanism to change who gives orders is to invoke the 25th or impeach-convict-remove.

If you watch enough movies, invoking the 25th to control rogue POTUS is probably the most direct route.

Tl;dr - the WPA is unconstitutional or simply not enforceable. Take your pick.

To the extent that it matters this is about the end of this narrative.

Quote:

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President Trump perfectly plays the War Power Act with a letter to the Senate saying:

"On Apr. 7 I ordered a ceasefire...There has been no exchange of fire since...The hostilities that began on Feb. 28 are terminated"

He reset the clock on the War Powers Act.

He then states he is keeping forces in the region in case they are needed reserving his right at Commander in Chief to use them as needed. He also said today he considers the War Powers Act unconstitutional but is complying with it to avoid a conflict over that.

He is absolutely correct as the WPA has never been to SCOTUS and does significantly infringe on the President's Art. II powers. But until that is adjudicated it is best to play along with its requirements while not losing one bit of his freedom of maneuver as Commander in Chief.
Brilliant!

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President Trump perfectly plays the War Power Act with a letter to the Senate saying:

"On Apr. 7 I ordered a ceasefire...There has been no exchange of fire since...The hostilities that began on Feb. 28 are terminated"

He reset the clock on the War Powers Act.

He then states he… pic.twitter.com/WhtpdVI3uM

— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) May 1, 2026

Trump has learned well how to work the system.

The system working him over has largely backfired on itself. An absolute alpha predator.

A matrix disruptor, as some would say.

MarvZindler said:

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Cinco Ranch Aggie said:

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Quote:

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Its sad to watch.

---

The only thing sad to watch is the number of Americans who seem perfectly willing to allow a nation with a clear intent of using a bomb to actually get that bomb.

---

So do you also believe the IRGC must be replaced in order to eliminate the nuke threat?

Or do they just need a stern talking to from Trump?

Like I said, no one wants to actualy have a nuanced discussion about war paths and outcomes. It never goes beyond "bad Muslims want nukes and we can't ever let that happen, you support terrorists if you dont jump on bandwagon".

Ok, how exactly do we end the nuke threat without installing a new friendly regime? And if the regime isn't changed, how can anyone claim the "nuke threat" has been eliminated? Is it going to be an agreement for limited enrichment and inspections with Trumps name signed off, instead of Obama's?

If we end up with a Trump nuclear deal, with same regime, after spending 100s billions, thats gonna be hard to spin as a "win".

Trump has had MANY clear victories. Absolute Resolve and Midnight Hammer recently. Still a solid record, IF he is able to cut losses on AIPAC Fury.

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What this is going to end up as is either;

A) We show how truly stupid we are as a Country by putting American boots on the ground in Iran over the next 3-10 years and waste trillions of dollars and no telling how many lives in another Not a War thousands of miles away from American soil for no clealy discernable reason. If it's true that these crazy Iranian Muslims want to blow all of us up (it's not) you're never ever ever ever ever going to stop that with some stupid regime change farce without actually "ending their civilization". In the end, people who would trust Trump's word over Jesus Christ's will think it's a necessary evil and Trump is acting selfless in the name of America becuase he's our savior. The Industrial Military Complex, Warhawks, and AIPAC will be insanelyyyyyy happy.

B) We find a way to tip-toe out of Iran accomplishing absolutely nothing while wasting no telling how many billions of dollars for no clearly discernable reason. If it's true that these crazy Iranian Muslims want to blow all of us up (it's not) you're never ever ever ever ever going to stop that with some stupid regime change farce that you don't even complete. We then sign some new deal with Iran that Trump says is the best thing ever done while in actuality it's literally the exact same thing the Obama deal was, or negligibly "better". People who would trust Trump's word over Jesus Christ's will think it's an insane deal ushering in a new golden age of American world conquest. Team AIPAC will be insanelyyyyy pissed and Trump will have to try to bring back team Tucker and company into the fold somehow.


I prefer option B.

All of that to say, we will end up in another useless foreign confilct somewhere else next week wasting billions and trillions of middle class American dollars because our politicians are bought and paid for by corporations and foreign governments (Not just Israel either) while American citizens are broke, fat, and stupid. And getting more and more so every day. Thanks Team Red and Team Blue.

I get the distinct impression that if President Trump were to slam the brakes on this whole thing tonight, pump out a 2:00 am Trump Tweet about how we won and that's all there is to it, all the hawks on this site would immediately agree with him and claim mission accomplished.

Aggie Dad Sip said:

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I get the distinct impression that if President Trump were to slam the brakes on this whole thing tonight, pump out a 2:00 am Trump Tweet about how we won and that's all there is to it, all the hawks on this site would immediately agree with him and claim mission accomplished.

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The mission is far from accomplished but the situation is 10x better than it had been. Nobody gives him a free pass like Biden or Obama.

Im Gipper said:

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For most of us, you'd be dead wrong. A feeling you should be accustomed to.

Anything short of no enrichment is not a victory.

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How would you actually know if that goal was accomplished though, other than to trust the President is telling the truth? You seem to trust him implicitly, so if he said we won and we're going home, would you not believe him?

Aggie Dad Sip said:

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Im Gipper said:

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For most of us, you'd be dead wrong. A feeling you should be accustomed to.

Anything short of no enrichment is not a victory.

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How would you actually know if that goal was accomplished though, other than to trust the President is telling the truth? You seem to trust him implicitly, so if he said we won and we're going home, would you not believe him?

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You act as if we were alone in this and didnt act along with a country that was threatened daily.

I totally trust your critical judgment